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Keys leaves Sky Sports over sexism row

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Updated Jan 26, 2011 2:53 PM ET
LONDON (AP)

A second key presenter for Sky Sports News left the network Wednesday over a sexism row engulfing the British broadcaster.
Anchorman Richard Keys resigned after 20 years with the network, a day after his fellow presenter Andy Gray was fired.

FOX SPORTS POLL

• Should Andy Gray have been fired for his comments?
  
  • Absolutely, it was a total disgrace
  • Are you kidding me? PC gone too far
  • Suspended yes, but not fired

The scandal was sparked by off-air footage from Saturday of Keys and Gray making derogatory comments about lineswoman Sian Massey, former referee Wendy Toms and West Ham executive Karren Brady.
"I am deeply sorry for my remarks and the offense they have caused, it was wrong and should not have happened," Keys said in a statement released by Sky. "I have thought long and hard and reached the decision that it is time to move on. Going forward without Andy would have been almost impossible. I am and will remain proud of our work with football at Sky Sports and grateful to the many people who have worked with me. I wish Sky Sports continued success in the future."
Sky said the resignation was effective immediately.
"It is disappointing that Richard's career at Sky should end in these circumstances," said Barney Francis, the managing director of Sky Sports. "However, Richard recognizes that his comments at the weekend were unacceptable and we note that he has made a full and public apology. We thank him for his time in helping make Sky Sports the success it is today."
Keys, whose double-act with Gray has been the backbone of Sky's coverage since 1992, has also worked for US broadcaster Fox Sports and Middle East network Al-Jazeera.

Atletico claim huge Blues bid




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Updated Jan 26, 2011 1:33 PM ET
Atletico Madrid claim Chelsea have bid £52million ($82million) for Sergio Aguero and Diego Godin, but the Blues are understood to have made no such offer.
It is understood there is no truth to Atletico's majority shareholder Miguel Angel Gil's assertion that the Premier League champions attempted an audacious double-swoop for the duo in the past week.

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Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.

Chelsea refused to comment on the claims, a spokesman saying on Tuesday night: "We never comment on transfer speculation, no matter how wild it is."
However, it is understood the Blues made no attempt to sign striker Aguero or defender Godin.
Gil also claimed he turned down a £39million bid for Argentina international Aguero from city rivals Real Madrid.
He said: "In the last week, we have received two offers.
"One from Real for Aguero for 45 million euros and the other from Chelsea for Aguero and Diego Godin for 60 million.
"Atletico have said no to the two offers because they believe in these two players."
Chelsea have previously been linked with Aguero, 22, who joined debt-laden Atletico from Independiente in 2006.

Airtel yaandaa bonanza kwa waandishi

Imeandikwa na Evance Ng'ingo; Tarehe: 26th January 2011 @ 23:40 Imesomwa na watu: 19; Jumla ya maoni: 0

Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Mawasilino wa Kampuni ya Airtel Tanzania, Beatrice Singano (kulia) akifafanua jambo kwa waandishi wa habari kuhusu tamasha la wanahabari linalotarajiwa kufanywa na kampuni hiyo Februari 12 mwaka huu, Dar es Salaam. Kushoto ni Meneja Uhusiano wa kampuni hiyo Mutta Muganyizi.(Na Mpigapicha Wetu).





KAMPUNI ya simu za mkononi ya Airtel imeandaa tamasha kwa ajili wa waandishi wa habari nchini.

Akizungumza na waandishi wa habari Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Habari na Uhusiano wa Airtel, Beatrice Singano alisema vyombo vya habari 40 vimealikwa.

Alisema kutakuwa na michezo mbalimbali na kuwa bonanza hilo litafanyika Februari 12 mwaka huu katika viwanja vya Posta, Dar es Salaam.

Alisema wanahabari wamekuwa na mchango mkubwa katika shughuli mbalimbali za kiuchumi na kijamii na kwamba Airtel wameona ni kitendo cha uungwana kwao kuonesha thamani waliyonayo wanahabari kwa kukutana na kuburudika kwa pamoja kupitia michezo.

Alisema Kampuni ya Capital- Plus International (CPI) ndio waratibu wa tamasha hili, ambapo Mratibu wake Mawazo Waziri aliitaja michezo itakayohusika kuwa ni pamoja na mpira wa miguu, pete, kuvuta kamba na kuruka kwa magunia.

Korea yapiga tafu soka Tanzania
Wednesday, 26 January 2011 20:40

Priscar Malekela
WIZARA ya Habari, Vijana, Utamaduni na Michezo na Vijana jana imekabidhiwa mipira yenye thamani ya sh6mil kutoka katika ubalozi wa Jamhuri ya Watu wa Korea Kusini.
Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Michezo la Taifa (BMT), Kanali mstaafu, Idd Kipingu aliwashukuru wananchi wa Korea Kusini kwa msaada huo na kusema umekuja kwa wakati mwafaka kwa maendeleo ya soka.

''Ni dhahiri wameonekana kuwa na moyo wa kutunyanyua kupitia
taasisi yao ya (community sport) wametuwezesha na mchezo ni wa kila mmoja pia ni ajira,'' alisema Kipingu

Aliongeza kuwa huko nyuma jamii zetu zilikuwa ziikingia kwenye michezo mara baada ya mavuno ila ukiangalia kuindani michezo haina rika ni kila mmoja pia huimarisha afya ya mwili wa mtu.

Alisema utaratibu wa baraza kwa sasa ni kuinua michezo katika shule za sekondari na msingi na kupitia michezo huepusha maovu katika jamii.

Naye Balozi wa Korea nchini, Young-Hoon-Kim alisema kusudi letu kubwa ni kuona wachezaji wadogo wakinyanyuka nakufika mbali katika soka.

Ubalozi huo umekabidhi mipira 200 ikiwa yenye thamani ya sh6mil kwa ajili ya kuinua soka nchini.

Udinese claim Sanchez interest


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2 comments »

Updated Jan 26, 2011 5:13 PM ET
Udinese sporting director Fabrizio Larini claims that Manchester United and Chelsea are hoping to add Chile winger Alexis Sanchez to their squads.
The South American has been in excellent form this season and has attracted the attention of top European clubs.

TRANSFER SPECIAL

Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.

Larini told CalcioMercato.com: le ultimissime notizie di calcio su Juve, Napoli, Inter, Milan, Roma; news in tempo reale "If Sanchez continues like this he can do well.
"He is a versatile player, with much room for improvement.
"Chelsea and Manchester United? They are two clubs that have followed him and want him but there are also others."
Inter Milan are among the clubs keen to acquire the 22-year-old's services.
"Inter have tried in January just as the other teams did," Larini said.
"But the wish of the club is to have Sanchez in Udine until June."
When asked about Sanchez's transfer value, Larini added: "We don't set the figure, the market does.
"The value of the player is liable to vary."
Sanchez moved to Udinese in the summer of 2008 from River Plate and has scored five goals in 20 Serie A appearances for the Bianconeri this season.
He is under contract with the Friuli outfit until June 2014.

Ajax set deadline over Suarez




13 comments »

Updated Jan 26, 2011 11:27 AM ET
Liverpool have been told by Ajax they have until Saturday to finalise a deal for Luis Suarez, or the door will be closed on the striker.

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Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.

The Reds have already had a £12.8million bid for the 25-year-old Uruguayan turned down, with the Amsterdam club holding out for an asking price of £21million on the player.
Suarez has expressed a desire to play in the Premier League, and Ajax coach Frank de Boer is keen to have the issue resolved as soon as possible.
"We don't want to lose him," he said. "Liverpool know what they have to pay and we are sticking to our guns.
"We want to know by January 29, after that nothing more will happen."

Kakuta seals Fulham loan deal




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Updated Jan 26, 2011 1:55 PM ET
Gael Kakuta has joined Fulham on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old winger completed his move on Wednesday afternoon after passing a medical on Tuesday.

TRANSFER SPECIAL

Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.

The deal was sealed after the squad left London for Wednesday's Premier League game at Liverpool, while Kakuta is also cup-tied for Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Tottenham. He therefore would not be able to make his debut until next Tuesday's league game with Newcastle at Craven Cottage.
Fulham boss Mark Hughes last week revealed his interest in Kakuta, who signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract at Chelsea last month.
Hughes, who was also eyeing Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, said on Friday: "He's a player I know and I like the qualities he has."
He becomes Hughes' second January signing following the permanent capture of Steve Sidwell from Aston Villa. France Under-20 international Kakuta was widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the game when he joined Chelsea from Lens in 2007.
He has made 16 appearances for the Blues but only five starts and was an unused substitute in Monday night's 4-0 win at Bolton. He was at the centre of a major row in 2009 when he was accused of breaking his contract with Lens in order to join Chelsea.
He was subsequently banned for four months and given a fine of more than £670,000 by FIFA. Chelsea were also fined and banned from any activity during two transfer windows, but the club appealed, claiming Kakuta did not have a valid contract with Lens.
The sanctions were lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in February last year. Kakuta has played for France at every level from Under-16 to Under-20 and in December 2009, aged 18, became the youngest ever player to represent Chelsea in the Champions League.
That came after he suffered a fractured ankle which had kept him out of action for six months.

Utawala wa klabu wamkera Kibaden
Wednesday, 26 January 2011 20:39

Sweetbert Lukonge
WAKATI sakata la makocha wa klabu mbalimbali hapa nchini kubwaga manyanga likizidi kushika kasi, kocha wa zamani wa Simba Abdalah kibaden amesema kuwa tatizo kubwa linalosababisha hali hiyo lipo kwa viongozi wa klabu.

Hivi karibuni makocha mbalimbali wa timu za Ligi Kuu wamebawaga manyanga na kuachana na timu zao huku wemgine kusimamishwa jambo ambalo limenazidi kuzua maswali mengi kwa waepenzi na mashabiki wa soka nchini bila ya kuwa na majibu.

Akizungumza na Mwananchi jana, Kibaden alisema kuwa mfumo mbovu wa utendaji ndani ya klabu ndiyo chanzo kikubwa kinacho sababisha makocha wengi hapa nchi kushindwa kudumu na timu zao.

Alisema makocha wengi wamekuwa wakingiliwa katika kutoa maamuzi yao jambo ambalo kwa wale wenye kuzingatia taratibu na misingi ya taaluma yao huamua kuachia ngazi.
"Tatizo la makocha kubwaga manyanga kwa kiasi kikubwa linachangiwa na viongozi wa klabu na wala sio makocha.

"Hali hii inatokana na mfumo mbovu wa viongozi wa klabu kutozingatia mipaka yao ya kiutendaji jambo ambalo kwa kocha yeyote mwenye kuzingatia taratibu na maadili ya kazi yake ni lazima atabwaga manyanga nakutafuta timu nyingine," alisema Kibaden.

Baadhi ya makocha waliobwaga manyanga msimu huu na kuachana na timu zao baada ya kukosa uhuru wa kiutendeji ni pamoja na Kosta Papic wa Yanga na Wilfred Kidau aliyekuwa na AFC ya Arusha.

Wengine ni Fred Felix Minziro aliyekuwa akiinoa Ruvu Shooting na sasa yupo na Yanga kuchukua nafasi ya Papic.

Magaidi waitia doa Russia Kombe la Dunia
Wednesday, 26 January 2011 20:38

MOSCOW, Russia
MAGAIDI wameonyesha wazi nia yao kutaka kuharibu maandalizi ya Fainali za Kombe la Dunia baada ya kuushambulia kwa mabomu Uwanja wa Ndege wa Moscow, Domodedovo, na kusababisha watu 35 kufariki na wengine 100 kujeruhiwa.

Moscow ni mji mkuu wa Russia, ambao Desemba 2 mwaka jana, FIFA iliupasisha kuwa taifa la kwanza la Ulaya Mashariki kuwa mwenyeji wa Fainali za Kombe la Dunia 2018 nchini hiyo iliyokuwa inajulikana kama Umoja wa Ki-Soviet.

Tukio hilo la kushambulia Uwanja wa Domodedovo limekuja ikiwa ni saa 24 baada ya mkutano wa mwanzo wa kuweka mikakati ya fainali za 2018 na FIFA, ikiwemo kuunda Kamati ya Maandalizi (LOC) kwa kushirikiana na Umoja wa Soka wa Russia (FUR).
Wakuu hao wa soka walikutana na kuingia mkataba wa kuanza maandalizi, lakini kikubwa ilikuwa kuihalalisha rasmi nchi hiyo kuwa mwenyeji wa fainali hizo.

Katika hafla hiyo ya kutia saini iliyofanyika Jumapili kwenye mji wa Saint-Petersburg, Russia, alikuwepo Rais wa FIFA, Sepp Blatter aliyetia saini kwa niaba ya FIFA, wakati Waziri wa Michezo wa Russia, Vitaly Mutko na Alexei Sorokin, walitia saini na kutangazwa kuwa ndiyo watakaoongoza kamati ya Maandalizi, Russia 2018.

Wengine waliotia saini ni Sergei Fursenko na Nikita Simonyan, ambao ni Rais na Makamu wa Rais wa FUR.

Tukio la kushambuliwa Uwanja wa Domodedovo linafanana na shambulizi la lililofanywa katikati ya mji wa Moscow lililosababisha watu 52 kufariki na kuacha majeruhi kadhaa wakati nchi hiyo ikifikiriwa kupewa nafasi ya kuandaa Michezo ya Olimpiki katika miaka ya karibuni.

Kuona hivyo, Kamati ya Olimpiki ya Kimataifa, IOC, iliitolea nje Russia na nafasi hiyo kupewa jiji la London litakaloandaa michezo hiyo mwakani.

Imeelezwa kuwa, mashambulizi ya mabomu yamefanywa na magaidi kwa lengo la kuharibu sura ya nchi hiyo kupata heshima ya kuandaa Fainali za Kombe la Dunia.

Na mbaya zaidi ni kwamba bomu lilitupwa kwenye maeneo ya wafanyabiashara na zaidi walikuwa raia wa Uingereza na inasadikiwa kuwa kazi hiyo imefanywa na kikundi cha al-Qaeda wanaoshirikiana na wanajeshi waasi wa nchi hiyo huku wakitamba kuwa wanaweza kuilipua nchi hiyo kwa njia yoyote na zaidi ni kutumia treni za ardhini.

Walijigamba kusema kuwa, kwa kuanzia wameishambulia Domodedovo kwa kuwa ndiyo uwanja maarufu kwa wafanyabiashara mbalimbali ikiwemo raia wa Russia.

Maafisa wa usalama wa Russia waliiambia Sky News juzi baada ya tukio hilo kuwa, kiasi cha asilimia 60 ya wafanyabiashara hao waliokuwepo uwanjani hapo wakati wa mlipuko, walikuwa raia wa kigeni.

"Magaidi wametekeleza kazi yao na walikuwa wakilenga maeneo muhimu. Wakati wa mlipuko huo, kulikuwa na wafanyabiashara wengi waliokuwa uwanjani hapo," lieleza taarifa moja ya mtaalam wa mabomu.

Itakumbukwa, mwaka 1972 kundi la magaidi waliokuwa wanjiita Black September waliingia kwenye kijiji cha michezo na kuua wanariadha 11 wa Israeli na kocha.
Katika siku za karibuni, Magaidi wamekuwa wakiumiza vichwa mataifa yanayokuwa wenyeji wa michezo mikubwa.

Sky's Andy Gray, Keys issue apologies




5 comments »

Updated Jan 26, 2011 2:24 PM ET
Andy Gray has apologized for his part in the row surrounding female assistant referee Sian Massey and says he is "devastated by losing the job that I love."
Gray's Sky Sports contract was terminated on Tuesday following evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour.

FOX SPORTS POLL

• Should Andy Gray have been fired for his comments?
  
  • Absolutely, it was a total disgrace
  • Are you kidding me? PC gone too far
  • Suspended yes, but not fired

The evidence, relating to an off-air incident in December 2010, came to light after Gray had already been subjected to disciplinary action for his comments of January 22.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Gray said: "I am very sorry that certain comments made by me have caused offence. Such comments were made off-air to work colleagues, and were of course never intended to be broadcast.
"I was very upset when the comments were brought to my attention, and it was my intention to apologise on Monday night when I was back on air for the Bolton v Chelsea game.
"Sadly, I was unable to do so as I was suspended from the show by Sky Sports and have now been sacked.
"Football is my life and I am devastated by losing the job that I love. I am equally upset that third parties have been dragged into this issue. I ask that the media respect their privacy so that they can continue in their roles.
"I have worked for Sky Sports loyally for over 20 years and I do not wish to comment further at this time."
Gray's apology came as Sky Sports anchorman Richard Keys also said sorry for his part in the controversy.
Keys was reprimanded after making disparaging remarks about Massey but said: "I'm sorry you've had to wait so long to hear from me. I'm on my way into London now to start apologising to the people that I need to.
"For the immediate, I would just like to say how deeply sorry I am for the part that I have played in causing this furore."
Keys reiterated his apology in an interview with talkSPORT, adding: "What we said was wrong. There is no place for it in a modern workplace."

Luiz back in Benfica squad




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Updated Jan 26, 2011 11:16 AM ET
Chelsea's pursuit of David Luiz looked set to drag on for at least another day on Wednesday after the defender returned to the Benfica squad.

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Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.

The 23-year-old's omission from the selection for Saturday's Liga win over Nacional was seen as an indication a deal with the Premier League champions was close, but the centre-back is back in the squad for Benfica's cup tie at Rio Ave on Wednesday.
Chelsea are running out of time to wrap it up, with the transfer window set to close at midnight on Monday.
The Blues are remaining silent about the progress of negotiations, which the Portuguese press today described as ongoing, although it has been suggested the parties are haggling over a player-plus-cash deal.
Slobodan Rajkovic and Nemanja Matic, currently at Vitesse Arnhem on season-long loans from Stamford Bridge, have been mentioned as possible makeweights.

Man. Utd yaendelea kupiga bao
Wednesday, 26 January 2011 20:37

LONDON, England
MANCHESTER United ikiwa nyuma kwa mabao 2-0 hadi mapumziko, iliibuka kipindi cha pili na kuichapa Blackpool mabao 3-2 katika mchezo wa Ligi Kuu ya England na kuifanya timu hiyo kuendeleza rekodi yake ya kutopoteza mchezo hata mmoja katika mechi za ligi.

Blackpool iliyopanda Ligi Kuu msimu uliopita, ilipata mabao yake ya haraka haraka kupitia kwa Charlie Adam kwa mpira wa kona iliyosababishwa na Craig Cathcart huku Nemanja Vidic akijifunga.

Kipindi cha pili upepo ulibadilika, Dimitar Berbatov aliunganisha krosi ya Darren
Fletcher 'katika dakika ya 72 kabla ya Javier Hernández kusawazisha. Berbatov alifunga bao lake la 19 dakika chache kabla ya kumalizika kipindi cha pili.

Katika mechi nyingine, Aston Villa iliifunga Wigan Athletic mabao 2-1

Kwenye mji wa Munich Ujerumani, FC Schalke 04 imesonga mbele katika mechi za Kombe la Ligi huku chinipukizi wa miaka 17, Julian Draxler akifunga bao la la ushindi.

Wageni, FC Nürnberg walikuwa mbele kwa mabao mawili kupitia kwa Julian Schieber, lakini yote yalirudishwa na Mario Gavranovic na Ivan Rakitic. Draxler alifunga kwa mkwaju wa penalti dakika chache kabla ya kumalizika kipindi cha kwanza.

Wenger delight at final boost






Updated Jan 26, 2011 4:26 AM ET
Arsene Wenger hopes victory in the Carling Cup final could provide the springboard for bigger success for his young Arsenal side this season.

The Gunners secured a Wembley date against either West Ham or Birmingham after they overcame a stubborn Ipswich 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, having lost the first leg 1-0 a fortnight ago.
It will be a first Wembley final since 1998 and the chance to end a six-season trophy drought, with the last piece of silverware being the FA Cup in 2005.
However, Wenger also maintains his squad should be confident of delivering in all competitions, with a home FA Cup fourth-round against Huddersfield this weekend and the small matter of a Champions League clash against Barcelona to come next month as they also mount a challenge for the Barclays Premier League title.
The Arsenal manager hopes once a first trophy is in the hands of captain Cesc Fabregas, more will follow.
"I get the same question every time, so I say 'we try to win everything we can', but on the other hand it can more get the pressure off the team to deliver in the other competitions," Wenger said.
"It is not the only target we have of the season, we have even bigger targets, but it can help us to achieve the other targets."
The Arsenal manager added: "What I am convinced is we will go with the same heart for everything.
"We have a chance to deliver, but it will be down to delivering the needed performance on the day. That is part of mental strength as well."
For more than an hour, Ipswich defended resolutely to frustrate the Gunners.
However, Nicklas Bendtner finally ended their resistance with a fine individual goal before Laurent Koscielny headed in a second and Fabregas made sure of the trip to Wembley late on.
Wenger said: "The players were really up for it and focused.
"We needed to be patient, calm and mature - and you have to credit Ipswich as they defended with great spirit.
"It means a lot for the team and they deserve to be rewarded for a fantastic attitude."
The Arsenal manager feels his team are on the cusp of turning potential into silverware.
"They are on a natural development process," he said.
"This team is hungry for success.
"You could see they kept going and refused to show any weakness."
Arsenal were almost handed another reason to celebrate as Blackpool had looked set to beat Premier League leaders Manchester United, only to lose 3-2.
Wenger, though, maintained: "For us it is the perfect night.
"Our season depends on our performances, our results and our consistency.
"We do not have to focus on Manchester United or anybody else.
"We are team who has taken off a while ago and are consistent now.

TRANSFER SPECIAL

Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.

"It is important we go from strength to strength - if we are capable to do that, then we have a chance."
One concern for the Gunners was a head injury to full-back Bacary Sagna, who was substituted during the first half after a clash of heads with keeper Wojciech Szczesny and was taken to hospital with concussion.
Nine thousand Ipswich fans had made the journey from Suffolk, perhaps more in hope than genuine expectation of a cup shock.
Town boss Paul Jewell paid tribute to the efforts of his players.
"We knew they would have all the ball and we would soak it up and make it difficult, but we have held them and also had that bit of luck," he said.
"For an hour we looked all right, however the manner of the goals were disappointing.
"But I cannot fault the players because their effort was outstanding.
"If we could have kept it at 2-0, then maybe in the last 15 minutes, then who knows? But it was not meant to be.
"We always knew we were going to be under the cosh here, but you have got to give the players credit because they were not disgraced over two games."

Wenger delight at final boost






Updated Jan 26, 2011 4:26 AM ET
Arsene Wenger hopes victory in the Carling Cup final could provide the springboard for bigger success for his young Arsenal side this season.

The Gunners secured a Wembley date against either West Ham or Birmingham after they overcame a stubborn Ipswich 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, having lost the first leg 1-0 a fortnight ago.
It will be a first Wembley final since 1998 and the chance to end a six-season trophy drought, with the last piece of silverware being the FA Cup in 2005.
However, Wenger also maintains his squad should be confident of delivering in all competitions, with a home FA Cup fourth-round against Huddersfield this weekend and the small matter of a Champions League clash against Barcelona to come next month as they also mount a challenge for the Barclays Premier League title.
The Arsenal manager hopes once a first trophy is in the hands of captain Cesc Fabregas, more will follow.
"I get the same question every time, so I say 'we try to win everything we can', but on the other hand it can more get the pressure off the team to deliver in the other competitions," Wenger said.
"It is not the only target we have of the season, we have even bigger targets, but it can help us to achieve the other targets."
The Arsenal manager added: "What I am convinced is we will go with the same heart for everything.
"We have a chance to deliver, but it will be down to delivering the needed performance on the day. That is part of mental strength as well."
For more than an hour, Ipswich defended resolutely to frustrate the Gunners.
However, Nicklas Bendtner finally ended their resistance with a fine individual goal before Laurent Koscielny headed in a second and Fabregas made sure of the trip to Wembley late on.
Wenger said: "The players were really up for it and focused.
"We needed to be patient, calm and mature - and you have to credit Ipswich as they defended with great spirit.
"It means a lot for the team and they deserve to be rewarded for a fantastic attitude."
The Arsenal manager feels his team are on the cusp of turning potential into silverware.
"They are on a natural development process," he said.
"This team is hungry for success.
"You could see they kept going and refused to show any weakness."
Arsenal were almost handed another reason to celebrate as Blackpool had looked set to beat Premier League leaders Manchester United, only to lose 3-2.
Wenger, though, maintained: "For us it is the perfect night.
"Our season depends on our performances, our results and our consistency.
"We do not have to focus on Manchester United or anybody else.
"We are team who has taken off a while ago and are consistent now.

TRANSFER SPECIAL

Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.

"It is important we go from strength to strength - if we are capable to do that, then we have a chance."
One concern for the Gunners was a head injury to full-back Bacary Sagna, who was substituted during the first half after a clash of heads with keeper Wojciech Szczesny and was taken to hospital with concussion.
Nine thousand Ipswich fans had made the journey from Suffolk, perhaps more in hope than genuine expectation of a cup shock.
Town boss Paul Jewell paid tribute to the efforts of his players.
"We knew they would have all the ball and we would soak it up and make it difficult, but we have held them and also had that bit of luck," he said.
"For an hour we looked all right, however the manner of the goals were disappointing.
"But I cannot fault the players because their effort was outstanding.
"If we could have kept it at 2-0, then maybe in the last 15 minutes, then who knows? But it was not meant to be.
"We always knew we were going to be under the cosh here, but you have got to give the players credit because they were not disgraced over two games."

Wenger cool on Chamberlain deal




5 comments »

Updated Jan 26, 2011 4:34 AM ET
Arsene Wenger has denied that Arsenal were set to splash £10m on Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

TRANSFER SPECIAL

Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.

The Gunners boss had been regularly mentioned as an admirer of the teenage winger, who is wanted by several Premier league clubs.
Southampton, who sold a young Theo Walcott to Arsenal, were thought to be willing to discuss a deal of around £10m.
But after seeing his side beat Ipswich 3-1 on aggregate to reach the Carling Cup final, Wenger insisted Arsenal were not close to concluding a deal for Oxlade-Chamberlain or any other of their transfer targets.
"There is no news, and I would be surprised if there will be any," the Arsenal manager said.

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  • 1/26/2011 5:04:11 PM
  I certainly want this kid in a Gunners' uni, he seems to be pure class both on and off the pitch. Southampton must be doing SOMETHING right, Fio, Bale and now Champerlain.
  
  Jam, He is only 17 so he has tremendous upside but he is not Arsenal first team quality YET, a year or so and he should be there. As fot other rumors, it has been fairly quiet and points more toward nothing in and possibly Vela on loan. The media have linked us with Woodbridge and Upson but I think those came from the comedy department.
  
• Report Abuse Gunnerkidd
  
  • 1/26/2011 4:35:10 PM
  dont know how good he is but we gonna see wen man u face them in the fa cup this wknd
  
• Report Abuse jamrock1
  
  • 1/26/2011 12:27:05 PM
  any body know how good this kid is?? and what is going on (transfer rumors).... i havent been connected to the game for awhile.
  
• Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
  
  • 1/26/2011 11:40:08 AM
  10 million is alot....I know another CB who it could be used on
  
• Report Abuse Arsenal_til_I_die
  
  • 1/26/2011 9:06:34 AM
  I, for one, hope that we sign him. He would be a good replacement in the near future for a couple of our mids.
  

Jovanovic keen for fresh start






Updated Jan 26, 2011 5:48 AM ET
Forward Milan Jovanovic hopes the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager will give him another chance to launch his Liverpool career.

Wolves 0-3 Liverpool |Recap
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan | Recap
Everton 2-2 West Ham | Recap
Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham | Recap
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham | Recap
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 1-0 Man City | Recap Blackburn 2-0 West Brom | Recap Bolton 0-4 Chelsea | Recap Blackpool 2-3 Man Utd | Recap
Wigan 1-2 Aston Villa | Recap Liverpool 1-0 Fulham | Recap BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

The Serbia international signed on a free transfer in the summer but has failed to impress, scoring twice in 17 appearances.
Jovanovic has started just five Premier League matches, the last coming in the 2-1 defeat at Blackpool a fortnight ago - his only appearance in Dalglish's squad since the Scot replaced Roy Hodgson earlier this month.
The 29-year-old was linked with a swift exit in the current transfer window but he is hoping to get a second chance under the new regime.
"I am sure the new manager coming in has given everyone a lift, those who are playing and those who aren't," he told LFC Weekly.
"I think the second half of the season can be much better.
"When I first came here I expected things to be better. It hasn't been good enough so far but I am strong and I keep working hard.
"I don't ever think to myself: 'I deserve to play or I don't deserve to play.'
"I just keep going and working hard. Sometimes a chance can come when you least expect it. That is life so you have to be ready."