SPORTS

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has lauded team-mate Robin van Persie's 2011 goal scoring exploits and warned the Dutch international is likely to get better in 2012.

Alan Hansen has backed Tottenham Hotspur to win this season's FA Cup because he feels Spurs can benefit from their lack of European football this season.

Liverpool legend Tommy Smith has urged Kenny Dalglish to add a 'proven' striker to his ranks this month in order maintain their challenge for a top four finish.

Jordan Henderson believes that Steven Gerrard has been an inspiration for Liverpool, with the skipper making his second comeback from injury for the Reds in the last 12 months and hoping to become a regular starter for the side.

Robin van Persie believes that Thierry Henry will be 'unbelievable' for Arsenal, with the striker admitting he personally asked the legend to make a return to north London, even if just on a temporary basis.

Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen has tipped Arsenal star Robin Van Persie to end the season as the Premier League's top scorer.

With the transfer window now open, the rumour cauldrons are fresh with juicy gossip, none more so than those involving Arsenal.

Liverpool have the capacity to finish above their Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, according to Anfield hero Alan Hansen.

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has named Chelsea striker Fernando Torres as the biggest flop of 2011.

Chelsea are still working out the finer details of a deal with Gary Cahill for the England international to move to the club, according to Andre Villas-Boas, with the defender close to leaving Bolton.

Liverpool are reportedly lining up a £25m bid for Aston Villa and England striker Darren Bent, according to reports over the weekend.

Mark Lawrenson believes Tottenham Hotspur star Scott Parker has "transformed" Harry Redknapp's side since he arrived at White Hart Lane in the summer.

Arsenal are reportedly considering a shock move for Sunderland star Kieran Richardson in an effort to alleviate their mounting problems in defence.

Federico Macheda has revealed that Rio Ferdinand advised him to join QPR on loan, with the Manchester United striker planning on making the most of his time with the newly promoted Premier League club.

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has lambasted Chelsea striker Fernando Torres' performance during the 2-1 victory at Molineux at the weekend.

Martin Keown believes Liverpool can be more than a match for Premier League leaders Manchester City when the two sides meet at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was well within his rights to punish Wayne Rooney if the strike was ill-prepared to train.

Rafael van der Vaart has pledged his future to Tottenham and revealed he has no intention of leaving White Hart Lane in January.

Multiple sources are claiming that Arsene Wenger will chase French left back Aly Cissokho in the transfer window, with Wayne Bridge off the cards for Arsenal as a result of his wage demands.

Martin Keown believes Manchester City will struggle to pip Manchester United to the Premier League title unless Roberto Mancini learns to trust his players.

Arsenal have already confirmed a deal is in place to bring Thierry Henry back to the club on a two-month loan deal but Arsene Wenger remains interested in signing additional cover in midfield.

Bobby Zamora's injury-time winner downed ten-man Arsenal to a 2-1 loss at Fulham in Monday's round of Premier League matches.

Fulham fought back with renewed vigour after the interval, but there were no significant results until five minutes from time when Steve Sidwell tapped home the equaliser.

Ramires scored the opener on 54 minutes, his sixth goal of the season.

Reports have it that Arsenal are preparing a £10 million bid for FC Cologne star Lukas Podolski after the player's rumoured bust-up with the German club's director of sport Volker Finke.

City lost the opportunity to open up a three-point gap over rivals Manchester United in the league points tab.

Sir Alex Ferguson was reportedly angry over the star striker's Boxing Day night-out in the company of his teammates and their partners.

The Dutch completed 35 Premier League goals in 2011, breaking French legend Thierry Henry's Arsenal record of 34 goals in a calendar year.

Ayegbeni Yakubu scored the opener on 16 minutes from a penalty shot.