Goals from Santi Cazorla and Danny Welbeck ensured Arsenal ended 2014 in winning style with a 2-1 win at London rivals West Ham.
Two goals in three minutes put the visitors in control before Cheikhou Kouyate's header ensured a nervy second half for the Gunners. Arsene Wenger's men are now unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions but remain outside the top four and behind Southampton, who they travel to on New Year's Day, on goal difference. It is an excellent result against a West Ham side that have been defying expectations this season and remain in the top six.
Arsenal almost made the worst possible start when former Gunner Alex Song appeared to give the hosts the lead after six minutes, only to see his effort ruled out for offside. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce was unable to hide his frustration at the decision in his post-match interview. Song struck a low volley into the bottom corner but Diafra Sakho was penalised for standing in an offside position. Although Sakho didn't actually touch the ball, it was claimed he was in the eye line of the goalkeeper and the goal was chalked off, leaving Allardyce fuming.
When I first saw the goal, I genuinely believed Sakho had touched the ball and I can't be the only one, but the referee doesn't get the benefit of the replays that we get at home. It was a very hard call for the referee to make and arguments can be made on both sides as to whether or not it should have stood. I think many fans may admit that it is one of those that if it goes for your team you back the call or sit on the fence, but if it goes against your side you protest about it long into the night. Either way it was a very tough call but at 0-0 there was still plenty of the game to go so it can't really be used as an excuse.
The Hammers also had other chances to take the lead but they failed to make the most of their opportunities. The hosts should've taken the lead when Stewart Downing's ball over the top left James Tomkins in the box with plenty of space but the defender blazed his effort over the bar.
The miss proved costly as Arsenal broke the deadlock from the spot four minutes before the break. Cazorla was caught by the outstretched leg of Winston Reid in the box and the referee awarded a penalty despite the defender protesting against the decision. Alexis Sanchez missed a penalty in the 2-1 win over QPR on Boxing Day but was not given a chance to make amends on this occasion. Instead, up stepped Cazorla and the Spanish international to send Adrian the wrong way and turn the game in Arsenal's favour.
Arsenal doubled their advantage just minutes later after a good passing move ended with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain crossing low for Welbeck to tap in from close range. It was great to see the England striker, who had not scored since the win over West Brom at the end of November, back among the goals again and hopefully it can kick-start a positive run of goal-scoring form going into 2015.
West Ham reduced the deficit within nine minutes of the restart as Tomkins skipped past his man before crossing for Kouyate to head home with the help of a slight deflection. The Hammers were well and truly back in the game and with over half an hour left of play it was set to be a nervy finish.
Having seen us throw away a lead in the dying minutes in the recent 2-2 against Liverpool, it was only natural that nerves were again settling in among the Gunners' faithful and the rest of the match was going to be a huge test of character.
Arsenal almost restored their two-goal cushion soon after but Adrian did superbly to get a hand to Cazorla's effort and deny the visitors a third goal. Adrian came to the hosts rescue again when he somehow kept out Oxlade-Chamberlain's close-range header with a fine save before blocking Sanchez's effort with his feet. The former Betis goalkeeper proved his goalkeeping ability yet again when he kept out Cazorla's drilled strike and the Spanish midfielder then fired over the bar soon after.
West Ham tried to find an equaliser in stoppage time but Kevin Nolan's low strike was well held by Wojciech Szczesny in the visitors' goal. There was still time for the hosts to launch one final attack as Song's free-kick caused confusion in the Arsenal defence and left Szczesny back-pedalling. Fortunately for the Gunners, Enner Valencia sent his header over the bar to give Wenger's men their second 2-1 victory of the week.
The victory cannot be underestimated especially against an in-form West Ham side. At 2-1 we could've easily crumbled and conceded an equaliser but we held on for the win and hopefully we can continue this run of positive results in 2015. The New Year's Day fixture against Southampton is a totally different proposition. We lost the Capital One Cup meeting back in September but won the league meeting 1-0 earlier this month.
Southampton continue to defy the odds and are still riding high in the top four despite an exodus of key players over the summer. Ronald Koeman has done a sterling job so far and, apart from the recent 1-1 draw with leaders Chelsea, his side haven't dropped any other league points after taking the lead this season. That is brilliant work from Southampton and we will have to be at the top of our game to get a result.
It is a game we are very capable of winning but also one we could lose, so we can't afford any complacency. Every single player on the pitch will need to stand up to be counted to make sure we start 2015 with a bang.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 28 December 2014
Saturday, 27 December 2014
Tip Top Tomas
Tomas Rosicky marked his first league start of the season with a goal as Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win over neighbours QPR on Boxing Day.
Rosicky has found game time hard to come by in recent months but has given manager Arsene Wenger plenty of food for thought with his goal-scoring impact in this festive fixture. The Czech international added to a goal from Alexis Sanchez as the 10-man Gunners bounced back from their 2-2 draw with Liverpool to record Wenger's 400th win in the Premier League.
Going into the game Arsenal had only lost one Boxing Day fixture in the Premier League, while their opponents had yet to win on the festive day, so it was no surprise that the hosts were on the front foot for much of the game.
Arsenal should've taken the lead after just seven minutes when Armand Traore fouled Sanchez in the box, but the Chilean's tame effort was well kept out by Rob Green in the QPR goal.
But the Gunner's summer signing didn't let that miss faze him and he made up for his earlier error with the opening goal after 37 minutes. A good passing move ended with Kieran Gibbs crossing for Sanchez to head home his 10th league goal of the season. Ian Wright is the only player to reach 10 Premier League goals in fewer games for Arsenal than Sanchez, highlighting the Chilean's importance to the side this season.
The hosts were in firm control until they let their London rivals back into the game within eight minutes of the restart. Olivier Giroud appeared to be fouled by Nedum Onuoha and the Frenchman needlessly reacted by pushing his head into the defender before being given his marching orders by referee Martin Atkinson.
Although Onuoha made a meal of it there is no excuse for Giroud's actions - it was pathetic and he really should know better! Not only that but it meant, what should've been a comfortable victory against a side without a point away from home this season, became a nervy second half.
Luckily for the Gunners' faithful, Rosicky had other ideas and doubled the hosts' advantage after 65 minutes. Sanchez was again at the heart of the move as he set off on a mazy run through the visitors' defence before releasing Rosicky to shoot first time beyond Green, albeit with the aid of a slight deflection.
Arsenal were in control but QPR refused to give up and reduced the deficit from the spot 11 minutes from time. Mathieu Debuchy was penalised for bringing down Junior Hoilett and Charlie Austin made no mistake with the resulting penalty to score his 12th league goal of the season.
Mathieu Flamini had to be alert to clear Eduardo Vargas' header in the final minute before QPR fans were left raging by what they felt should've been a penalty in stoppage time. Leroy Fer sent a ball into the box and Gibbs appeared to bring down Bobby Zamora but nothing was given. Arsenal were relieved and held on to take the maximum three-point haul and will now have to dust themselves off quickly before another London derby at West Ham.
After conceding a late equaliser against Liverpool the week before, this was a much-needed win and the Gunners will be delighted by the result. However, being 15 points off leaders Chelsea before the end of the year isn't the situation we really wanted to find ourselves in.
We are playing well in patches but Chelsea and Manchester City are still way ahead this season and we could do with some January additions to give us more chance of keeping up the pace with the sides above us in the table. There is still plenty of hard work to be done and Wenger will need to make sure his side are on top form as they try to take maximum points against the Hammers and from the trip to Southampton on New Year's Day.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Rosicky has found game time hard to come by in recent months but has given manager Arsene Wenger plenty of food for thought with his goal-scoring impact in this festive fixture. The Czech international added to a goal from Alexis Sanchez as the 10-man Gunners bounced back from their 2-2 draw with Liverpool to record Wenger's 400th win in the Premier League.
Going into the game Arsenal had only lost one Boxing Day fixture in the Premier League, while their opponents had yet to win on the festive day, so it was no surprise that the hosts were on the front foot for much of the game.
Arsenal should've taken the lead after just seven minutes when Armand Traore fouled Sanchez in the box, but the Chilean's tame effort was well kept out by Rob Green in the QPR goal.
But the Gunner's summer signing didn't let that miss faze him and he made up for his earlier error with the opening goal after 37 minutes. A good passing move ended with Kieran Gibbs crossing for Sanchez to head home his 10th league goal of the season. Ian Wright is the only player to reach 10 Premier League goals in fewer games for Arsenal than Sanchez, highlighting the Chilean's importance to the side this season.
The hosts were in firm control until they let their London rivals back into the game within eight minutes of the restart. Olivier Giroud appeared to be fouled by Nedum Onuoha and the Frenchman needlessly reacted by pushing his head into the defender before being given his marching orders by referee Martin Atkinson.
Although Onuoha made a meal of it there is no excuse for Giroud's actions - it was pathetic and he really should know better! Not only that but it meant, what should've been a comfortable victory against a side without a point away from home this season, became a nervy second half.
Luckily for the Gunners' faithful, Rosicky had other ideas and doubled the hosts' advantage after 65 minutes. Sanchez was again at the heart of the move as he set off on a mazy run through the visitors' defence before releasing Rosicky to shoot first time beyond Green, albeit with the aid of a slight deflection.
Arsenal were in control but QPR refused to give up and reduced the deficit from the spot 11 minutes from time. Mathieu Debuchy was penalised for bringing down Junior Hoilett and Charlie Austin made no mistake with the resulting penalty to score his 12th league goal of the season.
Mathieu Flamini had to be alert to clear Eduardo Vargas' header in the final minute before QPR fans were left raging by what they felt should've been a penalty in stoppage time. Leroy Fer sent a ball into the box and Gibbs appeared to bring down Bobby Zamora but nothing was given. Arsenal were relieved and held on to take the maximum three-point haul and will now have to dust themselves off quickly before another London derby at West Ham.
After conceding a late equaliser against Liverpool the week before, this was a much-needed win and the Gunners will be delighted by the result. However, being 15 points off leaders Chelsea before the end of the year isn't the situation we really wanted to find ourselves in.
We are playing well in patches but Chelsea and Manchester City are still way ahead this season and we could do with some January additions to give us more chance of keeping up the pace with the sides above us in the table. There is still plenty of hard work to be done and Wenger will need to make sure his side are on top form as they try to take maximum points against the Hammers and from the trip to Southampton on New Year's Day.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 21 December 2014
Skrtel Power
Martin Skrtel headed home a last-gasp equaliser as 10-man Liverpool rescued a 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Anfield.
Liverpool controlled the first half and deservedly took the lead through Philippe Coutinho on the stroke of half-time, only for Mathieu Debuchy to level the scores moments later.
Olivier Giroud then put the visitors on their way to what looked like a victory, especially after the dismissal of Liverpool substitute Fabio Borini. But Skrtel pounced deep into injury time to spare his side's blushes.
Liverpool went into the game on a poor run of form while the Gunners, who were hoping to banish the memories of last season's Anfield horror show, were looking to build on two successive 4-1 victories in all competitions.
But it was the hosts who looked more like getting a result with Arsenal struggling to get a touch of the ball in the opening 45 minutes. For all their dominance Liverpool didn't create too many clear-cut chances and neither goalkeeper was really troubled until the latter stages of the half.
Liverpool finally made their dominance count when Jordan Henderson set up Coutinho, who made space for himself in the area before drilling a low shot in off the post.
Brendan Rodgers probably had to tear up his half-time team-talk after seeing Arsenal equalise moments later. Liverpool failed to deal with Alexis Sanchez's free-kick and Mathieu Flamini headed the ball onto Debuchy to nod home.
Like many Gunners' fans I breathed a huge sigh of relief as we had been on the back foot for most of the half so to get a leveller against the run of play gave us more hope.
Both sides created chances early on in the second half but neither could make them count, with both Coutinho and Santi Cazorla shooting over.
There was then a lengthy stoppage in play - no less than six minutes - when Giroud accidentally caught the back of Skrtel's head. After lengthy treatment the Slovakia international eventually returned to the field sporting a head bandage.
Liverpool should have scored just after the hour mark when Raheem Sterling got the better of the onrushing Wojciech Szczesny but, fortunately for the Gunners' shot-stopper, Steven Gerrard headed over from his England team-mate's cross.
That miss proved costly and the visitors took full advantage to take the lead soon after with a fine team goal. Kieran Gibbs released Cazorla with a fine pass before the Spaniard played a neat one-two with Giroud. The pass forced Cazorla out wide but he still managed to cut the ball back for the French striker to fire home from through the legs of Brad Jones.
Liverpool almost equalised four minutes from time but Borini's header was well tipped over by Szczesny, who blocked another effort from the Italian soon after. Borini's night went from bad to worse in injury time. After picking up a needless yellow card for pathetically throwing the ball down in frustration the 23-year-old received his marching orders for a lunge on Cazorla, which in truth maybe should've been a straight red.
There were nine minutes of stoppage time and still plenty of drama. Szczesny did well to parry Gerrard's effort before Liverpool finally got their deserved equaliser seven minutes into added time. Adam Lallana's corner was powerfully headed home by Skrtel, who also scored two goals against the Gunners at Anfield last season. The defending at the corner was unforgivable and the goal could've and should've been prevented.
At the time of the goal, and in the heat of the moment, I was stupidly blaming it on the substitution of Nacho Monreal. Although he wasn't directly at fault for the goal I felt that with a 2-1 lead bringing on a left-back, who does little to fill the fans with confidence, was a bad move. I understood the tactics behind it and that we needed to be strong in defence to hold the lead rather than push too far forward in attack. But Monreal isn't the defender you want on the pitch in that instant so I would have rather seen Sanchez left on. The goal came two minutes after Monreal's arrival and, although it wasn't actually his fault, is it really a coincidence!? I genuinely believe had that substitution not been made we may have held on for the win, although the defensive positioning in general for that goal was appalling and, in truth, Liverpool fully deserved at least a point.
The drama wasn't over yet. With just a minute of stoppage time remaining Cazorla forced Jones into a fine save and the Gunners really should have done better with the rebound, but it wasn't to be.
On the way hand it was one point gained. After being outplayed for much of the game, with our lowest ever possession of 36.5% in the Premier League, it was good to still come out with a point. In all honesty, many fans would have taken a point before the game so in some ways a draw is a good result. But, with a 2-1 lead against 10-men with four minutes of stoppage time remaining, we really should have held on and the fact we didn't left many fans with an all too familiar feeling of frustration.
As the full-time whistle went it was that feeling of frustration that I was surrounded by. A few hours later I feel more reflective and can see a 2-2 draw at Anfield as a decent result but is that enough!? We are often criticised for how we handle the 'big' teams and this result kind of supports that. We outplayed Manchester United, more than matched Manchester City, indifferent against Chelsea and outclassed by Liverpool. Mixed performances and what do we have to show for it two points out of 12. That isn't good enough and had we been more clinical things could've been different.
I still believe Wenger is the man to lead us despite some sections of the Gunners' faithful wanting him to call it a day. I back his judgement on many things and the players need to shoulder some blame as well. But he isn't blameless in the whole thing. He has made mistakes and some issues need addressed. Some substitutions could be argued as bizarre and many fans, including myself, would rather have seen Theo Walcott or Lukas Podolski come on. I can understand the defensive mind substitution that instead took place but it isn't what I wanted.
The most important thing is re-inforcements in January. I admire Wenger's loyalty to the current squad and do agree that when injury-free we have a very talented squad but I don't think our January activity, or lack of it, should be dictated by that. Either way I feel we need another defender, a defensive midfielder and possibly another striker. We definitely need more depth in the squad. But simply blaming solely Wenger is ludicrous. The players must take stock and admit they haven't been good enough and they need to stand up to big counted now and give one hell of a big display against QPR on Boxing Day.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Liverpool controlled the first half and deservedly took the lead through Philippe Coutinho on the stroke of half-time, only for Mathieu Debuchy to level the scores moments later.
Olivier Giroud then put the visitors on their way to what looked like a victory, especially after the dismissal of Liverpool substitute Fabio Borini. But Skrtel pounced deep into injury time to spare his side's blushes.
Liverpool went into the game on a poor run of form while the Gunners, who were hoping to banish the memories of last season's Anfield horror show, were looking to build on two successive 4-1 victories in all competitions.
But it was the hosts who looked more like getting a result with Arsenal struggling to get a touch of the ball in the opening 45 minutes. For all their dominance Liverpool didn't create too many clear-cut chances and neither goalkeeper was really troubled until the latter stages of the half.
Liverpool finally made their dominance count when Jordan Henderson set up Coutinho, who made space for himself in the area before drilling a low shot in off the post.
Brendan Rodgers probably had to tear up his half-time team-talk after seeing Arsenal equalise moments later. Liverpool failed to deal with Alexis Sanchez's free-kick and Mathieu Flamini headed the ball onto Debuchy to nod home.
Like many Gunners' fans I breathed a huge sigh of relief as we had been on the back foot for most of the half so to get a leveller against the run of play gave us more hope.
Both sides created chances early on in the second half but neither could make them count, with both Coutinho and Santi Cazorla shooting over.
There was then a lengthy stoppage in play - no less than six minutes - when Giroud accidentally caught the back of Skrtel's head. After lengthy treatment the Slovakia international eventually returned to the field sporting a head bandage.
Liverpool should have scored just after the hour mark when Raheem Sterling got the better of the onrushing Wojciech Szczesny but, fortunately for the Gunners' shot-stopper, Steven Gerrard headed over from his England team-mate's cross.
That miss proved costly and the visitors took full advantage to take the lead soon after with a fine team goal. Kieran Gibbs released Cazorla with a fine pass before the Spaniard played a neat one-two with Giroud. The pass forced Cazorla out wide but he still managed to cut the ball back for the French striker to fire home from through the legs of Brad Jones.
Liverpool almost equalised four minutes from time but Borini's header was well tipped over by Szczesny, who blocked another effort from the Italian soon after. Borini's night went from bad to worse in injury time. After picking up a needless yellow card for pathetically throwing the ball down in frustration the 23-year-old received his marching orders for a lunge on Cazorla, which in truth maybe should've been a straight red.
There were nine minutes of stoppage time and still plenty of drama. Szczesny did well to parry Gerrard's effort before Liverpool finally got their deserved equaliser seven minutes into added time. Adam Lallana's corner was powerfully headed home by Skrtel, who also scored two goals against the Gunners at Anfield last season. The defending at the corner was unforgivable and the goal could've and should've been prevented.
At the time of the goal, and in the heat of the moment, I was stupidly blaming it on the substitution of Nacho Monreal. Although he wasn't directly at fault for the goal I felt that with a 2-1 lead bringing on a left-back, who does little to fill the fans with confidence, was a bad move. I understood the tactics behind it and that we needed to be strong in defence to hold the lead rather than push too far forward in attack. But Monreal isn't the defender you want on the pitch in that instant so I would have rather seen Sanchez left on. The goal came two minutes after Monreal's arrival and, although it wasn't actually his fault, is it really a coincidence!? I genuinely believe had that substitution not been made we may have held on for the win, although the defensive positioning in general for that goal was appalling and, in truth, Liverpool fully deserved at least a point.
The drama wasn't over yet. With just a minute of stoppage time remaining Cazorla forced Jones into a fine save and the Gunners really should have done better with the rebound, but it wasn't to be.
On the way hand it was one point gained. After being outplayed for much of the game, with our lowest ever possession of 36.5% in the Premier League, it was good to still come out with a point. In all honesty, many fans would have taken a point before the game so in some ways a draw is a good result. But, with a 2-1 lead against 10-men with four minutes of stoppage time remaining, we really should have held on and the fact we didn't left many fans with an all too familiar feeling of frustration.
As the full-time whistle went it was that feeling of frustration that I was surrounded by. A few hours later I feel more reflective and can see a 2-2 draw at Anfield as a decent result but is that enough!? We are often criticised for how we handle the 'big' teams and this result kind of supports that. We outplayed Manchester United, more than matched Manchester City, indifferent against Chelsea and outclassed by Liverpool. Mixed performances and what do we have to show for it two points out of 12. That isn't good enough and had we been more clinical things could've been different.
I still believe Wenger is the man to lead us despite some sections of the Gunners' faithful wanting him to call it a day. I back his judgement on many things and the players need to shoulder some blame as well. But he isn't blameless in the whole thing. He has made mistakes and some issues need addressed. Some substitutions could be argued as bizarre and many fans, including myself, would rather have seen Theo Walcott or Lukas Podolski come on. I can understand the defensive mind substitution that instead took place but it isn't what I wanted.
The most important thing is re-inforcements in January. I admire Wenger's loyalty to the current squad and do agree that when injury-free we have a very talented squad but I don't think our January activity, or lack of it, should be dictated by that. Either way I feel we need another defender, a defensive midfielder and possibly another striker. We definitely need more depth in the squad. But simply blaming solely Wenger is ludicrous. The players must take stock and admit they haven't been good enough and they need to stand up to big counted now and give one hell of a big display against QPR on Boxing Day.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Santi Claus delivers early
Birthday boy Santi Cazorla gave Arsenal the perfect present as his brace ensured a 4-1 win over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.
Cazorla, who was celebrating his 30th birthday, struck from an acute angle and netted a cheeky penalty, while Olivier Giroud also bagged himself a brace to take his tally to five for the season.
The sides went into the game level on points with identical records but there was only one winner as the hosts clinical finishing proving decisive. The Gunners scored from all four of their shots on target to record their second 4-1 victory of the week following the thrashing of Galatasaray by the same scoreline in the Champions League.
But this looked set to be a tougher game than the one in midweek, most notably because of forced changes in defence. Kieran Gibbs came back into the side in place of the suspended Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy was forced to shift to centre back. Laurent Koscielny and midfielder Aaron Ramsey have been ruled out for at least a few weeks as the Gunners' injury problems increased.
Arsenal didn't let this faze them and again looked in confident mood, which was a stark contrast to the side which capitulated against Stoke just a week earlier.
This was one of the very few Arsenal games this season I didn't see the whole 90 minutes of but, from what I did see, there were positive signs on show and it was a well-deserved three points. Things seem to be gradually moving in the right direction again and the team should be in confident mood for the trip to Anfield next week. However, lying down in 6th place is still not good enough and more improvement is needed so there is plenty work to be done.
Arsenal opened the scoring after 16 minutes although their opponents may consider themselves fortunate not to have been reduced to 10 men before Giroud's first of the game. Cheick Tiote's challenge caught the stomach of Alexis Sanchez and some sections of the crowd wanted the Ivorian dismissed for the foul.
The Gunners didn't let this bother them and were in front when Giroud over-hit a pass to Sanchez, who still managed to get to the ball and cross for the Frenchman to head home.
Jak Alnwick, who was making his first career start in the Newcastle goal, looked to have conceded again soon after when Danny Welbeck lofted in from close range. Luckily for the young shot-stopper Welbeck's effort was ruled out for a foul on Daryl Janmaat.
Welbeck almost made amends when he latched onto Sanchez's lofted pass, but the England striker's volley sailed just wide. The miss could've proved costly had it not been for the heroics of Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The Poland international did well to parry Mike Williams's header and, although he hadn't got back up yet, he also managed to block the rebound from Papiss Cisse,
Arsenal doubled their advantage within nine minutes of the restart when Cazorla scored the first of his two goals. Sanchez played the ball through to the Spaniard, who managed to stay on his feet and skip over the challenge of Fabricio Coloccini before clipping the ball over Alnwick from an acute angle.
Giroud netted his second and the Gunners' third just four minutes later for his sixth goal against Newcastle, more than he has managed against any other side. Hector Bellerin, who had an impressive match at right-back, sent a low cross into the box and Giroud produced a magical piece of skill to flick the ball in from close range with the outside of his foot.
Newcastle gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Ayoze Perez headed home Jack Colback's free-kick five minutes later but Arsenal managed to find another goal before the end to restore their three-goal advantage.
With just two minutes remaining on the clock Paul Dummett fouled Welbeck in the box and Cazorla stepped up to score with a cheeky chip from the spot. In stoppage time Arsene Wenger sent on Ainsley Maitland-Niles for his Premier League debut to complete a fine week for the 17-year-old, who also made his Champions League bow in midweek.
All in all it was a positive day for the Gunners and, although it has been a decent week for the club, injuries are continuing to mount and the displays aren't always consistent enough.
There have been a lot of positives lately but I personally believe Wenger still needs to make some shrewd signings in the January transfer window. Two or three big additions could make the world of difference.
Next on the horizon is Liverpool so let's hope we can banish the memories of last season's horror-show at Anfield to get another much-needed three points.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Cazorla, who was celebrating his 30th birthday, struck from an acute angle and netted a cheeky penalty, while Olivier Giroud also bagged himself a brace to take his tally to five for the season.
The sides went into the game level on points with identical records but there was only one winner as the hosts clinical finishing proving decisive. The Gunners scored from all four of their shots on target to record their second 4-1 victory of the week following the thrashing of Galatasaray by the same scoreline in the Champions League.
But this looked set to be a tougher game than the one in midweek, most notably because of forced changes in defence. Kieran Gibbs came back into the side in place of the suspended Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy was forced to shift to centre back. Laurent Koscielny and midfielder Aaron Ramsey have been ruled out for at least a few weeks as the Gunners' injury problems increased.
Arsenal didn't let this faze them and again looked in confident mood, which was a stark contrast to the side which capitulated against Stoke just a week earlier.
This was one of the very few Arsenal games this season I didn't see the whole 90 minutes of but, from what I did see, there were positive signs on show and it was a well-deserved three points. Things seem to be gradually moving in the right direction again and the team should be in confident mood for the trip to Anfield next week. However, lying down in 6th place is still not good enough and more improvement is needed so there is plenty work to be done.
Arsenal opened the scoring after 16 minutes although their opponents may consider themselves fortunate not to have been reduced to 10 men before Giroud's first of the game. Cheick Tiote's challenge caught the stomach of Alexis Sanchez and some sections of the crowd wanted the Ivorian dismissed for the foul.
The Gunners didn't let this bother them and were in front when Giroud over-hit a pass to Sanchez, who still managed to get to the ball and cross for the Frenchman to head home.
Jak Alnwick, who was making his first career start in the Newcastle goal, looked to have conceded again soon after when Danny Welbeck lofted in from close range. Luckily for the young shot-stopper Welbeck's effort was ruled out for a foul on Daryl Janmaat.
Welbeck almost made amends when he latched onto Sanchez's lofted pass, but the England striker's volley sailed just wide. The miss could've proved costly had it not been for the heroics of Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The Poland international did well to parry Mike Williams's header and, although he hadn't got back up yet, he also managed to block the rebound from Papiss Cisse,
Arsenal doubled their advantage within nine minutes of the restart when Cazorla scored the first of his two goals. Sanchez played the ball through to the Spaniard, who managed to stay on his feet and skip over the challenge of Fabricio Coloccini before clipping the ball over Alnwick from an acute angle.
Giroud netted his second and the Gunners' third just four minutes later for his sixth goal against Newcastle, more than he has managed against any other side. Hector Bellerin, who had an impressive match at right-back, sent a low cross into the box and Giroud produced a magical piece of skill to flick the ball in from close range with the outside of his foot.
Newcastle gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Ayoze Perez headed home Jack Colback's free-kick five minutes later but Arsenal managed to find another goal before the end to restore their three-goal advantage.
With just two minutes remaining on the clock Paul Dummett fouled Welbeck in the box and Cazorla stepped up to score with a cheeky chip from the spot. In stoppage time Arsene Wenger sent on Ainsley Maitland-Niles for his Premier League debut to complete a fine week for the 17-year-old, who also made his Champions League bow in midweek.
All in all it was a positive day for the Gunners and, although it has been a decent week for the club, injuries are continuing to mount and the displays aren't always consistent enough.
There have been a lot of positives lately but I personally believe Wenger still needs to make some shrewd signings in the January transfer window. Two or three big additions could make the world of difference.
Next on the horizon is Liverpool so let's hope we can banish the memories of last season's horror-show at Anfield to get another much-needed three points.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Tuesday, 9 December 2014
Podolski proves point
Lukas Podolski struck twice to give his manager a selection headache as Arsenal ended the Champions League group stages in style with a 4-1 win at Galatasaray.
The result was not enough to see the Gunners snatch first place as Borussia Dortmund's 1-1 draw with Anderlecht meant the Germans won Group D on goal difference, but there were still plenty positives for the visitors to take from their night in Turkey.
Podolski put in an impressive display on a rare start, and put in a very good case to be given another start this weekend. Ramsey got himself back among the goals with a brace and Mathieu Debuchy put in a solid performance on his return from three months out with an ankle injury. The game also saw Wenger give debuts to youngsters Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Stefan O'Connor, while Gedion Zelalem came on for his first Champions League appearance - all very good signs for the London club.
The performance doesn't fully paper over the cracks of the problems of Arsenal's season, including the terrible 3-2 defeat at Stoke last time out, but it is certainly a huge confidence boost for Wenger's men. Arsenal must now ensure they maintain consistency instead of going all Jekyll and Hyde again when they return to league action for the visit of Newcastle.
Arsenal went into the game having already qualified for the knock-out stages and, with an arguably weak opposition, some had said the pressure was off. I disagree with this theory as, although the chance was only slim, there was still a slim chance of snatching top spot so there was a huge prize to play for. Only goal difference saw us finish behind Dortmund, which brings back memories of when we let the three-goal lead slip against Anderlecht, a result that ultimately cost us top spot.
It took just three minutes for the Gunners to make their dominance count as Podolski latched onto Ramsey's through-ball before thundering the ball home from close range. It was a great finish for the German World Cup winner, who is finding game-time hard to come by this season. Each time I see him play, whether a cameo or a rare start, he continues to prove that he deserves a start. His brace tonight was further proof of this and Wenger really needs to give him a chance. It is hard to build up form when you are not given the chance yet Podolski has still managed to score in each of his last four Champions League starts for Arsenal. Who knows what could happen if he is given more of a chance to prove himself. I'm not saying he'll be a world beater (although he does have a medal to prove it) but he deserves more of a chance than he is getting.
Back to the game and, although Arsenal were dominating, Galatasaray had their fair share of chances and were simply wasteful in front of goal, sending the majority of their efforts off target.
Those misses proved costly as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey combined superbly to get the Welsh wonder back among the goals. Ramsey was sensational last season but has come in for criticism in the current campaign, largely because his goal tally has somewhat dried up. In Turkey, however, he was back in confident mood with a goal after 11 minutes. Oxlade-Chamberlain picked up the ball in midfield to drive forward and, with the hosts distracted thinking there had been a foul, he continued his run and released Ramsey. The midfielder's left-footed shot rolled into the bottom corner and across Sinan Bolat in the visitors' goal.
Ramsey's next big contribution was even better as he scored the goal of the game just before the half hour mark. A corner into the box was cleared by the Galatasaray defence but Ramsey hammered it back towards goal from 35 yards with an unstoppable sublime left-foot volley into the top corner. Not only was it a top strike, but Ramsey's double will have given him a much-needed confidence boost and maybe this can be the start of a fine run of goal scoring form for the Welshman...here's hoping!
After such a dominant half and with Dortmund, at that point, goalless in there game, some were thinking if the Gunners' kept things up they could win the group on goal difference. Dortmund did end up drawing but the English outfit couldn't find enough goals, although they did find one more. The only real negative from the excellent first half is that the performance left fans including myself wondering where on earth this had been against Stoke in the last game. Some had said it was just because of facing poor opposition in our final Champions League group game, but you can only beat what's in front of you and we acquitted ourselves well.
Wesley Sneijder pulled a goal back for the hosts two minutes from time with a delightful free-kick giving the returning Wojciech Szczesny no chance. But it was the Gunners who had the final say as Podolski scored his second in injury time. The forward played a one-two before holding off challenges from the visitors' defence and scoring calmly from close range.
Yes we weren't playing the best opposition, yes there was less pressure on us having already qualified, but a wins a win and there were a lot of positives to take from the game!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The result was not enough to see the Gunners snatch first place as Borussia Dortmund's 1-1 draw with Anderlecht meant the Germans won Group D on goal difference, but there were still plenty positives for the visitors to take from their night in Turkey.
Podolski put in an impressive display on a rare start, and put in a very good case to be given another start this weekend. Ramsey got himself back among the goals with a brace and Mathieu Debuchy put in a solid performance on his return from three months out with an ankle injury. The game also saw Wenger give debuts to youngsters Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Stefan O'Connor, while Gedion Zelalem came on for his first Champions League appearance - all very good signs for the London club.
The performance doesn't fully paper over the cracks of the problems of Arsenal's season, including the terrible 3-2 defeat at Stoke last time out, but it is certainly a huge confidence boost for Wenger's men. Arsenal must now ensure they maintain consistency instead of going all Jekyll and Hyde again when they return to league action for the visit of Newcastle.
Arsenal went into the game having already qualified for the knock-out stages and, with an arguably weak opposition, some had said the pressure was off. I disagree with this theory as, although the chance was only slim, there was still a slim chance of snatching top spot so there was a huge prize to play for. Only goal difference saw us finish behind Dortmund, which brings back memories of when we let the three-goal lead slip against Anderlecht, a result that ultimately cost us top spot.
It took just three minutes for the Gunners to make their dominance count as Podolski latched onto Ramsey's through-ball before thundering the ball home from close range. It was a great finish for the German World Cup winner, who is finding game-time hard to come by this season. Each time I see him play, whether a cameo or a rare start, he continues to prove that he deserves a start. His brace tonight was further proof of this and Wenger really needs to give him a chance. It is hard to build up form when you are not given the chance yet Podolski has still managed to score in each of his last four Champions League starts for Arsenal. Who knows what could happen if he is given more of a chance to prove himself. I'm not saying he'll be a world beater (although he does have a medal to prove it) but he deserves more of a chance than he is getting.
Back to the game and, although Arsenal were dominating, Galatasaray had their fair share of chances and were simply wasteful in front of goal, sending the majority of their efforts off target.
Those misses proved costly as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey combined superbly to get the Welsh wonder back among the goals. Ramsey was sensational last season but has come in for criticism in the current campaign, largely because his goal tally has somewhat dried up. In Turkey, however, he was back in confident mood with a goal after 11 minutes. Oxlade-Chamberlain picked up the ball in midfield to drive forward and, with the hosts distracted thinking there had been a foul, he continued his run and released Ramsey. The midfielder's left-footed shot rolled into the bottom corner and across Sinan Bolat in the visitors' goal.
Ramsey's next big contribution was even better as he scored the goal of the game just before the half hour mark. A corner into the box was cleared by the Galatasaray defence but Ramsey hammered it back towards goal from 35 yards with an unstoppable sublime left-foot volley into the top corner. Not only was it a top strike, but Ramsey's double will have given him a much-needed confidence boost and maybe this can be the start of a fine run of goal scoring form for the Welshman...here's hoping!
After such a dominant half and with Dortmund, at that point, goalless in there game, some were thinking if the Gunners' kept things up they could win the group on goal difference. Dortmund did end up drawing but the English outfit couldn't find enough goals, although they did find one more. The only real negative from the excellent first half is that the performance left fans including myself wondering where on earth this had been against Stoke in the last game. Some had said it was just because of facing poor opposition in our final Champions League group game, but you can only beat what's in front of you and we acquitted ourselves well.
Wesley Sneijder pulled a goal back for the hosts two minutes from time with a delightful free-kick giving the returning Wojciech Szczesny no chance. But it was the Gunners who had the final say as Podolski scored his second in injury time. The forward played a one-two before holding off challenges from the visitors' defence and scoring calmly from close range.
Yes we weren't playing the best opposition, yes there was less pressure on us having already qualified, but a wins a win and there were a lot of positives to take from the game!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Monday, 8 December 2014
Potters rule Britannia
A dominant first-half display helped Stoke outclass their opponents and record a shock 3-2 victory over 10-man Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium.
The Potters were quick out the blocks and were in firm control inside the opening 30 seconds thanks to Peter Crouch before further goals from Bojan Krkic and Jon Walters gave the hosts a commanding 3-0 half-time lead.
Stoke then had a goal disallowed before two goals in as many minutes from Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey turned the one-sided game back into a contest for the Gunners. Arsene Wenger's men continued to pile on the pressure in the final quarter. Although, an equaliser would've been harsh on the hosts, who deserved their win, it had looked a distinct possibility as the Gunners mounted further attacks.
But Arsenal's chances of completing a fine comeback were made even tougher when Calum Chambers was sent off for a second bookable offence with 11 minutes remaining. Arsenal failed to find a leveller and, although there were some positives in the second half, it was a largely disappointing display from the visitors.
Without sounding harsh on Stoke, as they deserve full credit for their performance, we should not have lost in that manner with such a poor first-half performance against opposition like that. The Potters are often difficult to beat in their own back yard but how we just capitulated in the opening 45 minutes was inexcusable and, alongside the trip to Dortmund, was easily the worst performance of the season. The early goal didn't help but it was the fact we barely showed any fight to try get back into the game in the first half that hurt the most.
The second half was better and after Cazorla's spot-kick, the Gunners began to up the tempo and finally showed some fight to try and get something out of the game but ultimately it was too little too late.
Before the game Arsenal enjoyed run of three consecutive wins in all competitions without conceding a goal. Damian Martinez had earned deserved praise for the previous clean sheets but the game was only 19 seconds old when the 22-year-old was beaten by Crouch's close-range effort.
Arsenal should have drawn level in the first half but Olivier Giroud headed off target with the goal gaping. The visitors were made to pay for that wasted opportunity when Walters set up Bojan to sidefoot in Potters' second after 35 minutes.
Giroud wasted another headed opportunity when Asmir Begovic tipped over his effort and it proved costly once again as Crouch's header deflected to Walters to fire home.
It was a truly awful first half from the Gunners and, although Stoke deserved credit for their lead, there can be no excuses from the visitors - it was simply not good enough! From three solid defensive displays to one of the worst defensive performances of the season just beggars belief. Although, I have seen Arsenal capitulate like this before, I genuinely believed after recent results that confidence was returning to the side. Instead we are back to square one. Wenger's position is again under question and after a result like that it is hard to argue against it. Wenger is clearly making some mistakes that need to be rectified...and soon...but the manner of some of the abuse Wenger was receiving from fans was unacceptable. But where do we go from here? Does Wenger go? I don't think so....well not yet anyway! I think we do need two or three top quality additions to the playing squad in January though.
Back to the game, and Stoke were very unlucky not to go 4-0 up when Bojan appeared to have scored only to have the goal disallowed for offside.
The Gunners' faithful then finally had something to shout about when Mame Biram Diouf clipped Mathieu Flamini in the box after 68 minutes. Cazorla made no mistake from the spot to give the Gunners a glimmer of hope. The visitors were right back in the contest two minutes later when Ramsey showed great technique to volley in from Alexis Sanchez's corner.
Chambers has put in several impressive performances since joining the Gunners from Southampton over the summer but he stopped his side's momentum after receiving his second yellow card, and subsequently his marching orders, for pulling back Bojan.
After this performance, it is a bit of a relief to know that the next game has a lot less riding on it. Although we still have a slim chance of claiming top spot in our group in the Champions League, qualification is already secure. This is likely to lead to Wenger tinkering with his squad ahead of the trip to Galatasaray. Even though a top-two spot is already guaranteed, I think the players still have a huge point to prove. After the shocking first half performance against Stoke the players, and Wenger, need to try and defy their critics with a huge display against the Turkish side. The last Champions League game - the victory over Borussia Dortmund - was very impressive and more like that is needed. However, one positive result in the Champions League won't solve our problems. There is a lot of hard work ahead and, with some tough fixtures coming up, the Gunners need to bounce back in style in an attempt to give their fans a happy Christmas.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The Potters were quick out the blocks and were in firm control inside the opening 30 seconds thanks to Peter Crouch before further goals from Bojan Krkic and Jon Walters gave the hosts a commanding 3-0 half-time lead.
Stoke then had a goal disallowed before two goals in as many minutes from Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey turned the one-sided game back into a contest for the Gunners. Arsene Wenger's men continued to pile on the pressure in the final quarter. Although, an equaliser would've been harsh on the hosts, who deserved their win, it had looked a distinct possibility as the Gunners mounted further attacks.
But Arsenal's chances of completing a fine comeback were made even tougher when Calum Chambers was sent off for a second bookable offence with 11 minutes remaining. Arsenal failed to find a leveller and, although there were some positives in the second half, it was a largely disappointing display from the visitors.
Without sounding harsh on Stoke, as they deserve full credit for their performance, we should not have lost in that manner with such a poor first-half performance against opposition like that. The Potters are often difficult to beat in their own back yard but how we just capitulated in the opening 45 minutes was inexcusable and, alongside the trip to Dortmund, was easily the worst performance of the season. The early goal didn't help but it was the fact we barely showed any fight to try get back into the game in the first half that hurt the most.
The second half was better and after Cazorla's spot-kick, the Gunners began to up the tempo and finally showed some fight to try and get something out of the game but ultimately it was too little too late.
Before the game Arsenal enjoyed run of three consecutive wins in all competitions without conceding a goal. Damian Martinez had earned deserved praise for the previous clean sheets but the game was only 19 seconds old when the 22-year-old was beaten by Crouch's close-range effort.
Arsenal should have drawn level in the first half but Olivier Giroud headed off target with the goal gaping. The visitors were made to pay for that wasted opportunity when Walters set up Bojan to sidefoot in Potters' second after 35 minutes.
Giroud wasted another headed opportunity when Asmir Begovic tipped over his effort and it proved costly once again as Crouch's header deflected to Walters to fire home.
It was a truly awful first half from the Gunners and, although Stoke deserved credit for their lead, there can be no excuses from the visitors - it was simply not good enough! From three solid defensive displays to one of the worst defensive performances of the season just beggars belief. Although, I have seen Arsenal capitulate like this before, I genuinely believed after recent results that confidence was returning to the side. Instead we are back to square one. Wenger's position is again under question and after a result like that it is hard to argue against it. Wenger is clearly making some mistakes that need to be rectified...and soon...but the manner of some of the abuse Wenger was receiving from fans was unacceptable. But where do we go from here? Does Wenger go? I don't think so....well not yet anyway! I think we do need two or three top quality additions to the playing squad in January though.
Back to the game, and Stoke were very unlucky not to go 4-0 up when Bojan appeared to have scored only to have the goal disallowed for offside.
The Gunners' faithful then finally had something to shout about when Mame Biram Diouf clipped Mathieu Flamini in the box after 68 minutes. Cazorla made no mistake from the spot to give the Gunners a glimmer of hope. The visitors were right back in the contest two minutes later when Ramsey showed great technique to volley in from Alexis Sanchez's corner.
Chambers has put in several impressive performances since joining the Gunners from Southampton over the summer but he stopped his side's momentum after receiving his second yellow card, and subsequently his marching orders, for pulling back Bojan.
After this performance, it is a bit of a relief to know that the next game has a lot less riding on it. Although we still have a slim chance of claiming top spot in our group in the Champions League, qualification is already secure. This is likely to lead to Wenger tinkering with his squad ahead of the trip to Galatasaray. Even though a top-two spot is already guaranteed, I think the players still have a huge point to prove. After the shocking first half performance against Stoke the players, and Wenger, need to try and defy their critics with a huge display against the Turkish side. The last Champions League game - the victory over Borussia Dortmund - was very impressive and more like that is needed. However, one positive result in the Champions League won't solve our problems. There is a lot of hard work ahead and, with some tough fixtures coming up, the Gunners need to bounce back in style in an attempt to give their fans a happy Christmas.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
Sanchez stuns Saints
Alexis Sanchez once again proved his worth with a last-gasp goal as Arsenal kept their third successive clean sheet with a 1-0 win over Southampton.
The Chilean winger, who has arguably been one of the signings of the summer in the Premier League this season, scored from close range in the final minute of normal time for his 14th goal of the season.
Arsenal controlled for large spells and the score could've been higher had man of the match Fraser Forster not been in sublime form for the visitors.
The Saints have been one of the stand-out sides this season, with Ronald Koeman's men defying all the odds to keep among the top four, but it was the Gunners who continued to get their season back on track to inflict back-to-back league defeats on their opponents for the first time this season.
Although Arsenal are still not answering all the questions being posed by their critics, it was a third win in three games in all competitions and another largely solid defensive display. The Gunners have often been criticised for leaking goals at the back, but the back four limited Southampton to just one shot on target and deserve huge credit for that. It is no coincidence that the return of Laurent Koscielny from injury has seen more defensive stability at the back for the Gunners. Stand-in goalkeeper Damian Martinez also kept another clean sheet, and although he didn't have too much to do, he seems to be showing no fear and recent results will undoubtedly do his confidence the world of good.
Wenger is still under pressure from sections of the fans but one thing he cannot be questioned on is his signing of Sanchez, who once again delivered the goods, even on a day he didn't have the strongest of performances.
In truth, the game didn't really come to life until the second half. Neither goalkeeper had too much to do in the opening 45 minutes, with the best chance falling to the hosts in first-half stoppage time. Welbeck's flicked header looked goal-bound but Forster reacted well to turn his header over the bar.
Olivier Giroud almost made an instant impact when he replaced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after 65 minutes, but the Frenchman's snap shot was kept out by the impressive Forster. The England goalkeeper continued to impress, much to the frustration of the hosts, and I personally would have him as England's number one ahead of Joe Hart.
Forster made arguably his best save of the match when Giroud's neat flick released Welbeck and the Saints star man reacted superbly to deny his England counterpart with a one-handed save.
Saints were dealt a blow in the closing stages when Toby Alderweireld suffered a hamstring injury and Southampton had already used all three substitutes, forcing the visitors to play out the remainder of the game with 10 men.
The hosts made the extra man count as Aaron Ramsey latched onto a loose ball before sending the ball back across goal for Sanchez, who calmly slotted the ball home from six yards to send the Gunners' faithful into raptures.
There is definitely room for improvement and Wenger's previous problems haven't gone away, but this is certainly another step in the right direction. With the defence continuing to improve, the Gunners just need to find a way to be more clinical up front, possibly with some January additions, to be able to properly challenge the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
Focus must now turn to Stoke as Arsenal look to maintain their good run of form.
Come on you Gunners
The Chilean winger, who has arguably been one of the signings of the summer in the Premier League this season, scored from close range in the final minute of normal time for his 14th goal of the season.
Arsenal controlled for large spells and the score could've been higher had man of the match Fraser Forster not been in sublime form for the visitors.
The Saints have been one of the stand-out sides this season, with Ronald Koeman's men defying all the odds to keep among the top four, but it was the Gunners who continued to get their season back on track to inflict back-to-back league defeats on their opponents for the first time this season.
Although Arsenal are still not answering all the questions being posed by their critics, it was a third win in three games in all competitions and another largely solid defensive display. The Gunners have often been criticised for leaking goals at the back, but the back four limited Southampton to just one shot on target and deserve huge credit for that. It is no coincidence that the return of Laurent Koscielny from injury has seen more defensive stability at the back for the Gunners. Stand-in goalkeeper Damian Martinez also kept another clean sheet, and although he didn't have too much to do, he seems to be showing no fear and recent results will undoubtedly do his confidence the world of good.
Wenger is still under pressure from sections of the fans but one thing he cannot be questioned on is his signing of Sanchez, who once again delivered the goods, even on a day he didn't have the strongest of performances.
In truth, the game didn't really come to life until the second half. Neither goalkeeper had too much to do in the opening 45 minutes, with the best chance falling to the hosts in first-half stoppage time. Welbeck's flicked header looked goal-bound but Forster reacted well to turn his header over the bar.
Olivier Giroud almost made an instant impact when he replaced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after 65 minutes, but the Frenchman's snap shot was kept out by the impressive Forster. The England goalkeeper continued to impress, much to the frustration of the hosts, and I personally would have him as England's number one ahead of Joe Hart.
Forster made arguably his best save of the match when Giroud's neat flick released Welbeck and the Saints star man reacted superbly to deny his England counterpart with a one-handed save.
Saints were dealt a blow in the closing stages when Toby Alderweireld suffered a hamstring injury and Southampton had already used all three substitutes, forcing the visitors to play out the remainder of the game with 10 men.
The hosts made the extra man count as Aaron Ramsey latched onto a loose ball before sending the ball back across goal for Sanchez, who calmly slotted the ball home from six yards to send the Gunners' faithful into raptures.
There is definitely room for improvement and Wenger's previous problems haven't gone away, but this is certainly another step in the right direction. With the defence continuing to improve, the Gunners just need to find a way to be more clinical up front, possibly with some January additions, to be able to properly challenge the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
Focus must now turn to Stoke as Arsenal look to maintain their good run of form.
Come on you Gunners
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