ARSE ACHE

From the Guardian:

Arsenal's new stadium will cost them £100m more than expected, though the club stressed yesterday that the transfer budget available to Arsène Wenger would not be affected.

Arsenal thought their 60,000-seat stadium at Ashburton Grove would cost £200m but have discovered that they must raise half as much again for a project due to be completed for the start of the 2005-06 season.

"It is more expensive than we originally anticipated," said Danny Fiszman, an Arsenal director and the club's leading shareholder. "Part of it has been the obligations which will add £100m to the bill. [Without them] we would not receive planning consent.

"It concerns affordable housing, transport contributions, rebuilding the waste recycling centre, relocation issues. They are our obligations to the environment. But I want to stress that Arsène's budget will not be affected in any way by this project."

Thierry Henry believes he and some of his Arsenal teammates are suffering from exhaustion after two consecutive defeats:

"One thing I have to find really quickly is my fitness, that's the main thing. Usually I'm running around and lively, but at Everton it was like I wasn't even on the pitch.

"It was the same against Auxerre. We only started to play when we were 2-0 down because of our pride and anger. I can tell you that myself and some players are exhausted.

"Just look at all the players on international duty and see how they have performed last weekend. It is a fact. Real Madrid lost in one of the poorest games they have played. Barcelona lost and Borussia Dortmund drew at home. Inter drew. A lot of teams struggled.

"It's tiring when you come back. I'm not complaining, but we are all human and it is hard. Think how anyone feels after they have travelled."