Olivier Giroud continued to answer his critics as his brace helped Arsenal bounce back from their Champions League exit with a 2-1 victory at Arsenal.
The French striker missed a string of chances in the Gunners' first leg defeat to Monaco last month, with some suggesting he isn't good enough. Giroud has scored in all but one match since that much-criticised display and has nine goals in as many games, proving he does have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
I would still like to see maybe one more striker added to the squad but Giroud is more than capable of causing havoc to any opponent when he is in top form. Some days he looks like he can't hit a barn door, while other times he can be sensational and when it is the latter he is a joy to watch. Giroud scored in midweek as Arsenal won their second leg tie in Monaco, only to go out on away goals, and the striker was at it again in the North East.
We will certainly need him to continue this rich vein of form if we are to stay in the top three and his two goals at St James' Park kept us just one point behind second-placed Manchester City.
Moussa Sissoko did pull a goal back for the hosts to ensure a nervy second half but Arsene Wenger's men held on for a vital three points, especially with games against Liverpool and Chelsea looming next month, not to mention the FA Cup semi-final against Reading.
There was a hint of luck about Giroud's first goal but the visiting fans wouldn't have minded as it gave their side the lead after 24 minutes. Santi Cazorla whipped in a free-kick, which Danny Welbeck got his head to before Giroud stuck out a knee to divert the ball beyond Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal.
Arsenal continued to pile forward and almost immediately added a second but Welbeck's volley drifted just wide of a post. The Gunners didn't have to wait too long to add to their lead though as Giroud headed home his 17th goal of the season from Cazorla's corner after 28 minutes.
Newcastle pulled a goal back within three minutes of the restart following fine build up play from Ryan Taylor and Remy Cabella. The duo combined well before the latter's cut-back was fired in first time by Sissoko.
The goal appeared to give the Magpies renewed hope and they very nearly levelled the scores soon after when Ayoze Perez's long-range effort sailed inches wide.
John Carver's men had turned things up a gear and were now creating a lot more chances in a bid to try and get something from the game. Yoan Gouffran wasted a glorious opportunity inside the box as he hit his effort straight at David Ospina. Sections of the home crowd wanted a penalty for an alleged handball by Calum Chambers but nothing was given.
Ospina was soon called into action again as he showed great reflexes to deny Sissoko a second goal. Taylor's corner was headed goalwards by Mike Williamson before Sissoko got a flick onto it, only to be denied by a point-blank save from Arsenal's Colombian shot-stopper.
Newcastle continued to push forward and Daryl Janmaat's long-range strike went just wide before Cabella went on a run through the defence and saw his effort saved by Ospina.
Arsenal were living dangerously but almost restored their two-goal advantage when Welbeck showed great pace to run into the box. The England international didn't appear to have too many options available so went for goal and his effort was kept out by Krul.
Krul's opposite number Ospina ensured Arsenal would go home with maximum points with a vital save four minutes from time. Perez cut inside and shot towards goal but Ospina was alert to the danger and denied the Spaniard with his legs.
It was a vital win for the resilient Gunners. Some maybe expected Arsenal to crumble following their Champions League exit and see their season fizzle out. But Wenger's men had other ideas and returned to league action with a win.
Arsenal will have to put in a far better performance when they host Liverpool and Chelsea in the coming weeks but after six consecutive league wins there are definitely some reasons to be positive for the London club.
Obviously I would much prefer to still be in the Champions League and closer to leaders Chelsea in the race for the title. But considering how low things were looking earlier in the season, when it actually looked like getting a top-four place may elude us, the situation has turned around.
We may be out of Europe but we are in the last four of the FA Cup as we look to defend our title and if we can get positive results in April we may yet move up the league.
Home advantage may prove key against Liverpool and Chelsea as we have a superb league record at the Emirates this season. But we must make sure we get things tactically spot on and put in huge performances and prove we can beat the big sides. We have already taken four points out of six from champions Manchester City, but we need to prove it wasn't a fluke, starting against Liverpool. Let's show them what we can do!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 22 March 2015
Tuesday, 17 March 2015
Brave Gunners bow out
So near yet so far. A heroic effort from Arsenal in the second leg away to Monaco and a 2-0 win but yet again it is a case of too little too late as the London club exit the Champions League on away goals.
Goals from Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey gave Arsenal hope but they were unable to grab the elusive third goal as the score finished 3-3 on aggregate, with away goals again the decisive factor much to the frustration of the visitors.
The Gunners were made to pay for a sloppy first leg where they capitulated to a 3-1 defeat at the Emirates in what was one of their worst performances of the season. Fast forward to the second leg and Arsene Wenger's men went into the game against a Monaco side who had not conceded a goal at home since November. If you add to that the fact that no team in Champions League history has ever overturned a two-goal deficit away from home in the second leg, it was always going to be tough.
It is so frustrating to think that had we not conceded a late third goal in the first leg we would now be looking forward to the quarter finals. Such fine margins but we only have ourselves to blame!
The first leg was decisive. We got a positive result second leg but it wasn't enough, although some of the individual performances at least gave us something to be proud of even if it isn't much of a consolation. The back four had a good game with Laurent Koscielny making some crucial blocks, but it was the full-backs - Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin - who particularly impressed me. Alexis Sanchez didn't quite look himself but Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla were very positive influences in midfield, while Francis Coquelin was solid as usual. Giroud and Danny Welbeck put in a decent shift up front and, although most of the players can be proud of their performances, it just wasn't enough over the two legs.
We made a bright start to the away leg in France but, although we were showing real hunger and taking the game to Monaco, there were signs that it may not be our day due to our inability to take chances when it counted most.
Giroud headed off target on two occasions in the first half, while Koscielny's effort hit the crossbar before the defender was then pulled back for offside.
The Gunners finally got their reward when Giroud banished his demons from the first leg, where he missed a string of chances, to break the deadlock after 35 minutes.
Welbeck sent the ball over the top for his fellow striker to race through on goal but his initial effort was kept out by Danijel Subasic in the Monaco goal. The ball spun up and hit Giroud on the head and the French international stayed composed to fire the rebound into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
Arsenal were well and truly in their stride and almost doubled their advantage soon after but Welbeck's effort was diverted inches wide of a post.
There was a contentious talking point three minutes before the break when Alexis Sanchez went down under a challenge in the box. I am still undecided whether or not it was a penalty and maybe the referee did in fact get it right. However, what I do have a problem with is him booking Sanchez for simulation. There was contact there, maybe not enough to gain a penalty, but enough that it definitely wasn't a dive.
Either way we had the lead going into the break and knew we needed two more goals without reply to complete a historic comeback.
Ozil came agonisingly close to getting Arsenal's second of the night after 53 minutes but his free-kick was superbly tipped over the bar by Subasic. Ozil missed another chance 10 minutes later when he hit a half-volley wide after being set up by Welbeck.
Time was beginning to run out but Aaron Ramsey came off the bench to make a huge impact as he grabbed the visitor's second 11 minutes from time. Theo Walcott's initial shot hit a post and Layvin Kurzawa could only clear the ball straight to fellow substitute Ramsey, who was on hand to smash the ball home from close range.
Arsenal continued to pile forward in search of that all important third goal that would send them through. Although the Gunners can be proud of their performance on the night, they were perhaps guilty of too much tippy-tappy football in the final five minutes when they needed to be more direct.
Wenger's men nearly won the tie six minutes from time when Cazorla floated over a free-kick. Giroud and Sanchez almost got in each other's way as they both tried to connect with the ball and Subasic did just enough to keep the ball out with a superb save.
It was almost all Arsenal, as it had been for virtually the entire second leg. The Gunners put in a heroic performance and deserved more from the game. But after such a poor first leg they only have themselves to blame. No matter how much their second leg performance warranted passage into the next round, it is Monaco who got the aggregate result in their favour to knock us out on away goals and we just have to accept it.
The big question now is, just how big an impact will our Champions League exit have on our season? In one way you could say that after the first leg we knew it would be an uphill struggle so it isn't surprising. On the other hand, it looked possible we could do it and to lose in such a cruel manner, on away goals, could have an effect on the players....I hope not though!
Yes, we are out of the Champions League, but we are still in the semi-final of the FA Cup as we look to try and defend our title and we are just one point behind second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League. That is a better position than we have normally found ourselves in at this stage of a season in recent years.
No matter what happens from now until the end of the season the players need to show the same commitment and desire as they did tonight more often and performances like what happened in the first leg need to be eradicated.
The disappointment of the cruel exit to Monaco still hurts as much now while I am writing this as it did at the full-time whistle. I can sometimes move on quickly but this one hurts, maybe because of the way we lost, but it still hurts.
We need to make sure we dust ourselves down and don't let this have a negative effect on us and get ready to go again as we return to league action with a trip to Newcastle.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Goals from Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey gave Arsenal hope but they were unable to grab the elusive third goal as the score finished 3-3 on aggregate, with away goals again the decisive factor much to the frustration of the visitors.
The Gunners were made to pay for a sloppy first leg where they capitulated to a 3-1 defeat at the Emirates in what was one of their worst performances of the season. Fast forward to the second leg and Arsene Wenger's men went into the game against a Monaco side who had not conceded a goal at home since November. If you add to that the fact that no team in Champions League history has ever overturned a two-goal deficit away from home in the second leg, it was always going to be tough.
It is so frustrating to think that had we not conceded a late third goal in the first leg we would now be looking forward to the quarter finals. Such fine margins but we only have ourselves to blame!
The first leg was decisive. We got a positive result second leg but it wasn't enough, although some of the individual performances at least gave us something to be proud of even if it isn't much of a consolation. The back four had a good game with Laurent Koscielny making some crucial blocks, but it was the full-backs - Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin - who particularly impressed me. Alexis Sanchez didn't quite look himself but Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla were very positive influences in midfield, while Francis Coquelin was solid as usual. Giroud and Danny Welbeck put in a decent shift up front and, although most of the players can be proud of their performances, it just wasn't enough over the two legs.
We made a bright start to the away leg in France but, although we were showing real hunger and taking the game to Monaco, there were signs that it may not be our day due to our inability to take chances when it counted most.
Giroud headed off target on two occasions in the first half, while Koscielny's effort hit the crossbar before the defender was then pulled back for offside.
The Gunners finally got their reward when Giroud banished his demons from the first leg, where he missed a string of chances, to break the deadlock after 35 minutes.
Welbeck sent the ball over the top for his fellow striker to race through on goal but his initial effort was kept out by Danijel Subasic in the Monaco goal. The ball spun up and hit Giroud on the head and the French international stayed composed to fire the rebound into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
Arsenal were well and truly in their stride and almost doubled their advantage soon after but Welbeck's effort was diverted inches wide of a post.
There was a contentious talking point three minutes before the break when Alexis Sanchez went down under a challenge in the box. I am still undecided whether or not it was a penalty and maybe the referee did in fact get it right. However, what I do have a problem with is him booking Sanchez for simulation. There was contact there, maybe not enough to gain a penalty, but enough that it definitely wasn't a dive.
Either way we had the lead going into the break and knew we needed two more goals without reply to complete a historic comeback.
Ozil came agonisingly close to getting Arsenal's second of the night after 53 minutes but his free-kick was superbly tipped over the bar by Subasic. Ozil missed another chance 10 minutes later when he hit a half-volley wide after being set up by Welbeck.
Time was beginning to run out but Aaron Ramsey came off the bench to make a huge impact as he grabbed the visitor's second 11 minutes from time. Theo Walcott's initial shot hit a post and Layvin Kurzawa could only clear the ball straight to fellow substitute Ramsey, who was on hand to smash the ball home from close range.
Arsenal continued to pile forward in search of that all important third goal that would send them through. Although the Gunners can be proud of their performance on the night, they were perhaps guilty of too much tippy-tappy football in the final five minutes when they needed to be more direct.
Wenger's men nearly won the tie six minutes from time when Cazorla floated over a free-kick. Giroud and Sanchez almost got in each other's way as they both tried to connect with the ball and Subasic did just enough to keep the ball out with a superb save.
It was almost all Arsenal, as it had been for virtually the entire second leg. The Gunners put in a heroic performance and deserved more from the game. But after such a poor first leg they only have themselves to blame. No matter how much their second leg performance warranted passage into the next round, it is Monaco who got the aggregate result in their favour to knock us out on away goals and we just have to accept it.
The big question now is, just how big an impact will our Champions League exit have on our season? In one way you could say that after the first leg we knew it would be an uphill struggle so it isn't surprising. On the other hand, it looked possible we could do it and to lose in such a cruel manner, on away goals, could have an effect on the players....I hope not though!
Yes, we are out of the Champions League, but we are still in the semi-final of the FA Cup as we look to try and defend our title and we are just one point behind second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League. That is a better position than we have normally found ourselves in at this stage of a season in recent years.
No matter what happens from now until the end of the season the players need to show the same commitment and desire as they did tonight more often and performances like what happened in the first leg need to be eradicated.
The disappointment of the cruel exit to Monaco still hurts as much now while I am writing this as it did at the full-time whistle. I can sometimes move on quickly but this one hurts, maybe because of the way we lost, but it still hurts.
We need to make sure we dust ourselves down and don't let this have a negative effect on us and get ready to go again as we return to league action with a trip to Newcastle.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Saturday, 14 March 2015
Gunners Hammer Hammers
A quick-fire double from Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini saw Arsenal close the gap on second place with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over West Ham.
The midfield duo added to Olivier Giroud's first-half opener and, although the hosts really should've been more clinical at times, some of the passing and movement on show was a delight to watch.
The Gunners are now just one point behind second-placed Manchester City, although that could all change before the day is over as Manuel Pellegrini's men prepare to face Burnley.
Arsenal, who have now completed the league double over the Hammers this season, were quick out of the blocks and some of the home faithful felt they should've been awarded a penalty inside the opening four minutes. Theo Walcott really should have got his shot away earlier before going down under a challenge from James Collins.
The Gunners didn't let that decision deter them as they continued to push forward with Alexis Sanchez's header forcing Adrian into a decent save.
At the other end, West Ham's best chance of the half fell to Kevin Nolan after 22 minutes. Matt Jarvis's cut back was met by the volley of Nolan but David Ospina was alert to the danger and saved the midfielder's effort.
Arsenal continued to have the better of the chances in the first half and only fine saves from Adrian kept the hosts out as the Spanish goalkeeper denied Aaron Ramsey and Sanchez.
Walcott also wasted chances to give Arsene Wenger's men the lead as he hit a tame effort straight at Adrian before later slipping as he tried to score a rebound, which ended in the England international slicing a shot wide.
Arsenal finally got the reward their dominance deserved in first-half stoppage time as a fine flowing move involving Ramsey and Mesut Ozil set up Giroud to smash a shot in off a post.
West Ham improved in the second half but failed to create too many clear-cut chances. Jarvis fired a shot over the bar for the visitors before referee Chris Foy had to be substituted with an injury and was replaced by Anthony Taylor.
The hosts should've put the result beyond doubt after 69 minutes when Ozil was left clear on goal. He really should of shot but instead the German international clipped the ball across goal. Theo Walcott then set up Ramsey but the midfielder sent his effort wide.
The Welshman had better luck nine minutes from time after playing a lovely one-two with Giroud and side-footing a shot beyond Adrian.
The Gunners were celebrating again three minutes later as Mathieu Flamini, who had only just come on as a substitute, scored his first goal for nearly a year. Fellow substitute Santi Cazorla sent a killer ball across goal for the Frenchman to tap home from close range. Arsenal nearly added a fourth late on but Adrian was on hand to deny Danny Welbeck.
Although it took Arsenal a while to kill the game off, this is a very positive result and exactly what the hosts needed ahead of their crunch Champions League tie at Monaco.
After the 3-1 first leg defeat at the Emirates it looked all doom and gloom for the London club, but the Gunners have since beaten Everton, QPR and now West Ham in the league. If you add to that the fine FA Cup victory away to Manchester United there is no reason why Wenger's men can't approach the second leg with confidence.
Yes, admittedly it is still set to be an uphill struggle but I certainly feel better about things than I did last month. If we can get an early goal in France who knows what might happen. An exit is expected by many due to the dire first leg but we must not give up hope just yet!
Two quick goals against West Ham suddenly turned a narrow lead into a comprehensive victory, so let's hope we can do more of the same against Wenger's former employers.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The midfield duo added to Olivier Giroud's first-half opener and, although the hosts really should've been more clinical at times, some of the passing and movement on show was a delight to watch.
The Gunners are now just one point behind second-placed Manchester City, although that could all change before the day is over as Manuel Pellegrini's men prepare to face Burnley.
Arsenal, who have now completed the league double over the Hammers this season, were quick out of the blocks and some of the home faithful felt they should've been awarded a penalty inside the opening four minutes. Theo Walcott really should have got his shot away earlier before going down under a challenge from James Collins.
The Gunners didn't let that decision deter them as they continued to push forward with Alexis Sanchez's header forcing Adrian into a decent save.
At the other end, West Ham's best chance of the half fell to Kevin Nolan after 22 minutes. Matt Jarvis's cut back was met by the volley of Nolan but David Ospina was alert to the danger and saved the midfielder's effort.
Arsenal continued to have the better of the chances in the first half and only fine saves from Adrian kept the hosts out as the Spanish goalkeeper denied Aaron Ramsey and Sanchez.
Walcott also wasted chances to give Arsene Wenger's men the lead as he hit a tame effort straight at Adrian before later slipping as he tried to score a rebound, which ended in the England international slicing a shot wide.
Arsenal finally got the reward their dominance deserved in first-half stoppage time as a fine flowing move involving Ramsey and Mesut Ozil set up Giroud to smash a shot in off a post.
West Ham improved in the second half but failed to create too many clear-cut chances. Jarvis fired a shot over the bar for the visitors before referee Chris Foy had to be substituted with an injury and was replaced by Anthony Taylor.
The hosts should've put the result beyond doubt after 69 minutes when Ozil was left clear on goal. He really should of shot but instead the German international clipped the ball across goal. Theo Walcott then set up Ramsey but the midfielder sent his effort wide.
The Welshman had better luck nine minutes from time after playing a lovely one-two with Giroud and side-footing a shot beyond Adrian.
The Gunners were celebrating again three minutes later as Mathieu Flamini, who had only just come on as a substitute, scored his first goal for nearly a year. Fellow substitute Santi Cazorla sent a killer ball across goal for the Frenchman to tap home from close range. Arsenal nearly added a fourth late on but Adrian was on hand to deny Danny Welbeck.
Although it took Arsenal a while to kill the game off, this is a very positive result and exactly what the hosts needed ahead of their crunch Champions League tie at Monaco.
After the 3-1 first leg defeat at the Emirates it looked all doom and gloom for the London club, but the Gunners have since beaten Everton, QPR and now West Ham in the league. If you add to that the fine FA Cup victory away to Manchester United there is no reason why Wenger's men can't approach the second leg with confidence.
Yes, admittedly it is still set to be an uphill struggle but I certainly feel better about things than I did last month. If we can get an early goal in France who knows what might happen. An exit is expected by many due to the dire first leg but we must not give up hope just yet!
Two quick goals against West Ham suddenly turned a narrow lead into a comprehensive victory, so let's hope we can do more of the same against Wenger's former employers.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Monday, 9 March 2015
Welbeck to haunt United
Danny Welbeck returned to haunt his former club as holders Arsenal progressed into the final four of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win at Manchester United.
Wayne Rooney cancelled out Nacho Monreal’s opener before Welbeck, who moved from United to London in the summer, netted the winner. Angel Di Maria's dismissal left United with an uphill battle they never really recovered from and the Gunners held on.
It was a huge win for Arsene Wenger's side as not only did it mark a first victory at Old Trafford since 2006, but the Gunners were also able to prove that they get results against their big rivals. After nine years and 11 attempts without an away win at Manchester United, this FA Cup victory becomes even sweeter for me and my fellow Gooners.
Arsenal are now just one game away from the final as they continue in their quest to defend the title they won against Hull last May. The winner of the replay between Reading and Bradford will stand in the Gunners' way in the semi final. On paper it should be a victory for Wenger's men but anything can happen in the FA Cup. Arsenal will need to ensure they are not on the end of an upset. Providing we do not get complacent and underestimate our opponents we should be okay but we need to ensure we do a professional job.
There were not too many chances in the opening stages of the first half but Arsenal broke the deadlock following fine work from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after 25 minutes. The England international, who was later forced off with a hamstring problem, skipped past three players and into the box before feeding Monreal. The full-back took one touch before beating his fellow Spaniard David De Gea at his near post.
Arsenal's lead only lasted four minutes as Di Maria sent in a delightful cross for Rooney to score with a fine header. My euphoria had quickly been replaced by nerves and, as before the game, I was again thinking it wasn't going to be our day.
Di Maria wasted two chances to put United in front before the break. He fired over with a first-time strike before later forcing Wojciech Szczesny into a save. It was a decent save by the Polish international but he was generally looking a bit shaky in goal and I would much rather have seen David Ospina between the sticks.
De Gea saved Santi Cazorla's free-kick as neither side was able to add another goal and the score remained level at the break.
Arsenal suffered a blow within seven minutes of the restart as Oxlade-Chamberlain was forced to leave the field after failing to shake off a hamstring injury. But this didn't seem to deter the Gunners who continued to push forward.
Alexis Sanchez's deflected strike was saved by De Gea before Wenger's men regained the lead after 61 minutes. Welbeck took advantage of Antonio Valencia's poor back-pass before knocking the ball beyond De Gea and slotting it home from close range.
It was a great moment for Welbeck to prove to his former suitors why they were maybe daft to let him go. It is also important for the England striker to get a goal in a big game, which will hopefully give him a much-needed confidence boost and start him on a decent run of goals.
The Gunners nearly did as they had done in the first half but, fortunately for the visitors, United wasted the big chance that came their way four minutes later. From a corner the ball arrived at Chris Smalling just a matter of yards from the goal but the defender blazed over. Szczesny was called into action soon after as he kept out Marouane Fellaini's header.
Arsenal really should have increased their lead 16 minutes from time but De Gea was on hand to again prove why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Alexis Sanchez's cross was met by the volley of Cazorla and De Gea reacted superbly to somehow claw it away.
The game took a sour turn for the worse for United four minutes later as Di Maria was booked for diving. The Argentina international was then dismissed for a second bookable offence seconds later as he appeared to grab referee Michael Oliver's shirt. Whatever anyone's view is on whether or not it was a dive, Di Maria's reaction was very daft and cost his side dear.
Manchester United were getting more and more frustrated and felt they should've had a penalty five minutes from time, only for substitute Adnan Januzaj to receive a yellow card for simulation. It was a huge call from Oliver but, although it will sound biased, I firmly believe it was the right call. There was certainly contact, albeit minimal, on the Belgian but he stayed on his feet. He then went down unchallenged seconds later and that delay says to me it wasn't due to any contact or he would've gone sooner.
Manchester United were unable to find an equaliser and Louis Van Gaal's debut season at Old Trafford looks set to end without a trophy. As for Arsenal, the visitors almost added further gloss to the victory in stoppage time but were denied a third by more goalkeeping heroics. Mesut Ozil cut back inside before setting up Sanchez but the Chilean's effort was kept out superbly by the fingers of De Gea.
It mattered little as the Gunners still came out of the game victorious in what was a special night for the visitors. It was a much-needed result to end our Old Trafford hoodoo and hopefully we can take huge confidence from this and use it in our upcoming Champions League second leg tie away to Monaco later this month. We will head to France with 3-1 deficit and a huge mountain to climb but maybe, just maybe, this can be a big turning point and we can start to believe we can turn it on in the big games. After away victories against both Manchester City and their neighbours United this season, we should go out and try to prove a big point in the Champions League as well.
But before we can start to think about the ifs and buts of Europe, let's enjoy the FA Cup win and focus our attentions on the looming league clash against London rivals West Ham at the Emirates. Can things continue to get better? Can this win against Manchester United provide a springboard for the future? Who knows what will happen but one thing is for sure, a win at Old Trafford always leaves you with a special feeling.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Wayne Rooney cancelled out Nacho Monreal’s opener before Welbeck, who moved from United to London in the summer, netted the winner. Angel Di Maria's dismissal left United with an uphill battle they never really recovered from and the Gunners held on.
It was a huge win for Arsene Wenger's side as not only did it mark a first victory at Old Trafford since 2006, but the Gunners were also able to prove that they get results against their big rivals. After nine years and 11 attempts without an away win at Manchester United, this FA Cup victory becomes even sweeter for me and my fellow Gooners.
Arsenal are now just one game away from the final as they continue in their quest to defend the title they won against Hull last May. The winner of the replay between Reading and Bradford will stand in the Gunners' way in the semi final. On paper it should be a victory for Wenger's men but anything can happen in the FA Cup. Arsenal will need to ensure they are not on the end of an upset. Providing we do not get complacent and underestimate our opponents we should be okay but we need to ensure we do a professional job.
There were not too many chances in the opening stages of the first half but Arsenal broke the deadlock following fine work from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after 25 minutes. The England international, who was later forced off with a hamstring problem, skipped past three players and into the box before feeding Monreal. The full-back took one touch before beating his fellow Spaniard David De Gea at his near post.
Arsenal's lead only lasted four minutes as Di Maria sent in a delightful cross for Rooney to score with a fine header. My euphoria had quickly been replaced by nerves and, as before the game, I was again thinking it wasn't going to be our day.
Di Maria wasted two chances to put United in front before the break. He fired over with a first-time strike before later forcing Wojciech Szczesny into a save. It was a decent save by the Polish international but he was generally looking a bit shaky in goal and I would much rather have seen David Ospina between the sticks.
De Gea saved Santi Cazorla's free-kick as neither side was able to add another goal and the score remained level at the break.
Arsenal suffered a blow within seven minutes of the restart as Oxlade-Chamberlain was forced to leave the field after failing to shake off a hamstring injury. But this didn't seem to deter the Gunners who continued to push forward.
Alexis Sanchez's deflected strike was saved by De Gea before Wenger's men regained the lead after 61 minutes. Welbeck took advantage of Antonio Valencia's poor back-pass before knocking the ball beyond De Gea and slotting it home from close range.
It was a great moment for Welbeck to prove to his former suitors why they were maybe daft to let him go. It is also important for the England striker to get a goal in a big game, which will hopefully give him a much-needed confidence boost and start him on a decent run of goals.
The Gunners nearly did as they had done in the first half but, fortunately for the visitors, United wasted the big chance that came their way four minutes later. From a corner the ball arrived at Chris Smalling just a matter of yards from the goal but the defender blazed over. Szczesny was called into action soon after as he kept out Marouane Fellaini's header.
Arsenal really should have increased their lead 16 minutes from time but De Gea was on hand to again prove why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Alexis Sanchez's cross was met by the volley of Cazorla and De Gea reacted superbly to somehow claw it away.
The game took a sour turn for the worse for United four minutes later as Di Maria was booked for diving. The Argentina international was then dismissed for a second bookable offence seconds later as he appeared to grab referee Michael Oliver's shirt. Whatever anyone's view is on whether or not it was a dive, Di Maria's reaction was very daft and cost his side dear.
Manchester United were getting more and more frustrated and felt they should've had a penalty five minutes from time, only for substitute Adnan Januzaj to receive a yellow card for simulation. It was a huge call from Oliver but, although it will sound biased, I firmly believe it was the right call. There was certainly contact, albeit minimal, on the Belgian but he stayed on his feet. He then went down unchallenged seconds later and that delay says to me it wasn't due to any contact or he would've gone sooner.
Manchester United were unable to find an equaliser and Louis Van Gaal's debut season at Old Trafford looks set to end without a trophy. As for Arsenal, the visitors almost added further gloss to the victory in stoppage time but were denied a third by more goalkeeping heroics. Mesut Ozil cut back inside before setting up Sanchez but the Chilean's effort was kept out superbly by the fingers of De Gea.
It mattered little as the Gunners still came out of the game victorious in what was a special night for the visitors. It was a much-needed result to end our Old Trafford hoodoo and hopefully we can take huge confidence from this and use it in our upcoming Champions League second leg tie away to Monaco later this month. We will head to France with 3-1 deficit and a huge mountain to climb but maybe, just maybe, this can be a big turning point and we can start to believe we can turn it on in the big games. After away victories against both Manchester City and their neighbours United this season, we should go out and try to prove a big point in the Champions League as well.
But before we can start to think about the ifs and buts of Europe, let's enjoy the FA Cup win and focus our attentions on the looming league clash against London rivals West Ham at the Emirates. Can things continue to get better? Can this win against Manchester United provide a springboard for the future? Who knows what will happen but one thing is for sure, a win at Old Trafford always leaves you with a special feeling.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Wednesday, 4 March 2015
Gunners shoot down Rangers
Olivier Giroud scored his fifth goal in as many games as Arsenal held onto third place with a 2-1 victory at relegation-threatened QPR.
The French striker was heavily criticised for missing several chances in the 3-1 Champions League defeat by Monaco earlier this month, but has since responded with goals against Everton and London rivals QPR.
Alexis Sanchez ended a goal drought going back to January as the Gunners doubled their advantage before Charlie Austin's late strike ensured a nervy finish.
In a somewhat dull first half QPR goalkeeper Rob Green kept out Olivier Giroud on a few occasions while his opposite number, David Ospina, made a comfortable save to deny Bobby Zamora.
The highlight of the first half, especially from an Arsenal point of view, was a lovely one-touch passing move from the visiting players. Unfortunately for the Gunners Santi Cazorla couldn't end it with a goal as his volley was well saved by Green.
Both sides lost players to injury before the break with Arsenal new-boy Gabriel Paulista being forced off after 36 minutes before Nedum Onuoha had to be substituted by the hosts in stoppage time.
Arsenal came out in a more determined and attacking mood after the break and nearly broke the deadlock within two minutes of the restart. Tomas Rosicky made a good run into the box before crossing for Sanchez, but the Chilean's effort was saved by Green.
Sanchez was again in the thick of the action soon after as he latched onto Mesut Ozil's pass before rolling a shot wide.
The visitors continued to pour forward and were eventually rewarded when Giroud opened the scoring after 64 minutes. Sanchez ran at the defence before threading the ball through to Kieran Gibbs. The left-back's cross was only half-blocked and Giroud reacted quickest to fire home the loose ball.
Robert Green kept QPR in the game with two fine saves to deny Sanchez soon after but the former Barcelona man was not to be denied next time around. Sanchez beat two defenders before running into the box and, when everyone was waiting for him to pull the ball back, he instead somehow squeezed a shot in from a tight angle.
Arsenal really should've added a third but, after Rosicky's effort was blocked, Green produced a superb save to touch Ozil's follow-up onto a post.
Just as the Gunners appeared to be cruising QPR reduced the deficit eight minutes from time. Austin took the ball down excellently before turning and firing a shot beyond Ospina.
Fortunately QPR were unable to find that all important equaliser and Arsene Wenger's men held on for a fourth consecutive league victory.
It was another positive result for Arsenal but the Gunners will have to drastically up their performance levels ahead of their crunch clash at Manchester United in the quarter final of the FA Cup.
The next game is set to be a truly mouth-watering contest for the Gunners and, if we can match our last performance against United, we may yet be able to beat them. Home advantage puts Manchester United as favourites to come out on top in my opinion but as holders we have a duty to go out there and produce a strong performance to ensure we keep a firm grip on the trophy.
It is going to be a tough one to call but we really must ensure we put in one hell of a performance so that no matter what our fans can be left feeling proud with the efforts. So let's go to Old Trafford with nothing to fear and see what happens. Que sera sera!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The French striker was heavily criticised for missing several chances in the 3-1 Champions League defeat by Monaco earlier this month, but has since responded with goals against Everton and London rivals QPR.
Alexis Sanchez ended a goal drought going back to January as the Gunners doubled their advantage before Charlie Austin's late strike ensured a nervy finish.
In a somewhat dull first half QPR goalkeeper Rob Green kept out Olivier Giroud on a few occasions while his opposite number, David Ospina, made a comfortable save to deny Bobby Zamora.
The highlight of the first half, especially from an Arsenal point of view, was a lovely one-touch passing move from the visiting players. Unfortunately for the Gunners Santi Cazorla couldn't end it with a goal as his volley was well saved by Green.
Both sides lost players to injury before the break with Arsenal new-boy Gabriel Paulista being forced off after 36 minutes before Nedum Onuoha had to be substituted by the hosts in stoppage time.
Arsenal came out in a more determined and attacking mood after the break and nearly broke the deadlock within two minutes of the restart. Tomas Rosicky made a good run into the box before crossing for Sanchez, but the Chilean's effort was saved by Green.
Sanchez was again in the thick of the action soon after as he latched onto Mesut Ozil's pass before rolling a shot wide.
The visitors continued to pour forward and were eventually rewarded when Giroud opened the scoring after 64 minutes. Sanchez ran at the defence before threading the ball through to Kieran Gibbs. The left-back's cross was only half-blocked and Giroud reacted quickest to fire home the loose ball.
Robert Green kept QPR in the game with two fine saves to deny Sanchez soon after but the former Barcelona man was not to be denied next time around. Sanchez beat two defenders before running into the box and, when everyone was waiting for him to pull the ball back, he instead somehow squeezed a shot in from a tight angle.
Arsenal really should've added a third but, after Rosicky's effort was blocked, Green produced a superb save to touch Ozil's follow-up onto a post.
Just as the Gunners appeared to be cruising QPR reduced the deficit eight minutes from time. Austin took the ball down excellently before turning and firing a shot beyond Ospina.
Fortunately QPR were unable to find that all important equaliser and Arsene Wenger's men held on for a fourth consecutive league victory.
It was another positive result for Arsenal but the Gunners will have to drastically up their performance levels ahead of their crunch clash at Manchester United in the quarter final of the FA Cup.
The next game is set to be a truly mouth-watering contest for the Gunners and, if we can match our last performance against United, we may yet be able to beat them. Home advantage puts Manchester United as favourites to come out on top in my opinion but as holders we have a duty to go out there and produce a strong performance to ensure we keep a firm grip on the trophy.
It is going to be a tough one to call but we really must ensure we put in one hell of a performance so that no matter what our fans can be left feeling proud with the efforts. So let's go to Old Trafford with nothing to fear and see what happens. Que sera sera!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 1 March 2015
Toffees unstuck by Rosicky
A second trip to the Emirates in two months and another 2-0 victory.
When my friend Scott and I last visited the Emirates Arsenal beat Hull 2-0 in the FA Cup third round with goals from Per Mertesacker and Alexis Sanchez.
There was a sense of deja vu in the build up to the game as again we had tickets for the upper tier, as they were the only ones available when tickets went on sale to red members, and again my dislike of heights was evident.
Yet again the Arsenal stewards came up trumps as they agreed to help me switch seats. I can't thank them enough for their understanding. Not only did I get lower tier seats but I ended up three rows from the goal.
It wasn't the prettiest of games but we got the all-important three points and moved back above Manchester United into third and that mattered most.
Again Arsene Wenger's delay in making substitutions left me feeling frustrated and there were one or two occasions where Mesut Ozil's casual approach on the ball irritated me beyond belief. But, for all the criticism Ozil received from the fans, he came up with two assists to help us to victory so I guess we shouldn't be too hard on him.
As for substitutions, one of the player's that excited me the most during the 90 minutes was match-winner Tomas Rosicky and he was only one the field for a total of 15 minutes, which included seven minutes of injury time.
Rosicky only needed seven minutes to leave his mark on the game, adding to Olivier Giroud's earlier strike, as Arsenal moved back up to third with a 2-0 win over Everton.
Manchester City lost 2-1 at Liverpool earlier in the day, meaning the Gunners have cut the gap on Manuel Pellegrini's men to four points.
After such a disappointing first leg defeat by Monaco, Wenger's men knew vast improvement was needed if they were to continue their pursuit of a Champions League place.
But the improvement did not come quickly as the hosts made a slow start against Roberto Martinez's men. In a first half of few chances Gabriel Paulista, who was making his first Premier League start for Arsenal, almost gifted the opponents a goal after 17 minutes.
The defender let a long ball bounce and Romelu Lukaku nipped in for what appeared to be a great chance, only for Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina to stick out a hand to prevent a clear shot before then producing a perfectly-timed slide tackle to deny the Belgian.
It was a shaky start for Paulista and many fans were undoubtedly wondering whether or not he can really solve our defensive problems. Paulista redeemed himself with a superb last-ditch challenge to deny Lukaku a clear strike at a goal to leave the home faithful applauding his vital contribution.
Everton were having the better of the play but could not turn it into enough clear-cut chances and the visitors were made to pay the price when Arsenal took the lead five minutes before the break.
Giroud, who came in for big criticism after missing several chances in the midweek defeat by Monaco, latched onto Ozil's corner with a well-struck low volley to give the Gunners the lead.
The goal sparked Arsenal into life with Santi Cazorla attempting to add a second before the break, but the Spaniard's effort was well tipped over by Tim Howard in the Everton goal.
Neither side produced too many clear-cut chances in the second half but Ospina was certainly the busier of the two goalkeepers. The Colombian shot-stopper tipped Lukaku's effort over the bar before saving substitute Aaaron Lennon's low strike.
Ospina's impact was crucial and he is certainly cementing his place as Arsenal's number one goalkeeper ahead of Polish international Wojciech Szczesny. The defenders seem calmer with Ospina between the sticks, as do many of the fans, and hopefully this will help to improve Szczesny's approach to the game. The Pole will know he cannot simply walk back into the side and when he is given a chance he will have to perform far better to have a chance of keeping his place.
Ospina's opposite number in the Everton goal, Howard, was thankful to defender Phil Jagielka for getting a touch to Ozil's effort to send it over for a corner, but the American could do nothing about Rosicky's late deflected strike.
Fans had been chanting for Rosicky to be introduced sooner and had to wait until eight minutes from time for the Czech's introduction. Rosicky took just seven minutes to leave his mark on the game as his shot from the edge of the area went in via a touch from Jagielka to complete the victory for the hosts.
It may not have been the best of performances but it was a huge result for Arsenal. With a trip to QPR looming, along with the crucial FA Cup quarter final at Manchester United and the second leg against Monaco, it is crucial for Arsenal to build some momentum so getting this big three points could go a long way.
The upcoming cup tie at Manchester United could go some way to defining our season as staying in the competition will boost confidence and hopefully help us to continue our domestic progress. However, should we lose at Old Trafford, the season could fizzle out.
But whatever happens in the FA Cup we must keep our focus firmly on the Premier League, with a trip to Loftus Road to face QPR awaiting us in our next match.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
When my friend Scott and I last visited the Emirates Arsenal beat Hull 2-0 in the FA Cup third round with goals from Per Mertesacker and Alexis Sanchez.
There was a sense of deja vu in the build up to the game as again we had tickets for the upper tier, as they were the only ones available when tickets went on sale to red members, and again my dislike of heights was evident.
Yet again the Arsenal stewards came up trumps as they agreed to help me switch seats. I can't thank them enough for their understanding. Not only did I get lower tier seats but I ended up three rows from the goal.
It wasn't the prettiest of games but we got the all-important three points and moved back above Manchester United into third and that mattered most.
Again Arsene Wenger's delay in making substitutions left me feeling frustrated and there were one or two occasions where Mesut Ozil's casual approach on the ball irritated me beyond belief. But, for all the criticism Ozil received from the fans, he came up with two assists to help us to victory so I guess we shouldn't be too hard on him.
As for substitutions, one of the player's that excited me the most during the 90 minutes was match-winner Tomas Rosicky and he was only one the field for a total of 15 minutes, which included seven minutes of injury time.
Rosicky only needed seven minutes to leave his mark on the game, adding to Olivier Giroud's earlier strike, as Arsenal moved back up to third with a 2-0 win over Everton.
Manchester City lost 2-1 at Liverpool earlier in the day, meaning the Gunners have cut the gap on Manuel Pellegrini's men to four points.
After such a disappointing first leg defeat by Monaco, Wenger's men knew vast improvement was needed if they were to continue their pursuit of a Champions League place.
But the improvement did not come quickly as the hosts made a slow start against Roberto Martinez's men. In a first half of few chances Gabriel Paulista, who was making his first Premier League start for Arsenal, almost gifted the opponents a goal after 17 minutes.
The defender let a long ball bounce and Romelu Lukaku nipped in for what appeared to be a great chance, only for Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina to stick out a hand to prevent a clear shot before then producing a perfectly-timed slide tackle to deny the Belgian.
It was a shaky start for Paulista and many fans were undoubtedly wondering whether or not he can really solve our defensive problems. Paulista redeemed himself with a superb last-ditch challenge to deny Lukaku a clear strike at a goal to leave the home faithful applauding his vital contribution.
Everton were having the better of the play but could not turn it into enough clear-cut chances and the visitors were made to pay the price when Arsenal took the lead five minutes before the break.
Giroud, who came in for big criticism after missing several chances in the midweek defeat by Monaco, latched onto Ozil's corner with a well-struck low volley to give the Gunners the lead.
The goal sparked Arsenal into life with Santi Cazorla attempting to add a second before the break, but the Spaniard's effort was well tipped over by Tim Howard in the Everton goal.
Neither side produced too many clear-cut chances in the second half but Ospina was certainly the busier of the two goalkeepers. The Colombian shot-stopper tipped Lukaku's effort over the bar before saving substitute Aaaron Lennon's low strike.
Ospina's impact was crucial and he is certainly cementing his place as Arsenal's number one goalkeeper ahead of Polish international Wojciech Szczesny. The defenders seem calmer with Ospina between the sticks, as do many of the fans, and hopefully this will help to improve Szczesny's approach to the game. The Pole will know he cannot simply walk back into the side and when he is given a chance he will have to perform far better to have a chance of keeping his place.
Ospina's opposite number in the Everton goal, Howard, was thankful to defender Phil Jagielka for getting a touch to Ozil's effort to send it over for a corner, but the American could do nothing about Rosicky's late deflected strike.
Fans had been chanting for Rosicky to be introduced sooner and had to wait until eight minutes from time for the Czech's introduction. Rosicky took just seven minutes to leave his mark on the game as his shot from the edge of the area went in via a touch from Jagielka to complete the victory for the hosts.
It may not have been the best of performances but it was a huge result for Arsenal. With a trip to QPR looming, along with the crucial FA Cup quarter final at Manchester United and the second leg against Monaco, it is crucial for Arsenal to build some momentum so getting this big three points could go a long way.
The upcoming cup tie at Manchester United could go some way to defining our season as staying in the competition will boost confidence and hopefully help us to continue our domestic progress. However, should we lose at Old Trafford, the season could fizzle out.
But whatever happens in the FA Cup we must keep our focus firmly on the Premier League, with a trip to Loftus Road to face QPR awaiting us in our next match.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)