Danny Welbeck scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal continued to get their season back on track with a 1-0 win at West Brom.
Following back-to-back league defeats to Swansea and Manchester United the pressure was mounting on Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger, especially with his side having their lowest points tally after 12 games in 32 years. However, there was a slightly more positive mood ahead of the trip to The Hawthorns following an impressive and confident 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in midweek.
The dominant performance against the German giants certainly lifted the mood, although fans would've been very wary of how their last league game panned out where they controlled for large spells yet ended the game with nothing to show for it.
The Gunners were boosted by the return of Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny to the starting XI, but yet again the unlucky visitors suffered further injuries. Nacho Monreal was forced off after just 23 minutes with a knee problem while his replacement, Kieran Gibbs also picked up a knock to his ankle. Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also damaged his knee, although at the time of his post-match interview Wenger was unsure of the extent of the problems.
Bad luck has contributed to a lot of the injuries but some fans have criticised Arsenal's training regime and management of injuries as problems continue to build year on year. It is hard to pinpoint why we are one the clubs who consistently have to deal with injuries but it definitely makes Wenger's job harder. When everyone is fit we have the foundations of a great side but all it takes is a few injuries to really stretch us. It again highlights the need to add a few fresh faces and hopefully Wenger will get his chequebook out in January. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen but we must add depth soon.
Despite the injury problems the last two results have been very positive. The performance and result against Dortmund were excellent and, although the Gunners' display wasn't quite as solid at The Hawthorns, it was another well-deserved win.
Welbeck had arguably the best chance in the first half but his effort was well blocked by Ben Foster in the Baggies' goal after 23 minutes. Giroud, making his first start since suffering a broken leg in August, wasted the next chance soon after when he dispossessed Foster near the corner flag. Although it left Foster stranded and the goal open the angle proved too acute for the Frenchman and his effort didn't cause their opponents any problems.
With the sides going in goalless at half-time fans could've been forgiven for feeling anxious with the recent loss to Manchester United, mainly caused by failing to make their dominance count, fresh in the memory.
The travelling faithful breathed a huge sigh of relief when the Gunners took a well-deserved lead on the hour mark. Santi Cazorla, who was one of the stand-out performers against the Baggies, made space for himself following a decent run past the defence before crossing for Welbeck to power a header beyond Foster for his sixth goal for the club.
Arsenal remained in control of the game but, after failing to add a second, there was always a worry of their opponents getting an equaliser against the run of play. The Baggies, who have not scored a league goal for over 300 minutes, didn't create many chances but almost levelled the scores 10 minutes from time when Saido Berahino's header hit the crossbar.
The Gunners held on to record a much-needed league victory and maybe, just maybe, the last two results in all competitions will help them get their season back on track. On the whole it was a positive day for Arsenal but some supporters were still unhappy despite the result and held up a banner asking Wenger to end his reign at the club.
When asked by reporters, under-pressure Wenger was adamant in not wanting to comment on the banner but he will surely know it will take a huge improvement in league position to get the critics off his back.
I still believe he is the right man from the job but it is frustrating how we are so near yet so far off a serious title challenge. Injuries and some bad luck have played their part but we can't just hide behind that. The likes of Chelsea have been firing on all cylinders for the majority of the season but, more importantly, have been able to kill teams off better. When Chelsea played QPR earlier in the season, their London rivals looked more than capable of getting a result in a very tough battle, but Jose Mourinho's men took their chances. That really is the big difference! We have only lost three games, but have drawn five, and some of those could definitely have been prevented had we been more clinical.
We can at least take positives from the last two results and, if we can carry on that form in the coming weeks, we may yet be able to get our season back on track. We will need to step things up another gear though, especially with high-flying Southampton being our next opponents.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 30 November 2014
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Sano-Goal secures Gunners qualification
Yaya Sanogo scored his first competitive goal for the club as Arsenal secured their qualification for the Champions League knock-out stages with an impressive 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.
Sanogo hasn't had the easiest of starts to his Gunners' career but took just 73 seconds to opening the scoring at the Emirates, in what was a solid display for the French striker. Alexis Sanchez added a delightful second after the restart as Arsene Wenger's men ended a run of three games without a win in all competitions.
Arsenal controlled large spells of their last game but it ended in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, so it was a lot more reassuring to see the hosts turn their pressure into goals against the German giants. Dortmund had already qualified for the knock-out stages before the match but would still have wanted to get the point they needed to secure top spot in Group D. As it is the Gunners can still snatch top spot if they beat Galatasaray in their final group game, and Anderlecht grab a surprise win in Dortmund. Whether Arsenal finish first or second in the group one thing is for sure - a place in the knock-out stages of the competition for a 15th consecutive season.
The victory was all the more impressive considering the fact that before the match Borussia Dortmund were one of just two sides left in the competition with a 100% record. Dortmund are doing poorly domestically, hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, but they have had no such problems in the Champions League with four wins out of four...until the trip to London! What impressed me most about the result wasn't just making our pressure count but the fact that we were a lot more defensively organised and more of our players stood up to be counted.
This one result doesn't mean all our problems are gone and there is still a long way to go. But it is definitely a good start and fingers crossed it will give us a much-needed confidence boost and be the start of a strong run of form.
With Jack Wilshere, Wojciech Szczesny and Danny Welbeck all ruled out through injury, it looked set to be an even tougher game for a damaged Arsenal side. But the Gunners had other ideas and never looked back after taking the lead inside the opening two minutes.
Sanogo controlled the ball well before passing to Santi Cazorla, who gave the ball back to his team-mate with a great reverse pass. The French striker then rolled the ball through the legs of Roman Weidenfeller in the Dortmund goal. The 21-year-old should've added a second when he raced clear after nine minutes but his eventual effort was blocked.
Arsenal were well in control of the match and, unlike the defeat to Manchester United last time out, the hosts were making their pressure count. Dortmund did, however, come close to levelling the scores against the run of play before half-time. Henrikh Mkhitaryan latched onto a headed before shooting at goal but Damian Martinez, deputising for the injured Szczesny, reacted well to block his effort.
The Gunners more than deserved their narrow half-time lead but some fans would have been worried that the lead wasn't added to, knowing Dortmund were more than capable of producing a comeback.
It was pleasing to see Wenger's men keep up the defensive organisation in the second half and Dortmund struggled to create too many chances in the second half. Calum Chambers and Kieran Gibbs were again solid but more pleasing was an impressive display from Nacho Monreal, who has been suspect at the back in previous games.
Arsenal made sure of the victory after 57 minutes when Alexis Sanchez, who has been the Gunners' stand-out performer this season, cut inside from the left and curled an unstoppable long-range effort beyond Weidenfeller. It wasn't the case of Sanchez merely carrying his team this time. Instead every member of the squad stepped up to be counted with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was making his 100th appearance for the club, particularly impressing with only the crossbar denying him a wonder goal. Martinez also performed well when called upon, denying Adrian Ramos from close range in stoppage time to complete a solid evening for the Argentine youngster.
Sanogo and Mikel Arteta picked up injuries and Arsenal fans will be hoping they are not too serious, in what was the only real negative in an impressive display from Wenger's men.
The performance and result was definitely a step in the right direction for the Gunners. The real test now will be whether or not Arsenal can produce more of the same when they return to league action against West Brom.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sanogo hasn't had the easiest of starts to his Gunners' career but took just 73 seconds to opening the scoring at the Emirates, in what was a solid display for the French striker. Alexis Sanchez added a delightful second after the restart as Arsene Wenger's men ended a run of three games without a win in all competitions.
Arsenal controlled large spells of their last game but it ended in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, so it was a lot more reassuring to see the hosts turn their pressure into goals against the German giants. Dortmund had already qualified for the knock-out stages before the match but would still have wanted to get the point they needed to secure top spot in Group D. As it is the Gunners can still snatch top spot if they beat Galatasaray in their final group game, and Anderlecht grab a surprise win in Dortmund. Whether Arsenal finish first or second in the group one thing is for sure - a place in the knock-out stages of the competition for a 15th consecutive season.
The victory was all the more impressive considering the fact that before the match Borussia Dortmund were one of just two sides left in the competition with a 100% record. Dortmund are doing poorly domestically, hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, but they have had no such problems in the Champions League with four wins out of four...until the trip to London! What impressed me most about the result wasn't just making our pressure count but the fact that we were a lot more defensively organised and more of our players stood up to be counted.
This one result doesn't mean all our problems are gone and there is still a long way to go. But it is definitely a good start and fingers crossed it will give us a much-needed confidence boost and be the start of a strong run of form.
With Jack Wilshere, Wojciech Szczesny and Danny Welbeck all ruled out through injury, it looked set to be an even tougher game for a damaged Arsenal side. But the Gunners had other ideas and never looked back after taking the lead inside the opening two minutes.
Sanogo controlled the ball well before passing to Santi Cazorla, who gave the ball back to his team-mate with a great reverse pass. The French striker then rolled the ball through the legs of Roman Weidenfeller in the Dortmund goal. The 21-year-old should've added a second when he raced clear after nine minutes but his eventual effort was blocked.
Arsenal were well in control of the match and, unlike the defeat to Manchester United last time out, the hosts were making their pressure count. Dortmund did, however, come close to levelling the scores against the run of play before half-time. Henrikh Mkhitaryan latched onto a headed before shooting at goal but Damian Martinez, deputising for the injured Szczesny, reacted well to block his effort.
The Gunners more than deserved their narrow half-time lead but some fans would have been worried that the lead wasn't added to, knowing Dortmund were more than capable of producing a comeback.
It was pleasing to see Wenger's men keep up the defensive organisation in the second half and Dortmund struggled to create too many chances in the second half. Calum Chambers and Kieran Gibbs were again solid but more pleasing was an impressive display from Nacho Monreal, who has been suspect at the back in previous games.
Arsenal made sure of the victory after 57 minutes when Alexis Sanchez, who has been the Gunners' stand-out performer this season, cut inside from the left and curled an unstoppable long-range effort beyond Weidenfeller. It wasn't the case of Sanchez merely carrying his team this time. Instead every member of the squad stepped up to be counted with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was making his 100th appearance for the club, particularly impressing with only the crossbar denying him a wonder goal. Martinez also performed well when called upon, denying Adrian Ramos from close range in stoppage time to complete a solid evening for the Argentine youngster.
Sanogo and Mikel Arteta picked up injuries and Arsenal fans will be hoping they are not too serious, in what was the only real negative in an impressive display from Wenger's men.
The performance and result was definitely a step in the right direction for the Gunners. The real test now will be whether or not Arsenal can produce more of the same when they return to league action against West Brom.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 23 November 2014
Rooney ruins Gunners day
Wayne Rooney's late strike ensured Manchester United put further damage into Arsenal's slumping season with a 2-1 victory at the Emirates.
It was the Gunners' first home defeat in over 15 months and was made all the more frustrating as they were left with nothing to show for their dominance.
I was personally relatively happy with how the game had panned out after the opening 45 minutes, with goals all that was really missing from a decent performance. The lack of goals was far too costly to ignore and once again highlighted our inability to kill off games when on top this season. Jack Wilshere was also arguably lucky to stay on the field after thrusting his head into Marouane Fellaini.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was lively and Calum Chambers putting in an impressive performance at the back, while Danny Welbeck was working hard to create chances against his former club. But it counted for nothing when Welbeck and his fellow attacking players were so wasteful in front of goal. Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea deserves credit for an excellent performance but Arsenal still should have done far better in front of goal and their poor finishing cost them dear.
Restricting their opponents to merely shots off target in the first half was impressive but it counts for nothing when we couldn't score at the right end. What started as a positive performance ended with what became one of the most frustrating I have witnessed this season because of being unable to make our dominance count against what had been a fairly poor Manchester United side.
Louis Van Gaal's men, who secured their first away win under the Dutchman's leadership, do however deserve huge credit for showing great resilience in being able to leave London with a maximum three-point haul.
With Manchester United getting the victory, despite being on the back foot for large periods of the game, further criticism was thrown at Wenger with some fans wanting him to leave the club.
When asked how to see games through after dominating them, Wenger told his club's official website: "How you stop that is to be more efficient. That will be linked with confidence and the fact that we have to be a bit more calm and patient. At the moment we are after success and there’s a discordance with our possession, our chances we create and our result. It’s very difficult but we have to keep faith in what we do."
Wenger is right. We certainly do need to be more efficient whether it is through adding more new faces to the squad in January, a switch in tactics or taking the extreme measure of changing the manager. Many fans are losing patience with Wenger and, although I still want him to stay, it is hard to argue with some of those fans' reasons. Failing to kill off games and not rectifying the same basic mistakes is very frustrating and something has to be done about it and quickly.
I am still in support of Wenger staying in charge but I want to see one hell of an improvement in terms of converting chances regardless of the tough opposition in our next match against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
Whilst there were positive aspects to the performance against Manchester United, it is no good being able to simply 'talk about positives'. I'd rather be talking every week about three points regardless of whether it a great performance or an ugly win. We need to see games out far better!
After the impressive first half against Manchester United, I turned to an opposition fan at half-time and said the lack of goals was going to come back to haunt us. We had dominated but they were bound to get a goal out of nowhere....and that they did! Kieran Gibbs, who actually performance fairly well apart from this unfortunate moment, turned Antonio Valencia's cross into his own net after 56 minutes.
Arsenal were dealt a further blow when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was forced off following a collision with Gibbs in the build up to the goal, with youngster Damian Martinez coming on to take his place.
The Gunners didn't then collapse as some may have expected and they continued to surge forward with attack after attack, but it was all in vain as still the goal wouldn't come. Wenger's men were made to pay for their poor finishing when Rooney raced clear to score with his side's first shot on target five minutes from time. Yes, it took 85 minutes for United to register a shot on target. It is an appalling stat but Van Gaal's side had the one stat that mattered - the result - in their favour and that's all that matters. In fact, it could've been worse for Arsenal had Angel Di Maria not missed a sitter shortly after.
Substitute Olivier Giroud came off the bench to make his appearance after three months out on the sidelines with a fractured to his left tibia. The French striker had only been on the field 13 minutes when he scored with a fine in stoppage time to give the Gunners a glimmer of hope.
Eight minutes of stoppage time were awarded to give Wenger's men further chance of a comeback, but they were unable to find another goal
Although Arsenal have done a lot right this season, they have also done a lot wrong to undo their hard work and it has proved costly with just 17 points from 12 games - their lowest total for 32 years.
It is clear that something needs to be done but I genuinely believe getting rid of Wenger isn't the answer. We need to spend wisely in January though, with a defensive midfielder, another defender and a striker the priorities for the Frenchman's shopping list in 2015.
As much as I usually back Wenger, he really must act quickly. We have been so near yet so far this season and it has proved very frustrating. With the exception of the odd one or two games this season, the ones we have dropped points in could've been prevented had certain basic problems, including defending at set pieces and scoring when on top in games, been addressed. We are just talking about small things here but these small things are turning into big things, so the manager needs to address them and, more importantly, the players must take responsibility and stand up to be counted, starting against Dortmund in midweek.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
It was the Gunners' first home defeat in over 15 months and was made all the more frustrating as they were left with nothing to show for their dominance.
I was personally relatively happy with how the game had panned out after the opening 45 minutes, with goals all that was really missing from a decent performance. The lack of goals was far too costly to ignore and once again highlighted our inability to kill off games when on top this season. Jack Wilshere was also arguably lucky to stay on the field after thrusting his head into Marouane Fellaini.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was lively and Calum Chambers putting in an impressive performance at the back, while Danny Welbeck was working hard to create chances against his former club. But it counted for nothing when Welbeck and his fellow attacking players were so wasteful in front of goal. Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea deserves credit for an excellent performance but Arsenal still should have done far better in front of goal and their poor finishing cost them dear.
Restricting their opponents to merely shots off target in the first half was impressive but it counts for nothing when we couldn't score at the right end. What started as a positive performance ended with what became one of the most frustrating I have witnessed this season because of being unable to make our dominance count against what had been a fairly poor Manchester United side.
Louis Van Gaal's men, who secured their first away win under the Dutchman's leadership, do however deserve huge credit for showing great resilience in being able to leave London with a maximum three-point haul.
With Manchester United getting the victory, despite being on the back foot for large periods of the game, further criticism was thrown at Wenger with some fans wanting him to leave the club.
When asked how to see games through after dominating them, Wenger told his club's official website: "How you stop that is to be more efficient. That will be linked with confidence and the fact that we have to be a bit more calm and patient. At the moment we are after success and there’s a discordance with our possession, our chances we create and our result. It’s very difficult but we have to keep faith in what we do."
Wenger is right. We certainly do need to be more efficient whether it is through adding more new faces to the squad in January, a switch in tactics or taking the extreme measure of changing the manager. Many fans are losing patience with Wenger and, although I still want him to stay, it is hard to argue with some of those fans' reasons. Failing to kill off games and not rectifying the same basic mistakes is very frustrating and something has to be done about it and quickly.
I am still in support of Wenger staying in charge but I want to see one hell of an improvement in terms of converting chances regardless of the tough opposition in our next match against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
Whilst there were positive aspects to the performance against Manchester United, it is no good being able to simply 'talk about positives'. I'd rather be talking every week about three points regardless of whether it a great performance or an ugly win. We need to see games out far better!
After the impressive first half against Manchester United, I turned to an opposition fan at half-time and said the lack of goals was going to come back to haunt us. We had dominated but they were bound to get a goal out of nowhere....and that they did! Kieran Gibbs, who actually performance fairly well apart from this unfortunate moment, turned Antonio Valencia's cross into his own net after 56 minutes.
Arsenal were dealt a further blow when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was forced off following a collision with Gibbs in the build up to the goal, with youngster Damian Martinez coming on to take his place.
The Gunners didn't then collapse as some may have expected and they continued to surge forward with attack after attack, but it was all in vain as still the goal wouldn't come. Wenger's men were made to pay for their poor finishing when Rooney raced clear to score with his side's first shot on target five minutes from time. Yes, it took 85 minutes for United to register a shot on target. It is an appalling stat but Van Gaal's side had the one stat that mattered - the result - in their favour and that's all that matters. In fact, it could've been worse for Arsenal had Angel Di Maria not missed a sitter shortly after.
Substitute Olivier Giroud came off the bench to make his appearance after three months out on the sidelines with a fractured to his left tibia. The French striker had only been on the field 13 minutes when he scored with a fine in stoppage time to give the Gunners a glimmer of hope.
Eight minutes of stoppage time were awarded to give Wenger's men further chance of a comeback, but they were unable to find another goal
Although Arsenal have done a lot right this season, they have also done a lot wrong to undo their hard work and it has proved costly with just 17 points from 12 games - their lowest total for 32 years.
It is clear that something needs to be done but I genuinely believe getting rid of Wenger isn't the answer. We need to spend wisely in January though, with a defensive midfielder, another defender and a striker the priorities for the Frenchman's shopping list in 2015.
As much as I usually back Wenger, he really must act quickly. We have been so near yet so far this season and it has proved very frustrating. With the exception of the odd one or two games this season, the ones we have dropped points in could've been prevented had certain basic problems, including defending at set pieces and scoring when on top in games, been addressed. We are just talking about small things here but these small things are turning into big things, so the manager needs to address them and, more importantly, the players must take responsibility and stand up to be counted, starting against Dortmund in midweek.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 9 November 2014
Gom-is the hero for Swans
Substitute Bafetimbi Gomis came off the bench to score with his first touch as Swansea came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium.
With two of the most attacking sides in the league on show, it was surprising how lacklustre the first half actually was with very few chances from either side. The game livened up in the second half with Alexis Sanchez breaking the deadlock, but two goals in three minutes from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Gomis turned the game on its head and saw the hosts leapfrog their opponents in the table.
Before the match there was a comment from the commentators about how Arsenal topped the stats table in terms of possession and passing. So why on earth are we not winning more games? Although this was only the Gunners' second league defeat of the season, the London club have drawn five of their opening 11 games which is far too many. There is no point having so much possession if you're not going to use it effectively. Teams have learnt to stifle are nice passing moves better so we need a plan B. Whilst plan A is superb when it comes off, we really need to grind out more wins. At 1-0 up, we should have been a lot more careful in protecting our lead.
Don't get me wrong, Swansea are a tough nut to crack at home and have only lost one home league game this season (to Southampton) but these are the kind of games we really should be winning if we want to be taking seriously in the title race. Although I still back manager Arsene Wenger despite many seemingly wanting him to go even I, who can usually find positives in anything, was left bemused by some of his tactics. With one minute to go Wenger withdrew Calum Chambers and put on Yaya Sanogo. Yes, we needed to bring on a striker as we were chasing the game and desperately needed a goal. By why do it with just a minute to go and not a lot earlier? Also why bring on Yaya Sanogo, who has yet to score a competitive goal for the club? Lukas Podolski may not have had much game time this season but every time he comes on he looks lively and he would have been a far more suitable replacement. It beggars belief!
Whether it is finally Wenger's time (although admittedly I still stand by him) to go or if several big transfers need made in January, something has to change! I think if we can add two or three top class players in the right positions, especially a defensive midfielder, during the January transfer window, things could yet change for the better but these transfers need done in January and not later.
Back to the match, and in a rather tedious first half the hosts' best chance fell to Marvin Emnes but his tame effort was blocked by Wojciech Szczęsny in the Arsenal goal. Wenger had a few half chances but didn't really get going until the final minutes of the first half. Good combination play between Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck almost helped the visitors to the opening goal but the latters' shot was well saved by former Gunner Lukasz Fabianski at his near post. Aaron Ramsey hit a sweetly struck volley just wide in first-half stoppage time as the teams went in goalless at the break.
Arsenal were quick out the blocks in the second half and almost scored in the opening minute when Alexis Sanchez set up Oxlade-Chamberlain but the England international's effort was easily saved by Fabianksi.
The visitors finally broke the deadlock after 63 minutes as Sanchez once again got himself onto the score-sheet with his 12th goal for the club. Oxlade-Chamberlain burst forward at tremendous pace before releasing Welbeck, who composed himself and controlled the ball before sliding it across for Sanchez to tap home.
The visitors should have been looking to build on their lead and see the game out but Swansea had other ideas and a quickfire double gave the hosts all three points. Gylfi Sigurdsson curled a delightful and unstoppable free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards with to level the scores with just 15 minutes remaining.
Arsenal barely had time to recover from that setback before they conceded a second goal just three minutes later. Gomis had only been on the field for two minutes when he scored with his first touch of the ball as the impressive Jefferson Montero crossed for the French striker to nod the ball beyond the stranded Szczesny.
The Gunners desperately needed to find a leveller in the closing stages but didn't create enough clear-cut opportunities. Sanchez continued to work tirelessly and tried his best to help the cause with a wonderful assist over the top, but substitute Theo Walcott's touch let him down and the chance went begging as Swansea held on for the win.
A very frustrating afternoon for Arsenal, who dropped down to sixth in the Premier League table, but the Gunners will have to wait until after the international break to put things right when they return to action for the visit of Manchester United. We will certainly need a much better performance in that game as we look to try and get our season back on track.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
With two of the most attacking sides in the league on show, it was surprising how lacklustre the first half actually was with very few chances from either side. The game livened up in the second half with Alexis Sanchez breaking the deadlock, but two goals in three minutes from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Gomis turned the game on its head and saw the hosts leapfrog their opponents in the table.
Before the match there was a comment from the commentators about how Arsenal topped the stats table in terms of possession and passing. So why on earth are we not winning more games? Although this was only the Gunners' second league defeat of the season, the London club have drawn five of their opening 11 games which is far too many. There is no point having so much possession if you're not going to use it effectively. Teams have learnt to stifle are nice passing moves better so we need a plan B. Whilst plan A is superb when it comes off, we really need to grind out more wins. At 1-0 up, we should have been a lot more careful in protecting our lead.
Don't get me wrong, Swansea are a tough nut to crack at home and have only lost one home league game this season (to Southampton) but these are the kind of games we really should be winning if we want to be taking seriously in the title race. Although I still back manager Arsene Wenger despite many seemingly wanting him to go even I, who can usually find positives in anything, was left bemused by some of his tactics. With one minute to go Wenger withdrew Calum Chambers and put on Yaya Sanogo. Yes, we needed to bring on a striker as we were chasing the game and desperately needed a goal. By why do it with just a minute to go and not a lot earlier? Also why bring on Yaya Sanogo, who has yet to score a competitive goal for the club? Lukas Podolski may not have had much game time this season but every time he comes on he looks lively and he would have been a far more suitable replacement. It beggars belief!
Whether it is finally Wenger's time (although admittedly I still stand by him) to go or if several big transfers need made in January, something has to change! I think if we can add two or three top class players in the right positions, especially a defensive midfielder, during the January transfer window, things could yet change for the better but these transfers need done in January and not later.
Back to the match, and in a rather tedious first half the hosts' best chance fell to Marvin Emnes but his tame effort was blocked by Wojciech Szczęsny in the Arsenal goal. Wenger had a few half chances but didn't really get going until the final minutes of the first half. Good combination play between Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck almost helped the visitors to the opening goal but the latters' shot was well saved by former Gunner Lukasz Fabianski at his near post. Aaron Ramsey hit a sweetly struck volley just wide in first-half stoppage time as the teams went in goalless at the break.
Arsenal were quick out the blocks in the second half and almost scored in the opening minute when Alexis Sanchez set up Oxlade-Chamberlain but the England international's effort was easily saved by Fabianksi.
The visitors finally broke the deadlock after 63 minutes as Sanchez once again got himself onto the score-sheet with his 12th goal for the club. Oxlade-Chamberlain burst forward at tremendous pace before releasing Welbeck, who composed himself and controlled the ball before sliding it across for Sanchez to tap home.
The visitors should have been looking to build on their lead and see the game out but Swansea had other ideas and a quickfire double gave the hosts all three points. Gylfi Sigurdsson curled a delightful and unstoppable free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards with to level the scores with just 15 minutes remaining.
Arsenal barely had time to recover from that setback before they conceded a second goal just three minutes later. Gomis had only been on the field for two minutes when he scored with his first touch of the ball as the impressive Jefferson Montero crossed for the French striker to nod the ball beyond the stranded Szczesny.
The Gunners desperately needed to find a leveller in the closing stages but didn't create enough clear-cut opportunities. Sanchez continued to work tirelessly and tried his best to help the cause with a wonderful assist over the top, but substitute Theo Walcott's touch let him down and the chance went begging as Swansea held on for the win.
A very frustrating afternoon for Arsenal, who dropped down to sixth in the Premier League table, but the Gunners will have to wait until after the international break to put things right when they return to action for the visit of Manchester United. We will certainly need a much better performance in that game as we look to try and get our season back on track.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Tuesday, 4 November 2014
Qualification Gunner wait
Arsenal missed out on securing early qualification to the Champions League knock-out stages after throwing away a three goal lead in a 3-3 draw against Anderlecht.
The English side looked odds on to join group leaders Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 after racing into a 3-0 lead at the Emirates thanks to goals from Mikel Arteta, Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. But a defensive implosion and a plucky second-half display from their Belgian opponents forced Arsene Wenger's side to settle for a point.
Although it means the Gunners have not yet secured their passage into the knock-out stages, they remain five points clear of their nearest rivals Anderlecht with just two rounds of games remaining in Group D. Arsenal are still on the brink of qualification and need one point from their remaining games to advance, although they will have to be very careful when they host Dortmund at the end of the month.
Finishing top of the group is now unlikely because even if the London club beat Dortmund they would be two points behind the Germans going into the final round of games. The Gunners must make sure they remain composed and don't let their grip on second place loosen like their lead against Anderlecht did.
Arsenal broke the deadlock after 25 minutes when Mikel Arteta calmly chipped a penalty beyond Silvio Proto following Chancel Mbemba's foul on Danny Welbeck. It was the Spanish midfielder's first ever Champions League goal and at that point looked to be the start of a great night for the Gunners.
In-form Sanchez scored his third goal in two games with a fine individual goal soon after. The Chilean's free-kick hit the wall before bouncing back into his path for him to hit first-time with a delightful volley into the bottom corner of the net after 29 minutes.
Arsenal looked in complete control and, as they took a 2-0 lead in at the break, there was plenty reason for the Gunners' faithful to be feeling positive about.
Wenger's men looked to have put the game beyond doubt after 58 minutes when Oxlade-Chamberlain burst forward and raced into the box before drilling a shot past Proto.
Then came a moment of controversy three minutes later, although at the time it appeared to have merely caused a consolation for the visitors. Anthony Vanden Borre tapped in from close range to start the Belgian outfit's amazing fightback, although the defender was clearly offside when he put the ball in the back of the net. It didn't appear as if it would matter as most onlookers thought the Gunners would see out the match to claim maximum points.
But the Belgians had other ideas and pulled another goal back 17 minutes from time. Nacho Monreal, who was continuing to fill in at centre-back due to injury, clumsily hauled down substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic to concede a penalty and Vanden Borre made no mistake with his spot-kick. Vanden Borre started the game having a torrid time at the back, but ended it with two goals in what really was a crazy game and it wasn't finished there.
It still looked as though the Gunners would still get a narrow victory to keep up the pace with leaders Dortmund, but Anderlecht refused to give up and snatched a point right at the death. Mitrovic got the wrong side of Per Mertesacker to head home a dramatic leveller in injury time.
Arsenal will be deeply frustrated to only come away with point and have every right to be aggrieved by the decision to allow Anderlecht's first goal, but there is no excuse for the lapses in concentration that then cost Arsenal two points.
On the positive side, Sanchez was again superb and Oxlade-Chamberlain looked very lively in attack in a game that for at least an hour looked good for the Gunners. But the manner of the draw and the result itself was inexcusable and Wenger's men really should've been more solid in seeing the game out. The hosts will need to regroup and show vast improvement with a more consistent performance for the whole 90 minutes when they travel to Swansea at the weekend.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The English side looked odds on to join group leaders Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 after racing into a 3-0 lead at the Emirates thanks to goals from Mikel Arteta, Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. But a defensive implosion and a plucky second-half display from their Belgian opponents forced Arsene Wenger's side to settle for a point.
Although it means the Gunners have not yet secured their passage into the knock-out stages, they remain five points clear of their nearest rivals Anderlecht with just two rounds of games remaining in Group D. Arsenal are still on the brink of qualification and need one point from their remaining games to advance, although they will have to be very careful when they host Dortmund at the end of the month.
Finishing top of the group is now unlikely because even if the London club beat Dortmund they would be two points behind the Germans going into the final round of games. The Gunners must make sure they remain composed and don't let their grip on second place loosen like their lead against Anderlecht did.
Arsenal broke the deadlock after 25 minutes when Mikel Arteta calmly chipped a penalty beyond Silvio Proto following Chancel Mbemba's foul on Danny Welbeck. It was the Spanish midfielder's first ever Champions League goal and at that point looked to be the start of a great night for the Gunners.
In-form Sanchez scored his third goal in two games with a fine individual goal soon after. The Chilean's free-kick hit the wall before bouncing back into his path for him to hit first-time with a delightful volley into the bottom corner of the net after 29 minutes.
Arsenal looked in complete control and, as they took a 2-0 lead in at the break, there was plenty reason for the Gunners' faithful to be feeling positive about.
Wenger's men looked to have put the game beyond doubt after 58 minutes when Oxlade-Chamberlain burst forward and raced into the box before drilling a shot past Proto.
Then came a moment of controversy three minutes later, although at the time it appeared to have merely caused a consolation for the visitors. Anthony Vanden Borre tapped in from close range to start the Belgian outfit's amazing fightback, although the defender was clearly offside when he put the ball in the back of the net. It didn't appear as if it would matter as most onlookers thought the Gunners would see out the match to claim maximum points.
But the Belgians had other ideas and pulled another goal back 17 minutes from time. Nacho Monreal, who was continuing to fill in at centre-back due to injury, clumsily hauled down substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic to concede a penalty and Vanden Borre made no mistake with his spot-kick. Vanden Borre started the game having a torrid time at the back, but ended it with two goals in what really was a crazy game and it wasn't finished there.
It still looked as though the Gunners would still get a narrow victory to keep up the pace with leaders Dortmund, but Anderlecht refused to give up and snatched a point right at the death. Mitrovic got the wrong side of Per Mertesacker to head home a dramatic leveller in injury time.
Arsenal will be deeply frustrated to only come away with point and have every right to be aggrieved by the decision to allow Anderlecht's first goal, but there is no excuse for the lapses in concentration that then cost Arsenal two points.
On the positive side, Sanchez was again superb and Oxlade-Chamberlain looked very lively in attack in a game that for at least an hour looked good for the Gunners. But the manner of the draw and the result itself was inexcusable and Wenger's men really should've been more solid in seeing the game out. The hosts will need to regroup and show vast improvement with a more consistent performance for the whole 90 minutes when they travel to Swansea at the weekend.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Saturday, 1 November 2014
Red Hot Chile Striker
Alexis Sanchez capped a superb individual performance with two goals as Arsenal hammered winless Burnley 3-0 at the Emirates.
The Chilean striker, who joined the Gunners from Barcelona over the summer, never stopped running throughout the game and constantly showed top class work rate trying to win the ball back and bursting forward when his side were on the attack.
Not only does the 25-year-old work immensely hard but his goal to game ratio proves what a good signing he is proving to be despite the Gunners' indifferent start to the season. Sanchez now has 10 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions but one player doesn't make a team and a few of his team-mates should really take note of his performance and try following his example!
Sanchez gave Gunners' fans reason to feel positive, along with another clean sheet and the return of Theo Walcott from a lengthy absence. Arsene Wenger's men didn't set the world alight but they kept going and the quality showed in the end. Arsenal are now unbeaten in their last 23 home Premier League matches, which is a very impressive feat. However, it is worrying that it has taken 10 league games to record back-to-back league wins for the first time this season. With Sanchez in fine form and Walcott now back in the fold, there is reason to be positive and I feel November will be a decisive month in deciding which direction our season will go.
Back to the match and, despite a dominant first half, the scores remained goalless going in at half-time with Sanchez already running the show. The Chilean forced a few saves from Tom Heaton in the Burnley goal, while also curling an effort just wide of a post. The Gunners also had a strong shout for a penalty waved away in the opening 45 minutes following what looked like a handball from George Boyd.
Arsenal continued to dominate in the second half but the lack of goals was becoming increasingly frustrating, especially when Santi Cazorla saw his close range shot blocked by Michael Duff when it looked easier to score.
There was huge relief for the Gunners' faithful when the hosts finally broke the deadlock after 70 minutes as Sanchez headed home Calum Chambers' deep cross. Provider turned scorer two minutes later after a combination of Heaton and the defence kept out Danny Welbeck and Chambers was on hand to smash in the rebound for his first senior goal.
Sanchez's performance was undoubtedly the highlight for the home supporters but the return of Walcott would've been a close second. The forward, who had been out of action with a serious knee injury for over nine months, almost capped his comeback with an assist and a goal but Heaton denied him both. Lukas Podolski impressed in his 10 minute cameo, forcing a save from Heaton and also rattling the crossbar. He looks a threat whenever he comes on and surely it can't be long before he is given a chance in the starting line-up, especially as the Gunners have had trouble scoring enough goals in some frustrating draws earlier this season.
The Gunners were at least creating more clear-cut chances against the league's bottom club. Yes it was against easier opponents but you can only beat what is put in front of you and maybe, just maybe, this result can be a springboard to the Gunners getting back to better form. Sanchez at least is at his best and he added his second of the game in injury time, controlling Kieran Gibbs' cross before finishing well from close range.
Arsenal return to action with a Champions League home clash against Anderlecht and Wenger's men will need to take their game up another gear to avoid a repeat of the nervy encounter in Belgium last month. Let's make November a big month!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
The Chilean striker, who joined the Gunners from Barcelona over the summer, never stopped running throughout the game and constantly showed top class work rate trying to win the ball back and bursting forward when his side were on the attack.
Not only does the 25-year-old work immensely hard but his goal to game ratio proves what a good signing he is proving to be despite the Gunners' indifferent start to the season. Sanchez now has 10 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions but one player doesn't make a team and a few of his team-mates should really take note of his performance and try following his example!
Sanchez gave Gunners' fans reason to feel positive, along with another clean sheet and the return of Theo Walcott from a lengthy absence. Arsene Wenger's men didn't set the world alight but they kept going and the quality showed in the end. Arsenal are now unbeaten in their last 23 home Premier League matches, which is a very impressive feat. However, it is worrying that it has taken 10 league games to record back-to-back league wins for the first time this season. With Sanchez in fine form and Walcott now back in the fold, there is reason to be positive and I feel November will be a decisive month in deciding which direction our season will go.
Back to the match and, despite a dominant first half, the scores remained goalless going in at half-time with Sanchez already running the show. The Chilean forced a few saves from Tom Heaton in the Burnley goal, while also curling an effort just wide of a post. The Gunners also had a strong shout for a penalty waved away in the opening 45 minutes following what looked like a handball from George Boyd.
Arsenal continued to dominate in the second half but the lack of goals was becoming increasingly frustrating, especially when Santi Cazorla saw his close range shot blocked by Michael Duff when it looked easier to score.
There was huge relief for the Gunners' faithful when the hosts finally broke the deadlock after 70 minutes as Sanchez headed home Calum Chambers' deep cross. Provider turned scorer two minutes later after a combination of Heaton and the defence kept out Danny Welbeck and Chambers was on hand to smash in the rebound for his first senior goal.
Sanchez's performance was undoubtedly the highlight for the home supporters but the return of Walcott would've been a close second. The forward, who had been out of action with a serious knee injury for over nine months, almost capped his comeback with an assist and a goal but Heaton denied him both. Lukas Podolski impressed in his 10 minute cameo, forcing a save from Heaton and also rattling the crossbar. He looks a threat whenever he comes on and surely it can't be long before he is given a chance in the starting line-up, especially as the Gunners have had trouble scoring enough goals in some frustrating draws earlier this season.
The Gunners were at least creating more clear-cut chances against the league's bottom club. Yes it was against easier opponents but you can only beat what is put in front of you and maybe, just maybe, this result can be a springboard to the Gunners getting back to better form. Sanchez at least is at his best and he added his second of the game in injury time, controlling Kieran Gibbs' cross before finishing well from close range.
Arsenal return to action with a Champions League home clash against Anderlecht and Wenger's men will need to take their game up another gear to avoid a repeat of the nervy encounter in Belgium last month. Let's make November a big month!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
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