Gunners end 2016 with win

We did it the hard way, but Olivier Giroud's late header ensured Arsenal ended 2016 on a high with a 1-0 win over West Brom.

Although it wasn't the greatest of performances, the score could have been more had it not been for some fine saves from West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The result was a great late Christmas present for the Gunners, who returned to winning ways after back-to-back league defeats. However, it still leaves Arsenal in their all too familiar spot of fourth and nine points off leaders Chelsea as we approach the end of the year, although some teams still have matches left before 2017.

Giroud and Alexis Sanchez both sent shots off target inside the opening 15 minutes, while at the other end Salomón Rondón's header was comfortably saved by Petr Cech in the Arsenal goal.

Sanchez tried his luck again shortly after the half hour mark, but Foster was equal to his effort and excellently beat the Chilean's strike away before Alex Iwobi shot over soon after.

West Brom midfielder Claudio Yacob produced a fine block to keep out Iwobi's shot from inside the box as the first half ended goalless.

Arsenal came close to breaking the deadlock within five minutes of the restart, but some great goalkeeping from Foster kept the hosts at bay. Iwobi's initial strike was parried by Foster before the England shot-stopper reacted quickly to smother Sanchez's rebound.

It really should have been 1-0 soon after when Sanchez got the ball inside the box and beat two defenders, but his eventual effort smacked against a post.

Sanchez soon had another chance to get his name on the scoresheet, but his fine strike from the edge of the box was excellently tipped over the bar by Foster. Sanchez then turned provider with a cross into the box, but Giroud's header was comfortably saved by Foster.

Arsenal continued to pile pressure on their opponents with Giroud getting on the end of a good passing move before beating his man in the box, but his shot was well saved by the outstretched leg of Foster.

West Brom had a rare chance when Cech failed to keep hold of a corner but, fortunately for the Gunners, Yacob skied his effort over the bar.

With just eight minutes left on the clock Hector Bellerin headed Lucas Perez's cross over the bar and it felt like it was just going to be one of those days. That was until Giroud struck to send the Arsenal fans into raptures. The French strike held off his marker Gareth McAuley to head home Mesut Ozil's cross.

Arsenal pushed for a second and nearly got it in the final minute of normal time, but once again Foster came to the rescue as he produced a fine save with his legs to keep out Aaron Ramsey. Foster also kept out Bellerin in stoppage time, but Arsenal held on for the victory.

OPPOSITION VIEW
West Brom fans Rob Myatt and Steven Butler were left frustrated following their side's defeat.

"From an Albion perspective, it's the second most frustrating game of the season, after the Chelsea one," said Myatt. "To contain such a dominant team, with the aid of some outstanding saves from arguably the best, most consistent English goalkeeper in the PL, is a feat in itself, but to lose in the manner we did hurts even more.

"The way we set up is pure counter attacking and take our chances when they come type of football. That chance came when Yacob blazed over from a corner but if Rondon, Chadli or a player of that ilk had been on the end of it, we'd have been looking at a much different story. But he didn't and we aren't, so we take the positives: we've now played the best two teams in the league away in a month and should have come away with something from both games.

"I thought Evans and Nyom were outstanding once again. How Evans is at a club like ours is beyond me and when the rumours starting circulating about Arsenal possibly being in for him, I for one completely understood it.

"We sometimes lack support for Rondon and I think the frustration showed at times, but he's the kind of player who will drift in and out of games. The great thing is though that when he does come to the fore, he invariably scores or makes a nuisance of himself to allow the likes of Phillips and Chadli additional space.

"As an Albion fan, we write these games off; anything but a spanking and it's a good result for us. We have two winnable games coming up against Southampton and Hull, so to be "the best of the rest" is a decent tag to have.

"People slaughter Pulis for his style of play, but look at our recent results and performances, and you'll see it's the stereotypical response from people who don't watch us every week. Yes, we are defensive when we need to be but we weren't like that against teams not in the top four over the last six weeks and our results prove that."

Butler also felt frustrated, but not too downbeat after the match adding: "I approached the game with low expectations, as you do, when you're facing superior opposition. The game plan was always going to be: to get men behind the ball and try to keep Arsenal at bay for as long as possible (ideally for the 90+ minutes) and if the opportunity presented itself, hit the Gunners on the counterattack with a goal, then shut up shop, gleefully accepting a smash and grab win.

"As the game went on, it was evident that we'd be lucky to escape with a point - although it was a resilient rear-guard display from the Albion, managing to frustrate Arsenal until late on in the game, the outcome seemed inevitable... sure enough, Giroud scored the winner with an excellent header in the 87th minute.

"So near and yet so far, from coming away from the Emirates with what would've been a very good point, instead we left empty handed - fair play to Arsenal though, their persistence finally paid off and they emerged victorious."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
West Brom defended excellently to frustrate us for much of the game, but all that matters is we did the job, albeit it very late on, and got a much-needed three points.

That's it for 2016 and if we are to have any chance of getting back in the title race in 2017 we need to start it with a bang. The visit of Crystal Palace on New Year's Day will swiftly be followed by the trip to Bournemouth. Both are tough yet very winnable games and we need to be aiming for nothing less than a maximum six-point haul from those games, so let's focus on our own games and get two more wins.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Two away defeats in a week

Just like we did against Everton earlier the same week Arsenal took the lead only to be on the wrong end of another 2-1 defeat, this time at Manchester City.

In terms of Arsenal's chances it had been seen as potential a huge week in the title race as a tally of four to six points would have kept us in more serious contention. However to come out of two away games, albeit tough ones, with nothing to show for it is very disheartening as we dropped down to fourth and nine points behind leaders Chelsea.

There was some controversy surrounding the two City goals - scored by Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling - with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feeling that both efforts should have been ruled out for offside. Whether or not he has a case will be looked into later in the blog, but either way it doesn't hide the fact that we were poor and City still deserved their win.

Theo Walcott gave us an early lead after just four minutes, but we only had six shots and didn't offer too much in attack. City levelled through Sane within two minutes of the restart and, even at that stage, it looked like the hosts would go on to win it. So it proved as Sterling hit the winner 19 minutes from time.

We always knew City would be tough opponents, especially on their own turf and despite the fact they have struggled a bit of late. Although the last two results hurt, it is the performances that disappoint me most. Had we put in two heroic efforts and been unfortunate it would have been easier to take. Instead we started strongly, but couldn't make the most of it or maintain it and let both Everton and City back into the respective matches.

To go from topping the table following our 3-1 victory over Stoke to then dropping to fourth after back-to-back away defeats is very frustrating. It is a big shame we couldn't maintain the strong start we had made to the game following Walcott's opener. The forward latched onto Alexis Sanchez's fine through ball before taking a touch and slotting a shot beyond Claudio Bravo in the City goal.

City nearly responded immediately but Sterling headed just wide from close range. Yaya Toure also missed with a headed effort soon after, while at the other end Walcott volleyed over before nodding his next effort wide.

Arsenal were able to hold onto their slender 1-0 lead going in at the break, but the complexion of the game soon changed inside the opening few minutes of the second half. Sane got on the end of David Silva's clipped pass over the top before beating Petr Cech with a calm finish. Having watched the replays back, I genuinely believe Sane's goal should have been ruled out as he was narrowly offside as Silva played the pass. It was very frustrating, but we should have just moved on and tried to find a positive response. But instead we seemed to let City control for large spells for the rest of the contest. We kept our shape well at times, but City continued to press and it was only a matter of time before they found their winning goal.

Cech reacted well to keep out Sane from close range before later producing a fine save to tip away Kevin de Bruyne's deflected strike. But then came the killer blow for the Gunners as de Bruyne's fine long pass found Sterling, who ran into the box before beating Cech with a low shot at his near post. Silva was stood in front of Cech in an offside position as the Sterling hit his shot, but that was in some ways a much difficult one to call. I don't think Silva really affected the goal all that much and the referee was probably right to have awarded that one.

It got worse for the Gunners as substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was forced off through injury just over 10 minutes after coming on.

City very nearly added a third before the end, but de Bruyne's close-range effort hit a post. Arsenal did have a chance to level the scores inside the final 10 minutes, but Walcott chipped an effort off target when maybe he should have crossed it and City held on to take all three points.

OPPOSITION VIEW
Manchester City fan Joe Barnes was happy with the impact of goalscorer Sane after what was an important result for his side.

"I think it was definitely a game of two halves," said Barnes. "It was still the same ropey City defensively!

"It was good to see Sane starting to repay some of the money we spent on him as he appears to have bags of talent and pace. Pep (Guardiola) needs to overhaul the defence, build it round (John) Stones.

"Arsenal's soft underbelly was exposed for the second time in a week. Three points were much needed to keep City in the hunt for the title."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
So where do we go from here? We have the foundations of a good squad, but maybe adding a few fresh faces in the transfer window could give us some renewed hope. Defender Shkodran Mustafi also needs to hurry up and return from injury as we have seemed less solid at the back in his absence.

Nine points behind leaders Chelsea and looking at an all too familiar story of title hopes fading. But we can't think like that as if we do our hopes will fade even faster. It is going to be an uphill task from now on and we need to just focus on our own football and try and bounce back to winning ways as soon as possible, starting with the visit of West Brom on Boxing Day.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Gunners come unstuck against Toffees

What is it with teams from Merseyside? We have only lost two league games this season - the opening day defeat by Liverpool and now 2-1 against 10-man Everton at Goodison Park.

Although it took some defending of the highest quality to stop us from getting at least a point Everton, in truth, were worthy winners as they pressed us well. But without being disrespectful to the Toffees, we never really got out of first gear and should have done far better in the final third than we did and that was very disappointing to see.

This is a huge week for us, but now we are still three points behind leaders Chelsea and they have a game in hand. So, unless they somehow muck up at struggling Sunderland, we will be even further behind ahead of the weekend's massive game at Manchester City. We should have put ourselves into a far better position going into that game, but we failed to really wake up against Everton.

Chances were few and far between for both sides in a rather uninspiring first half, but at least we took the lead to give us something to cheer about. After Mesut Ozil had fired an early effort over the bar we broke the deadlock after 20 minutes as Alexis Sanchez's free-kick deflected in off defender Ashley Williams.

At the other end, former Tottenham midfielder Aaron Lennon twice shot off target before Everton grabbed an equaliser right on half-time as Seamus Coleman headed home Leighton Baines's cross.

Arsenal really should have re-taken the lead within eight minutes of the restart as Sanchez's clever cut-back found Ozil, but somehow the German international blazed over when it looked easier to score. Ozil nearly had another chance soon after but goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg rushed out quickly to smother the ball and stop the midfielder getting it.

Everton also came close to a second when Ross Barkley sent a shot agonisingly wide as the game remained firmly in the balance and, at that point, it was very hard to call which way it would go.

Arsenal were struggling to create too many clear-cut chances as substitute Alex Iwobi saw his effort go wide.

Everton continued to push forward in the closing stages and, shortly after Phil Jagielka had been denied by Cech, Williams headed home a Barkley corner to send the home fans into raptures four minutes from time.

The hosts were dealt a blow when Jagielka was dismissed for a second bookable offence in stoppage time, but luckily it didn't have too much impact on the game as there was less than two minutes remaining.

Arsenal, however, did very nearly snatch a point at the death albeit for some heroic defending. Everton deserve their win and I am certainly not making excuses, but the defending by Baines in the final minute was truly incredible and stopped us from getting what would have been a certain point. Ramiro Funes Mori had already cleared a shot off the line before Baines came up with an even better block to keep the ball out. Although we had been poor in attack for much of the game, how on earth this effort didn't go in left me baffled. It wasn't about poor finishing on that particular occasion, but simply a quality defensive block so take a bow Baines...even if it did make me very frustrated as it meant game over and the end of our unbeaten league run.

OPPOSITION VIEW
Everton fan Paul O'Neill felt the team that wanted it more on the night got the result.

"Tonight Everton were 3/1 for a home win," said O'Neill. "Normally a great price, but having only won one in the last eight I don't think anyone could see Arsenal losing this one. But that wasn't to be thanks to two simple headers in fairness and great assists from Barkley and Baines.

"This was an end-to-end match and to be honest I felt we wanted it more. You could see the passion there, fighting for everything, and what it meant to Ashley Williams redeeming for the deflection earlier on.

"Hopefully this will propel Everton on to much better performances and results that the people's club deserve. Unlucky Arsenal, fair result."

O'Neill's fellow Toffees fan David Bridson was also left delighted by the performance.

"On the back of a shocking run and in the first of a tough run of fixtures I feared for Everton," added Bridson. "To not only equalise, but win the game against potential league winners shows the Blues still have that determination to hold our own against any opposition.

"Though the victory has also come with the hefty price of Phil Jagielka's sending off we dearly needed three points. I'm hoping our confidence has increased tenfold heading into the Merseyside derby on Monday."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Defeats are never nice and this one is no exception. Without knocking Everton, who deserved the win, this really hurts as it is such a big week for us.

Wins against Everton and Manchester City would have thrown the gauntlet down and shown we are serious title contenders, but we have failed at the first hurdle. We now need an even bigger display against City if we are to prove that we have any chance this year and are not just going to fade away as we have in recent previous seasons.

Normally I would say a draw at Manchester City would be a great result, but after the way the Everton game went nothing other than a win will do. Yes, a point would still be impressive, but if we are really serious about this we must prove it and get a victory over Pep Guardiola's men!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Gunners smash Potters to extend unbeaten run

Arsenal stretched their unbeaten league run to 14 games and temporarily went top of the table following a 3-1 victory over Stoke.

Stoke are always a tricky side to play and the visitors took the lead through a Charlie Adam penalty, but fortunately Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Alex Iwobi were all on hand to ensure we took all three points. We have always found it tough away at the Britannia, but home advantage proved crucial once again as we continued our good record at Emirates Stadium against them where it is now nine wins from nine league meetings.

Chelsea's 1-0 win over West Brom sees us drop to second and three points behind the leaders, but there is still a lot of football to be played. We are capable of over hauling Chelsea at the top and equally fading away in the title race. It is important that keep the unbeaten run going and also make sure we don't drop any silly points along the way. The next few games could have a big impact on the direction of our season, but if we are to mount a more serious title challenge we must continue to bang in the goals like we have against Stoke, FC Basel and West Ham.

The three points against the Potters did come at a cost though as Shkodran Mustafi was forced off with an injury and looks set for at least three weeks on the sidelines. He will be a big loss to our defence and I am unsure how we will cope, but maybe this can be Rob Holding's chance to shine. Gabriel has also impressed in his last few games for us, so there are options available and it is hard to say how we will manage without the more solid Kostafi partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Mustafi we have been used to recently.

But before Mustafi left the action both sides created decent chances to score. Stoke defender Marc Muniesa saw his sweetly struck long-range volley tipped over by Petr Cech, while his team-mate Erik Pieters shot wide. At the other end, Walcott saw his effort well kept out by Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant.

Stoke midfielder Joe Allen then sent an effort off target before a hamstring problem saw Mustafi forced off for Arsenal. Although it was a big blow to lose such an important defender it was good to see Hector Bellerin, who came on in his place, back on the pitch following his return from injury.

Stoke opened the scoring shortly before the half hour mark when they were awarded a penalty as Granit Xhaka's elbow caught Allen in the face. There didn't seem much intent as it looked purely accidental, but Xhaka's arm was raised high and a penalty was awarded, which Adam dispatched with no problem.

Arsenal tried to find a response and very nearly got it when Bellerin played a nice ball across the box and only a crucial intervention from Mame Biram Diouf stopped Ozil getting a clear shot at goal.

The Gunners got themselves back into the game when Walcott equalised three minutes before the break. Sanchez's fine through ball opened up the Stoke defence before Bellerin's cross was fired home by Walcott.

Arsenal nearly completed the turnaround before half-time, but Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both sent efforts just over the crossbar. At the other end, Xherdan Shaqiri's long-range shot was comfortably saved by Cech in first-half stoppage time.

Arsene Wenger's men started the second half well and moved in front within just five minutes of the restart. Oxlade-Chamberlain lofted a superb high pass into the box and Ozil timed his run to perfection to loop a header over Grant.

Arsenal continued to create chances as Xhaka and Oxlade-Chamberlain sent their efforts off target before the latter saw his next strike saved by Grant. Those misses almost proved costly as Stoke came very close to levelling the scores, but substitute Peter Crouch's header was well kept out by Cech.

The hosts gave themselves a two-goal cushion and put the result beyond doubt when substitute Iwobi scored 15 minutes from time. Iwobi passed the ball to Sanchez, who was then brought down just outside the box, but Arsenal played the advantage successfully as the substitute raced into the box and calmly slotted a shot beyond Grant.

Substitute Olivier Giroud came on to make his 200th appearance for the club, but he was unable to cap it with a goal as he sent an effort wide in stoppage time.

It was a great result for Arsenal to keep the good run of form going and also make sure they will complete the calendar year without losing on a Saturday. We just need to make sure we win on Tuesday and Sunday next week!

OPPOSITION VIEW
Stoke fan Debs Graham admitted she always knew it was going to be a difficult match at the Emirates, but was keen not to be too downbeat following the defeat.

"I wasn't expecting a win as we've not won there for years," said Graham. "We started decently & had a couple of chances. The penalty was a silly foul and gave us the lead.

"Both Muniesa and (Marko Arnautovic) Arnie had chances, which at the start of the season we weren't even getting. The two goals either side of half-time killed us off and the second goal came right after we were getting Pieters back on the pitch following treatment.

"Considering how we started the season and how negative our own fans were we've come far. We've got Southampton and Leicester home next where we can pick up points, but then followed by Liverpool and Chelsea away over the Xmas period. Lee Grant has done so well for us this season."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
After another positive result things are looking good, but we must not get carried away. We have given ourselves a good shot at a title challenge, but we need to be consistent and not let things slip.

The next two fixtures have the potential to be very tricky and not only because they are back-to-back away games. Everton may not be in the greatest form and if we play like I know we can we should win, but there are no guarantees in football and we need to not take Everton lightly, especially as they possess a big goal threat upfront in Romelu Lukaku. After Everton is arguably one of our biggest tests of the season - a trip to Manchester City.

Although I admit it was funny to hear about them being hammered 4-2 by Leicester in their last game, it will definitely not be an easy game. We are in good form and they are playing below par, which in theory means we should be in a good position to take advantage. But I am always wary of playing a side, especially one of the strongest in the Premier League, after they've had a big defeat. They will be hurting and eager to put things right and we have to make sure it isn't against us.

Before we can even think about the big clash at City we must focus on Everton and getting three points at Goodison Park.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Perez treble secures top spot

Lucas Perez made the most of his opportunity to shine as his hat-trick helped Arsenal to a 4-1 win at FC Basel and secured their place at the top of Group A.

The Gunners had looked more likely to finish second before kick-off but, as well as taking care of their own business, PSG suffered a surprise a 2-2 home draw against Ludogorets to allow Arsenal to leapfrog them into first place.

It was a massive result for Arsenal that allowed them to top a group for the first time since 2011-12. In theory it could mean a so-called easier draw in the round of 16, but nothing is guaranteed as the Gunners could still yet face sides including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid depending on the Spanish side's result against Borussia Dortmund. Whatever happens it is certainly a huge psychological boost for Arsene Wenger's men to have defied the odds and topped their group, so hopefully we can kick on from here.

It took Arsenal just eight minutes to opening the scoring in Switzerland as Perez grabbed his first goal of the evening. Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil combined well to set up Kieran Gibbs before the left-back picked out Perez to tap in from close range.

Arsenal's hard work was nearly undone soon after when Matias Delgado forced a decent save from David Ospina, but fortunately for the visitors the flag was raised for offside before the rebound was tucked away.

The Gunners doubled their advantage after 16 minutes when Gibbs latched onto Ozil's through ball and saw his strike saved by Tomas Vaclik, but Perez was on hand to net the rebound from close range.

Although Arsenal were seemingly in control, FC Basel almost reduced the deficit before the break. Adama Traore saw his effort sail just wide before Ospina kept out Renato Steffen's shot and was alert to beat Marc Janko to the rebound.

Arsenal made it 3-0 within two minute of the restart as Gibbs once again played a key role in the move. The defender played the ball into Sanchez, who in turn set up Perez to send an angled strike into the bottom corner.

The Gunners piled more misery onto their Swiss opponents just six minutes later as Sanchez set up Ozil, whose unselfish pass across goal gave Alex Iwobi the simplest of tap-ins. It could have been five had Sanchez's free-kick not crashed against the crossbar, but Arsenal were more than deserving of their commanding lead.

FC Basel netted a consolation 12 minutes from time as Seydou Doumbia turned past Laurent Koscielny before slotting a shot beyond Ospina.

As the final whistle blew we knew we had done our bit and just had to nervously wait on the result from Paris. PSG grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser, but were unable to find a winning goal as their match against Ludogorets ended 2-2.

A truly remarkable evening as top spot had looked almost beyond us before kick-off, yet we still managed to finish top of Group A and must make sure we keep our momentum going in the Champions League.

GROUP A
The 4-1 win at FC Basel saw us finish two points clear at the top of Group A.

Although we needed a big slice of luck to help us get there, it is certainly a big confidence boost to finish top. The two draws against PSG had looked like they might come back to haunt us, but in the end we pulled off a European miracle with a big helping hand from our Bulgarian group rivals.

Although we could still get a difficult draw and, in truth, there isn't really such as a thing as an easy round of 16 tie, at least we have put ourselves in a very good position by finishing top. I also don't see any point in being in the Champions League if you don't want to pit your wits against the best, so I don't actually mind who we end up being drawn against. I say, bring it on and what will be will be.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Finishing top of the group is a fantastic achievement and we will find out in under a week's time who are opponents our in the round of 16 in this season's Champions League.

Until then we must fully turn our attentions back to the league and potentially tough home fixture against Stoke. With back-to-back away games at Everton and Manchester City to follow this is certainly going to be a big next fortnight for the Gunners.

We need to make sure that by the end of the game at Manchester City we are still in the title race and, if any of our title rivals mess up, we must be ready to take advantage!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Sanchez treble sinks Hammers

Alexis Sanchez is a key player for Arsenal and proved it yet again with his hat-trick in the 5-1 thrashing of London rivals West Ham.

The Chilean took just 14 minutes to complete his treble in the latter stages of the second half, while Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also got their names onto the scoresheet.

Sanchez could have opened his account earlier in the match had Winston Reid not crucially deflected the ball away from him in the first half.

West Ham also missed the opportunity to score inside the opening 20 minutes when Petr Cech kept out Manuel Lanzini's effort. But Ozil was on hand to make sure it didn't stay goalless for too much longer as the German international broke the deadlock after 24 minutes. Sanchez took advantage of a defensive mistake by the Hammers before squaring the ball to Ozil for a simple tap in.

A combination of good pressing and poor defending forced West Ham into more mistakes, but Arsenal were unable to add to their lead before-half-time. Oxlade-Chamberlain really should have done better when he burst into the box, but his effort went harmlessly out for a throw-in, while Sanchez saw his strike comfortably saved by Darren Randolph.

Arsenal wasted the opportunity to double their advantage within three minutes of the restart as Theo Walcott headed over from Ozil's free-kick.

At the other end, a crucial intervention from Laurent Koscielny prevented a clear effort on goal inside the box before Ashley Fletcher shot just wide soon after.

Randolph produced a great double save to deny Aaron Ramsey and Ozil and keep West Ham in the game. With the score still at 1-0 fans of both sides knew one goal could totally change the game and, 18 minutes from time, the next one flew in. Sanchez doubled Arsenal's advantage with a fine goal as he latched onto Shkodran Mustafi's pass and showed great control to spin past Anthony Makuanu, before beating Randolph with a low strike into the far corner.

The next four goals all came in a manic six-minute spell as Arsenal put the game beyond doubt. Sanchez let the ball bounce before firing a low strike beyond Randolph and into the corner of the net.

Substitute Andy Carroll gave West Ham slim hope of getting back into the game when he headed home the rebound after Dimitri Payet's initial free-kick had hit the crossbar. In the end, that goal proved merely to be a consolation for the Hammers as Arsenal responded almost immediately with Oxlade-Chamberlain's wonderful curling effort.

There was still time for the Gunners to inflict further misery on their London rivals as Sanchez latched onto Oxlade-Chamberlain's pass before beating Randolph with a cheeky chip.

It was an important result for Arsenal, who bounced back to winning ways and moved up to second in the Premier League table. The midweek EFL Cup defeat by Southampton ended the Gunners' 19-game unbeaten run and threatened to derail their campaign. But Arsene Wenger's men remain unbeaten in the league since their defeat by Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season. Liverpool could yet leapfrog us depending on the result of their game against Bournemouth, but that is out of our hands, and at least we've got things back on track with a win.

OPPOSITION VIEW
West Ham fan Alex Saich hit out at his side and believes Carroll should have been introduced into the game far sooner than he was.

"Where do we start with that game, just shocking all over the pitch," said Saich. "I don't mind losing if we show some heart. I've never seen a slower tempo by a West Ham team.

"Then you stand there in the ground watching arsenal attack at such speed you're just in awe of it.

Without (Michail) Antonio and (Aaron) Cresswell we just have a team of sideways passing trying not to be the person to screw it up. So whatever plan A was in the first half was absolute pony, and we're there with Andy Carroll on the bench, we know arsenal can't handle his power and heading ability, and he comes on at 72 mins when it's game over.

"That's about the most I can write, getting annoyed just thinking about it.

"Fair play to Arsenal, serious team of players playing at an amazing speed, and will definitely be challenging, why someone didn't put a stud through Sanchez is beyond me. What a player he is, one of the best I've seen."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Three points off leaders Chelsea is not too bad and we have definitely given ourselves a chance of challenging for the Premier League title.

But to come away with the big prize in May means we need to be getting more results like we did against West Ham. I don't mean we necessarily have to score five, but we need to be clinical and make it count instead of getting some of the frustrating draws we've had in other games over the last month or so.

Chelsea look in good form and may not slip up too many times, even if we did thump them when they came to the Emirates, but we need to make sure we are ready to pounce when they drop any points. Every game is a cup final so we need to make it count!

Before our next league encounter - the visit of Stoke - we must turn our attentions back to the Champions League and the trip to FC Basel. Although it looks likely that we will finish second in the group there is still a very faint hope of top spot, depending on other results, so there is still technically something to play for in this match and we need to put in a performance of the highest quality.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Touch of Clasie sees Gunners exit

Jordy Clasie scored his first goal for Southampton as a poor home performance saw Arsenal dumped out of the EFL Cup following a 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.

Arsenal went into the cup tie on the back of a 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions, but they never really got going and it was the manner of the performance rather than the result that was the most disappointing factor.

Although we performed very badly credit should be given to Southampton, who closed us down very well and did a number on us. Southampton boss Claude Puel played under Arsene Wenger's management at Monaco and had the last laugh as he sent his former employer crashing out of the cup.

The first half was particularly poor for the hosts with Arsenal barely even mustering a shot on goal apart from the odd few efforts blocked by the visitors' defence.

Southampton did better in front of goal and opened the scoring after 13 minutes. Sofiane Boufal saw his shot blocked before Dutchman Clasie thumped home the loose ball.

It got worse for Arsenal eight minutes before the break as Southampton doubled their advantage, with Boufal again heavily involved. The midfielder broke clear before cutting the ball back to Ryan Bertrand, whose low strike went beyond Emiliano Martinez and into the bottom corner of the net.

Arsenal's first-half misery continued as Mohamed Elneny was forced off injured shortly before half-time and, even with 45 minutes still to play, there didn't seem like there would be any way back.

The Gunners did, in fact, make a much better and lively start to the second half, but when the chances arrived Lucas Perez and Aaron Ramsey both shot straight at Fraser Forster in the Southampton goal.

At the other end, Southampton threatend to add to their lead, but Shane Long headed over before seeing his next effort parried by Martinez.

Substitute Granit Xhaka's long-range free-kick was well saved by Forster, while Perez and Francis Coquelin saw their efforts deflect wide.

Arsenal failed to make the most of the chances that did come their way and Southampton were also looking dangerous on the break, but Steve Davis and Long both shot off target.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came on for Arsenal and injected a bit more pace, but he really should have done better with his effort in the box that he ended up blazing over the bar. Fellow substitute Ainsley Maitland-Niles very nearly set up a goal for Arsenal when Kieran Gibbs got on the end of his cross, but the defender's header was cleared off the line by Maya Yoshida.

Arsenal were creating chances, but it was clear that it wasn't going to be our day. We just seemed to lack that extra hunger and spark to change the game. Although I would defend some of the criticism about Wenger's team selection by saying the starting XI was actually fairly strong, the fact we didn't at the very least have Alexis Sanchez and/or Mesut Ozil on the bench was very irritating and a big mistake.

Rob Holding saw his header deflect wide before Forster denied Alex Iwobi as Arsenal continued to try, but fail, to get back into the game. In fact, it very nearly got worse for Arsenal, but Martinez managed to get a fingertip to tip Josh Sims' shot wide of the goal. Martinez was called into action again soon after, this time denying Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

Arsenal tried in vain to even get a consolation goal as Gibbs blazed over the bar in stoppage time on what was a miserable night for the Gunners.

OPPOSITION VIEW
Southampton fan Mavis John was understandably delighted by her side's cup victory.

"Well done Saints!" said John. "Into the semi-finals for the first time in 30 years!

"With the stats and Southampton's inability at times to capitalise on their chances, I wasn't particularly hopeful. However, all credit to the lads for playing really well.

"Claude Puel continued the squad rotation he's employed over the season so far and it worked. Good to see goalscorers who aren't usually on the score sheet - and to see Josh Sims again after his debut on Sunday.

"Arsenal were under strength and not at their best but Saints still won a famous victory."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Although it is good to see some younger players given a run out that game highlighted, although everyone already knew this, just how important the likes of Ozil and Sanchez are.

They have the potential to change a game when you are under the cosh and I would have liked to see them come on at half-time to inject more belief into the side. Instead we are out of the EFL Cup for another season.

Although the EFL Cup is not a big priority it would still have been nice to win it and I am very disappointed at our exit. It will be crucial how we react to this. We simply can't let it derail our season. The unbeaten run is now over and it is up to Wenger and the players to make sure we don't let this spiral us out of control and instead we need to dust ourselves down and go win at West Ham!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Sanchez cherry picks win

At times it looked like it might not be our day, but in the end we did what mattered most and got all three points with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Alexis Sanchez struck either side of a Theo Walcott header as the Gunners extended their unbeaten run with 19 games in all competitions.

Callum Wilson scored Bournemouth's goal and the visitors were left wondering what might have been as, had they been given another penalty, things maybe could have been different. But, in truth, Arsenal deserved the win and are three points behind leaders Chelsea.

In some ways we look better equipped this year to be able to maintain a title challenge for longer, but I also wouldn't be surprised if we didn't. It is hard to call, but the main thing at the moment is our unbeaten run continues and we are back to winning ways after two consecutive league draws.

Although Arsenal deserved their win they opened the scoring in rather fortuitous circumstances. Sanchez seized on a poor underhit backpass from Steve Cook before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting the ball into the empty net.

Some Arsenal fans felt Sanchez should have been given a penalty following a foul by Nathan Ake, but I felt personally the contact was just outside the box and both sides had for and against them in this one so I have no complaints.

Arsenal suffered a blow just minutes later when Mathieu Debuchy, who was making his first appearance since November 2015, was forced off with a hamstring problem and early indications are that it could be a serious injury. With Hector Bellerin also out injured this is worrying, but hopefully we can get through it.

Bournemouth levelled matters through Wilson's spot-kick after 23 minutes. I thought the penalty, which was given fouling Nacho Monreal's challenge in the box, was soft and more just shoulder to shoulder. But the Cherries saw another penalty shout waved away later following Shkodran Mustafi's push on Cook so maybe the decisions evened themselves out to an extent.

The visitors really should have taken the lead before the break. Bournemouth's players were unhappy by Laurent Koscielny's challenge on Harry Arter and, from the resulting free-kick, they will rue having not scored a goal. Junior Stanislas sent the ball in and, after Arsenal failed to clear the danger, Ake nodded it back across goal and Adam Smith somehow headed over when it looked easier to have scored.

Arsenal also missed a good chance before half-time as Sanchez's powerful strike hit the crossbar, but the Gunners made amends with their second goal of the afternoon within nine minutes of the restart. Mesut Ozil twisted defender Simon Francis inside and out before finding Monreal and the defender's inch-perfect first-time ball back over the top was headed home by Walcott.

Bournemouth maybe felt they had been denied a good chance of an equaliser following Monreal's alleged handball in the box. It did hit his hand, but I wonder how much he really could have done to prevent it and maybe a penalty would have been harsh. Either way, it was a relief to see nothing given.

The Cherries refused to give up and kept battling on and it took a fine save from Petr Cech to deny former Gunner Benik Afobe from close range 11 minutes from time.

It was a nervy end for Arsenal, but the victory was finally assured as Sanchez netted his second of the game in stoppage time. Substitute Olivier Giroud exchanged passes with Ozil before pulling the ball back for Sanchez to tap home.

It was a difficult game and credit to Bournemouth for never giving up but, while some may think our performance wasn't as good as it should have been, a win's a win and I'm more than happy with the result.

OPPOSITION VIEW
Bournemouth fan Tristan Chapman found plenty of reasons to be positive with the performance of his side despite the result.

"This was one of the key matches in the season for the Cherries," said Chapman. "An opportunity to see just how far we had come over the past season and visit one of the top stadiums in the country.

"It was always going to be a tough match and even more so with Wilshere sidelined due to his loan agreement with his parent club.

"None of us were disappointed by the game. We really took the game to Arsenal and showed that little Bournemouth are also capable of playing attractive attacking football. At times we out Arsenal'd Arsenal.

"If it wasn't for the slip by Cook early in the first half which allowed Sanchez an easy goal we could have been going into the break on top.

"The Bournemouth fans were in great voice throughout the match and lifted the volume for Nathan Ake, who was immense at the back once again, and probably deserved to be recognised as the MOTM.

"Great to see us get a goal at the Emirates, just a little disappointed that the scoreline didn't give a true reflection of the match.

"We were pick-pocketed a bit, outdone by class in the last third and a couple of dubious refereeing decisions (or lack of). Still it was a measure and we didn't come up too short so I think we all went home fairly happy after a Sunday afternoons entertainment.

"Can see why Wenger allowed Wilshere to come to Bournemouth. The synergies between the styles is evident. Howe is revered at Bournemouth and obviously Arsenal can see that he fits the mould as a future suitor for the AFC manager's role.

"I think we all hope that we will have bedded into the top flight before that approach comes, which if we carry on progressing the way we are, will undoubtedly happen. Still for now we're going to enjoy hob-nobbing with the big wigs and hopefully pick up enough points to give it another go next season. UTCIAD!!"

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Attention switches to the EFL Cup and our clash with Southampton before we return to league action with a tough derby clash at West Ham. We need to make sure we keep up the pace as, although the rest of the top four will drop more points as the season progresses, we need to do better at taking advantage when they do.

West Ham, Everton and Manchester City present us with three very tough league matches for our next three away outings so we need to make sure we are in good form if we are to stand a chance of getting a decent points tally over the next month.

But one thing's for sure, no matter what happens, I'll be 100% behind the boys and hope we can have a successful end to 2016.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Gunners unable to secure top spot

Top spot in Group A is now an uphill task for Arsenal following their 2-2 draw with PSG, but at least qualification into the next round of the Champions League is assured.

The Gunners had given themselves a good chance of finishing top of the pile after claiming 10 points from a possible 12 from their opening four group games.

Qualification was already confirmed after match-day four and, with home advantage against PSG, Arsenal started the game at the Emirates with their fate in their own hands. Whilst it is not impossible for them to still finish top, the chances are now slim after the draw.

As a stand-alone result a point against PSG is reasonable, but considering what was at stake it is very disappointing. What makes it more disappointing is the fact that for the second consecutive game we have managed just one shot on target throughout the whole game. That isn't good enough and needs to be addressed if we are to progress beyond the first knockout round of the Champions League.

Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs kept the scores goalless with a goal-line clearance, but the Gunners were unable to do anything to prevent PSG's opener after 18 minutes. Edinson Cavani, who also scored when the sides last met in France back in September, slid in to convert Blaise Matuidi's cross.

PSG were looking the more confident of the two sides, but their hard work was done when Arsenal equalised through Olivier Giroud and got themselves right back into the contest on the stroke of half-time . Giroud won the ball on the edge of the box before Mesut Ozil played in Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean was then tripped by Grzegorz Krychowiak and, although it was soft, there was definitely contact and a penalty was given. Giroud made no mistake from the spot as he slotted home. Arsenal had been largely second best in the first half, but that goal appeared to change things as the Gunners came out with renewed purpose after the break.

Although Arsenal started the second half brightly, it was PSG who created the first decent chance after the restart when Lucas' curling free-kick hit the crossbar.

Arsenal took the lead on the hour mark albeit in rather fortuitous circumstances. Carl Jenkinson tried to set up Aaron Ramsey, but his team-mate was unable to connect with the ball properly, which allowed PSG to win back possession. But the French side failed to get rid of the danger as their clearance hit Marco Verratti on the shins before going into his own net.

Out of nowhere Arsenal were suddenly in the driving seat and had a chance of reaffirming their grip on top spot, but PSG refused to give up and had a penalty shout turned down when Cavani went down in the box. It looked like there was very little contact if any from Laurent Koscielny so it would have been very harsh had that gone against us.

The French giants levelled the scores 13 minutes from time as Lucas sent a header towards goal before the slightest touch from Alex Iwobi took it beyond goalkeeper David Ospina and into the net.

Arsenal were now in desperate need of a third goal if they were to snatch top spot back, but it was PSG who looked more like scoring another. Fortunately for Arsenal, Cavani was wasteful in front of goal so they were at least able to take a share of the spoils. Cavani broke clear and looked almost certain to beat Ospina, but he went to chip it and his effort was comfortably saved by the Colombian shot-stopper. Cavani had another chance to make amends, but this time he headed wide from Lucas' cross.

Arsenal have still not lost since their 4-3 defeat by Liverpool back in August and, whilst this form is encouraging, we really need to stop drawing so many games. In some ways it shows great resilience, but it could also be what stops us from winning silverware, so improvements are needed in getting more shots on target and converting more of our chances.

GROUP A
With just one round of fixtures left to play, Arsenal look set for another second-place finish in the group stages. Although it is our own fault that we now lie second behind PSG, there is a rule that I find very irritating.

It isn't just because I'm an Arsenal fan as I would feel some sympathy to PSG if the situation was the other way round. If the two teams are still level on points after the final round of group games it gets decided by head-to-head. To me, as both games between the sides were drawn, it should then be decided by goal difference, but that isn't the case. Instead the French champions have the advantage on head-to-head away goals. That seems such a silly rule, but rules are rules, so we have to just accept it and get on with it.

The only way we can get top spot in Group A now is if we go and get a win at FC Basel and PSG fail to beat Ludogorets. It is a very big ask. Had it been in Bulgaria, I would have felt slightly more slim hope of an upset, but I really can't see PSG losing at home to Ludogorets, who they beat 3-1 in the previous meeting. But I guess while there is mathematically still a chance we can't give up.

If we do end up finishing second, which looks likely, then we would have to face a group winner in the round of 16. Usually this means a tougher opponent, but finishing top of the group wouldn't necessarily mean an easier game. As things stand Bayern Munich and Real Madrid would also finish as runners-up of their respective groups, so should we somehow get a miracle and overhaul PSG at the top we could still get one of the toughest draws. There are no guarantees in football and, whatever happens, the round of 16 is going to be tough once again.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
If finishing second means we avoid Bayern Munich and Real Madrid then some may say that's a good thing, but I can't help but feel disappointed that we are not top of our group.

It really felt like this year we would stop the rot of finishing second and actually claim top spot and it is frustrating that it looks like this isn't going to happen.

But, what will be will be, and we need to just get on with it and make sure we get a positive result against FC Basel. Whether we finish second or somehow get top spot the next round is going to be tricky.

There is no point being in the Champions League if you don't want to pit your wits against the best sides, so I don't actually mind who we draw in the next round, but we certainly need to up our game.

Before our European adventure resumes again we need to switch our focus back to the league and the visit of Bournemouth. It is definitely a winnable game and we really must stop our run of draws and get back to winning ways. But we can't take the Cherries lightly and need to make sure we put in a performance of a very high standard.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Super sub Giroud rescues point

Trips to Old Trafford are always tough for Arsenal and this one proved no difference as they had to rely on a late header from Olivier Giroud to rescue a 1-1 draw.

Wenger has not won at Old Trafford in the league since September 2006 and this was a hoodoo fans had been hoping could finally end, but it wasn't to be.

Before the game I'd have taken a point from what is always a hard encounter, but the manner of the performance seems to have disappointed many and that's why the result is more frustrating. Had we played better and got the point I think Gunners' fans would be feeling more upbeat. It wasn't what we wanted, but a draw isn't too bad. At the time of writing this we are currently two points behind leaders Liverpool so all is not lost, but a big improvement is certainly needed.

Juan Mata sent an early free-kick wide for the hosts, while Arsenal also created some decent early chances, although they were unable to make the most of them. Alexis Sanchez saw his long-range strike deflect over before the Chilean sent a header back across goal.

Francis Coquelin and Ander Herrera both volleyed off target before the referee, Andre Marriner, had two big calls to make. Manchester United and their manager Jose Mourinho were unhappy not to have been awarded a penalty when Nacho Monreal appeared to fall across Antonio Valenica. Even if they were perhaps hard done by, I think the decisions got evened out. Before that incident Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian, who had already been booked, committed another foul on Carl Jenksinon so maybe he was lucky to be on the pitch? It would have been soft, but it was a foul and he had already been booked, so the two decisions cancel each other out perhaps.

Arsenal were indebted to their goalkeeper Petr Cech to ensure the score remained goalless going in at the break. Cech got a hand to Mata's effort to parry it wide before producing another fine save to tip over Martial's strike. Martial tried his luck again before half-time, but sent his next shot straight at Cech.

Cech denied Martial again early in the second half, but the hosts were not to be denied as they took the lead after 68 minutes. Paul Pogba slid the ball through to Herrera and the midfielder's excellent cutback was fired home by Mata.

Manchester United came close to doubling their advantage when Daley Blind's cross was headed wide by Marcus Rojo.

It wasn't looking too good for Arsenal until two substitutes combined to rescue a point for the Gunners in the final minute of normal time. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain beat his man and powered down the wing before crossing for Giroud to power in a header.

OPPOSITION VIEW
Manchester United fan Mark Hainsworth was encouraged by the performance more than the result at Old Trafford.

"Clearly an opinion piece written after an 89th minute equaliser is going to differ from one that might be written in the 88th minute, but this was an encouraging United performance, but very disappointing result that leaves us losing touch with the leading pack," said Hainsworth.

"That well known pressing defensive midfielder and hard-man Jamie Redknapp has been critical of the 19-year-old striker Marcus Rashford’s full-back skills, but to single him out is unfair. There is always a reason for conceding a goal, but sometimes you've got to simply accept an opponents' good play.

"Going forward I do feel there are signs that the team is coming to terms with Mourinho’s way of playing. Defensively, despite a makeshift feel of the back four, the team look pretty solid and going forward, at times, they looked dangerous particularly when upping the tempo and playing like a Manchester United team.

"Attack! Attack! Attack! Is expected from United and it was good to see this week."

FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether this is considered a point gained or two points dropped, we must quickly move on and focus our attentions to the Champions League and the top-of-the-table decider with PSG.

Home advantage could prove key, but we will need to put in a much-improved performance if we are to get the vital win.

The next league game sees Bournemouth visit the Emirates and nothing other than a win will do if we are serious about wanting to be in the title race this season!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Derby draw for Gunners

In some ways it feels like a satisfactory point but in another the 1-1 draw with North London rivals Tottenham was also very frustrating.

If we had won the game we would have gone top, albeit temporarily after Liverpool's 6-1 thrashing of Watford, so it feels like a missed opportunity to have stamped our authority in the title race. We need to take better advantage of chances like this as the performance should have been better and I was disappointed we didn't get all three points.

However, the tense derby clashes with Tottenham are usually difficult and nobody has beaten them in the league yet this season, so a draw also isn't too bad a result. We should have done better, but if someone had said to me before the game that we would get a draw I would probably have reluctantly taken a point. The main positives for me from the game were the performances of our full-backs, with Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin both putting in decent displays. We just weren't ruthless enough in attack and we need to improve this.

Arsenal nearly fell behind when Harry Kane's header bounced just wide, but the hosts started to test the Tottenham goal more as the half wore on. Mesut Ozil shot wide and Alex Iwobi's shot was comfortably saved by Hugo Lloris.

There was very nearly a derby classic goal from Theo Walcott but his thunderous strike hit the woodwork before Ozil blazed the rebound over. But the Gunners did finally break the deadlock three minutes before half-time as Kevin Wimmer headed into his own net from Ozil's free-kick.

The goal was controversial with some believing it should have been disallowed for offside but, by the letter of the law, the goal appeared to be correctly awarded, although admittedly the new changes to the rules regarding offside this season leave too much of a grey area. Even the pundits were getting confused as former referee Howard Webb explained why referee Mark Clattenburg had been correct in awarding the goal. Whether or not some fans thought it was a bit iffy, it was a fair goal by the letter of the law and that's what matters.

I thought the goal would see us kick on more in the second half, but instead we conceded an equaliser within six minutes of the restart. Mousa Dembele ran into the box before being fouled by Laurent Koscielny. There was contact and it was a correctly awarded penalty, but it was also soft. Kane made no mistake, sending Petr Cech the wrong way as he fired his penalty into the centre of the goal.

It nearly got worse for Arsenal, but Cech reacted well to keep out Christian Eriksen's shot.

Arsenal really should have scored when Iwobi sent in a great cross, but Granit Xhaka didn't manage to get his head to the ball. Although Arsenal didn't test Lloris nearly as much as they would have liked, the Spurs' goalkeeper did have to produce a decent save to keep out Ozil before later keeping out substitute Olivier Giroud's header.

Tottenham also had chances to win it with Eriksen's free-kick hitting a post, but in the end the spoils were shared at the Emirates and it was probably a fair result.

OPPOSITION VIEW
Spurs fan Adrian Drakes was satisfied by the result during what he feels has been a difficult time for his side.

"I think we're both happy with a draw in the end and I'm happy with an away derby point," said Drakes. "The Arsenal goal was iffy, but I am more than happy their defender lost his mind and gifted us a penalty to level it.

"There were so many chances for both sides so I am surprised it wasn't a higher scoring game, far from boring though.

"I'm happy with an away point at their place especially given the players we're missing and the bad run we're going through

"We have lots of problems, no open play goals in six games now I think and lots of key injuries (main central defender, now Walker, Dele, Lamela and Kane still not match fit), no suitable back-ups in the squad and huge games coming up - West Ham, Chelsea and a must win away Monaco game.

"That's why even though we could have won on a different day I'm very happy with the draw. I expected the worst given what we are going through, away at their place and their current form.

"I am glad of the international break for sure, physios need to work overtime!"

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Of course my fellow Arsenal fans and I would have preferred a victory and we really need to be winning these kinds of games if we are to have a chance of winning the league. A point isn't all that bad though, but it does mean that it is even more imperative that we beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in our next game. We certainly can't be dropping too many more points.

I'd almost rather it wasn't the international break coming up as I want us to be back in action as soon as possible and not just because I'll miss the Premier League, but so that we could bounce back to winning ways quicker.

We will need to up the performance level for sure if we are to win that one, so let's hope our players come back from the international break raring to go!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Gunners survive Bulgarian scare

Halloween may be over but Arsenal had to survive a mighty scare as they scraped past Ludogorets 3-2 in their Champions League clash in Bulgaria.

Jonathan Cafu and Claudio Keseru put the Bulgarian champions two goals to the good inside the opening quarter of an hour, but Granit Xhaka and Olivier Giroud pulled the Gunners level before the break.

A moment of individual brilliance from Mesut Ozil completed the comeback for leaders Arsenal, who now progress into the last 16 with two games to spare along with Group A rivals PSG.

Arsenal wasted two early chances with Aaron Ramsey sending an overhead kick harmlessly off target before Ozil shot straight at Milan Borjan in the Ludogorets goal.

Those misses looked like they might prove costly when the hosts raced into a two-goal lead. Cafu beat the defence to get on the end of a free-kick and steer the ball home after 12 minutes before turning provider for Ludogorets' second. The Brazilian got the better of Kieran Gibbs before crossing for Keseru to score just three minutes later.

Arsenal looked shell shocked and at that point, although I didn't want to give up, I did wonder if we would have the ability to recover or if it was going to be one of those nights.

Belief returned to me when Xhaka reduced the deficit after 20 minutes. Ozil just about kept the ball in play, although it was a very tight call, before crossing the ball into the box. Giroud failed to connect with it, but the ball then fell for Xhaka to place a fine shot beyond Borjan.

Arsenal continued to push forward with Alexis Sanchez curling a shot off target before Ozil saw a volley blocked, but the Gunners were able to level the scores four minutes before the break. The French striker was given too much space as he got up well to head in Ramsey's cross for his third goal in two games.

Ludogorets were still posing a threat on the counter attack though and piled forward soon after, only to see a shot deflect wide for a corner before half-time.

Wanderson twice came close to restoring the Bulgarian side's lead shortly after the hour mark, but on both occasions Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina reacted well well to deny the Brazilian.

Those misses proved costly and Ludogorets' hard work was undone when Ozil produced a moment of genius to snatch all three points for Arsenal two minutes from time. Substitute Mohamed Elneny had only been on the pitch for a minute when he sent a perfectly-timed long ball over the top to Ozil. The German international then chipped the ball over the head of Borjan, bringing the ball back onto his left foot and showing great control to get the better of the defenders in his way before firing into the empty net. It was a truly great goal to watch and left me and my fellow Arsenal fans with a huge sense of relief.

GROUP A
We made very hard work of it, but the 3-2 win away to Ludogorets secured our qualification into the last 16.

Only goal difference separates the Gunners from second-placed PSG after the French giants hit a stoppage time winner at FC Basel, but I'm just glad we managed to recover from our nightmare start to cling onto top spot.

Top spot is likely to be decided by the result of our penultimate group game later this month when PSG visit the Emirates. We'll definitely have to defend much better than we did against Ludogorets and there is still plenty more work to be done. But if someone had said to me that we'd top the group after four matches I'd certainly have taken it!

CATCH-UP
There have been three games since the last blog due to me getting married and being away on honeymoon. The Gunners did fairly well in my absence with two wins and a draw.

A goalless draw at home to Middlesbrough was a tad frustrating, but at least it kept the unbeaten run going.

The EFL Cup is certainly the bottom of the priority list in terms of trophies, but silverware is silverware and I'd still love it if we were to win that competition as well, providing we also get glory in the Premier League. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hit both goals as we dispatched of Reading and booked a quarter final tie against Southampton.

We then travelled to struggling Sunderland and I must admit that, when the hosts equalised via a Jermain Defoe penalty I did wonder whether it was just not going to be our day. Giroud stepped off the bench to turn the game back in our favour with a well-taken double before Sanchez added his second to complete a 4-1 win.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It may not have been pretty against Ludogorets...well apart from Ozil's winner, but at least we got the job done and won the match to secure qualification.

We will definitely have to up our game and produce performances of the highest quality as we prepare for a trio of very difficult games starting with the North London Derby against Tottenham at the Emirates. A trip to Manchester United and the visit of PSG then follow and these three games will be a true test of our credentials and help give an indication of what direction are season will go in.

Tottenham have actually yet to lose a league game so our next encounter will definitely be tough, so we need to go out there and prove that we are the best team in north London so let's hope we can do just that.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Treble for magnificent Mesut

Mesut Ozil is such a difficult player to stop when he is in good form and Ludogorets found this out as the German hit a hat-trick in Arsenal's 6-0 win.

Alexis Sanchez produced an excellent performance, including the opening goal of the game, while in-form forward Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also added their names to the scoresheet.

In attack the Gunners were excellent and, although many will argue that they were playing a much weaker opponent, the hosts still impressed against the Bulgarian champions.

With the group stages now at its halfway stage, the Gunners top Group A and look likely to qualify and after a seventh successive victory in competitions things are looking up for Arsene Wenger's men.

I refuse to get carried away with our impressive form as I know all too well how quickly things can change, but I certainly can't complain with how things are at the moment and we really do look good.

It took Arsenal 13 minutes to break the deadlock at the Emirates as Sanchez raced into the box and lobbed the ball over Vladislav Stoyanov for a great goal.

Although Arsenal controlled much of the game, it could have been a very different story had goalkeeper David Ospina not come to the host's rescue after the opening goal. The Colombian shot-stopper twice reacted quickly to deny Jonathan Cafu and preserve Arsenal's slender one-goal lead. Those saves proved crucial as Arsenal doubled their advantage four minutes before the break. Walcott, who was previously denied by a decent save from Stoyanov, latched onto a pass from Kieran Gibbs and curled a great strike beyond the goalkeeper.

Arsenal put the result beyond doubt within two minutes of the restart, with Gibbs once again the provider as his low ball was fired home by Oxlade-Chamberlain from close range.

The hosts added a fourth just 10 minutes later as Santi Cazorla's ball over the top set up Ozil, who took the ball away from his man with a great first touch before slotting the ball under Stoyanov for his first goal of the evening.

Arsenal continued to push forward with Oxlade-Chamberlain forcing a fine save out of Stoyanov before Arsenal added a fifth goal seven minutes from time. Substitute Lucas Perez, who came off the bench shortly after the hour mark, crossed for Ozil to confidently slot home.

Ozil completed his hat-trick just four minutes later with Perez again the provider. The summer signing sent in a cross, which Ozil met with a sweetly-struck volley into the bottom corner.

Six well-struck goals and a great three points for Arsenal and we'll be looking for more of the same when we travel to Bulgaria next month.

GROUP A
A top two finish looks very likely for Arsenal, but the race for top spot is still very tight.

Arsenal's 6-0 demolition of Ludogorets puts them top on goal difference, but PSG's 3-0 win over FC Basel keeps them level on points with us. The group could be decided by the home clash against PSG next month, but we need to make sure we stay consistent until then and are ready to take advantage of any slip ups by the French giants.

There is still plenty to play for in Group A, especially in the race for top spot, and we can't take anything for granted. But things are looking good so far, so let's hope we can keep it up.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It was a very encouraging performance albeit against a weaker side, but you can only beat what is put in front of you and we certainly did that in style.

Many people seem to expect us to do our usual and not last the pace, with it supposedly only being a matter of time before we slip up. So we need to make sure we prove our doubters wrong and show that we can in fact mount a serious title challenge in the Premier League and progress much further in the Champions League compared to previous seasons.

Focus now returns to the Premier League and the visit of Middlesbrough and this will certainly not be as easy as some fans may think. We cannot take the newly-promoted side lightly and must make sure we are at the top of our game in order to get three points.

I will not be able to blog for a few weeks due to my pending wedding and honeymoon, but I'll still be keeping a very close eye on the Gunners' upcoming matches and lets hope we can continue our rich vein of form.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Walcott at the double for Gunners

Facing a side in their first match under a new manager is never easy and it can sometimes bring renewed belief to a team.

Swansea are always a tough team to face anyway and, with Bob Bradley taking charge for the first time, it had the potential to be a very tricky encounter and so it proved with us edging it 3-2 despite having 10 men.

Theo Walcott struck twice to take his tally for the season to seven in all competitions, but it was birthday boy Mesut Ozil who netted the decisive goal with a delightful volley.

Granit Xhaka's straight red card meant playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men and we could have fallen apart at this point, but we managed to hold on to the victory when in a previous season we might have lost it.

It is still far too early to really tell which direction our season is heading, but results are encouraging and as things stand we are second and only behind leaders Manchester City on goal difference so let's hope we can keep up the good work.

Arsenal started brightly and came close to opening the scoring after 12 minutes when Shkodran Mustafi's header hit the crossbar while, at the other end, Leroy Fer failed to take advantage of the space he was given and blazed his effort over.

The Gunners broke the deadlock after 26 minutes and, although Walcott took his goal well, Swansea will have been really disappointed with their defending. Walcott passed to Sanchez, who then lofted the ball over to Hector Bellerin and the Spanish full-back headed back across goal. Jordi Amat controlled it poorly and failed to clear the danger, allowing Walcott to nip in and score from close range.

Sanchez saw his lob sail just off target before Bellerin's shot was well blocked behind for a corner by former Gunner Lukasz Fabianksi. But it wasn't too long before Walcott was adding his second goal. The Swansea defence again failed to clear the danger properly and Walcott controlled the loose ball before turning and sending a shot beyond Fabianski from close range.

Swansea reduced the deficit seven minutes before the break as Gylfi Sigurdsson dispossessed Xhaka and curled a shot beyond Petr Cech in the Arsenal goal.

The visitors then wasted the chance to level matters before the break as Amat sent his header straight into the grateful hands of Cech.

It was hard to know which way this game was going to swing as Fabianski kept out Walcott's first-time strike to keep the Swans in the game. But birthday boy Ozil gave Arsenal some breathing space after 57 minutes. Sanchez sent a deep cross into the box and Ozil met it with a finely struck volley into the top corner.

Swansea refused to give up and cut the gap to just one goal after 66 minutes. Barrow had been giving Nacho Monreal a torrid afternoon and he once again got the better of the Spanish defender before sending in a low cross for Borja to slot home.

The visitors' hopes of a comeback were further boosted when Arsenal midfielder Xhaka was sent off with 20 minutes still left to play. The Switzerland international saw red for a clumsy trip from behind on Barrow.

Swansea had chances to make the extra man count, but were unable to make the most of them. Wayne Routledge crossed for Barrow in plenty of space, but the 24-year-old didn't get enough on his header and it was comfortably saved by Cech. Barrow continued to cause a threat though and got the better of Monreal once again before crossing into the box for Sigurdsson, but the midfielder fired over.

At the other end Walcott then missed the opportunity to complete his hat-trick when his shot hit the inside of a post.

Swansea wasted two late chances to snatch a point as Fer headed straight at Cech, who also produced a diving save to keep out Federico Fernandez.

Arsenal finished the game on top and created a few chances in injury time as Fabianski kept out Bellerin before Walcott somehow skied over from Oxlade-Chamberlain's perfectly-timed pass, but it didn't stop the hosts from holding on for the win.

OPPOSITION VIEW
Swansea fan Lisa Phillips saw enough positives from the game to not be too disheartened by the result.

"I thought we played well even though we didn't have many chances," said Phillips. "Arsenal probably deserved the win, but it was nice for the Swans to have an exciting game for once."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
I am refusing to get carried away with our start to the season but, at this stage, I'll take being second and behind only on goal difference.

We need to be consistent to give ourselves any chance of a serious title challenge, but some of the early signs are encouraging so let's wait and see what happens.

Focus now switches to the Champions League and the visit of Ludogorets. We will definitely go into that one as firm favourites, but we must make sure we don't underestimate any of our opponents this season. Let's keep plugging away and keep on winning!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Kos controversy as Gunners win

Arsenal certainly left it late and made hard work of it, but it's the result that counts and Laurent Koscielny's late goal gave us what feels like a massive 1-0 win at Burnley.

We didn't play with the same attacking style as we had shown in the recent victories over Chelsea and FC Basel, but you can't always win pretty and at least we ensured we came away from Turf Moor with all three points as Arsene Wenger celebrated 20 years in charge of the Gunners.

We had a large amount of possession, but credit to Burnley who did well shutting us out for most of the game until Koscielny's late intervention. The goal itself caused some controversy with sections of the crowd, especially the home supporters, believing it should have been ruled out for handball and offside. At first glance, it did look as though it had hit the defender's arm but that also he couldn't really have done much to prevent it. After seeing the replays, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's shot does deflect off Koscielny's arm, but it was purely accidental. It is cruel on Burnley, who had battled valiantly, and whilst the goal is up for debate I certainly won't be complaining at the result. Big relief at us getting this win; luck appeared to be on our side and for that I am grateful.

The first half wasn't very easy on the eye and neither side did much to excite the supporters. Theo Walcott saw two early efforts go wide while, at the other end, Sam Vokes somehow headed off target when left unmarked in the box.

Arsenal improved slightly after the break with Alexis Sanchez forcing a save from Tom Heaton in the Burnley goal, but it was the hosts who had the better chances to take the lead before the goal. Petr Cech was at full stretch as he kept out Johann Berg Gudmundsson's effort before Michael Keane saw his header hit the crossbar.

Walcott sent another shot wide as it looked increasingly like it was going to end in frustration for Arsenal, but deep into stoppage time the Gunners finally scored the decisive goal. Substitute Oxlade-Chamberlain's effort was touched into the net by Koscielny and I'm sure we haven't heard the last of the debate about this goal, but it won't change the result.

Just how significant could this result be? It is only one game and it won't make or break our season, but often when seasons go right or wrong certain games are looked back on. For us it was one where fortune favoured us on the day, but for Burnley it will be remembered as the point that got away.

OPPOSITION VIEW
Burnley fan Martyn Biddulph was full of praise for his side and felt they deserved more out of the game.

"We set out on Monday to get in Watford's faces and dominate the midfield. It worked on Monday but obviously Arsenal was always going to be a different ball game.

"Every single player in Claret and blue worked their socks off from start to finish today and were tremendous minimising the threat of Ozil and Sanchez.

"Obviously conceding that late on was an absolute sickener and felt undeserved after an outstanding defensive performance. If teams want to see how to play 4-5-1 against a big team show them that Burnley performance.

"Impossible to pick a fault out there unless you look at the referee and the less said about the goal the better. Hopefully we will meet again in the league next season and keep battling on."

Fellow Clarets' supporter Chris Horner was disappointed by the referee's decision to allow Arsenal's winner, but he still remained upbeat despite the result.

"I thought Arsenal controlled large amounts of the game and possession, but Burnley defended well and ultimately deserved a point," added Chris Horner. "The decision by the officials not to disallow the goal was incorrect in my opinion and cost Burnley a point that could make a major difference at the end of the season.

"It was a bit gutting with the timing of the goal coming as it did, but we can hold our heads high as we played well enough to keep Arsenal at bay for 92 minutes."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
We now head into an international break having stretched our unbeaten league run to six games and, although the Burnley victory could be seen as fortunate, this is still good form and we need to keep picking up positive results.

It is a few weeks before we return to action again and the visit of Swansea will certainly be a tough test, so we need to make sure we produce a performance more like we did against Chelsea and try not leave it quite as late as we did at Turf Moor.

That result saw us close the gap on leaders Manchester City to four points, but we need to produce more consistent performances if we are to give ourselves any hope of keeping up the pace. Whatever happens I'll be backing the lads the whole way!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Walcott double devastates Basel

Theo Walcott is a player really growing in confidence at the moment and his double in Arsenal's 2-0 win over FC Basel will have done him the world of good.

When he was selected to start against Chelsea last time out, I questioned his selection, but his performances in that game and the Champions League class with FC Basel have been superb.

If Walcott and his team-mates can maintain this level of performance consistently in the coming months it could be a very exciting season, but it is still very early days yet.

Although the tempo of the game dipped a bit after the break, the first-half performance by the Gunners was of the highest quality. We may not have been playing the toughest of opponents but, I have to give credit where credits due, it was still a great display.

Arsenal opened the scoring after just eight minutes through Walcott's thumping header. Alexis Sanchez raced onto a great ball from Santi Cazorla before sending a first-time cross into the box. Walcott sprinted into the box to meet the Chilean's cross with a fine powerful header to give Basel goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik no chance.

Arsene Wenger's men were in total control and putting together some excellent passing moves, with the same confidence as which they had dispatched of Chelsea in their last game. It was a joy to watch and it was hardly surprising when the Gunners added a second after 26 minutes and again Walcott was at the heart of it. The forward passed to Sanchez before running into space and receiving the ball back from the Chilean in time to fire a shot in off the far post.

The score could have got worse for FC Basel had Vaclik not put in a great performance, with the goalkeeper doing well to deny Nacho Monreal, Sanchez, and Hector Bellerin before the break.

The second-half wasn't quite at the same tempo, but Arsenal still looked in control for large spells. Alex Iwobi, who again looked lively, saw his shot go just wide.

Chances were few and far between for FC Basel, but they did come close to reducing the deficit through Birkir Bjarnason, but the Icelandic midfielder saw his effort excellently tipped over the bar by David Ospina in the Arsenal goal.

Arsenal were unable to add to the scoreline as Sanchez sent a shot wide, but the hosts still got the job done by getting all three points and now sit joint top in Group A following PSG's 3-1 win at Ludogorets.

GROUP A
There is still plenty to play for in Group A, but Arsenal can be pleased with their start of four points from a possible six.

With a double header against Ludogorets coming up next in their Champions League campaign two more wins look likely, although we must make sure not to get complacent and to not underestimate our Bulgarian opponents.

Unless some shock results happen, it does seem likely that our home clash with PSG in the fifth round of fixtures will be the game that decides who finishes top and second in the group.

But we mustn't rest on our laurels and we need to make sure we get the job done without any silly mistakes but, all in all, I am happy with the start we have made to this season's Champions League.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Recent performances are certainly very encouraging for Arsenal and if we can keep up the same high level of tempo, intensity, skill, hunger and determination, then things will continue to look up for us this season.

But we need to just take each game one at a time and not get carried away. A trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley awaits in our next Premier League game and, although we cannot underestimate the Clarets, I am quietly confident about this one, especially with the form Walcott, Sanchez and Ozil are in at the moment.

My only minor negative from the recent matches is that we haven't seen new signing Lucas Perez get more of a run out but, when the starting players are all playing so well, it is hard to make a case to drop anyone at the moment. The competition for places is intense, but that is a good thing surely.

Let's make sure we do to Burnley what we did to Chelsea and FC Basel, dominate, play well and, above all, win!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Classy Gunners thrash Chelsea

Absolutely bossed it! Superb performance! Not the analysis I was expecting to give after a match against Chelsea, but the 3-0 victory over our London rivals really was of the highest quality.

Three well-taken goals by Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil got us all three points, with the latter being picked out as man of the match by BBC Sport. Fellow attacking player Alex Iwobi was given man of the match by BT Sport, but what impressed me the most was the defence. The centre-back pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi kept the Chelsea attack of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa very quiet. In fact, the whole back four were solid for the most part and we played with a lot of fluidity in attack. I should take this moment to praise the performance of Theo Walcott. Before the match I was questioning his selection and said to a friend how I wouldn't have started him, but he certainly silenced by criticism with an excellent display. In truth, our attack maybe should've scored more, but it was still an excellent result.

Chelsea only had two shots on target in the entire match and each time I kept thinking, 'I bet Chelsea nick a goal out of nowhere to scupper us', we had other ideas and continued to pressure our opponents.

I don't want to get carried away as it is only one game and there is still a long way to go this season but if, and it's a big if, we can produce performances like that on a regular basis this could yet be an exciting season. Whatever happens, that is a performance we can really enjoy! Especially when you consider this was our first league win over Chelsea since 2011, it made it all the sweeter! It came at a cost with Francis Coquelin being forced off injured with a knee problem. I would've also liked to have seen summer signing Lucas Perez given a run out, but I'm sure his time will come, and beating Chelsea was the main thing!

Arsenal started brightly with Santi Cazorla forcing Thibaut Courtois into a save, while Sanchez shot deflected over the bar. The Chilean had better luck next time as he opened the scoring after 11 minutes. Sanchez pressured Gary Cahill and forced the England defender into an error before racing clear on goal and chipping the ball over Courtois.

It got even better just three minutes later as Walcott finished off a great team move. Alex Iwobi released Hector Bellerin with a perfectly-timed pass before the Spanish defender sent in a first-time cross for Walcott to slot home.

Even at 2-0, I knew Chelsea weren't out of it yet and the visitors came close to reducing the deficit when Willian shot just wide.

The Gunners then completed a fine first half with a third goal five minutes before the break. Ozil intercepted the ball in his own half before running at the opposition and passing to Sanchez, who returned the ball back to him in plenty of space with an excellent cross for the German to volley home.

What an excellent first half it was and some were comparing it to last season's victory over Manchester United, but I think this one was even better! I half thought the second half would peter out but, even though we didn't add to the score, we continued to attack and look in total control of the game for large periods. Walcott came close to adding his second goal of the afternoon, but Courtois did well to block his effort.

At the other end, Chelsea did try to mount attacks, but our defence held firm with some great challenges. We really looked up for the game and determined to get a result.

Just as Pedro looked like he might be about to burst through, Bellerin raced back superbly to deny him with an excellently-timed tackle. The closest Chelsea came to a goal was when Michy Batshuayi raced towards goal, but Petr Cech was on hand to block the substitute's effort.

What a performance and what a day to remember! But we need to make sure we make this count and reproduce this again next week and the weeks that follow!

OPPOSITION VIEW
Chelsea fan Paul Boulter admitted his side had been second best at the Emirates.

"Fair play to Arsenal, they absolutely put Chelsea to the sword," said Boulter. "I don't think I have seen the Blues dominated so much during the Abramovich era.

"Arsenal scored three very well worked goals as it seemed Chelsea weren't at the races. Conte needs to sort out the defence and quick, but Arsenal sent out a real statement.

"Arsenal will have a good season judging by this game. It seems Wenger has his house in order."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
After one of, if not our best league performance in recent seasons, we must now try reproduce more of the same as attention turns to the Champions League and the visit of Swiss outfit FC Basel.

If we can play like we did against Chelsea again FC Basel could be in for a hiding, but we must take each game on at a time and not get carried away or complacent.

But no matter how things pan out we can finally say that we have ended our Premier League Chelsea hoodoo and in perfect style.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Perez double sinks Forest

Summer signing Lucas Perez scored his first goals for the club as Arsenal hammered Championship outfit Nottingham Forest 4-0 in the third round of the EFL Cup.

Granit Xhaka once again proved his excellent ability at shooting from distance before Perez added two in the second half, including one from the penalty spot to put the result beyond doubt. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put the icing on the cake with a fine fourth for the Gunners in stoppage time.

Cup games against lower league opposition always have that element of being a potential banana skin about them but, fortunately, Arsenal had little trouble in getting the better of their opponents at the City Ground.

Prior to the match, the two sides had met twice before in the League Cup. Both encounters were won by Arsenal - in 1987 and 1993 - and on each of those occasions the Gunners went on to win the trophy...let's hope this is a good omen!

The game started a lot like my luck at finding a decent online feed of it to watch...poorly!

Nottingham Forest wasted an opportunity to take an early lead when Patjim Kasami sliced a shot wide, while Chuba Akpom later saw his effort saved by Vladimir Stojkovic in the Forest goal.

Both sides gave former Forest manager and footballing legend Brian Clough a standing ovation in the 12th minute to mark the 12th anniversary of his death.

There was finally some match action to cheer about for the visiting supporters after 23 minutes when Xhaka netted Arsenal's 400th goal in the League Cup and what a goal it was! The Swiss midfielder, who scored a wonder goal in the recent victory at Hull, hit a great strike to beat Stojkovic from 35 yards albeit via a deflection.

Arsene Wenger's men continued to push forward, but were unable to add to their lead before the break as Jeff Reine-Adelaide shot just wide.

Before Arsenal new-boy Perez could take centre stage, former Gunner Nicklas Bendtner tried his luck on goal, but his effort sailed wide of the far post.

Perez grabbed the first of his two goals on the hour mark after Michael Mancienne fouled Akpom in the box, leaving the Spanish forward to calmly score from the spot. Perez showed further signs of his potential 11 minutes later as he beat Mancienne and the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the empty net, although some may argue that the Forest defender should have done far better.

Perez was denied a hat-trick when his shot was comfortably saved by Stojkovic, but the Gunners would add one final goal before the end. A fine move ended with Oxlade-Chamberlain racing into the box and sending a low finish beyond Stojkovic to cap a great night for Wenger's men.

It may not have been a vintage Arsenal performance, but Perez is off the mark and we march on into the next round, so it's been a good evening!

OPPOSITION VIEW
Forest fan Rob Terrace admitted there was a clear gulf in class between the teams at the City Ground.

"Not a lot to say," said Terrace. "You could see the difference between the two sides.

"Had we taken our early chance, it may have been different, but any team that starts with £60m+ of talent on, is a very good team in my books.

"Xhaka was brilliant, as was Lucas, but the defence originally struggled under pressure. Lots for Wenger to learn from though."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
You can only beat what's in front of you and, after last season's shock exit to Sheffield Wednesday, I am much happier with how we performed this time around.

Focus must quickly turn back to the Premier League and the visit of Chelsea. Chelsea is a side we have often struggled to get the better of in recent years and this really has got to change, especially if we want to be serious about mounting a serious title challenge. We need to make sure we improve our results against the so-called 'big' sides. We need to make home advantage count and we will need to produce one hell of a mammoth performance and I'll be getting behind the lads in the hope they can do just that.

As for the League Cup, I admit it isn't a competition I think that highly of, but I still want to see us progress as far as possible and hopefully lift the trophy, so let's hope for a good draw in the next round.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS

Sanchez Tames Tigers

Alexis Sanchez struck twice as Arsenal secured their third consecutive league win with a 4-1 victory at Hull.

Sanchez, who took his tally for the season to four in all competitions, maybe should've had a hat-trick but his penalty was well saved by Eldin Jakupovic in the Hull goal.

The Chilean international took 17 minutes to open the scoring - Theo Walcott's ball in was pushed out by Jakupovic and fell at the feet of Alex Iwobi, whose subsequent shot was turned into the net via a deflection from Sanchez.

Arsenal really should have doubled their lead when Iwobi's shot was excellently saved by Jakupovic and the rebound fell to Mesut Ozil, but the German international somehow blazed the follow-up over the crossbar.

At the other end, Robert Snodgrass saw his first-time strike saved by Petr Cech, but it was Arsenal who were having the better chances and missed another great opportunity to double their lead five minutes before the break. Francis Coquelin's shot was blocked by the hand of Jake Livermore and Arsenal were given a penalty. There were no doubts in my mind about the award of the penalty, but would a yellow card have sufficed instead of the subsequent red card for deliberate handball!? Either way, it was a certain penalty, but Jakupovic got down well to parry Sanchez's spot-kick.

Jakupovic then prevented one of his own players from scoring an own goal with a decent save before Iwobi saw his shot blocked by the defence.

Arsenal extended their lead after a fine one-two between Walcott and Iwobi gave the visitors their second goal of the afternoon within 10 minutes of the restart. Walcott raced forward before passing to Iwobi, who then returned the ball to him with a fine back-heel, leaving the England international to calmly clip the ball over Jakupovic.

Hull tried to find a way back into the game with Abel Hernandez's acrobatic effort hitting the crossbar, although the flag had also already been raised for offside.

The hosts reduced the deficit 11 minutes from time through a Robert Snodgrass penalty. I can have no complaints over the award of the penalty itself other than the delay in awarding it. It appeared as though nothing had been given until several seconds later when the referee pointed to the spot. Needless confusion and delay, but Hull were eventually and deservedly awarded the penalty. At first glance I was initially worried that Cech might get sent off following his collision with Hull substitute Dieumerci Mbokani in the box. Maybe a yellow was fair, but then again on another day a red could've been given. Snodgrass smashed home the resulting penalty to give Hull hope of a comeback.

Arsenal restored their two-goal cushion as Sanchez struck again seven minutes from time. Walcott's initial effort was well saved by Jakupovic, but the rebound fell to Sanchez, who took a touch and composed himself before firing a shot into the roof of the net.

Sanchez missed an opportunity to seal a hat-trick when his late effort was saved by Jakupovic, but Arsenal would get on the scoresheet again before the end via a wonder goal from summer signing Granit Xhaka. The Swiss international, who came off the bench after 67 minutes, rifled home a sublime long-range strike, and his first goal for the club, in stoppage time to complete a fine victory for the Gunners.

OPPOSITION VIEW
Hull fan Richard Madden tried not to feel too downbeat at the result and always knew his side would be in for a tough clash against Arsene Wenger's men.

"It's hard not to feel slightly disappointed by the result but it's not games against arsenal that will define our season," said Madden. "Getting any points from one of the 'big' sides is always a big ask but to do it with 10 men was always going to be a struggle once Jake Livermore saw red.

"The positive is that Hull City sounded like they put in a decent effort and created chances, but ultimately it was a step too far for Mike Phelan's men."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Another decent result and one we can be very pleased with but, without being disrespectful to Hull, the bigger test to show what direction our season is likely to go in is set to come in our next league game when we host Chelsea.

But before that we must focus our attentions on the trip to Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. Former Gunner Nicklas Bendtner recently joined Forest and I just have this horrible feeling that the player, who many of us Arsenal fans used to slate, may score against us.

Nothing is ever certain in cup games, but I think providing we don't get complacent we should have enough about us to see off this tie even if we decide to field a line-up made up more of our fringe and younger players.

Compared to the other three competitions we are in the league cup doesn't rank as highly, but as a fan, I still want us to win every competition we are in and will be cheering the lads on against Forest.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS