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
Sunday, 30 November 2014
Gunners Wel-Beck to winning winnings
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
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
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!
Saturday, 25 October 2014
Super Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez struck twice as Arsenal claimed their second away win of the week with an uninspiring 2-0 victory at Sunderland.
The Gunners needed two goals in as many minutes to come from behind and beat Anderlecht in midweek and there was a sense of fortune about their three-point haul at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland were looking to recover from their embarrassing 8-0 defeat by Southampton last time out so it was surprising to see just two changes to their side, with Jack Rodwell and Adam Johnson recalled to the starting line-up.
Although Gus Poyet's men improved on their previous display it was again defensive mishaps that proved costly as their unbeaten home record came crashing to halt.
Arsenal opened the scoring on the half hour mark when Wes Brown's poor passback went straight to Sanchez, and the Chilean raced towards goal before clipping the ball over former Gunner Vito Mannone.
At 1-0, the hosts were very much still in the game but another lapse in concentration cost them dearly as Arsene Wenger's men completed the scoring in stoppage time.
The goal marked an impressive landmark for the Gunners with Sanchez's second of the afternoon their 1500th goal in the Premier League, but it did arrive in fortuitous circumstances. Santiago Vergini, who opened the scoring with an own goal in his side's horror show last weekend, passed the ball back to Mannone and the Italian dawdled too long on the ball before Sanchez nipped in to take the ball and score the simplest of goals.
Although it wasn't the best of performances, Wenger would have been delighted to see his side keep a second clean sheet of the season and to come out of the last two games with maximum points, albeit in fortunate circumstances, is an excellent return. The main other positive for Wenger was the return of Theo Walcott. The England forward was an unused substitute but it was great to see him back in the squad after nine months out with a knee injury. Once Walcott returns to full fitness, he will be a huge asset for the London club once again and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can regain top form. He could yet prove to be a key figure in the Gunners' Premier League campaign.
It wasn't all good news on the injury front with Kieran Gibbs being forced off after 74 minutes. Wenger confirmed after the match that the left-back had sustained a hip problem but it is not yet clear how long the 25-year-old will be on the sidelines for. The Gunners' squad is already stretched with Calum Chambers needed at right-back due to the absence of Mathieu Debuchy. Nacho Monreal has been needed at centre-back due to the injury of Laurent Koscielny, which looks set to extend until at least after the next international break, meaning Arsenal will be praying Gibbs' problem isn't too serious or they will be lacking cover. There is the possibility of Monreal to move back to left-back, Chambers into the centre and Hector Bellerin to cover at right-back, but Arsenal's defence really is being tested to the limit. Wenger really needs to buy an additional defender in January. Although we have some decent defenders in our ranks, all it takes is a few injuries and it looks like we could struggle further, so we need to plug some of the gaps with decent cover in January to help combat any future problems.
The win puts the Gunners into fifth place and only three points behind champions Manchester City, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at West Ham. The title race is firmly in Chelsea's favour and if Arsenal are to stay anywhere near the other title chasers they cannot afford to drop any silly point as per earlier in the season.
The next match sees Arsenal host newly promoted Burnley and, without being disrespectful to Sean Dyche's men, this is a match we should be winning comfortably. The players need to take a long hard look at themselves and put in one hell of a performance to prove the quality of players we have can in fact fulfil their potential. We need one of our top class performances where we totally brush aside the opposition scoring plenty of goals. We haven't had many 3-0 or 4-0s in a while, so let's make sure the next game is just that!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The Gunners needed two goals in as many minutes to come from behind and beat Anderlecht in midweek and there was a sense of fortune about their three-point haul at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland were looking to recover from their embarrassing 8-0 defeat by Southampton last time out so it was surprising to see just two changes to their side, with Jack Rodwell and Adam Johnson recalled to the starting line-up.
Although Gus Poyet's men improved on their previous display it was again defensive mishaps that proved costly as their unbeaten home record came crashing to halt.
Arsenal opened the scoring on the half hour mark when Wes Brown's poor passback went straight to Sanchez, and the Chilean raced towards goal before clipping the ball over former Gunner Vito Mannone.
At 1-0, the hosts were very much still in the game but another lapse in concentration cost them dearly as Arsene Wenger's men completed the scoring in stoppage time.
The goal marked an impressive landmark for the Gunners with Sanchez's second of the afternoon their 1500th goal in the Premier League, but it did arrive in fortuitous circumstances. Santiago Vergini, who opened the scoring with an own goal in his side's horror show last weekend, passed the ball back to Mannone and the Italian dawdled too long on the ball before Sanchez nipped in to take the ball and score the simplest of goals.
Although it wasn't the best of performances, Wenger would have been delighted to see his side keep a second clean sheet of the season and to come out of the last two games with maximum points, albeit in fortunate circumstances, is an excellent return. The main other positive for Wenger was the return of Theo Walcott. The England forward was an unused substitute but it was great to see him back in the squad after nine months out with a knee injury. Once Walcott returns to full fitness, he will be a huge asset for the London club once again and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can regain top form. He could yet prove to be a key figure in the Gunners' Premier League campaign.
It wasn't all good news on the injury front with Kieran Gibbs being forced off after 74 minutes. Wenger confirmed after the match that the left-back had sustained a hip problem but it is not yet clear how long the 25-year-old will be on the sidelines for. The Gunners' squad is already stretched with Calum Chambers needed at right-back due to the absence of Mathieu Debuchy. Nacho Monreal has been needed at centre-back due to the injury of Laurent Koscielny, which looks set to extend until at least after the next international break, meaning Arsenal will be praying Gibbs' problem isn't too serious or they will be lacking cover. There is the possibility of Monreal to move back to left-back, Chambers into the centre and Hector Bellerin to cover at right-back, but Arsenal's defence really is being tested to the limit. Wenger really needs to buy an additional defender in January. Although we have some decent defenders in our ranks, all it takes is a few injuries and it looks like we could struggle further, so we need to plug some of the gaps with decent cover in January to help combat any future problems.
The win puts the Gunners into fifth place and only three points behind champions Manchester City, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at West Ham. The title race is firmly in Chelsea's favour and if Arsenal are to stay anywhere near the other title chasers they cannot afford to drop any silly point as per earlier in the season.
The next match sees Arsenal host newly promoted Burnley and, without being disrespectful to Sean Dyche's men, this is a match we should be winning comfortably. The players need to take a long hard look at themselves and put in one hell of a performance to prove the quality of players we have can in fact fulfil their potential. We need one of our top class performances where we totally brush aside the opposition scoring plenty of goals. We haven't had many 3-0 or 4-0s in a while, so let's make sure the next game is just that!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Wednesday, 22 October 2014
Podolski present for birthday boy
Late goals from Kieran Gibbs and Lukas Podolski ensured Arsene Wenger celebrated his birthday with a 2-1 victory at Anderlecht.
Wenger, who turned 65 on the day of the match, looked as if he would be forced to contend with a defeat as the Gunners remained behind with 89 minutes on the clock following Andy Najar's earlier strike.
But two goals in under two minutes rescued Wenger's men and guided them to a maximum three-point haul on a nervy night in Belgium and what a crucial result it was. Not only did it stop the rot for Arsenal, who had gone two games without a win, but it also saw the London club extend their lead over third-placed Anderlecht to five points and put them a step closer to qualification for the knock-out stages.
The Gunners went into the match on the back of a disappointing 2-2 draw with Hull and, after a dire first half, it looked set for yet another draw. The first half was played at a high tempo and once again the Gunners dominated possession, but there was little action and very few clear cut chances. In fact, the best chance of the first half arguably fell to the hosts as Youri Tielemans saw his effort well blocked by Arsenal's third-choice shot-stopper Emiliano MartÃnez, who was making his Champions League debut.
Arsenal created a bit more in the second half with Aaron Ramsey shooting wide before Santi Cazorla was put through one-on-one, only to be denied by Anderlecht goalkeeper Silvio Proto.
But it was the hosts who stunned their opponents into silence with the opening goal of a tight contest. Dennis Praet crossed for Honduras midfielder Andy Najar to head home.
The Belgian outfit should've doubled their advantage but Anthony Vanden Borre's lofted effort hit the crossbar before Najar smashed the rebound into the side netting, much to the relief of the travelling supporters.
Alexis Sanchez once again displayed immense work-rate and almost levelled the scores after 80 minutes when his free-kick sailed narrowly wide and into the side netting.
Anderlecht haven't won in the Champions League for two years but looked odds on to do so with their lead still intact going into the final minute of normal time, until an unlikely hero popped up for the visitors.
Full-backs Calum Chambers and Kieran Gibbs combined expertly with the former swinging in a delightful cross for the latter to hit first time and rifle into the bottom corner of the net for his first goal of the season.
The drama wasn't over yet as substitute Lukas Podolski, who had only been on the field for seven minutes, latched onto a loose ball to smash home and snatch victory from their opponents and leave the Belgians feeling deflated.
After the match birthday boy Wenger said "You always want Podolski to have the ball in the box. He has a great shot". This begs the question of why on earth Podolski has not been given more game time. He certainly deserves to be given more of a chance to prove himself before we can really reserve judgement on the German forward, even more so if we are to prevent him from trying to seek a move away from the club in January.
Although the performance was far from ideal for the Gunners, what matters most is the result and it puts Wenger's men back on track ahead of a potentially tricky trip to Sunderland when we return to league action at the weekend. Sunderland is a game we should be winning but, after their 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Southampton last time out, the Black Cats will be hurting and it is impossible to say whether it is in fact the best or worst time to face them.
One thing is for sure - we will need to improve dramatically on the performance in Belgium. Individually there were some positives on show in our European encounter but collectively we need to create a lot more and be more clinical. I am hopeful we can use the Sunderland game as a real springboard for the rest of the season, so fingers crossed for a big performance and result at the weekend.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Wenger, who turned 65 on the day of the match, looked as if he would be forced to contend with a defeat as the Gunners remained behind with 89 minutes on the clock following Andy Najar's earlier strike.
But two goals in under two minutes rescued Wenger's men and guided them to a maximum three-point haul on a nervy night in Belgium and what a crucial result it was. Not only did it stop the rot for Arsenal, who had gone two games without a win, but it also saw the London club extend their lead over third-placed Anderlecht to five points and put them a step closer to qualification for the knock-out stages.
The Gunners went into the match on the back of a disappointing 2-2 draw with Hull and, after a dire first half, it looked set for yet another draw. The first half was played at a high tempo and once again the Gunners dominated possession, but there was little action and very few clear cut chances. In fact, the best chance of the first half arguably fell to the hosts as Youri Tielemans saw his effort well blocked by Arsenal's third-choice shot-stopper Emiliano MartÃnez, who was making his Champions League debut.
Arsenal created a bit more in the second half with Aaron Ramsey shooting wide before Santi Cazorla was put through one-on-one, only to be denied by Anderlecht goalkeeper Silvio Proto.
But it was the hosts who stunned their opponents into silence with the opening goal of a tight contest. Dennis Praet crossed for Honduras midfielder Andy Najar to head home.
The Belgian outfit should've doubled their advantage but Anthony Vanden Borre's lofted effort hit the crossbar before Najar smashed the rebound into the side netting, much to the relief of the travelling supporters.
Alexis Sanchez once again displayed immense work-rate and almost levelled the scores after 80 minutes when his free-kick sailed narrowly wide and into the side netting.
Anderlecht haven't won in the Champions League for two years but looked odds on to do so with their lead still intact going into the final minute of normal time, until an unlikely hero popped up for the visitors.
Full-backs Calum Chambers and Kieran Gibbs combined expertly with the former swinging in a delightful cross for the latter to hit first time and rifle into the bottom corner of the net for his first goal of the season.
The drama wasn't over yet as substitute Lukas Podolski, who had only been on the field for seven minutes, latched onto a loose ball to smash home and snatch victory from their opponents and leave the Belgians feeling deflated.
After the match birthday boy Wenger said "You always want Podolski to have the ball in the box. He has a great shot". This begs the question of why on earth Podolski has not been given more game time. He certainly deserves to be given more of a chance to prove himself before we can really reserve judgement on the German forward, even more so if we are to prevent him from trying to seek a move away from the club in January.
Although the performance was far from ideal for the Gunners, what matters most is the result and it puts Wenger's men back on track ahead of a potentially tricky trip to Sunderland when we return to league action at the weekend. Sunderland is a game we should be winning but, after their 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Southampton last time out, the Black Cats will be hurting and it is impossible to say whether it is in fact the best or worst time to face them.
One thing is for sure - we will need to improve dramatically on the performance in Belgium. Individually there were some positives on show in our European encounter but collectively we need to create a lot more and be more clinical. I am hopeful we can use the Sunderland game as a real springboard for the rest of the season, so fingers crossed for a big performance and result at the weekend.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Sunday, 19 October 2014
Yet another draw
Danny Welbeck rescued a point for Arsenal as his side were forced to settle for yet another draw following a 2-2 against Hull at the Emirates.
Despite some very mixed performances this season, I genuinely thought we would claim maximum points against the Tigers in what was the first game of the season I had missed. No offence to Hull but, even with the players missing, the starting XI put out by Arsene Wenger should still have been capable of getting a better result.
Injuries saw Wenger forced into changes, with Nacho Monreal playing out of position at centre-back and teenager Hector Bellerin making his first Premier League appearance at right-back. With that in mind, it was never going to be easy, but this issue really needs address. There is great potential within our squad and, if we could remain injury free, our strongest starting XI can compete with most sides. But it is so clear that we need more depth and stronger more experienced back-up. Bellerin looks like he could have a bright future and I am all for giving youth a chance, but we really need more depth. Wenger is no stranger to injuries and this has happened to us before and I feel we need to add more faces in January to help us get through this.
I am confident we can still finish in the top four but we really should be aiming higher than simply achieving Champions League football every year, regardless of how impressive an achievement it is. We are not too many players off being able to properly compete with the likes of Chelsea and Man City, and even proved against Man City in the league this season we are no pushovers. But the performances are not consistent enough and we need an experienced defensive midfielder, another centre-back and possibly even another striker and then, maybe then, we can seriously compete for the title.
The most frustrating thing is, we really are not that far off, but the little tweaks that need made need to be addressed! We have only lost one of our eight league games this season, which is an impressive feat but five draws from those games is simply not good enough! We are not even at the end of October and we are already 11 points behind leaders Chelsea. We need to act quickly and January needs to be a busy month for us in terms of transfers! If Wenger can get the final pieces of the jigsaw we can match City and Chelsea, but we need to add one or two players first. The other improvement we need is to be able to kill off games. It has happened too many times that we have been in control and not made our dominance count and then had to settle for a draw. We need to take our chances and be more clinical. City haven't hit top gear in all their matches, yet they are still up in second place.
Back to the match, and it all looked good when Alexis Sanchez, who has made an impressive start to his Gunners' career since joining from Barcelona over the summer, opened the scoring after 13 minutes. The Chilean winger beat Curtis Davies before continuing his run and placing a low shot beyond Steve Harper in the Hull goal.
It was a deserved lead for Wenger's men following their early dominance but lasted just four minutes. Mohamed Diame got the better of Monreal before appearing to pull back Mathieu Flamini. Referee Roger East failed to blow for a foul and with players protesting, Diame was left to clip the ball over Wojciech Szczesny for the equaliser. The goal shouldn't have been given as the foul on Flamini was blatant but, at the same time, Per Mertesacker should have played to the whistle and tried to put a challenge in instead of trying to get East's attention.
Hull were dealt a blow before half-time when Harper had to be replaced by third-choice goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic after 43 minutes due to tearing a muscle in his left arm. But the Tigers didn't let it affect them and took a shock leadless than a minute into the second half as former Spurs duo Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore combined to set up Abel Hernandez to head home.
Mertesacker should've marked his man far better! The German defender didn't look like a World Cup winner and will want to bounce back with a big performance in the midweek Champions League clash with Anderlecht. Mertesacker and his absent centre-half partner Laurent Koscielny are often solid, but when basic mistakes creep in it is frustrating.
Arsenal stepped it up a gear in the final five minutes and only a fine save from Jakupovic prevented Sanchez from heading in his second goal of the game. Sanchez refused to give up and, even from the highlights alone, his superb work-rate was again clear to see and the Chilean was rewarded as he provided the assist for Arsenal's leveller.
Sanchez went on a mazy run through the defence before setting up Danny Welbeck to control the ball and send a left-foot shot into the corner of the net as Gunners' fans breathed a huge sigh of relief.
There was still time for Wenger's men to grab a winner and get the maximum three-point haul that had been expected before the match. Santi Cazorla saw his shot spilled by Jakupovic but the follow-up by substitute Joel Campbell was very poor. Sanchez still wouldn't give up and his cross got the better of the visitors defence, but Kieran Gibbs effort was well kept out by Tigers' shot-stopper.
There were to be no repeat of the heroics that saw Arsenal come from behind to beat Hull in last season's FA Cup final, so Wenger's men were left being forced to settle for yet another draw despite again dominating possession. There was at least some positives for Gunners' fans though, with key midfielder Aaron Ramsey coming off the bench to make his return from injury. Sanchez again impressed and it was great to see Welbeck get another goal, but this result again highlighted the need for us to add depth to the squad.
Focus now moves to the Champions League and the trip to Anderlecht before we return to league action away at Sunderland, who got thumped 8-0 by Southampton in their last match. No disrespect to Sunderland but if there is anyone we want to be playing soon it is them and nothing other than six points will do from these two games.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Despite some very mixed performances this season, I genuinely thought we would claim maximum points against the Tigers in what was the first game of the season I had missed. No offence to Hull but, even with the players missing, the starting XI put out by Arsene Wenger should still have been capable of getting a better result.
Injuries saw Wenger forced into changes, with Nacho Monreal playing out of position at centre-back and teenager Hector Bellerin making his first Premier League appearance at right-back. With that in mind, it was never going to be easy, but this issue really needs address. There is great potential within our squad and, if we could remain injury free, our strongest starting XI can compete with most sides. But it is so clear that we need more depth and stronger more experienced back-up. Bellerin looks like he could have a bright future and I am all for giving youth a chance, but we really need more depth. Wenger is no stranger to injuries and this has happened to us before and I feel we need to add more faces in January to help us get through this.
I am confident we can still finish in the top four but we really should be aiming higher than simply achieving Champions League football every year, regardless of how impressive an achievement it is. We are not too many players off being able to properly compete with the likes of Chelsea and Man City, and even proved against Man City in the league this season we are no pushovers. But the performances are not consistent enough and we need an experienced defensive midfielder, another centre-back and possibly even another striker and then, maybe then, we can seriously compete for the title.
The most frustrating thing is, we really are not that far off, but the little tweaks that need made need to be addressed! We have only lost one of our eight league games this season, which is an impressive feat but five draws from those games is simply not good enough! We are not even at the end of October and we are already 11 points behind leaders Chelsea. We need to act quickly and January needs to be a busy month for us in terms of transfers! If Wenger can get the final pieces of the jigsaw we can match City and Chelsea, but we need to add one or two players first. The other improvement we need is to be able to kill off games. It has happened too many times that we have been in control and not made our dominance count and then had to settle for a draw. We need to take our chances and be more clinical. City haven't hit top gear in all their matches, yet they are still up in second place.
Back to the match, and it all looked good when Alexis Sanchez, who has made an impressive start to his Gunners' career since joining from Barcelona over the summer, opened the scoring after 13 minutes. The Chilean winger beat Curtis Davies before continuing his run and placing a low shot beyond Steve Harper in the Hull goal.
It was a deserved lead for Wenger's men following their early dominance but lasted just four minutes. Mohamed Diame got the better of Monreal before appearing to pull back Mathieu Flamini. Referee Roger East failed to blow for a foul and with players protesting, Diame was left to clip the ball over Wojciech Szczesny for the equaliser. The goal shouldn't have been given as the foul on Flamini was blatant but, at the same time, Per Mertesacker should have played to the whistle and tried to put a challenge in instead of trying to get East's attention.
Hull were dealt a blow before half-time when Harper had to be replaced by third-choice goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic after 43 minutes due to tearing a muscle in his left arm. But the Tigers didn't let it affect them and took a shock leadless than a minute into the second half as former Spurs duo Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore combined to set up Abel Hernandez to head home.
Mertesacker should've marked his man far better! The German defender didn't look like a World Cup winner and will want to bounce back with a big performance in the midweek Champions League clash with Anderlecht. Mertesacker and his absent centre-half partner Laurent Koscielny are often solid, but when basic mistakes creep in it is frustrating.
Arsenal stepped it up a gear in the final five minutes and only a fine save from Jakupovic prevented Sanchez from heading in his second goal of the game. Sanchez refused to give up and, even from the highlights alone, his superb work-rate was again clear to see and the Chilean was rewarded as he provided the assist for Arsenal's leveller.
Sanchez went on a mazy run through the defence before setting up Danny Welbeck to control the ball and send a left-foot shot into the corner of the net as Gunners' fans breathed a huge sigh of relief.
There was still time for Wenger's men to grab a winner and get the maximum three-point haul that had been expected before the match. Santi Cazorla saw his shot spilled by Jakupovic but the follow-up by substitute Joel Campbell was very poor. Sanchez still wouldn't give up and his cross got the better of the visitors defence, but Kieran Gibbs effort was well kept out by Tigers' shot-stopper.
There were to be no repeat of the heroics that saw Arsenal come from behind to beat Hull in last season's FA Cup final, so Wenger's men were left being forced to settle for yet another draw despite again dominating possession. There was at least some positives for Gunners' fans though, with key midfielder Aaron Ramsey coming off the bench to make his return from injury. Sanchez again impressed and it was great to see Welbeck get another goal, but this result again highlighted the need for us to add depth to the squad.
Focus now moves to the Champions League and the trip to Anderlecht before we return to league action away at Sunderland, who got thumped 8-0 by Southampton in their last match. No disrespect to Sunderland but if there is anyone we want to be playing soon it is them and nothing other than six points will do from these two games.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Sunday, 5 October 2014
Fabregas Frustrates Gunners
Cesc Fabregas returned to haunt his former club as he helped his new club Chelsea to extend their lead at the top of the league to five points following a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Fabregas played a key role in the match, setting up the winning goal for Diego Costa as the Spanish pair's partnership continues to flourish. It is still very strange seeing Fabregas in a Chelsea shirt, with many Gunners' fans frustrated their club didn't take up the option to sign the midfielder as they did actually have first refusal on the former Barcelona man. I can half understand why Wenger didn't decide to bring Fabregas back to the Emirates, mainly because midfield is an area we actually have a large amount of players in, but that doesn't stop me being frustrated and wondering what might have been had the 27-year-old had the correct shirt colour of red on in the October clash.
The Gunners, who had been unbeaten in their last 11 league games, made an unsurprisingly cautious start to the game, which kicked off 15 minutes late for security reasons, as they were keen to avoid a repeat of last season's 6-0 hammering by the Blues.
There was little to choose between the sides until the opening goal, with the most worthy incident of note before that coming when Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois collided with Arsenal's summer signing Alexis Sanchez inside the opening 10 minutes.
The Belgian was eventually forced off after 24 minutes and his replacement Petr Cech was rarely threatened by the Gunners attack. Just three minutes after entering the action Cech saw one of the key moments of the game. Luckily for him it came at the other end of the field. Laurent Koscielny stuck out a leg to clumsily bring down Eden Hazard in the box. The Belgian forward made no mistake as he sent Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way and fired his spot-kick into the bottom corner.
Arsenal almost hit back soon after when Santi Cazorla set up Jack Wilshere with a fine pass but the midfielder's control in the box took the ball away from him to sum up the visitors' frustrating afternoon. The Gunners were showing some promising signs, with some lovely passing moves but their lack of a killer final ball and not getting enough shots in prevented them from causing too much of a threat to their opponents.
In fact the main highlight for the visitors in the first half came when manager Arsene Wenger squared up to his Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho, with the latter having the last laugh with all three points. The pair fronted up to one another with Wenger appearing to shove Mourinho after Gary Cahill's clumsy lunge on Sanchez, with some supporters thinking the card should've been red. Things evened themselves out later in the match when Danny Welbeck received just a yellow for his two-footed challenge on Fabregas.
Arsene Wenger's men started the second half brightly and should've drawn level within four minutes of the restart. A sweet passing move ended with Sanchez passing across the edge of the box for Cazorla, but the Spanish international sent his effort just wide of a post.
Arsenal continued to try and find a way back into the game but were reduced to half chances as Wilshere's shot deflected over the bar for a corner amidst shouts for a handball against Fabregas, in an incident that potentially could've changed the game, as the hosts appeared to be showing more urgency. But that urgency was failing to turn into enough clear cut chances on goal.
The Gunners' failure to test Cech enough proved costly as their London rivals grabbed a second goal to wrap up all three points. Fabregas played an inch perfect ball over the top for Diego Costa, who lifted a fine finish over Szczesny for his ninth goal in seven games 12 minutes from time.
Chelsea did superbly to defend their lead but neither side did much to really test the goalkeepers and it was ultimately the hosts' ability to convert chances when it mattered that decided the contest.
As for the Gunners, it was only a first league loss of the season and a huge improvement to the away displays against the big guns from last season, but in the end it had the same outcome - defeat.
Welbeck, who had scored a hat-trick against Galatasaray in midweek, again looked lively in attack although he didn't really have any clear cut chances to grab a goal this time around. Fellow striker Lukas Podolski failed to produce any kind of spark when he came on for the final 11 minutes of the match. But in fairness to the German international it must be hard to build up any kind of momentum when you are not given much game time. Given the injury to Olivier Giroud, Podolski should have played a lot more even since the arrival of Welbeck. Podolski deserves to be given more chance to prove himself this season and am unsure why he isn't being given that.
The midfield didn't do too badly and Wilshere showed a lot of potential at times, while Santi Cazorla also looked a threat. But that threat failed to amount to anything. The Gunners will have to be a lot more ruthless in attack when they return to action after the international break with a home match against Hull.
The defence weren't too bad, aside from the two goals, and they restricted Chelsea to fewer chances than expected and Szczesny didn't have too much to do. However, the few they did get the hosts made count and ultimately that was the difference between the sides as Mourinho's men continue to look odds on favourite for the 2014/15 Premier League title.
If somebody doesn't beat Chelsea soon to put a blip in their unbeaten run the title race may not be as open as in recent seasons as they really do look like running away with it at the moment. Meanwhile, the Gunners must regroup and forget about their first league defeat of the season and focus on beating Hull and getting their season back on track.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Fabregas played a key role in the match, setting up the winning goal for Diego Costa as the Spanish pair's partnership continues to flourish. It is still very strange seeing Fabregas in a Chelsea shirt, with many Gunners' fans frustrated their club didn't take up the option to sign the midfielder as they did actually have first refusal on the former Barcelona man. I can half understand why Wenger didn't decide to bring Fabregas back to the Emirates, mainly because midfield is an area we actually have a large amount of players in, but that doesn't stop me being frustrated and wondering what might have been had the 27-year-old had the correct shirt colour of red on in the October clash.
The Gunners, who had been unbeaten in their last 11 league games, made an unsurprisingly cautious start to the game, which kicked off 15 minutes late for security reasons, as they were keen to avoid a repeat of last season's 6-0 hammering by the Blues.
There was little to choose between the sides until the opening goal, with the most worthy incident of note before that coming when Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois collided with Arsenal's summer signing Alexis Sanchez inside the opening 10 minutes.
The Belgian was eventually forced off after 24 minutes and his replacement Petr Cech was rarely threatened by the Gunners attack. Just three minutes after entering the action Cech saw one of the key moments of the game. Luckily for him it came at the other end of the field. Laurent Koscielny stuck out a leg to clumsily bring down Eden Hazard in the box. The Belgian forward made no mistake as he sent Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way and fired his spot-kick into the bottom corner.
Arsenal almost hit back soon after when Santi Cazorla set up Jack Wilshere with a fine pass but the midfielder's control in the box took the ball away from him to sum up the visitors' frustrating afternoon. The Gunners were showing some promising signs, with some lovely passing moves but their lack of a killer final ball and not getting enough shots in prevented them from causing too much of a threat to their opponents.
In fact the main highlight for the visitors in the first half came when manager Arsene Wenger squared up to his Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho, with the latter having the last laugh with all three points. The pair fronted up to one another with Wenger appearing to shove Mourinho after Gary Cahill's clumsy lunge on Sanchez, with some supporters thinking the card should've been red. Things evened themselves out later in the match when Danny Welbeck received just a yellow for his two-footed challenge on Fabregas.
Arsene Wenger's men started the second half brightly and should've drawn level within four minutes of the restart. A sweet passing move ended with Sanchez passing across the edge of the box for Cazorla, but the Spanish international sent his effort just wide of a post.
Arsenal continued to try and find a way back into the game but were reduced to half chances as Wilshere's shot deflected over the bar for a corner amidst shouts for a handball against Fabregas, in an incident that potentially could've changed the game, as the hosts appeared to be showing more urgency. But that urgency was failing to turn into enough clear cut chances on goal.
The Gunners' failure to test Cech enough proved costly as their London rivals grabbed a second goal to wrap up all three points. Fabregas played an inch perfect ball over the top for Diego Costa, who lifted a fine finish over Szczesny for his ninth goal in seven games 12 minutes from time.
Chelsea did superbly to defend their lead but neither side did much to really test the goalkeepers and it was ultimately the hosts' ability to convert chances when it mattered that decided the contest.
As for the Gunners, it was only a first league loss of the season and a huge improvement to the away displays against the big guns from last season, but in the end it had the same outcome - defeat.
Welbeck, who had scored a hat-trick against Galatasaray in midweek, again looked lively in attack although he didn't really have any clear cut chances to grab a goal this time around. Fellow striker Lukas Podolski failed to produce any kind of spark when he came on for the final 11 minutes of the match. But in fairness to the German international it must be hard to build up any kind of momentum when you are not given much game time. Given the injury to Olivier Giroud, Podolski should have played a lot more even since the arrival of Welbeck. Podolski deserves to be given more chance to prove himself this season and am unsure why he isn't being given that.
The midfield didn't do too badly and Wilshere showed a lot of potential at times, while Santi Cazorla also looked a threat. But that threat failed to amount to anything. The Gunners will have to be a lot more ruthless in attack when they return to action after the international break with a home match against Hull.
The defence weren't too bad, aside from the two goals, and they restricted Chelsea to fewer chances than expected and Szczesny didn't have too much to do. However, the few they did get the hosts made count and ultimately that was the difference between the sides as Mourinho's men continue to look odds on favourite for the 2014/15 Premier League title.
If somebody doesn't beat Chelsea soon to put a blip in their unbeaten run the title race may not be as open as in recent seasons as they really do look like running away with it at the moment. Meanwhile, the Gunners must regroup and forget about their first league defeat of the season and focus on beating Hull and getting their season back on track.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
Welbeck Wonder Treble
Danny Welbeck hit his first senior hat-trick as 10-man Arsenal crushed Galatasaray 4-1 in their Champions League tie at the Emirates.
After an opening round defeat at Borussia Dortmund, and with leaders Chelsea on the horizon, the Gunners responded in the best possible manner - with a largely impressive performance and all three points. Arsenal looked confident in attack and if, and it could be a big if, they can produce the same kind of performance when they return to league action then maybe, just maybe, there is a chance of a shock result at Stamford Bridge. I'm not saying we will get a result, but the confident display we put in against Galatasaray is a huge confidence boost and at least gives us a chance.
Back to the game, and what a game it was for Welbeck and what a way it was for manager Arsene Wenger to mark his 18th anniversary with the club. Arsenal were truly excellent in the first half and, although it fizzled out slightly in the latter stages of the second half, the Gunners were well worth the win that kick-started their Champions League campaign. With Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta likely to be out for nearly a month, Wenger's men needed something positive to cheer about and that is just what they got on an entertaining night in the capital.
As in their previous match against Tottenham, Arsenal were again dominating possession, only this time the hosts were making it count with goals...four well-taken goals!
The Gunners opened the scoring after 22 minutes when Alexis Sanchez played in Welbeck with a perfectly timed pass before the former Manchester United star beat his man and shot through the legs of Fernando Muslera in the Galatasaray goal.
Welbeck doubled his and the London' club's tally on the half hour mark. The 23-year-old- headed the ball on and showed great strength to out-muscle Felipe Melo before calmly slotting the ball beyond Muslera.
Melo can count himself lucky to have even stayed on the pitch after getting away with just a yellow card following a horror two-footed challenge on Sanchez.
Sanchez had the last laugh as he added Arsenal's third four minutes before the break. Mesut Ozil released Sanchez with a perfectly weighted through ball and the Chilean striker curled a lovely shot into the bottom corner to take his Gunners' tally to five goals.
Arsenal continued to dominate proceedings and Welbeck completed his hat-trick within just seven minutes of the restart. The Gunners' summer signing latched onto a pass from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before lifting the ball over Muslera. It was an all-round fantastic performance from Welbeck and his treble was thoroughly deserved.
The victory was tainted slightly when the Turkish side scored a consolation from the spot after 63 minutes when Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was dismissed for bring down Burak Yilmaz in the box. David Ospina, who joined Arsenal from Nice over the summer, was picking the ball out of the net with his first touch after Yilmaz had got back up to successfully convert the penalty.
Ospina, who was making just his second appearance for Arsenal, went on to make a few top class saves later in the second half to prevent the Gunners conceding any further goals and can be generally pleased with his display. As for Szczesny it was a silly act of madness and it is just fortunate the game was already over by the time he saw red.
Aside from that one moment, it was a wonderful display by Wenger's men and here's hoping we can produce something similar against Chelsea because you never know what might happen. We managed to bounce back from defeat to Dortmund in style with this 4-1 win, so let's make sure we banish the memory of last season's horror show at Stamford Bridge with something a lot more delightful at the weekend.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
After an opening round defeat at Borussia Dortmund, and with leaders Chelsea on the horizon, the Gunners responded in the best possible manner - with a largely impressive performance and all three points. Arsenal looked confident in attack and if, and it could be a big if, they can produce the same kind of performance when they return to league action then maybe, just maybe, there is a chance of a shock result at Stamford Bridge. I'm not saying we will get a result, but the confident display we put in against Galatasaray is a huge confidence boost and at least gives us a chance.
Back to the game, and what a game it was for Welbeck and what a way it was for manager Arsene Wenger to mark his 18th anniversary with the club. Arsenal were truly excellent in the first half and, although it fizzled out slightly in the latter stages of the second half, the Gunners were well worth the win that kick-started their Champions League campaign. With Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta likely to be out for nearly a month, Wenger's men needed something positive to cheer about and that is just what they got on an entertaining night in the capital.
As in their previous match against Tottenham, Arsenal were again dominating possession, only this time the hosts were making it count with goals...four well-taken goals!
The Gunners opened the scoring after 22 minutes when Alexis Sanchez played in Welbeck with a perfectly timed pass before the former Manchester United star beat his man and shot through the legs of Fernando Muslera in the Galatasaray goal.
Welbeck doubled his and the London' club's tally on the half hour mark. The 23-year-old- headed the ball on and showed great strength to out-muscle Felipe Melo before calmly slotting the ball beyond Muslera.
Melo can count himself lucky to have even stayed on the pitch after getting away with just a yellow card following a horror two-footed challenge on Sanchez.
Sanchez had the last laugh as he added Arsenal's third four minutes before the break. Mesut Ozil released Sanchez with a perfectly weighted through ball and the Chilean striker curled a lovely shot into the bottom corner to take his Gunners' tally to five goals.
Arsenal continued to dominate proceedings and Welbeck completed his hat-trick within just seven minutes of the restart. The Gunners' summer signing latched onto a pass from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before lifting the ball over Muslera. It was an all-round fantastic performance from Welbeck and his treble was thoroughly deserved.
The victory was tainted slightly when the Turkish side scored a consolation from the spot after 63 minutes when Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was dismissed for bring down Burak Yilmaz in the box. David Ospina, who joined Arsenal from Nice over the summer, was picking the ball out of the net with his first touch after Yilmaz had got back up to successfully convert the penalty.
Ospina, who was making just his second appearance for Arsenal, went on to make a few top class saves later in the second half to prevent the Gunners conceding any further goals and can be generally pleased with his display. As for Szczesny it was a silly act of madness and it is just fortunate the game was already over by the time he saw red.
Aside from that one moment, it was a wonderful display by Wenger's men and here's hoping we can produce something similar against Chelsea because you never know what might happen. We managed to bounce back from defeat to Dortmund in style with this 4-1 win, so let's make sure we banish the memory of last season's horror show at Stamford Bridge with something a lot more delightful at the weekend.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 28 September 2014
Ox rescues unbeaten Gunners in derby
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain spared Arsenal's blushes and continued their unbeaten league run as the 174th North London derby against Tottenham ended 1-1 at the Emirates.
The Gunners controlled large spells of the game and enjoyed 69% possession, with 16 shots to their opponents six, but it was Tottenham who took the lead against the run of play in a tense clash in the capital. Nacer Chadli scored his fourth league goal of the season after 56 minutes. Substitute Mathieu Flamini carelessly gave away possession to Christian Eriksen, who picked out Erik Lamela and the former Roma man played in Chadli to calmly shoot beyond Wojciech Szczesny.
Arsenal almost responded instantly but Hugo Lloris saved superbly to keep out Per Mertesacker's header, although there appeared to be some debates over whether or not it crossed the line. Replays only appeared to show the initial save and a ruling of 'no goal' but didn't fully show the path of the ball afterwards although I have no real complaints about the incident.
The hosts didn't let the decision affect them, continuing to pile the pressure on their opponents with defender Calum Chambers, who put in an outstanding display, firing a sweet volley narrowly over the crossbar. Arsenal were eventually rewarded with an equaliser as Oxlade-Chamberlain fired home his first goal of the season 16 minutes from time. Substitute Alexis Sanchez crossed for Danny Welbeck, who swung and missed the ball to cause confusion in the Spurs defence, and Oxlade-Chamberlain was on hand to smash the ball into the top corner.
Arsene Wenger's men tried to push for a winner but Spurs held firm and would've been the happier of the two sides to take a point from the game, with the Gunners likely to be more frustrated not to have won. It will look like two more points dropped for the hosts, who have frustratingly drawn four of their opening six league games. On the other hand, the Gunners are still unbeaten in the league this season and continuing their form from the end of the 2013/14 campaign have now gone 11 games without defeat in the EPL. It is also important not to have lost the derby game and, although we really should have won given the amount of possession we had, at least we didn't lose so it is not all bad.
Reflecting back on the game, it was really mixed with both positives and negatives for Wenger to ponder ahead of a crucial week of games. Although we are still unbeaten, we need to be a lot more clinical in attack and there is still plenty room for improvement especially ahead of the Champions League tie against Galatasaray and the dreaded trip to Chelsea. The Gunners must ensure there is no repeat of last season's 6-0 drubbing at Stamford Bridge. I didn't even want to mention this painful memory, but we can't hide behind the cracks and we will have to come up with a mammoth performance to stop Diego Costa and Chelsea in our next league game.
We are capable of doing this, especially if we really take the game to them like we did against Manchester City, but it will rely on us converting our chances better and avoiding any silly mistakes. Obvious I know, but we must get the basics right. The injuries picked up against Tottenham didn't exactly help our cause with Mikel Arteta (calf) and Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) already ruled out of the next two games, while Jack Wilshere (ankle) is already a doubt. This will stretch Wenger's squad to the limit. I think we may be able to cope but we can't afford any more injuries or we will struggle.
Chelsea have looked unstoppable this season so it will be vital for us to turn in a performance of the highest quality and to try and prove we can match the best, as it is the away defeats to Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool that ultimately forced us to settle for fourth last season.
But it isn't all doom and gloom. We are more than capable of putting in top class performances and we will really need one of those to stand a chance at Stamford Bridge.
Stopping Costa will also be key and it was a huge boost of confidence to see right-back Chambers put in another immense display against Spurs, while Laurent Koscielny was again solid at the back and we will need them to be on top of their game again against Jose Mourinho's league leaders. I think we can keep them out for large spells but Costa doesn't need too many chances to score so we will need our attack to be in top form to make sure we get goals first.
Talking of goals there were three super strikes that really caught my eye over the weekend. Phil Jagielka's late equaliser ensured Everton got a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the Merseyside derby at Anfield. The ball came out to the defender outside the box and the Toffees captain fired the ball in on the half-volley to give Simon Mignolet no chance. There were two even better goals in Southampton's 2-1 victory over QPR at St Mary's. QPR striker Charlie Austin levelled the scores when he controlled the ball expertly before turning and volleying the ball beyond Fraser Forster in the Southampton goal. The pick of the day for me was Southampton's winner from Graziano Pelle. The Italian youngster flicked the ball up with his back to goal before unleashing a truly wonderful volley as the second-placed Saints continued their impressive start to the season.
It made Match of the Day great viewing, although it is still a shame we didn't win and I still don't understand why we were as low as 6th in the running order.
We just need to make sure we come out on top next week and if we can get at least four points from the games against Galatasaray and Chelsea I will be one happy Gooner.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The Gunners controlled large spells of the game and enjoyed 69% possession, with 16 shots to their opponents six, but it was Tottenham who took the lead against the run of play in a tense clash in the capital. Nacer Chadli scored his fourth league goal of the season after 56 minutes. Substitute Mathieu Flamini carelessly gave away possession to Christian Eriksen, who picked out Erik Lamela and the former Roma man played in Chadli to calmly shoot beyond Wojciech Szczesny.
Arsenal almost responded instantly but Hugo Lloris saved superbly to keep out Per Mertesacker's header, although there appeared to be some debates over whether or not it crossed the line. Replays only appeared to show the initial save and a ruling of 'no goal' but didn't fully show the path of the ball afterwards although I have no real complaints about the incident.
The hosts didn't let the decision affect them, continuing to pile the pressure on their opponents with defender Calum Chambers, who put in an outstanding display, firing a sweet volley narrowly over the crossbar. Arsenal were eventually rewarded with an equaliser as Oxlade-Chamberlain fired home his first goal of the season 16 minutes from time. Substitute Alexis Sanchez crossed for Danny Welbeck, who swung and missed the ball to cause confusion in the Spurs defence, and Oxlade-Chamberlain was on hand to smash the ball into the top corner.
Arsene Wenger's men tried to push for a winner but Spurs held firm and would've been the happier of the two sides to take a point from the game, with the Gunners likely to be more frustrated not to have won. It will look like two more points dropped for the hosts, who have frustratingly drawn four of their opening six league games. On the other hand, the Gunners are still unbeaten in the league this season and continuing their form from the end of the 2013/14 campaign have now gone 11 games without defeat in the EPL. It is also important not to have lost the derby game and, although we really should have won given the amount of possession we had, at least we didn't lose so it is not all bad.
Reflecting back on the game, it was really mixed with both positives and negatives for Wenger to ponder ahead of a crucial week of games. Although we are still unbeaten, we need to be a lot more clinical in attack and there is still plenty room for improvement especially ahead of the Champions League tie against Galatasaray and the dreaded trip to Chelsea. The Gunners must ensure there is no repeat of last season's 6-0 drubbing at Stamford Bridge. I didn't even want to mention this painful memory, but we can't hide behind the cracks and we will have to come up with a mammoth performance to stop Diego Costa and Chelsea in our next league game.
We are capable of doing this, especially if we really take the game to them like we did against Manchester City, but it will rely on us converting our chances better and avoiding any silly mistakes. Obvious I know, but we must get the basics right. The injuries picked up against Tottenham didn't exactly help our cause with Mikel Arteta (calf) and Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) already ruled out of the next two games, while Jack Wilshere (ankle) is already a doubt. This will stretch Wenger's squad to the limit. I think we may be able to cope but we can't afford any more injuries or we will struggle.
Chelsea have looked unstoppable this season so it will be vital for us to turn in a performance of the highest quality and to try and prove we can match the best, as it is the away defeats to Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool that ultimately forced us to settle for fourth last season.
But it isn't all doom and gloom. We are more than capable of putting in top class performances and we will really need one of those to stand a chance at Stamford Bridge.
Stopping Costa will also be key and it was a huge boost of confidence to see right-back Chambers put in another immense display against Spurs, while Laurent Koscielny was again solid at the back and we will need them to be on top of their game again against Jose Mourinho's league leaders. I think we can keep them out for large spells but Costa doesn't need too many chances to score so we will need our attack to be in top form to make sure we get goals first.
Talking of goals there were three super strikes that really caught my eye over the weekend. Phil Jagielka's late equaliser ensured Everton got a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the Merseyside derby at Anfield. The ball came out to the defender outside the box and the Toffees captain fired the ball in on the half-volley to give Simon Mignolet no chance. There were two even better goals in Southampton's 2-1 victory over QPR at St Mary's. QPR striker Charlie Austin levelled the scores when he controlled the ball expertly before turning and volleying the ball beyond Fraser Forster in the Southampton goal. The pick of the day for me was Southampton's winner from Graziano Pelle. The Italian youngster flicked the ball up with his back to goal before unleashing a truly wonderful volley as the second-placed Saints continued their impressive start to the season.
It made Match of the Day great viewing, although it is still a shame we didn't win and I still don't understand why we were as low as 6th in the running order.
We just need to make sure we come out on top next week and if we can get at least four points from the games against Galatasaray and Chelsea I will be one happy Gooner.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Saints go marching on
A wonder goal from Nathaniel Clyne proved decisive as in-form Southampton pulled off a shock 2-1 victory at Arsenal in a gripping Capital One Cup tie.
When Alexis Sanchez gave the Gunners the lead with a sublime free-kick after it looked like the hosts, who made 10 changes to the side that thumped Aston Villa 3-0, would coast to victory. The game was turned on its head before the break as a penalty from Dusan Tadic and Clyne's long-range effort ensured passage into the fourth round for Saints.
Although focus will be on the shock defeat for the hosts and how a first defeat this season could derail their 2014/15 campaign, with bitter rivals Tottenham next on the horizon, credit really should be given to Southampton.
After losing manager Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham over the summer, along with several key players including Liverpool's Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert, many expected Saints to struggle massively this season.
But not only have they knocked Arsenal out of the league cup, but the shock result gave the south coast club a fifth consecutive win in all competitions. Since Ronald Koeman took over he has lost just one of his first seven competitive games in charge and deserves huge credit for how he has transformed a club seemingly lacking in confidence to a side currently second in the Premier League.
Debutant goalkeeper David Ospina, who joined the hosts from Nice over the summer, reacted quickly to deny Southampton an early goal. But it looked like it was actually going to be Arsenal's day when Sanchez curled a wonderful free-kick into the top corner for his fourth Gunners' goal.
The lead only lasted six minutes as Sadio Mane was seemingly tripped in the box by Tomas Rosicky and Tadic stepped up to score the resulting penalty.
Then came a moment of sheer brilliance from Clyne - a goal worthy of winning any game, unfortunately for us Gunners' fans - five minutes before the break. A Southampton corner was cleared before Clyne took a touch a smashed an unstoppable long-ranges strike beyond Ospina from over 30 yards.
Arsenal had a great chance to level matters before half-time when a finely weighted pass from Jack Wilshere found Lukas Podolski, but the German striker's effort was well blocked by Fraser Forster in the visitors' goal.
Arsene Wenger, who made 10 changes to the side who thumped Aston Villa 3-0 in the previous match, saw his side push for an equaliser in the second half but to no avail.
It was a truly gripping tie, for the neutrals anyway. For us Gunners' fans it was frustrating. Although the performance was fairly decent and we deserved more from the game, we just seemed to be lacking that extra something and it is gutting to see us exiting the competition in only the third round.
It was hugely positive to see Abou Diaby return to action and manage to play for over an hour and the team's general performance wasn't too bad but in knock-out football you need to be more clinical in front of goal and we were punished for not scoring enough.
It will be a huge test of character to see how Arsenal bounce back from this. Some will be expecting the Gunners' season to plummet and a string of defeats to follow. Although the result was hugely frustrating, all focus must now go on the next match, the big London derby at the Emirates against bitter rivals Tottenham.
A loss would see fans and media worry about how the season has derailed, while a win would see Arsenal bounce back in style and keep their unbeaten start to the league season intact. The next game has a lot riding on it and will be a hugely difficult test. But when you have just lost in the cup, this kind of match is just what the team needs. A big derby match against Spurs will get the passion flowing and the players will really be up for the battle.
IF we can hit top form we should prove too hot to handle for Spurs, but we must avoid complacency. It is a hard one to call but we are capable of a result and, if Mesut Ozil, can replicate the form he showed against Villa who knows what might happen.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
When Alexis Sanchez gave the Gunners the lead with a sublime free-kick after it looked like the hosts, who made 10 changes to the side that thumped Aston Villa 3-0, would coast to victory. The game was turned on its head before the break as a penalty from Dusan Tadic and Clyne's long-range effort ensured passage into the fourth round for Saints.
Although focus will be on the shock defeat for the hosts and how a first defeat this season could derail their 2014/15 campaign, with bitter rivals Tottenham next on the horizon, credit really should be given to Southampton.
After losing manager Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham over the summer, along with several key players including Liverpool's Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert, many expected Saints to struggle massively this season.
But not only have they knocked Arsenal out of the league cup, but the shock result gave the south coast club a fifth consecutive win in all competitions. Since Ronald Koeman took over he has lost just one of his first seven competitive games in charge and deserves huge credit for how he has transformed a club seemingly lacking in confidence to a side currently second in the Premier League.
Debutant goalkeeper David Ospina, who joined the hosts from Nice over the summer, reacted quickly to deny Southampton an early goal. But it looked like it was actually going to be Arsenal's day when Sanchez curled a wonderful free-kick into the top corner for his fourth Gunners' goal.
The lead only lasted six minutes as Sadio Mane was seemingly tripped in the box by Tomas Rosicky and Tadic stepped up to score the resulting penalty.
Then came a moment of sheer brilliance from Clyne - a goal worthy of winning any game, unfortunately for us Gunners' fans - five minutes before the break. A Southampton corner was cleared before Clyne took a touch a smashed an unstoppable long-ranges strike beyond Ospina from over 30 yards.
Arsenal had a great chance to level matters before half-time when a finely weighted pass from Jack Wilshere found Lukas Podolski, but the German striker's effort was well blocked by Fraser Forster in the visitors' goal.
Arsene Wenger, who made 10 changes to the side who thumped Aston Villa 3-0 in the previous match, saw his side push for an equaliser in the second half but to no avail.
It was a truly gripping tie, for the neutrals anyway. For us Gunners' fans it was frustrating. Although the performance was fairly decent and we deserved more from the game, we just seemed to be lacking that extra something and it is gutting to see us exiting the competition in only the third round.
It was hugely positive to see Abou Diaby return to action and manage to play for over an hour and the team's general performance wasn't too bad but in knock-out football you need to be more clinical in front of goal and we were punished for not scoring enough.
It will be a huge test of character to see how Arsenal bounce back from this. Some will be expecting the Gunners' season to plummet and a string of defeats to follow. Although the result was hugely frustrating, all focus must now go on the next match, the big London derby at the Emirates against bitter rivals Tottenham.
A loss would see fans and media worry about how the season has derailed, while a win would see Arsenal bounce back in style and keep their unbeaten start to the league season intact. The next game has a lot riding on it and will be a hugely difficult test. But when you have just lost in the cup, this kind of match is just what the team needs. A big derby match against Spurs will get the passion flowing and the players will really be up for the battle.
IF we can hit top form we should prove too hot to handle for Spurs, but we must avoid complacency. It is a hard one to call but we are capable of a result and, if Mesut Ozil, can replicate the form he showed against Villa who knows what might happen.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)