20/12/02-Lets Make 2003 Even Better!

Here is Rays views on the race for the title and the games over the Christmas period from his Islington Gazette column-
“It’s been brilliant for me to be involved again and I know that the Christmas period gives me a great chance to make up on a lot of football I have missed.
“Obviously with so many games coming up the manager might want to chop and change the team a bit but I want to be involved if I can be.
“The Christmas period is always vital and we have some massive games like Liverpool and Chelsea at home-but it is just as important that we go to West Brom on Boxing day and win there.
“They will be desperate to beat us and it’s those results that count just as much as beating your rivals for the title.
"We are a point ahead at the top and we have to settle for that –Manchester United have come back well in the last few weeks but we always knew that would happen and I am sure they will drop a few more points along the way."
Ray then continued saying, “With the Champions League out of the way for a while we can look to our league form and with four games in 12 days you can make or loose a lot of ground.
Hopefully we can start it off with a win over Boro on Saturday and then we have that trip to West Brom. Like most years we meet in a hotel on Christmas day to prepare for the game and as a professional footballer you get use to it at this time of year.”
But we know what is expected of us, and after dropping a few points recently we want to make sure we have a good run-2002 was a great year for every one connected with Arsenal, but we want to make 2003 an even better one!”

20/12/02-Ray's Sp*rs Review

Here are Ray’s views on the sp*rs match-
“Sunday’s match was a very tough one to be involved in and we are just glad we came away from it with a point,” Ray said in his Islington Gazette column. “Spurs really came at us in the first 25 minutes and we have to be to be honest and say we rode our luck a bit to keep it to one goal then to be level at half time was very fortunate.
“But I thought some of our defending was brilliant, we had to dig deep as they were trying to win the game there and then and we survived it in the end.
“From their point of view, the penalty was a bit disappointment as it was so unnecessary but we took our chance and got back into the game after that.
“A lot has been made of the fact that Sunday was a physical game but although it was the derby, you just come to expect that in every game these days.
“The stakes are so high whether you are battling to win the Premiership or fighting to stay in it and whether you are playing Man United or Man City it is still going to be a real tough battle”

17/12/02-Spud's Best Still Not Enough

So the season effectively ends for Tottenham, albeit on a high after their outstanding "performance of the season " display, against a lacklustre Arsenal earnt them a draw and a crucial point in their inevitable struggle to not quite make European qualification.

Ray started for the first time in 3 months in place of the still injured Vieira, but looked a little tired after his exertions against Valencia earlier in the week. In fact the whole team seemed jaded in the first half, and Sperz perhaps buoyed by the fact that they haven't really had much midweek football to play for the last 10 years drew first blood. A fiercely driven, curling freekick from that ugly German bloke beating "Old Safe Hands " all ends up.
Sperz continued to press, though some excellent goalkeeping from Seaman kept us in it. Ashley Cole made 2 fine goal line clearances which some misguided fools have chosen to describe as "lucky". Errrrrr, he's a defender, defending, on the line. Gosh it's lucky he was doing his job ! Ray was battling hard in central midfield but found himself too frequently outnumbered. He was still able to sting the hands of Yank reject Keller in the Sperz goal with a pile driver from fully 30 yards out.

Just when it seemed the Gunners would go in at 1 - 0 down, Henry raced onto a through ball only to be toppled by dud goalie Keller. Thierry gave the ball to Bobby Pires and he slammed the penalty straight in. Half time 1-1.
Arsenal rallied in the second half as Parlour and his assistant Gilberto took a stranglehold on the midfield, and had numerous chances to win the game, notably when Henry dribbled the length of the pitch and squared for Bergkamp whose shot was blocked from 6 yards out.
Sperz' "Goal-scoring Sensation " Robbie Keane, didn't score a goal. Is there a worse player at one on ones ? Darren Anderton's words prematch obviously unsettled the Arsenal players: "I wanted to win things, that's why I went to Sperz.....I've played in a couple of Worthington Cup Finals...."
Apparently this was Tottingham's "best performance of the season. " Arsenal were well below average. The result 1 -1 and six games since a Sperz victory over The Arsenal. What does that tell you about these two teams ?
Report-Peter Krige

1212/02-YET Another Ray Interview

Ray has been busy. Here He Is Talking To The High And I-
“Patrick’s a very important player for us and if he’s fit I’m sure he’ll play, but you’ve got to take your opportunities with both hands,” said Parlour, before adding: “I enjoyed it in the centre on Tuesday night.
“You can get a bit isolated on the right, and the game can go past you very quickly. But in the middle you’ve got to be very sharp and you are always involved.”
If Parlour is selected for the north London derby, though, he can expect no favours from a Spurs side still smarting from their big loss at Highbury a month ago.
“They came over here and we beat them 3-0 and now we’re going to White Hart Lane and it would make their season if they could beat us,” said Parlour.
“I’m sure we will have to be on our toes. But the lads thrive on that. We enjoy playing in games when you are up for it.
“You don’t need to motivate yourself for games like Spurs away. I’m sure the lads will be up for it. We’ve got a few days to recover.”
Parlour believes that the 0-0 draw with Valencia has at least restored Arsenal’s confidence after the disappointment of Saturday’s 2-0 Premiership defeat at Old Trafford.
“You’ve always got to bounce back,” said Parlour. “Everyone was really disappointed after the Manchester United game.
“I thought we controlled the first 15 minutes and didn’t play badly but they had that yard in front of us and wanted it more than us – that doesn’t happen a lot at Arsenal.”

12/12/02-Another Ray Interview

Gosh, we are being treated at the moment. Here is another Interview with Ray from Wednesdays Evening Standard.
He said: "As for the Spurs game, that is down to the manager. If Patrick is fit then I am sure he will come straight back in the team because he is a vital player for us.
"But if he isn't, hopefully I can make the most of it. It didn't go badly against Valencia - I got my chance and you have to make the most of it.
"I lacked a bit of sharpness but considering it was my first game for 12 weeks other than a reserve match and a 30 minutes-each-way friendly with Watford, it went well.
"I can play right or centre-midfield, but I enjoy it in the central position because you are always involved. You can get a bit isolated on the right-hand side and the game can go past you very quickly. In the centre you have to be sharp the whole game.
"As for Sunday, yes, I would love to play. They will be up for it, of course. They came here and we beat them 3-0. Now we are going back to White Hart Lane and I am sure it will make their season if they can beat us so we have to be on our toes.
"You don't need to motivate yourself for that kind of match. We have a few days to recover now and get our minds set on the game."
Ray also revealed how his team-mates were determined to respond positively to the defeat at Manchester United on Saturday. He said: "It is always good to bounce back. Everyone was really disappointed after the United game.
"I watched it on television and I thought we controlled the first 20 minutes. We didn't play badly, but they were a yard in front of us and they wanted it more - which doesn't happen a lot at Arsenal so that was a disappointment. We wanted to put on a performance against Valencia and we were perhaps a bit unlucky not to walk away with three points. But we kept a clean sheet and that was important.
"They were a very good side. Even when they went down to 10 men it didn't make much difference because they played the same way with just one up front. When we go to their place they will give us a hell of a game. But those are the games in which you want to be involved."

12/12/02-Ray’s Spurs Preview

Here’s Ray’s views on Sundays North London derby-
“Having lost three of our last away games in the Premiership, the Derby at Shite (sorry misprint-Ed) White Hart Lane gives us a good chance to bet back on track on Sunday,” Ray said in his column. “I think we all know it won’t be as comfortable as the game at Highbury a month ago was. Spurs got criticism after that game and they have to make a better fight of it in front of their own fans.
Unlike that game I will be hoping to be involved on Sunday and the derby game at their place is just a brilliant game to play in.
“The atmosphere is always hostile but I have played in a few of these games over the years now and after so long on the sidelines this season I am looking forward to it.
“Spurs have shown they are a force to be reckoned with at home but we know if we play to our best of our ability then we should win the game.”


12/12/02-Ray Delight At Return

Ray has spoken of his delight at playing his first game in three months against Valencia-
“It was fantastic to get back involved on Tuesday although it would have been even better if we had nicked a goal and all three points,” Ray said in his Islington Gazette Column. “Being injured is always frustrating but this recent injury has been particularly so as it seemed to drag on for so long. That is why I was so relieved to get back into the action as a first half substitute in place of Patrick Vieira against Valencia and felt I did alright considering it was my first comeback game after a lengthy lay off.”

12/12/02-Ray Happy To Step In For Paddy

There is an interview with Ray in today’s Sun. In it The Romford Rocket says that he is all to happy to replace Patrick Vieira in Sunday clash with Spurs and also talks some more about the frustration of being injured.
He said: "I could do the job on Sunday, if I'm asked.
"I'd look forward to it because you have got to take your chance when it comes along.
"It's my favourite position. You're always involved when you're in the centre of midfield, whereas sometimes you can become isolated on the wing.
"I was happy with the way it went against Valencia in what was my first game back. It's been very frustrating on the sidelines."
He added: "That sort of injury can be quite serious but I'm a quick healer and thought I would be back in six weeks.
"It's turned out to be about 10 weeks.
"That's a very long time to be out, probably the longest of my career.
"I've done a lot of resting and waiting - which can be hard. It's been a real test for me but you try to be strong in yourself."
He added: "The timing of the injury was bad because it was only a couple of weeks into the campaign when it first happened and I was really looking forward to the season - especially after the end of the last one. "I've had to bide my time but I know there are a lot of people in a worse position than myself.”

12/12/02- Ray –United Must Be A Useful Reminder

Here’s Ray’s views on the Manchester United loss from his Islington Gazette Column-
“Loosing to Manchester United was a big blow at the weekend and I think we know we underperformed that day.
“United were really up for the battle and once they had scored we just couldn’t get back into the game. “Obviously it makes the title race a little bit more interesting for everybody but I can tell you that nobody was thinking United were out of it anyway.
“We are not even at the half way point yet in the league and to say that if someone is 5 or 10 points behind then they can’t win it is ridiculous.
“Both ourselves and United have proved that wrong over the last few years and just look at the teams that have beaten both of us this season-nothing is decided yet.
“But the match did serve as a useful reminder to us as to how we are going to have to play over the next six months to hold on to our title.”

11/12/02-New Ray Interview

There was an interview with the Romford Pele in last night match program.You can read it on-line Here .

11/12/02-The Return Of Ray

Arsenal outplayed, outfought, but ultimately failed to outscore a talented Valencia side at Highbury in the second phase of the Champions League.

Lauren returned at right back along with Sol Campbell and David Seaman, to give the defence a familiar look although there was still no place in the starting line-up for Ray Parlour as the Gunners attempted to put their disappointment at the capitulation at Old Trafford behind them.

Tottingham supporters switched over after EastEnders just in time to see a sweet move result in a sublime centre from Bergkamp which Freddie Ljungberg got close to but failed to properly control. Henry was put through shortly afterwards by the increasingly uncomfortable looking Vieira but he took the ball too wide and the keeper smothered the chance.
Perhaps sensing that the Spanish League leaders, second top scorers and a team who have conceded fewest goals in their division, as well as being top scorers in the 1st Phase of the CL were going to be a tough nut to crack, Arsene Wenger sent on Ray Parlour in place of Patrick Vieira with 10 minutes left of the first half. The fact that Vieira was having trouble moving due to an injury also played a part in the decision.
Ray had an immediate impact, setting about the Spanish side and driving the team on from the centre of the park. His dominance grew after the break, and for long periods it seemed as though everything was flowing through him as he sprayed passes around, always making himself available for team mates. When Arsenal lost possession, he was there too, snapping at the Valencia players heals and generally breaking up their passing to great effect. Indeed the Spanish players' frustrations got the better of them when Angulo was dismissed for a cynical off the ball elbow. Aimar too was substituted to avoid a second dismissal, although it took a while to extract the world-famous playmaker from The Romford Pele's pocket where he had spent most of the 2nd half.
In truth Arsenal had much the better of the game and really should have scored, most notably right at the end when Wiltord missed a sitter from 6 yards out with the keeper in no man's land. Valencia had a couple of chances, but to restrict one of Europe's top clubs and competition favourites to 3 shots on target in 90 minutes is impressive stuff indeed. The defence were outstanding with Sol awesome yet again. Their Keeper kept them in the game with a string of almost unbelievable saves and the players responded in a fantastic manner to the disappointment of the weekend.
Tottenham are next to feel the wrath of the Gunners, and with Vieira likely to miss out, Ray is almost certain to start in their Cup Final.
Look out Sperz cos Ray Parlour is back.
Report-Peter Krige

10/12/02-Ray On Standby

Patrick Vieira only has a 40% chance of playing Valencia tonight after straining a abductor muscle in training. If the Arsenal captain does miss the game it is possible that Wenger will throw The Romford Pele in, despite not being back to full fitness. Ray scored the winning goal last time the two teams met at Highbury two seasons ago.

10/12/02-Poor Show In Manchester

Arsenal surrendered the three points on Saturday in an almost embarrassing fashion. Clearly missing a player of the commitment, drive and tenacity of Ray Parlour, World Cup winners Patrick Vierira and Gilberto were outplayed and out fought by Phil Neville, yep that's right, Phil Neville.
It could all have been so different if Henry had tucked away what looked a routine chance for him early on. However he elected to pass it back to Barthez instead.
Man United scored twice either side of a good lobbed effort from Pires, but however you try to dress it up Arsenal were dire. The only player to emerge with any credit was Keown who gave a committed full blooded display. The punch to Ruud Van WonFukall will land him in trouble with the video panel and one wonders if they'll now bother to look at RVW's punch to Freddie during this fixture last season ? I doubt it.
An injury to Shabaan who had no chance for Man U's first means he'll be out for 3 weeks. Stuart Taylor stepped in and did ok, a good save and no chance with the second.
Excuses about offsides and handballs can in no way gloss over the fact that we got what we deserved - nothing. Maybe the player's minds were on the visit of Valencia this Tuesday. If they were that's not good enough. I can only hope that this was the kick up the backside the players need. (How many more times am I going to write that this season ?)
Report-Peter Krige

10/12/02-Tony-Arsenal Miss Ray Resilience

Tony Adams thinks Arsenal miss Ray at the moment. In Sundays Observer after the Gunners 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford TA said-
“Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires are wonderful players going forward, but I don't think you can play them both away from home. I believe Arsenal are missing Ray Parlour. Much is said about the two central midfield players acting as shields for the back four, and Patrick Vieira and Manu Petit were certainly that when we won the Double in '98. But it has to come from elsewhere as well. “
“When Arsenal won at Old Trafford at the end of last season to clinch the Championship, Edu was also playing. Now, neither Parlour nor Edu may be technically as gifted as Ljungberg and Pires, but they do bring you a greater resilience. “

06/12/02-Nice To Be Back

Here’s more from Ray on his road to fitness-
“I am very pleased to be back. It’s been about 11 or 12 weeks which is the longest injury I’ve ever had, “Ray told the Daily Mirror. “The match was a good test because Millwall did very well but the main thing for me was to complete 90 minutes and get some running under my belt.
“It has been hard to sit on the sidelines for that amount of time. Now it is nice to get out on the pitch and get some fresh air.
It has been a slow process because you can be out another six weeks if you aren’t careful. I wanted to make sure I was defiantly right.
However long it took, I just had to wait. I just want to forget about that now and carry on training.
I’ll be training hard this week. You never know, it will be down to the manager and how he thinks I am doing. I have no time limit on it. I would love to be involved on Saturday but that is very unlikely. The quicker the better though.”

06/12/02-Our Man At “The Theatre Of Prawns”

Any of you have Digital Sky Sports Extra .Regular contributor to this site, Peter Krige is doing the commentating on “fanzone” on Saturday. Peter regularly does “fanzone” regularly and brings his own inimitable wit and wisdom to his commentary as he does for the match reports on this site. Peter had the unfortunate task of doing the 6-1 thrashing we got at Old Trafford a couple of years back. But before you think he’s a jinx , he also did our Championship winning game there last season. Here’s a taste of what you can expect.
Good luck Peter.
COME ON ARSENAL!

06/12/02-Ray-“We are Confident”

Ray says Arsenal are feeling confident ahead of Saturday’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford-
“It was a great relief for me to get my boots back on and play 90 minutes on Tuesday in the 3-0 friendly win over Millwall up at London Colney,” Ray said in his Islington Gazette Column. “It had been almost 10 weeks since I played so it was just nice to get the shirt on again.
“Whether or not I am ready for Old Trafford on Saturday is up to the manager now, but I have put myself back in there and that is a good feeling.”
“Martin Keown and Lauren also came through the match while Kanu scored a couple and Franny Jeffers got one too so it was a good comeback for a lot of us who have been injured. Obviously all eyes are on Old Trafford now and although we know it is a tough place to go we are feeling confident after a great week for the club.
“The win in Rome has show we can go anywhere and win and we haven’t done badly up at Old Trafford in the last couple of years-if you forget the 6-1 the year before last.
“The match was a morning kick-off as well but we wont be treating it like a bad omen-that was just a one-off and every thing went wrong for us that day.
“United have got a few injures and I think when you have them in defence that can be the hardest place of all.
“They paid a lot of money for Rio Ferdinand and he has hardly been able to play for them which I am sure has been frustrating for him and the club.
“A back four need to play together a lot like ours did for so many years in the 80s and 90s and when that doesn’t happen you are going to concede goals.
“The win at Anfeild has kept them in touch at the top though so Saturday is a huge game. Juan Veron has had a lot of stick recently and I think it just takes some players a lot longer to adapt to a new country and a new way of playing.
“We had that a bit with Robert Pires in his first season and look at him now-Veron will come good if he is given time.
“But we are certainly confident that we can go up there and win again- hopefully we will.”

04/12/02-Ray Back In Millwall Friendly


Here is the picture we all wanted to see, Ray playing again ! Ray played a full 90 minutes in a specially arranged friendly against Millwall. Arsenal won 3-0. Here’s the report from the official site. The is also an interview with Ray agout the frustrations of being out for so long here.

03/12/02-Tremendous Tierry Vanquishes Villains

With Ray Parlour still not match fit and no players currently suspended by the video panel at the FA, the Arsenal lineup had a familiar look to it, with Gilberto alongside Vieira in the middle and Bergkamp and Henry upfront. Robert Pires again started on the left, although Wiltord was rested with Toure coming in on the right and Van Bronckhurst came in at left back for the injured Ashley Cole.
Arsenal started well, although Villa had a couple of good chances to open the scoring, one skewed wide and the other well saved by Mr. Keeper Man, Shabaan. On 17 minutes the deadlock was broken when a through ball from Bergkamp was smacked through the keepers legs by Pires. 1 - 0 to the Arsenal and that's how it stayed until half-time, with the Gunners seemingly content to let it remain like that, especially after Toure had one disallowed when he was clearly 3 yards onside.
The players emerged for the second half with a little more purpose and on 50 minutes Henry won a free kick on the edge of the box. Enckleman the Villa goalie set his wall as Highbury held its breath. Pires ran over the ball and Henry stood, arrogant, staring at the Clock End. After what seemed an eternity he hit the ball dipping over the wall and curling into the top corner. Quite possibly one of the greatest free kicks ever witnessed at the Home of Football and absolutely unstoppable.
So 2 - 0 up and the Gunners decided it was time for a wobble.Villa had changed their formation at half-time to 3 - 5 - 2 and it was causing us problems. They scored through an unstoppable drive from well outside the box by a player whose name I will not even attempt to spell. 2 -1 and the atmosphere became tense to say the least. Wenger brought on Keown to match the Villa formation and Arsenal gradually retook control, soaking up the Villa pressure and starting to play again.
Ljungberg burst into the box behind Staunton, who kindly stuck out a leg, which Freddie decided to fall over. Referee Graham Barber awarded a penalty and up stepped Henry. He almost ambled towards the ball, waiting for Enkcleman to move. When he did Henry simply tapped the ball straight down the middle. 3 - 1 and there was simply no way back for Villa.
So another three points keep Arsenal top and with Liverpool losing at home to some team from Manchester, The Arsenal are 4 points clear.

29/11/02-Ray's Villa Preview

In his Islington Gazette column Ray gives his views of the forthcoming game against Aston Villa -
”Everyone will be saying we should win easily against Villa on Saturday but as we did at Southampton you have to work hard in every match in this division.
“Villa had a good result in beating the Hammers 4-1 and it might be a bad time to play them. They will be confident so we can’t be complacent.”

29/11/02-Ray On Saints Loss

Here’s Ray’s views on the Southampton loss and the disciplinary charge that Ashley Cole now faces for swearing at referee Durkin-
“Although I wasn’t with the squad down at Southampton the boys were still gutted about the result on Monday and really feel they let themselves down,” Ray said in his Islington Gazette Column.“ Obviously the were a few decisions that went against us in the game and although we have won or drawn with 10 men before the law of averages tells you that you won’t escape every time.”
“Sol was very disappointed with his red card though and it now seems Ashley Cole is going to be in trouble with the FA too for what he said to the referee Paul Durkin.
“Ashley is a very passionate player on the pitch and with so much at stake in every game these days it’s hard to keep it all in when you feel hard done by in a game.
We do feel things have gone against us a bit recently and it seems that only Arsenal players are getting done for these type of offences which seem to go on in matches all over the country.
“But we know that as the Champions and one of the biggest clubs we are going to in the limelight more and that the media will focus on us. We just have to get on with the football and can’t let disciplinary hearings bother us Ashley will put it out of his mind, don’t worry about that one.
“Sol’s red card means that he will be suspended for the game up at Old Trafford and that is a big blow for us.
“He has been in great form all season and has become a very important player for us and we know we know we need to be at our best for that game.
“But we have a big enough squad and who ever comes in whether Martin Keown is fit or somebody else we have the confidence in them to do the job.
“ I still haven’t given up hope of being involved either but I wasn’t quite ready to turn out for the reserves on Monday night which was disappointing for me.
“Two months is a long time to be out and I can tell you when you are stuck at home watching the result come in on the TV and seeing you have lost makes it even more frustrating not playing.
“I am hoping to get a run out in a friendly next week and then see how it goes but United Valencia and Spurs are all games you want to be involved in.”

28/11/02-A Message To You Ruddie

Thierry Henry sent the message “anything you can do I can do better” to Ruud van Nistelrooy with a hat-trick in a 3-1 demolition of Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
A still recovering Ray didn’t feature but Oleg Luzhny recovered from his hamstring problem and put in a performance reminiscent of his Dynamo Kiev glory days. Rami Shaaban deputised for an injured Seaman and looked nervous to begin with. He spilled a shot from Cassando in the first minutes but luckily Cygan was there to clear it. In the 4th minute Totti passed to Cassando who shot past Shaaban. The ball took an agonisingly long to reach the far side of the net . Things looked bad but not for long as Henry found himself loose on the left hand of the box two minutes later and he made no mistakes with a clinical finish into far corner of the net.


Arsenal started to find their rhythm while a frustrated Roma went into “Dive-mode”. I have never been a big fan of Totti (how can you when the first four letters of his name is shared with the sh*test team in the world) but his theatrical falling about deserved at least a booking. Having said that the referee did a fantastic job and was not duped by the Roma players.
Having said that Roma started to look threatening again towards the end of the first half. After the break Roma continues to look strong but Arsenal defended well. Cafu managed to get past Campbell are pass towards Totti who chested the ball down and shot past Shaaban, but then as if out of nowhere Pacal Cygan appeared to make a superb off the line clearance. Shaaban managed to tackle Cassando in the box, the Roma striker tumbled but Rami’s feet bet to the ball and thankfully no penalty was given. Cassando was then substituted for Vincenzo Montella . Then Arsenal took the lead in the 67th minute Henry headed in from a Luzhny cross but it went off Panucci back towards Thierry who quick-wittedly thumped it into the back off the net.
Gabriel Batistuta was then bought on for Roma but there would be no last minute goals for the hairy Argentinean like there was for Fiorentina a few years back. He did, though set up Cafu with his first touch but Shaaban managed to save. The Wiltord was fouled just outside the area and Henry scored a fabulous free kick to complete his hat trick. An excellent result and though at times Arsenal rode their luck they took their chances and deserved to come out victors. It was obviously as brilliant performance from Henry but I Cygan and Luzhny deserve a lot credit as well . Both players come under a lot of criticism at times but they both but in colossal performances on this occasion.
After the game Roma manager Fabio Capello said: “We were beaten by the best team in Europe” ,and on that performance who can argue with him.

27/11/02-No Ray in Rome

Ray will not feature in Tonight’s Champions League game against Roma. Arsenal have a lack of right sided players with Lauren and Luzhny injured and Kolo Toure suspended but despite resuming training this week Arsene Wenger said that The Romford Pele is not ready yet. It looks likely young German Moritz Volz will make his Champions League debut at Right back.

25/11/02-Saints And Sinners

Arsenal took a step back in their rehabilitation loosing 3-1 away to Southampton. Dennis Bergkamp put the Gunners ahead after 38 minutes with a superb shot. In first half injury time though, Arsenal loving ref Paul Derkin gave Southampton a dubious free kick from which Beattie equalised. After the break Vieira very nearly restored the lead but The Saints keeper Niemi, made a superb triple save as the rebounds kept returning to the Arsenal captain.
Things then got worse when Sol Campbell was sent off on 57 minutes for bringing Delgado down, a penalty was given from which Beattie scored . Personally I think Sol had to go there was contact with Delgado and he didn’t touch the ball.
Then from a free kick, Delgado headed Southampton’s third and with 10 men it was a up hill battle for Arsenal. Pires did get one back with 10 minutes to go when Niemi blocked his header from a corner, Bob smashed the rebound in from close range. Then Delap missed a chance of making it 4-2 for The Saints.
It wasn’t a terrible performance by Arsenal but things did rather conspire against us. Southampton do deserve credit though, Gordon Stracken has turned them into a force to be reckoned with. It could have been far worse though, Liverpool lost to Fulham and Chelsea could only draw with Bolton so we stay top. It would have been nice to be four points clear and now we have to face Man U at the Theatre of prawns without Sol. Don’t Panic there’s always Igors!Doh!

22/11/02-Good News

Arsenal have reported on their official site that Ray will return to full training on Monday.

22/11/02-Pompey Parlour?

Daily Express have reported that Portsmouth are keen on signing Ray.
Manager Harry Redknapp told the Express-"We would love to sign Ray Parlour because he is a tremendous player and he would do a great job for us."
I’m sure you would Harry, but does it seem likely but do you think , at 29 Ray will jump at the chance of swapping the Champions League for First Division football.

21/11/02-Ray On The Mend

In his Islington Gazette Column Ray gives an update on his injury-
“My injury is going well and I kicked a ball for the first time in seven weeks on Tuesday-hopefully I should now be back by the end of the month.”

21/11/02-Ray's Derby Delight

Here’s Ray’s views on last Saturdays North London Derby win from his Islington Gazette column-
“The boys did superbly to win the derby on Saturday as no Arsenal-Spurs match is ever easy to win.”
“The red card got a lot of criticism and I thought the first booking was a little harsh, but having said that Simon Davies knew he was on a card and I know from personal experience that in that situation every time you go into a challenge you are on a knife edge.
We scored great goals and staying top was a nice bonus. People are saying Liverpool will be more up for the title after going out of Europe but I bet they would love to still be in there with us.”

21/11/02-Ray:-It's Tough For Young Players

In his Islington Gazette Ray talks about how hard it is for young players to make it into the first squad today-
“With myself Martin Keown and David Seaman injure on Sunday there were only two Englishmen players in the side and I think it’s hard for the boss to risk the younger players in such big games.
“We have a big squad now and it’s tough for younger players-10 years ago when I came through there could be a few players out and you were in the side at 18 or 19.
“But Ashley Cole showed with the way he got past Silvinho that it can be done and all the young guys can try to live up to that.”

21/11/02-Ray On Champs League Group

Here is Ray’s views on Arsenal's draw for the second round of the Champions League from his Islington Gazette column-
“You can’t expect any favors from a draw involving the best 16 teams in Europe so it’s no surprise that we got a tough group in the Champions League draw.
“We knew we were getting Roma and there isn’t much to choose between Valencia and “Barcelona but to get Ajax is probably better than having to go to Moscow- Especially for Dennis Bergkamp who should be able to make the journey back to his old club.
Obviously we know a bit about Valencia and we really had them on the rack at Highbury in the first leg of that quarter final two years ago.
We had a great chance to make it 3-1 when Thierry Henry was through but unfortunately we only took a one goal lead over to Spain.
“But we learnt from that and with our away form having improved so much compared to last year we have to feel confident about our chances.
“Getting a good start in Rome next week is very important and they are a typical Italian side who will be very hard to break down so we have to go there and see if we can get at least a point on the board.”

19/11/02-Demolition Derby

Arsenal cruised to victory against former rivals Tottenham on Saturday. The visitors at full strength were no match for an Arsenal team beginning to hit the heights of earlier in the season. The Gunners had a goal ruled offside before Henry opened the scoring with the undisputed "Greatest Goal in North London Derby History "(tm). A Vieira header out of defence was picked up by the Sperz-Annihilator deep in his own half. He ran the length of the pitch shrugging off efforts to pull him back, then paused at the edge of the opposition 18-yard box and feinted to shoot, leaving both Carr and Ledfoot King on their backsides. There was a tiny gap at the bottom right of Yankee Keller's goal, but Thierry found it with power and accuracy. 1 - 0 to the Arsenal and a small section of the Clock End suddenly went very quiet indeed.


Davies was then sent off for a 2nd booking this one being a crude lunge on Pat Vieira. In fairness the first booking was harsh, although I wouldn't go along with those saying it spoilt the game, this correspondent certainly enjoyed it. What was strange was the referees subsequent reluctance to book anyone else from the visitors as they targeted Vieira with some particularly violent assaults. The Glory Glory days are well and truly over when your game plan consists of fouling the opposition's best player. Having said that, the crafty old Carthorse Teddy S had another cunning plan which consisted of attempting to get Arsenal players to punch him so they would get sent off. How they resisted is any ones guess.
The half ended 1 - 0 with the gunners in complete control. Hoodle reiterated his "get Paddy V" instructions at half-time as sub Gargoyle Poyet attempted to cripple him with almost his first touch of the game. The game itself degenerated into an exhibition in keep ball as the Arsenal played with the visitors in an almost embarrassing fashion. It was a question of not if but how many ? The second came after good work form Henry who selflessly squared for Freddy to tap home. Then a parried shot fell for Pires who again selflessly squared, this time for Wiltord to smack into the top corner.
Most of the visiting supporters then kindly left the stadium, so easing queues at local stations, although there was still a full 25 minutes on the clock. Those that stayed kept noise to a minimum so as not to interrupt the Arsenal fans renditions of 42 years, can we play you every week ?, you're not very good, Sol's a Gooner and other derby favourites.
3 - 0 and it could have been 10. Arsenal had 2 disallowed, scored 3, had one cleared off the line, hit the crossbar and in reality never really broke a sweat. Sperz were a shower with 11 men and a shower with 10. Don't let anyone tell you the result would've been different if they hadn't lost Davies - it wouldn't.
Thankfully one suspects that we won't be seeing carthorse Sheringham at Highbury again. Not even Sperz are so desperate as to keep him for another season are they ?
Report-Peter Krige

15/11/02-Ray Gutted To Miss Derby

Here’s Ray’s views on Saturdays North London Derby from his column in the Islington Gazette-
“Although I have missed a lot of games recently none of them will cause me as much disappointment as not being involved this Saturday.”
“I just love playing against Spurs and I am sure their players feel the same way about playing against us.
“There will be a great atmosphere and the game means so much to every one at the club so I am gutted to have to watch it from the stands-again.
“All the talk last year was about Sol Campbell and I suppose he will get some stick again on Saturday but I don’t think it will ever be as bad as it was that first time at Shite (sorry , misprint -Ed) White Heart Lane.
“Sol got through it that day so I think you can assume he will be big enough to do so again on Saturday whatever abuse he gets.
“Spurs are probably coming to Highbury on a bit of a low after their defeat at Sunderland on Sunday but I think if you’d told them at the start of the season they would be eighth with 20 points they would probably would be happy with that .
“Saturday is a perfect chance for them to put that defeat and the one at Burnley out of their minds though nobody needs an extra incentive in a derby match anyway .
“Spurs were riding high till last weekend and Glenn Hoddle has got a solid squad which also has a bit of flair and one that looks like it will finish high in the table this season.
“Having said that the Premiership is a very competitive place to be this season and you only need to look at the result Middlesborough had against Liverpool on Saturday to see that.
“If you have an off day you can be beaten by anybody in this league and we just have to make sure we don’t have one this Saturday.
“Spurs are up there with sides like Boro who are looking to break into the top three or four and they will come to Highbury believing they can get a result on Saturday.”

15/11/02-Ray-Don’t Right off United Yet

Ray doesn’t believe for the moment that Manchester United are out of the title race. In his Islington Gazette column he had this to say about United’s demise-
“A lot of people seem to be saying Manchester United are out of the title race after their bad start but we won’t be falling for that one.”
“United are not playing as a team at the moment and I’m sure Alex Ferguson would admit that, but they have some big players out and there is a long way to go.
“What we have to do is make sure we are picking up as many points as possible now when they are playing badly, to make it harder for them to catch us when they get back on form.”

14/11/02-Ray Could Be Back In Two Weeks

Ray has revealed that he should be fit again for the start of the next phase of the Champions League in a couple of weeks-
“The Draw for the Champions League group stage takes place tomorrow –and we are all exited as to who we might get in our group. All the teams are going to be strong but there are obviously some big names in there and it’s going to interesting for sure.” Ray said in his Islington gazette column.
“Hopefully I will be back in contention for that first group game in a couple of weeks time.
“Its been a tough time to be out with so many big games going on but the knee is almost totally better and I am working hard to get back.”

13/11/02-Gunners Survive Cloggy Cloggers

A Rayless Arsenal qualified top of their group in the Champions League in a 0-0 draw with PSV at Highbury .The other game Group A going our way with Auxerre beating Borussia Dortmund . The Gunners had to play 55 minutes with 10 men after Kolo Toure was sent off for a second booking but PSV looked toothless and Arsenal dominated despite having one less man. It seemed as if PSV’s main game plan was to kick lumps out of still recovering Robert Pires, Andre Ooijer especially. Mark van Bommel also seemed disgruntled at not being bought by Arsenal and seemed to be trying to exact his revenge on any player that came near him. All in all nice to see another clean sheet and all of our players coming through sill walking.PSV don't even make the UAFA Cup. Good.

11/11/02-Carve Toon Time

Arsenal repeated the familiar score line of 1-0 over Newcastle. Ray was still out, still not recovering from his hamstring problem. This time the Gunners looked far more like the awesome Arsenal of a few weeks back though and the scoreline should have been far higher. Oleg Luzhny came in for the injured Lauren at right back and it was his pass the set up Wiltord in the 25th minute. Arsenal defended really well , Pascal Cygan looking far more assured and Oleg seemed more like “The Horse” we thought we had bought from Dynamo Kiev but all the players were pressurising Newcastle when ever the go the ball. The only memorable shot from the visitors was a powerful shot from Viana which luckily bounced down off the cross bar. Bobby Pires came on in second half to exorcise a few demons, it was against Newcastle that he suffer that terrible injury all those month ago. All in all a good performance, Arsenal’s rehabilitation is no yet complete, but we’re getting there.

09/11/02-Ray Happy To Return To Winning Ways

Ray has give his views on the 1-0 win over Fulham in his Islington Gazette column. Here’s what he had to say-
“It might not have been the prettiest of wins but that was a very imporant three points we picked up at Fulham on Sunday.
“After four defeats on the trot it had got to the stage where we just had to turn it round and we’ll take whatever luck that comes our way.
“We certainly hadn’t had much luck in those games we lost so perhaps we earned ourselves a bit-one week we score an own goal and the next week we get one so it evens itself out in the end. “Keeping a clean sheet was another important factor and when you have scored in 51 consecutive league games like we have you know a clean sheet basically means a win .
“That isn’t just down to the back five though, and I think we showed on Sunday that it is a team effort, the midfielders worked hard to cut down the space and the strikers closed down the men on the ball too-that is what you have to do to be hard to beat in the Premiership.
“One striker who might wish he hadn’t gone back to help his defence is Steve Marlet though-it was a pretty awful own goal and a real forwards bit of defending –but as I said earlier it was just good we weren’t on the receiving end this time around!”

07/11/02-Worthless

Arsenal slumped back into loosing ways again giving away a 2-0 lead to loose 3-1 at home to Sunderland in the Worthington Cup.
Both teams put out practically reserve teams , Robert Pires and Gio van Bronckhorst given run outs to help them return to match fitness after long layoffs. It was Pires who scored after 12 minutes when van Bronckhorst’s free kick went to him on the edge of the area. In the 33rd minute Kanu’s pass sent Jeffers clear and it was 2-0.
Kevin Kyle headed in Sunderland’s first goal in the second half after some slack defending . Sunderland’s equaliser was controversial. Pennant, who was having a fine game was push over and needed treatment as a result Stewart scored. The Stewart scored the winner two minutes later
Although few Arsenal supporters will be that bothered about going out of “The Worthless Cup” it is good competitive experience for the youngsters and a good chance for us to see how good they are. Same.
And to Sunderland reserves! Honestly.

05/11/02-Return Of The 1-0

Ray was still out as Arsenal got back to winning ways, admittedly with a lot of luck, with a 1-0 win against Fulham at Loftus Road. Fulham started brightly and had a legitimate penalty shout when Sol Campbell flattened Luis Boa Morte in the box. But the ref waved play on.
Henry and Ljungberg both had good chances thwarted by Edwin van der Sar but Fulham were far from rolling over having a number of good chances themselves.
But all van der Sar ‘s good work was undone in the 31 minute when Steve Marlet converted a tame corner from Thierry Henry into his own net as his team mates looked on in horror.
In the second Arsenal started to turn up the heat but lacked a ruthlessness in front of goal. Thankfully Fulham also were impotent and Arsenal held on for their first clean sheet for a month.

01/11/02-Ray On The Bad Run

Here is Ray's views on Arsenals bout of losses from his Islington Gazette column-
"We really wanted to bounce back from defeats against Auxerre and Everton with a good result against Blackburn on Saturday, so to loose again was massively disappointing.
"It seems that all our bad luck has come at once because we made so many chances on Saturday but it was just one of those days in front of goal.
"Edu’s own goal was yet another freak goal to concede and I think Blackburn scored more goals than they had shots on target which has to be a first!
"You have to give credit to Blackburn though as they defended really well and Brad Friedel was in superb form, but with they amount of chances we created we should have never have drawn that match let alone lost it.
"Now we just have to make sure we don’t start trying to change too much-a couple of weeks ago everybody was saying we were one of the best teams ever-and you just don’t loose that over night.
"We have lost a few games which was inevitable really considering the kind of run we have been on and now we have to get back on track as soon as we can. The way Liverpool are going at the moment we know we can’t afford to loose too many more games, but there is a long way to go and this time last season we had four points less than we do now."

01/11/02-Ray:-No Excuses

Ray has given a spirited cry to inspire The Gunners to get it right this Sunday against Fulham-
“Fulham have lost a couple of games in a row but before that they were on great form and unbeaten at home” ,Ray said in his column. “Like us they have been in action away in Europe this week and we can have no excuses-loosing games isn’t something anybody at this club likes and we have to put this right on Sunday.”

01/11/02-Ray Looses His Wisdom

Some good news. The much missed Ray Parlour should be back in action very soon. Unfortunately the Sunday game with Fulham might be a little too soon-
“I had to miss out on the trip to Germany this week as my knee injury has still not cleared up-but the good news is I am hoping to be involved in the first team again soon.”
Ray said in his Islington gazette column.
Ray also reveals he has just had his wisdom teeth removed- “I also had my wisdom teeth out on Tuesday which was almost as painful as watching the boys loose three games in a row!”
“I have an outside chance of coming back at Fulham on Sunday, otherwise the Worthington Cup match next week could be a good opportunity to make my comeback.”

30/10/02-2-1 Loss Again In Dortmund

I will make this one brief. Arsenal continued their appalling October run with a poor performance away to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
Ray was still missing, yet to recover from his tendonitus , and it has to be said we are sorely missing him.
The warning signs started early on when Dortmund his the post twice. But Arsenal were the ones to take the lead when Ljungberg got a rather controversial free kick which Henry scored from. Dortmund equalised towards the end of the first half when a Rosicky free kick deflected off Gilberto into the net.
I the second half Dortmund were given a penalty when Koller duped the Ref with a Klinsmanesque dive. Rosicky converted the penalty, Seaman had no chance.
So another 2-1 loss. In the last few results we could say that Arsenal played well enough and were unlucky to loose but it has be said to Arsenal were pretty poor in this game and although Dortmund probably cheated to get the winning goal we rally have to start doing better before the rot sets in.

29/10/02-Blip Turns To Blotch

Another day another defeat. A Ray Parlour-less Arsenal lost again, this time at home to Blackburn Rovers. Edu continued his fine (own)goal scoring form with a deft sliced lob over Seaman after only 6 minutes. Attempts were made by various media to blame Seaman for this goal but one has to wonder how he could have prevented it?
Arsenal pummeled the Blackburn goal and got their reward with seconds remaining in the first half. A freekick by Edu sneaking in at Friedel's near post. Strangely no analysis of that goal in terms of a keeper blunder. Had it been the other end one suspects that would not have been the case.
The second half began disastrously for the Gunners, Blackburn going ahead almost instantly. A slick move culminated in a Dwight Yorke blinding Seaman with his pearly white grin and tapping in. Arsenal rallied, brought on Pires and Bergkamp, bombarded the Blackburn goal, but failed to score.
It finished 1 - 2 to Blackburn and Arsenal lose 3 on the bounce. Their 23 shots to Rovers' 3 tells a story though. On another day they would have won 5 - 2 and their manager Souness was gracious enough to say as much after the game. Friedel was inspired and luck was against us. I has to be said that without Vieira the midfield looked a little lightweight and lacking in someone to get their foot in and challenge, ( I think you know where I'm going with this). Seriously though we were crying out for a Parlour-type player to get in there and get stuck in.
On another note, it's interesting to see who gets the blame for the Rovers' goals. Seaman, (too old), Sol (no leadership), Lauren ,(out of position) and Cole, (can't defend), have all been accused by various media. The fact that the guilty party varies so much would imply to me that no individual was solely to blame. Our defence is a unit that lives and dies together. Maybe, just maybe, the goals were caused by the opposition playing good football? An explanation that some commentators seem loathe to apply to any goal conceded by us at the moment.
Report-Peter Krige

29/10/02-Ray Goal Video, Now On!

I’ve just added the mpeg video of Ray’s F.A Cup final Goalagainst Chelsea to the F.A Cup Special page. Now you relive that terrific moment again and again.

25/10/02-Ray Out For Blackburn

Ray will not feature in Saturday’s game at home to Blackburn. Here is his preview from his Islington Gazette column-
“Saturday shows everybody that we have a battle on are hands whoever we play this season.
And Blackburn this weekend won’t be any different to that.”
“They nicked a draw at Highbury last year and I thought at the start of the season that they could be the ones to watch.
“They have a lot of good young players but hopefully we will bounce back and start another long unbeaten run again on Saturday.
”Unfortunately once again I don’t think I will be involved-the tendonitis in my left leg hasn’t gone yet and I am still a week away from full fitness.”

25/10/02-Ray Talks Scouse

Ray has given his views on the Everton loss in his Islington Gazette column and his thoughts on Arsenal’s main title challengers, Liverpool-
“Make no mistake it was disappointing to lose our unbeaten record on Saturday-but at the same time we all knew it would end somewhere.
“The Premiership is such a tough league that you don’t get any easy matches anymore and Everton showed that on Saturday.
“Having said that I thought we were quite unlucky to lose-we had some good chances to win it and then they go and score a goal like that in the last minute. “Wayne Rooney has certainly hit the headlines this week and he does look like he has what it takes to go all the way from what I’ve seen of him.
“He looked good when he went to Old Trafford the other week as well an Everton are going to look after him properly which is the right thing to do.
“It is difficult when you are a teenager and one minute you are kicking a ball around with you mates and then the next you are on TV and in the papers playing for a top club.
“Everton look like they could be on the way back to being a force again like they were back in the Eighties. David Moyles is proving to be a good manager and looks like take them in the right direction.
“I think Goodison will be a tough place to go for everybody this season.
“Liverpool have taken over at the top from us and they look like they will challenge us all the way for the title this season.
“Gerard Houllier has assembled a strong squad up there this season and they seem to have perfected the art of grinding out results-they remind me a bit of how we used to play in the 1990’s.
“They did it again at Leeds on Saturday-defending really well and then nicked a goal and won the match.
“But you get the same three points for winning 1-0 as you do winning 4-1, it doesn’t make any difference.”

24/10/02-French Resistance

An extremely lacklustre Arsenal committed Hari Kiri against an enthusiastic yet not particularly gifted Auxerre team. Ray didn't play, the tendonitis in his left leg still troubling him. Auxerre's first goal on 6 minutes, again left question marks over Seaman's ability to move. A highly speculative shot from well outside the box beating him at the far post despite him belatedly getting a hand to it. In fairness he may have been unsighted. The second on 27 minutes was the result of some comedy defending with the Auxerre striker nipping in between 'Keeper and defense after a fine block tackle by Cole resulted in the ball looping back towards the goal. A cultured finish by Senegalese star Fadiga, flicking the ball over the despairing pensioner.
In fairness to the Gunners they had several excellent chances in between the two goals, notably Kanu with a couple of blistering drives from the edge of the box but luck was against them.
The midfield squandered possession relentlessly, Cole and Lauren both looked nervous and Seaman is heading the way of exSperz "defender" Gundi Bergson, (see Bolton report). His confidence is in tatters, every goal scored against us analysed by both TV viewers and supporters in the ground for confirmation of his culpability.
Arsenal rallied a little in the 2nd half and pulled one back through a Kanu tap in on 53 minutes from an Henry cross. The crowd woke up, the North Bank having been shamefully silent for the preceding 52 minutes and a comeback looked on the cards. Unfortunately Auxerre weathered the storm and might have increased their lead were it not for an excellent close range save by Seaman after an "air-clearance" by Ashley Cole had gifted their strikers a gilt edged chance.
Despite some desperate pressure from the Arsenal and the introduction of Pires for the last 20 minutes the Gunners couldn't score and the referee blew the final whistle with the scores Arsenal 1 - Auxerre 2.
Overall a highly disappointing night for Arsenal fans, not just because they lost but also because of the manner of the defeat. The football played was unimaginative, consisting mostly of long balls up to Kanu and the general standard was sloppy in the extreme. We started badly and got worse. Maybe, just maybe, this was the kick up the arse we need. Our midfield was powderpuff with Vieira subdued except for a brief spell early in the second half and Silva having possibly his poorest game yet in an Arsenal shirt. We were crying out for a player to get stuck in in the middle of the park and Ray could and would have done just that.
Arsenal stay top of the group on 9 points, still needing just a draw from the last two games to qualify. However based on that performance it would be a brave man to put his money on them doing it.
Report-Peter Krige
21/10/02-Toffies Get Stuck In To Gunners (or something..)

Well, it was bound to happen eventually- Arsenal crashed to their first defeat in over seven months at Everton. It all started so well when after 8 minutes when Kolo Toure knocked the ball across to Freddie Ljungberg poked it past Richard Wright. Tomas Radzinski equalised half way trough the first half and then in the last 10 minutes 16 year old Wayne Rooney won the game 2-1 with a brilliant strike . Rooney could have made it 3-1 when in injury time he chipped Seaman. Ray didn’t play having still not recovered the tendonitis that has been troubling him and it has to be said that this was the kind of game we really needed a player with his qualities.

18/10/02-Sticky Sweet Reunion For Foxy Franny

It’s Everton time again , the time when I have to make up stupid puns about sticky sweets.
In his Islington Gazette column, Ray spoke about the build up to Saturdays game and his views on former Evertonian Francis Jaffers-
“It was good to see Franny Jeffers get a couple of goals for the under 21’s at the weekend and I am sure he is looking forward to going back to his old club Everton on Saturday.
“He has had a difficult time with injury and I don’t think we have seen the best of him yet.
“He is a natural goalscorer and if he can stay fit I think he will be successful for the club. Luckily he has youth on his side though and has plenty of time to prove himself.
“It will be a tough game up there but we have to hope our great away form continues.
“A lot of players will only report back today ( Thursday) and have a warm down to check for injuries and then it will be just one days training tomorrow to prepare for the game on Saturday .
“It’s not ideal but the international players are used to it and I’m sure they will be ready for whatever Everton have to throw at us on Saturday.”

17/10/02-Ray Unlikely For Toffies

Some interesting injury news in Ray’s Islington Gazette Column this week-
“With the England boys and all the other internationals away it’s been a quiet week at the training ground for those of us who are left –and unfortunately I have had to spend most of it in the gym,” Ray said .“My injury is getting better though but there was some damage to the tendon in my left leg and I haven’t been able to train on it in the past week.
“I need three days out on the training pitch before I come back so at the moment I don’t think I‘ll be in the frame for Saturday.
“Martin Keown has also been on his way back from a hamstring knock but Saturday might be too soon for both of us.
“Good news though is that Dennis Bergkamp has been training and could be back in contention for Saturday.
“And Robert Pires had a run out for the reserves in a friendly on Tuesday-that is his first competitive action and is a big step for him in his comeback trail.”

17/10/02-Ray's Rage At Racists

Ray has given his views on the racial abuse black players have experienced around Europe in the past few weeks-
“Nobody likes to hear the kind of treatment that Ashley Cole and Emil Heskey got playing for England at the weekend, “ he said in his Islington Gazette column. “We have had some bad experiences in Europe over the years but it seems things just haven’t changed like they have in this country.
"Now something will have to be done to stop these idiots who are still using racist abuse. "We spoke about it a bit when Thierry was targeted in Holland and that was bad-but this seemed much worse.
"I thought Ashley did really well and didn’t let it put him off his game which is all you can do in that situation.
“Footballers don’t mind be criticised for what they do on the pitch because you expect that but when it spreads beyond that you just can’t accept it.
"Things have changed a lot in this country even since I started out at the end of the 80’s and now it has to happen else where too.”

11/10/02-Ray Happy With Great Start

Ray has expressed his happiness at Arsenal current form but is aware of the dangers of complacency-
“I don’t think we could have asked for a better start to the season heading into the international break this week.
We are unbeaten , top of the Premiership and also have a 100 per cent record in the Champions League so we are well pleased with the way things have gone so far.
“It was especially pleasing to win on Sunday after yet another hard trip in the Champions League last week . Suddenly we can do no wrong away from home in Europe and that is something we have we as a squad have worked very hard on.
“We know we had the talent to do well away from home and we felt we were a little unlucky at times last season-but the belief we have of ourselves is now so strong that we go into every game thinking we can win no matter where we are playing.
“The important thing is not to get carried away-there are only nine games gone in the league and good starts don’t mean anything unless you keep going all season.
“We know we have some tough tests to come in the next few months and won’t be sitting back thinking we are Champions again already-Liverpool are only two points behind us.”

11/10/02-Cheer Up Peter Reid-Ray Likes You!

Here’s Ray’s thoughts on last Sundays win against Sunderland and his thoughts on Peter Reid’s sacking from his Islington Gazette column-
“It was important to get that win on Sunday to finish on a high and now hopefully by the time we return to action we will have a full squad to choose from –including me!
“Once again it was a pleasure to watch on Sunday-the match was really over in side those first 10 minutes.
“It was tough on Sunderland and I was very sorry to see Peter Reid get the sack earlier this week.
“He was a great player in his day and has been a good manager up there too. Steve Bould went up there from Arsenal and spoke very highly of the way Peter was doing things and of the set-up at the club, a lot of which was down to the manager.
“But that’s the way it goes in football these days-the results are what counts and unfortunately losing to us was the final nail in his coffin.”

11/10/02-Ray On His Fitness Battle

Ray has spoken about the frustrations of the injury which has kept him out for the past few weeks-
“My injury has been a bit problematic in that the original knee injury has now affected my hamstring in my left leg and I have missed a lot more games than I thought I would.”He said in his Islington Gazette column, “The international break does give those of us who are injured some extra time to recover though and it nice to have company for a change.
Martin Keown , Dennis Bergkamp , Robert Pires and myself are all working hard to get back later this month and the next week will give us a good chance to do that.”

11/10/02-"Model" Banned After Ray "Bust Up"

The Suns show businesses column “Bizarre” has a good Ray linked story today-
BALLOON-boobed ALICIA DOUVALL has been barred from London club China White if Arsenal footballers are there.
The 30GG blonde says she was banned after a bust-up with midfielder RAY PARLOUR.
Alicia told me: “I’m barred because of my fight with Ray. At first I was totally banned but now doormen will let me inside as long as Arsenal players are not there.”
-See our News Archive from 10/05/02 for more details on that “bust up” .

07/10/02-Arsenal Maul Black Cats

Ray’s injury ravaged season kept him out yet again as Arsenal kept up their record breaking run with a 3-1 win against Sunderland. As a contest the game was over in the first 10 minutes with Kanu , continuing his fine form in the absence of Dennis Bergkamp, putting Arsenal two up. The first came after 3 minutes when from a corner Henry swung the ball in to be kept out by Sunderland keeper Sorensen, the ball fell to Kanu in the box , who made no mistakes, prodding it into the net. The second came in the 9th minute when from a series of good passes Ashley Cole on left the corner of the box chipped it to the lanky Nigerian who headed into the goal with some venom. Sorenson was then stretchered off with dislocated elbow after landing awkwardly intercepting Henry going up for a Kanu cross . This meant that there was five minutes injury time, in which Vieira scored with his head after Wiltord’s free kick was saved by Sorensens's replacement, Myrhe. In the second half, knowing the game was certainly won, Arsenal took their foot of the peddle. Wenger took of Wiltord, Henry and Ljungberg and bought on Jeffers, Toure and Edu. Peter Reid put on former Arsenal favourite big Niall Quinn for Tore Andre Flo and soon after Sunderland got their consolation with Jody Craddock heading in from a Kevin Kilbane cross. All in all Arsenal did enough. They could have inflicted far more misery to Sunderland but with three points almost a cert after the first ten minutes it was probably far more sensible to conserve energy for a later date. Pascal Cygan had another excellent game , Wenger seems to have found another bargain there. Is it because he has no hair, but to me he has more than a passing resemblance to Uncle Stevie Bould.

05/10/02 –Silva Service

Arsenal made it 3 wins out of 3 so far in the Champions League, with a fine, controlled performance away at Auxerre. With Ray Parlour still injured, Wenger stuck with the same team as last Saturday. Whilst never rerally hitting the heights of that demolition of Leeds, the Gunners contained a technically skilled Auxerre side, restricting them for the most part to hopeful shots from 30-plus yards.
Arsenal's goal came just after the half time break, a slick move involving Toure crossing from the left, the ball helped on by Wiltord and Gilberto arriving late in the box to thump home unmarked.
Shortly after this Henry limped off clutching his hamstring. Latest news has him at 50 - 50 for the weekend fixture at Sunderland. Auxerre upped their game and committed more men to the attack, but they continually came up against a wall of blue. Vieira and Gilberto combined well to protect the back 4 and when called upon Sol and Cygan were rock solid. Martin Keown is going to have his work cut out to dislodge Cygan, a player who unbelievably cost about the same as Man United paid for Rio Ferdinand's left foot. Gilberto's understanding with Vieira is getting better with every match and his knack of making the right run at the right time into the box is resulting in a healthy share of goals for the Brazilian World Cup winner and £4.5 million bargain buy.
Seaman , a virtual spectator for 85 minutes, was forced into an excellent fingertip save from a pile driver shot from the edge of the box, although in reality The Arsenal never really looked like conceding.
So a highly satisfying away win for the Gunners, leaving them top of the group on a maximum 9 points and yet to concede a goal.
Report-Peter Krige

02/10/02 –Still No Ray

Ray has not recovered from his hamstring injury and didn’t make the trip for tonight’s game against Auxerre. Dennis Bergkamp and Martin Keown are also out although Edu returns.

30/09/02 –Young Lads Demolished

Showing no sign of missing Ray Parlour who was out with a slight injury, Arsenal finally hit top gear on Saturday against Leeds, albeit for 20 minutes. Elland Road was crammed for this noon kickoff with the home side presumably hopeful of denying the Arsenal their chance to enter the record books by scoring in their 47th consecutive League game. With barely nine minutes on the clock, Ashley Cole robbed Kelly near the halfway line and fed Toure on the edge of the box. He beat his man and squared for the giraffe in the box, Kanu, to tap in.
10 minutes later and Wiltord strolled through the Leeds defence and cut back the ball for an unmarked Toure to head home from 6 yards. 2 - 0 and Arsenal were in complete and total control. David O'Leary's expensively assembled squad, packed full of International players were completely clueless and "tactical genius" and current manager Terry Venables had no answer to the domination of the boys in blue.


Leeds therefore resorted to their favourite game of hack and moan as a succession of players names found their way into the referees book. "Young Kid" Alan Smith attempted to remove Kolo Toure's legs from the rest of his body and was quite rightly booked. Interestingly, one can only assume that Paddy Vieira's forthcoming charge from the FA is for accusing referee Andy D'Urso of having no personality, since Smith repeatedly told the referee to "f**k off" and was not punished for it.
By now Elland road was reduced to the atmosphere of a preseason friendly, save for the Arsenal fans at one end who were making the most of their teams total dominance. Half-time couldn't come quickly enough for the home side and their most impressive move of the half was the way in which they all legged it to the safety of the dressing room before the referee had finished blowing his whistle.
During the interval Venables worked the kind of magic which so inspired his Sperz team whilst he was in charge there. 2 minutes into the second half and Henry raced onto a beautiful through ball from Kanu, accelerated away from a sluggish Radebe, rounded the keeper and slotted home. 3 -0 and the ground began to empty.
Pascal Cygan, making his first Premiership start in place of the injured Keown did his best to spark Leeds into life by firmly planting a boot in Bower's throat. Bowyer complained and ranted like a lunatic and then tried to shatter Cygan's knee in an horrific over the top challenge. The inevitable booking for that nice Lee Bowyer resulted in the inevitable moaning and gathering of Leeds players around the ref, although presumably none of them accused him of having "no personality".
Arsenal were by now taking the p**s completely and relaxed to such a degree that Leeds finally began to look vaguely decent. Smith hit the bar after attempting to pick a fight with Lauren and Leeds eventually scored after Seaman saved twice to deny that nice Lee Bowyer, Kewell hammering home the rebound.
This roused Arsenal who scored again, substitute Pennant threading through a wonderful pass for Kanu to finish with ease.
4 -1 and Arsenal stroll to yet another Premier League victory.
Special Mention 1. Man of the Match has to be the whole team since they were all magnificent, but the way Kanu responded to the criticism of last week was superb. He had an excellent game and scored two fine goals.
Special Mention 2. The Middlesborough fans upon going 3 - 0 up at *hite Hart Lane later in the day, responded by taunting the home support with chants of "It's just like watching Arsenal" - Nice.

28/09/02 –Premiership Focus

We now have a new site called Premiership Focus, which you can get to using the link above the news. If you remember Toshtalk from the Grimster site. it’s along the same lines. It includes highly objective news, features and celebrity guest columnists. For starters we have managed to sign David O’ Leary and Lawro to both do objective columns on the Premeirship. More to come.

27/09/02 –No Leeds For RAY?

It looks like Ray will miss the Leeds game. Ray is to have a late test on his inflamed hamstring but it seems unlikely Wenger would risk him.

27/09/02 –Ray’s A Tweaky Git



Bolton's Ivan Campo has been let off his second yellow card , avoiding a suspension. The BBC reports that “Campo threw the ball away as Arsenal were trying to line up a free-kick following an incident involving Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour.” As we exclusively revealed in our match report ,Ray was seen to tweak the Spaniards ear. Despite this, Campo’s reaction of throwing the ball away did seem to constitute a second yellow. But the F.A revealed -"We can confirm that following the sending off, referee David Pugh has informed the Football Association that, having viewed a video of the incident, he now wishes to withdraw the second booking. Therefore, only the first caution for dissent will be recorded against the player and he will not be required to serve a suspension."
So yet again a player sent off while playing against Arsenal has been let off. Funny it doesn’t seem to work that way when it is an Arsenal player who is on the receiving end off a questionable booking????????

27/09/02 –Ray’s Preview Of El Tel’s Young Lads

Here’s Rays views on Saturday’s game against Leeds taken from his Islington Gazette column-
“We know we are in for a big test at Elland Road on Saturday but after the start we’ve have made to this season we are all feeling confident about going up there. Leeds is a tough place to go and we haven’t won there for a couple of years., they have had a bit of a stop start season so far but taking on the champions at home is bound to get them fired up.
“Terry Venables is a manager players have a lot of respect for and should be able to get the best from a Leeds squad that has a lot of quality in it.
“When you have been unbeaten away for as long as we have then people start trying to pinpoint when you will slip up-but we will be approaching this game the same as all the others this year.
“The fact we have been busy in Europe this week doesn’t make a difference-although we have three away games in a week we have a big enough squad to cope with it and if needs be players who are fresh can come in.
“Leeds have beaten Manchester United at home already this season and so cannot be underrated but if we keep playing this way we know we can keep our unbeaten run going.”

26/09/02 –P.S.V (Perfect, Superb, Victorious)

Despite missing the Romford Pele Arsenal put their European away days blues with fantastic 4-0 spannering of PSV Eindhoven. Gilberto Silva scored after just 21 seconds, recording the fastest ever goal in Champions League history (beating Alessandro del Piero's strike against Manchester United in 1997) . Soon after Martin Keown pulled his hamstring and had to replaced by new boy Pascal Cygan. PSV started turning up the heat but Arsenal stood firm, defending well. In the second half in was Arsenal who turned the heat up , counter attacking brilliantly. In the 65th minute a Lauren pass was latched on to by Freddie Ljungberg , who scored from an acute angle.PSV then had a goal unfairly disallowed and their confidence seemed to drain from them whilst Arsenal’s grew and grew. Kanu replaced Bergkamp on 78 minutes and from his first contribution fed Henry to make it 3-0. Right a the end sped through making it 4-0. Pascal Cygan seemed to fit in very well although Leeds vicious young brutes will be a harder test for him. PSV midfielder Mark van Bommel was and Arsenal summer target ( we bought record breaking Gilberto Silva instead for half the price-he, he) and before the game revealed how he snubbed the Gunners to stay at PSV. He must felt a bit of a prat afterwards.

25/09/02 –Romford Raymond Injured Again

Ray did not travel to Holland for tonight’s Champions League game with PSV Eindhoven as he has an inflamed hamstring. Wenger has said it is not serious and The Romford Pele could return for this Saturdays match against The Dirty Young Lads ( they are also know to a few people as Leeds by the way ).

23/09/02 –New Ray Interview

There is a new Ray interview on Arsenal.com here's the jist of it-
"Last season in the league we did fantastically away from home and it has been the same this season," he told Arsenal Clubline.
"In Europe we have to get it into our brains that we have to treat it as a normal championship game.
"It's sometimes tough with the intimidating atmosphere we play in. But we have to block that out of our minds and play football. If we can do that we won’t have a problem."
Parlour acknowledges that our superb displays at Highbury have been undermined by a lack of success on the road, but he insists that the problem can be resolved.
"The away form let us down last season definitely and if we can improve on that then we’ll have a chance of progressing in the tournament," he said.
Our England midfielder also echoed the sentiments of Arsene Wenger by claiming that this is the best chance the Club have had to bring the Champions League trophy to Highbury.
"I would have said that last year as well," he admits. "It's one of those situations where you just have to take each game at a time.
"We've started well, its vital that we got three points on the board against Dortmund. Now we've got a big away game against Eindhoven and if we can get some sort of result out there we'll be set up nicely in the group."
And after clinching the Premiership trophy at Old Trafford in May, Ray is already dreaming of being crowned kings of Europe on the same ground a year later.
"Arsenal are one of the top teams in the world and you can visualise doing that," he said.
"We've definitely got the players to do it so hopefully come May we can. There's a lot of hard work to get through before that day, but with the team spirit and the unity we have in the side there's no reason why it can't happen."

23/09/02 –Battle Of Perms

It was battle of the bubble perms at Highbury on Saturday as Ray returned to the starting lineup for the first time since being subbed at West Ham on the 24th of August. He lined up against the similarly coiffed Ivan Campo and showed no signs of the injury which had kept him out of first team action for nearly a month.

Arsenal started well, with Henry holding off the ex-Sperz "defender"Gundi Bergson to fire just wide from an acute angle. A clearly rattled Bergson then tugged back Ljungberg who'd broken through and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Henry stepped up and hit his shot hard but it rebounded off the post.
On 26 minutes, a by now shell shocked Bergson was again outmuscled by Henry, ending up on his backside as Thierry rounded the keeper and slotted home.
Whilst all this was going on, Ray Poodle Parlour was quietly getting on with winning his battle against the terrier Campos and the rest of the Bolton midfield, spraying around crossfield passes and getting in the tackles. Campos' frustrations got the better of him and he was booked for moaning after being dispossessed by the man from Romford.
In the 2nd half Bolton equalised through (yet another) freak goal against Dave Seaman, Farrelly's cross clearly deflecting off Ray's boot and looping over Seaman's head.
Arsenal threw everyone forward in search of the winner but couldn't seem to find their rhythm despite the prompting of Ray from his central midfield position.
Wenger brought on Bergkamp and Jeffers for Freddie and Wiltord and with his first touch Dennis sent Henry clean through to score, the goal ruled out for a highly dubious off side.
Campos was fouled again and this time threw the ball away in disgust. Ray added injury to insult by gently tugging his hair, presumably to check it was real and not a novelty 70's wig. 2nd yellow for Campos and Bolton were down to 10 men.
Arsenal piled forward and in the 4th minute of stoppage time a cross into the box was headed down by Henry and Kanu silenced the Highbury boo-boys who'd been jeering him since the first minute by rifling home, after Bergson had obligingly stood and watched the ball bounce in the 6 yard box.
2 - 1 to the Arsenal and a fine performance from Ray who worked his socks off as ever but added an excellent range of passing as well as linking up play from the back. The Bolton fans were understandably disappointed - winning at Old Trafford as they did last week is one thing, but to get out of Highbury with a point would have been the highlight of their season. Gundi Bergson was seen leaving the Stadium in an ambulance, shaking and muttering to himself.

20/09/02 –Ray's Bolton Preview

Here’s Rays thoughts about the Bolton game-
“Bolton will be tough on Saturday-they nicked a draw against us last season and seeing as their last away match was a 1-0 win at Old Trafford they will be full of confidence.” Ray said in his column, “But we are no short of that either at the moment!”

20/09/02 –Ray Back For Bolton

Good news. Arsenal.com have announced that Ray will be fit to face Bolton on Saturday.
Wenger said:- "Edu is still short of fitness but Ray Parlour will be back in contention for a place in the side."
He added: "With Patrick Vieira suspended we have quite a need in the middle of the park."

20/09/02 –Bobby’s Back (Soon )

Ray has news of Robert Pires’ recovery in his Islington Gazette column-
“ I was training with Robert Pires earlier this week and he looks really sharp again –he’s still a few weeks away from a comeback but to get back from a cruciate injury is good going and he looks to have made a good recovery.”

19/09/02 –Paddy Ain’t Knackered

Ray has given his opinion on reports in the press saying that Patrick Vieira has expressed a need for rest-
”I think Patrick Vieira must have been misquoted last week saying he wanted a rest because I know Patrick and he always wants to play football. “ Ray said in his Islington Gazette Column , “If you are loosing a few games and are stuck at the bottom then it6 can be the case that players want a rest some times but when you are flying like we are , then playing the matches is what you want to do no matter what competition they are in.
"Patrick has no choice but to sit out Saturday’s game with Bolton as he is suspended –although coming between two big European games that might be a benefit in the end.
“He is a very important player for us as he showed last Saturday when another great performance saw us win away again.”

19/09/02 –Ray Back Soon

Good news on Ray’s injury front. He has revealed in his Islington Gazette column that he is returning to full training today-
“I am hopefully going to be back in full training with the boys today and although Saturdays match might be too soon for me , I am hoping to be able to be available to the manager next weeks trip to PSV.” Ray said. “Being injured is tough at the moment because confidence is high around the club and everybody just wants to play in every game.”

18/09/02 –Freddie's Ready



Firstly, with Ray still injured the news page has been lacking some pretty pictures to brighten it up. So I chose these two which I like a lot .
Freddie Ljungberg marked his return from injury the way he left off, with a goal as Arsenal transferred impressive form into Europe. Dortmund were well organised and it took till the second half for Arsenal to break them down, when in the 62nd minute Bergkamp's deflected shot beat keeper Lehmann. In the 77th minute after thwarting a Dortmund attack Seaman threw the ball to Wiltord as he bombed it along the wing . Sylvan neatly passed to Henry who cleverly avoiding the off-side trap, rolled the ball towards Ljungberg who when round the oncoming keeper and knocking it into the net.
Overall a solid performance in which Arsenal did enough but you still feel they have yet to step up a gear-god help everyone when they do!

17/09/02 –Ray Out For Dortmund

Ray has not recovered from his knee injury and will miss tonight’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

17/09/02 –Ray's Dortmund Preview

Here’s Ray’s views on tonight’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
“That’s going to be a massive game –your home games are so important in the group phases. We only lost one last year to Deportivo La Coruna and won all the rest but that loss was enough to knock us out.
“German sides are always well prepared in Europe and some people seem to be treating Borussia Dortmund lightly –I can assure you we won’t be.”

16/09/02 –Addickted To Goals

Red hot Arsenal broke more records beating Charlton Athletic 3-0 at the Valley( scoring in 45 consecutive games) .Ray missed out again when he failed to recover from his knee injury, but this did not stop The Gunners steam rolling the Addicks with relative ease. It looked to be a frustrating afternoon though when in the first half as Arsenal found it hard to break through a well organised Charlton side. But the break through came just before half time when Vieira set up Henry who scored yet another Classic. In the second half Arsenal were in full control , Wiltord made it 2-0 and towards the end , Edu headed in the third from a Henry cross. Last season after their fluky victory at Highbury, Charlton released a video entitled “Black Sabbath”. It seems unlikely that we will see Arsenal releasing a similar video ( “Blue Saturday”??) as we have bigger fish to fry.

13/09/02 –Ray To Miss Addicks Game

It looks like Ray is fighting a loosing battle to get fit for Saturdays Charlton game. The BBC reports that he will miss the game along with Lauren. Ray has a knee complaint he picked up at the Chelsea game (being kicked one time too many by Graeme Le Saux, no doubt).

13/09/02 –Ray’s Valley Preview

Here’s Ray’s Views on this Saturday opponents Charlton -
“It’s the Valley on Saturday and it’s always a tough little place to go to-as we know loosing 1-0 the year before last.” Ray said in his Islington Gazette Column , “Charlton don’t have a lot of big international stars but what they do have is a very good team spirit and they are always hard to play against.
“Everyone will remember them beating us 4-2 at Highbury last season and in a way that game woke us a bit-we only lost one game after that.”

12/09/02 –Ray Interview

Here is an interview with Ray taken from the program from the Manchester City game-

Ray, you must be pleased with the point earned at Chelsea last Sunday, especially as we played for more than half an hour with ten men.

Yeah, I think it was a good all round performance and it showed the spirit we've got here. To be honest we thought we were a little bit hard done by to be 1-0 down at half-time. We played well for the first 25 minutes, and then they scored, but we always knew we could get back in the game. After Patrick's sending off we dug in well, got the goal, and then stayed strong to earn a point.

Was the team spurred on even more by Patrick's sending off?

It was one of those situations where some of the players didn't know what happened. I was over the other side of the pitch so I couldn't see it. People were saying that it wasn't a sending off but I couldn't tell at the time.
It's only afterwards when you look at the video that you can see that it wasn't, in my opinion, a sending off. But during the game you don't know that so you get on with it. We were always going to be up against it after that, Chelsea is not an easy place to go so really you need all your players. But the lads were determined not to lose the game. I moved inside a bit more, Kolo was on at that stage and with Gilberto we played three in the middle. We were never going to give up.
I think in the end it was a great point for us because Chelsea is a tough place to go. But we have got a good record there so that stood us in good stead.

Did the unbeaten away record act as an extra incentive?

I don't think the lads really think about it. It's great to set records but really you have to take it one game at a time. Going into the Chelsea game we were not thinking about the record, we were thinking about winning the game.
But saying that, there is a lot of confidence in the team at the moment, we've got a lot of good players so there's no reason why we can't keep the run going - we have shown that we are mentally strong away. We know we can improve away in Europe and if we can do that we'll have a fantastic team.

The previous time you played Chelsea you scored one of the great all-time F.A. Cup Final goals. Have you had a chance to relive that much during the summer?

Not really, but I've seen it now and again. But for me it was one of those goals you dream of - right in the top corner. Also it came at a good time, Chelsea were probably on top of us and that goal really took the wind out of them.
But it was a good goal and to score in the F.A. Cup Final is great for me, I was really pleased after the game - it was just a great day. I've been watching F.A. Cup Finals since I was a kid and to score a good quality goal in the Final is right up there with winning doubles and playing for England. It is certainly one of the highlights of my career.

You mention England Ray and you won your first cap for for country when the manager of today's visitors, Kevin Keegan, took over. What was it like playing under him?

When I was with him at England, I thought it was a great set up. All the lads had a lot of respect for Kevin which I think is important for a manager. It was in his heart and when he felt things weren't going right he was brave to say that managing England was not for him.
As you can see in his Manchester City team, he's very attack minded. He loves going forward, passing and creating opportunities, which will make it a tough game for us. I watched their game against Leeds, and although they lost 3-0, I thought they were very unlucky, and probably had more chances.

Not many teams come to Highbury with an attacking mentality, but is that what you are expecting from City tonight?

I think that's the way they play. They are an attacking team and will be so wherever they play. But that could be a plus point for us, hopefully it will be an open and exciting game. Sometimes it can be difficult when teams come here and put a lot of men behind the ball, then it's important to get an early goal.
I think we've started well this season, and managed to carry on where we ended last year. Basically I think it's important that we haven't lost yet, and hopefully we can carry that on for as long as we can. We've got players coming back from injury and once everybody's fit I think we'll have a very good chance again this season.

Finally, you made your Arsenal debut in 1992, you must be due a testimonial now?

Yeah I've been a here quite a while now, so hopefully we'll be able to get something sorted out towards the end of the season. The Club has certainly changed a lot during my time here. It's been unbelievable. The training facilities have completely changed and I've seen a lot of players come and go through the years. I've been here since I was 12 years old, and we've come on in leaps and bounds and the expectations are certainly a lot higher than ten years ago. But it's all been change for the better.

12/09/02 –Ray’s Fitness Battle

Ray has revealed more about the injury that kept him out of the City game.
“I picked up a bit of a knock in the second half at Chelsea the other week and the last 20 minutes when we had to play with ten me was pretty painful.” Ray disclosed in his Islington Gazette Column ,“I thought it would go away with the week’s break but I trained on it and it probably got worse so I didn’t feel right for the City match .
“Now I am facing a battle to be Ok for Saturday’s match at Charlton- I am hoping that a few more days rest will do the trick, although I should definitely be available for the Champions League opener with Dortmund next week.”

11/09/02 –Arsenal Just Love It!

As reported Ray missed out on the Manchester City game due to a knee injury ,but Arsenal were still victorious, winning 2-1. Wiltord opened the scoring on 26 minutes. Minutes later, much loved former Arsenal favourite Nic Anelka headed in the equaliser when Keown made a uncharacteristic mistake. At the end of the first half Ashley Cole set up Henry who sent a low ball swerving past Schmeichel into the net. The second half was somewhat disappointing compared to the first ,with both teams forgetting how to pass to each other.

10/09/02 –Ray Injured

Ray is out with a knee injury for tonight’s game against Manchester City.

10/09/02 –Ray's City Preview

Ray is out with a knee injury for tonight’s game against Manchester City. Ray has given his views on Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan in his Islington Gazette column.
“Keegan was a great manager to play for when he was England boss a few years ago and is a man I have a lot of respect for.”
“He’s made some good signing up there, especially in midfield, and they are a side who love to come and attack you, so we will have to be ready.
“We have been on great form at Highbury so far this season though –so hope fully we can carry that on and make sure Spurs aren’t to of the table for much longer!”

6/09/02 –Ray's Chelsea Review

Ray has given his impressions on the Chelsea game in his Islington Gazette Column . “There is no doubt in my mind that Patrick Vieira has been unlucky this week not to have his red card from Sunday’s match taken away,” Ray said. “We all thought it was harsh at the time and the fact Jasper Gronkjaer came out and said publicly that he kicked the bottom of Patrick’s foot and that it was an accident hasn’t made any difference. It seems like there is a lot of inconsistency when one week a Birmingham player gets let off a second yellow card for a similar offence against us, and yet Patrick is told his sending off will stand.
“Patrick isn’t happy about it but there is nothing we can do about it-at least after Sunday we know if we have to we can play without him.
“We showed great solidarity at Stamford Bridge once Patrick had gone off and I think our desire not to lose the game was what got us through.
“Nobody likes losing London derbies and we did feel a bit of injustice so we battled really hard and got ourselves back into the game.
“Kolo Toure got a lot of the headlines and everybody at the club is happy about that-he is a really exiting player who is just full of energy all the time.
“Obviously coming from a football outpost like the Ivory Cost he is just pleased to be at a club like Arsenal and is keen to make it a success.
“He was at the right place at the right time to score the equaliser for us, although I don’t think he knew where to run after he scored it –he was certainly a bit to quick for any of us to catch him though.
“We have to be happy with a point from that game-Chelsea away is a though one and to get a draw with 10 men was a good result for us. “

5/09/02 –Normal Service Resumed





Sorry that the site has not been updated for a while but I’ve been on my holidays. Since the last update. Ray has been involved in helping Arsenal extend unbeaten run. Ray was superb in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, after inept Ref D’Arshole (sic) (or do I mean Sick?) sent off Vieira for having Gronkjaer kick his foot. Ray along with Brazilian Cheese lover Gilberto did a superb job in the centre of midfield after the unfortunate Frenchman was dismissed. Anyway, normal service has be resumed so stay tuned.

03/08/02 –Gunners Kick-Ass In Austria



Arsenal came out champions of the mini-tournament in Kapfenberg beating both Panathinaikos and Roma .
Ray played the whole of both 45 minute games which also featured the debut of new signing Gilberto Silva.
Arsenal beat Panathinaikos 1-0 the goal coming in the 28th minute when Sylvain Wiltord headed in from a superb cross from Graham Barrett . The Roma match finished 2-1. Henry put Arsenal ahead after 4 mins but Gabriel Batistuta equalised for Roma in the 17th , but then, man of the moment Jeremie Aliadiere scored the winner in the 44th.

29/07/02 –It’s A Riot In Austria



Arsenal’s pre-season tour was almost cancelled when the Gunners game against Rapid Vienna was called off mid-way through the second half when Austrian fans started rioting . Ray was on the pitch when idiotic fans started throwing fares onto the pitch . The police intervened but the fans the turned on them. The match was restarted after 15 minutes. But when thing started getting nasty again both teams decided that when the most players were at the nearest end to the dressing room they would make a run for it rather than take anymore risks.

29/07/02 -The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Raymond

Ray played the first 45 minutes as Arsenal began their pre-season Austrian tour by beating SV Neuberg 7-2.

The team featured – Henry, Vieira , Wiltord , Bergkamp, Edu, Lauren and new signing Pascal Cygan but the real star was young Frenchman Jeremie Aliadiere.
Neuberg scored first but then Bergkamp netted the equaliser soon after. Seconds later Wiltord scored from a long ball from Upson . At half time there were major changes and Aliadiere quickly got on the score sheet and then set up Henry for the fourth with a superb cross . Henry got the fifth and then Aliadiere set up Edu for the six. Aliadiere the completed a superb performance by scoring the seventh. Zilic got a consolation for Neuberg by looping the ball in from the half way line.

18/07/02 -Ray Back In Stevenage Romp


Ray took part in the 6-1 demolition of Stevenage Borough on Wednesday night in the first of Arsenal’s summer friendlies played for 70 minutes before being replaced by young Brazilian Paulinho. With Arsenal’s world Cup stars still away, it was a chance for some of the younger Gunners to shine. And they didn’t disappoint. Juan opened the scoring but soon after Stevenage equalised. But then the floodgates opened and Edu, Liam Chilvers , Jermaine Brown, Paulinho and Graham Barrett all scored. New signing Pascal Cygan also made his debut. The bald Frenchman put in an impressive 70 minutes.


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