Arsenal's trip to Old Trafford took on extra importance this season as a win could've put them in with a decent shout of the Premier League title.
As the full-time whistle blew the Gunners were instead left staring at a 3-2 defeat and their title hopes fading away. Mathematically it is still possible as third-placed Arsenal are only five points behind leaders Leicester but the way things are going at the moment it feels like more doom than hope at this moment in time.
Next week's North London Derby clash with Spurs, who sit above us in second, really could be make or break for our title bid. Win it and you never know, but lose it and our chances will be nearly over. All derby clashes with Spurs are crucial but this one is even more important and the players will need to bounce back from the Old Trafford defeat and put in a performance to remember.
The result at Manchester United wasn't the hardest thing to take about the game, but more the manner of the defeat. We always knew facing one of the world's best goalkeepers, in David De Gea, was going to be tough but we barely made him even break a sweat. The lack of times we tested the goalkeeper was definitely the most disappointing factor of the game for me as we need to do a lot better at making the most of our good attacking play.
This wasn't one of the top class Manchester United squads of old we were facing and they didn't trouble our goalkeeper, Petr Cech, too much either but we simply just weren't good enough on the day.
We did actually start fairly well and had a big chance to take the lead after just seven minutes when Mesut Ozil set up Nacho Monreal in the box. Maybe not the ideal player you would want the chance to fall too and the left-back's effort was well kept out by De Gea.
Marcus Rashford then became the star of the show with two goals in three minutes, although the first of them was gifted to him by a poor defensive mistake. Shortly before the half hour mark Guillermo Varela's cross wasn't cleared properly as Gabriel slipped, allowing Rashford to fire home from close range.
The 18-year-old definitely looks like a hot prospect for the future and continued to show no fear as he added a second by heading home Jesse Lingaard's cross.
It looked as if Arsenal were doomed at this point but former United striker Danny Welbeck gave the visitors a glimmer of a hope as he headed in Ozil's cross five minutes before the break.
With Arsenal now back in the game I was hoping we would show a lot more urgency in the second half but we were still not creating many chances. That cost us dearly as United scored a third goal after 65 minutes and, even though it was a cruel deflection that increased their lead, we only had ourselves to blame. Rashford burst into the box before picking out Ander Herrera whose shot took a big deflection off Laurent Koscielny to wrongfoot Cech. It was a massive slice of luck in United's favour but we hadn't exactly created much prior to that goal.
Arsenal reduced the deficit to 3-2 through Ozil just four minutes later. Welbeck forced a save out of De Gea but Ozil was on hand to volley in from the rebound.
With just over 20 minutes remaining it seemed like maybe Arsenal might be able to get something out of the game after all. Instead, the Gunners nearly saw a man sent off following an altercation between Aaron Ramsey and Herrera. Herrera's challenge on Ramsey was very poor but, equally, the Welshman's daft reaction was completely unnecessary and both players were shown a yellow card.
There were a few half chances before the end but Arsenal failed to force De Gea into any serious saves in what could prove to be a huge three points dropped in the Gunners' title challenge.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Manchester United fan Mark Hainsworth was in upbeat mood after what he felt had been an "exciting display" from his side.
"Now that was a Manchester United performance, fast direct football and GOALS; at both ends," said Hainsworth.
"LVG has deservedly received criticism for some of the sterile performances his team has delivered so he deserves credit when his young team puts in such an exciting display in what is always a big match.
"Will the manager stick with these players when injured regular players are fit again? I hope so because they played with no fear.
"Maybe something can be salvaged from this season with a top 4 finish and two cup competitions to play for."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
I genuinely feel this next week will be make or break for us and determine just how serious we are about the Premier League title. With games against Swansea and rivals Tottenham next on the horizon we really need to be aiming for a maximum six-point haul. That will be very difficult but then so is winning the Premier League and we have to prove we mean business, or risk falling further down the pecking order.
If we can beat Swansea and West Ham can beat Spurs then it will put us back level on points with our North London rivals. If we can then get an unlikely win at White Hart Lane then who knows, but that is a very tough ask.
No matter what happens in terms of result we need to show a lot more hunger and desire in the next two games, start converting our chances better and prove what a good team we can be. We need to up our game quickly! It needs to happen now!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 28 February 2016
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
Messi start for Gunners
When you are playing arguably the best team in the world what more could we really have expected?
With home advantage maybe a narrow win by one goal at best but, in truth, Barcelona were always going to score and the 2-0 defeat in the first leg of our round 16 tie wasn't really a surprise when a Lionel Messi double gave them the victory.
As much as I would love to see us progress past Barcelona and into the quarter finals the priority for this season really must be to win the league and we still have a chance of doing that.
I think we performed better than expected against the Champions League holders and kept them, and Messi, quiet for over an hour. The back four stood up well to the task up to that point and then boom, before you could blink it was 1-0. Yes, Barcelona really are that good and we knew the slightest mistake or failing to take our chances could prove costly.
Arsenal started the game well and showed no fear in early stages as Aaron Ramsey saw a shot blocked before Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen denied Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Ox really should have done way better with his opportunity, which he hit straight at the goalkeeper, because you need to make the most of any little chance you get against a team of this world class calibre.
Although we weren't posing too much danger in attack, the discipline shown in the first half to shut Barcelona out was superb and we restricted them to very few chances. This was impressive but in the end counted for nothing as we still lost big ground in the tie.
Arsenal's hard work in the first half was almost undone just before half-time but fortunately Luis Suarez glanced a header wide when it looked easier to score.
At that point I was proud of the Gunners. To be goalless at half-time, instead of down by several goals, actually gave me a glimmer of hope, although this later diminished.
Petr Cech once again underlined his importance to Arsene Wenger's men as he made a key save to deny Neymar within four minutes of the restart. The Brazilian latched onto Andres Iniesta's pass but Cech reacted excellently to keep out the forward's shot with his legs.
Although I don't think it would have stopped Barcelona winning there was a big moment after 55 minutes that left me rather frustrated. Jordi Alba went to ground following a challenge from Olivier Giroud before bouncing back up and putting his head into the striker's face. Okay, it wasn't a headbutt as such but it was still wrong of the defender and somehow he didn't even get booked for it when, on another day, he could have seen red. It was still 0-0 at that point and we can't really use it as an excuse. In fact, we almost took the lead soon after when Giroud's header was excellently kept out by Ter Stegen. A wasted chance but, credit to the goalkeeper, it was a very good save.
Barcelona are a top class side and can change things in the blink of an eye and they almost did, only for a fine block from Per Mertesacker to deny Messi in the box.
Arsenal should have done far better with their next chance as Giroud found himself in space in the box. Instead of opting to shoot he tried to give it to Walcott, who had unfortunately run the other way. A poor mix up and Giroud really should have made more of his opportunity in front of goal, especially against a side you know you are not going to get too many chances against.
Barcelona finally broke the Gunners' resistance when Messi scored his first goal of the night 19 minutes from time. Suarez found Messi in the box and the Argentina international made no mistake from close range. Arsenal didn't really deserve to be behind but Barcelona were always going to pose a big threat and it is our own fault we didn't make more of our chances. It nearly got worse soon after but luckily Suarez's effort hit a post.
Arsenal still wouldn't give up and Ramsey forced a save out of Ter Stegen as the hosts went looking for a way back into the game. That miss proved costly as the game's decisive moment came seven minutes from time. I'm not even sure why we decided to bring Mathieu Flamini on. We all know what he can be like with his challenges and we were still very much in the tie with the score only 1-0. But we did bring him on, he made a clumsy challenge, conceded a penalty, Messi scored, and that was that as the first leg finished 2-0 in Barcelona's favour.
THE SECOND LEG
Every year we seem to have a blip in the first leg. Regardless of what the performance is like we fail to win the first leg and then we come very close to turning it around in the second, but don't quite pull it off. I think it could be a similar situation again or worse.
If we can nick an early goal in the second leg we may, just may, have a chance but it's a huge if. I don't think we will beat Barcelona on their own turf and, even if we did manage two goals, I can't see them not scoring. We need to pray for a footballing miracle!
I won't give up hope until the second leg ends and in football anything can happen but even me, who is often among the most optimistic of Gunners' fans, can't see us doing it.
There would be no shame in going out to the world's best but it would also be very frustrating.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Our Champions League dream is nearly over but we must make sure we take the positives from the game and go to Manchester United with the right attitude.
The league title is still a realistic aim and we need to make sure we don't muck it up and that means we must beat Manchester United. Away from home it is going to be tough, especially as they have a habit of being a bogie side for us, but if we are serious about winning the Premier League this is a game we must win.
Let's go make sure we repeat the performance from the home game against Manchester United earlier in the season. We need to prove we mean business and not let the season fade away from us.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
With home advantage maybe a narrow win by one goal at best but, in truth, Barcelona were always going to score and the 2-0 defeat in the first leg of our round 16 tie wasn't really a surprise when a Lionel Messi double gave them the victory.
As much as I would love to see us progress past Barcelona and into the quarter finals the priority for this season really must be to win the league and we still have a chance of doing that.
I think we performed better than expected against the Champions League holders and kept them, and Messi, quiet for over an hour. The back four stood up well to the task up to that point and then boom, before you could blink it was 1-0. Yes, Barcelona really are that good and we knew the slightest mistake or failing to take our chances could prove costly.
Arsenal started the game well and showed no fear in early stages as Aaron Ramsey saw a shot blocked before Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen denied Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Ox really should have done way better with his opportunity, which he hit straight at the goalkeeper, because you need to make the most of any little chance you get against a team of this world class calibre.
Although we weren't posing too much danger in attack, the discipline shown in the first half to shut Barcelona out was superb and we restricted them to very few chances. This was impressive but in the end counted for nothing as we still lost big ground in the tie.
Arsenal's hard work in the first half was almost undone just before half-time but fortunately Luis Suarez glanced a header wide when it looked easier to score.
At that point I was proud of the Gunners. To be goalless at half-time, instead of down by several goals, actually gave me a glimmer of hope, although this later diminished.
Petr Cech once again underlined his importance to Arsene Wenger's men as he made a key save to deny Neymar within four minutes of the restart. The Brazilian latched onto Andres Iniesta's pass but Cech reacted excellently to keep out the forward's shot with his legs.
Although I don't think it would have stopped Barcelona winning there was a big moment after 55 minutes that left me rather frustrated. Jordi Alba went to ground following a challenge from Olivier Giroud before bouncing back up and putting his head into the striker's face. Okay, it wasn't a headbutt as such but it was still wrong of the defender and somehow he didn't even get booked for it when, on another day, he could have seen red. It was still 0-0 at that point and we can't really use it as an excuse. In fact, we almost took the lead soon after when Giroud's header was excellently kept out by Ter Stegen. A wasted chance but, credit to the goalkeeper, it was a very good save.
Barcelona are a top class side and can change things in the blink of an eye and they almost did, only for a fine block from Per Mertesacker to deny Messi in the box.
Arsenal should have done far better with their next chance as Giroud found himself in space in the box. Instead of opting to shoot he tried to give it to Walcott, who had unfortunately run the other way. A poor mix up and Giroud really should have made more of his opportunity in front of goal, especially against a side you know you are not going to get too many chances against.
Barcelona finally broke the Gunners' resistance when Messi scored his first goal of the night 19 minutes from time. Suarez found Messi in the box and the Argentina international made no mistake from close range. Arsenal didn't really deserve to be behind but Barcelona were always going to pose a big threat and it is our own fault we didn't make more of our chances. It nearly got worse soon after but luckily Suarez's effort hit a post.
Arsenal still wouldn't give up and Ramsey forced a save out of Ter Stegen as the hosts went looking for a way back into the game. That miss proved costly as the game's decisive moment came seven minutes from time. I'm not even sure why we decided to bring Mathieu Flamini on. We all know what he can be like with his challenges and we were still very much in the tie with the score only 1-0. But we did bring him on, he made a clumsy challenge, conceded a penalty, Messi scored, and that was that as the first leg finished 2-0 in Barcelona's favour.
THE SECOND LEG
Every year we seem to have a blip in the first leg. Regardless of what the performance is like we fail to win the first leg and then we come very close to turning it around in the second, but don't quite pull it off. I think it could be a similar situation again or worse.
If we can nick an early goal in the second leg we may, just may, have a chance but it's a huge if. I don't think we will beat Barcelona on their own turf and, even if we did manage two goals, I can't see them not scoring. We need to pray for a footballing miracle!
I won't give up hope until the second leg ends and in football anything can happen but even me, who is often among the most optimistic of Gunners' fans, can't see us doing it.
There would be no shame in going out to the world's best but it would also be very frustrating.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Our Champions League dream is nearly over but we must make sure we take the positives from the game and go to Manchester United with the right attitude.
The league title is still a realistic aim and we need to make sure we don't muck it up and that means we must beat Manchester United. Away from home it is going to be tough, especially as they have a habit of being a bogie side for us, but if we are serious about winning the Premier League this is a game we must win.
Let's go make sure we repeat the performance from the home game against Manchester United earlier in the season. We need to prove we mean business and not let the season fade away from us.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 21 February 2016
Jakupovic heroics force replay
A replay is definitely something both sides could have done without but neither holders Arsenal or Hull could find the target in their goalless FA Cup fifth round tie at the Emirates.
With games against Barcelona and Manchester United looming having another fixture is frustrating but at least we are still in the competition we have won for the last two years running.
Arsenal spent large spells of the game in attack but just couldn't make the most of their chances, whether it was missing the target or being denied by a string of fine saves from Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.
Arsene Wenger made nine changes to the side but his men still started brightly with Mohamed Elneny seeing his first-time shot blocked.
Danny Welbeck, who was making his first start of the season, headed straight at Jakupovic before forcing a better save out of the 31-year-old soon after following Calum Chambers' pass through.
The chances continued to come and go for Arsenal as Alex Iwobi curled a shot just wide before Jakupovic once again came to Hull's rescue. Walcott controlled Chambers' cross before seeing his shot saved by the feet of the Tigers' shot-stopper.
Arsenal started the second half with the same attacking intent as the first and nearly opened the scoring within two minutes of the restart. Kieran Gibbs cut the ball back to Theo Walcott, but the England man's close-range strike was well kept out by Jakupovic.
Iwobi saw his effort deflected wide before Jakupovic pulled off arguably his best save of the afternoon by somehow getting a hand to Joel Campbell's free-kick to tip it onto a post. Mathieu Flamini then blazed the rebound over the bar.
Jakupovic palmed Welbeck's curling shot away for a corner before getting down well to comfortably save substitute Olivier Giroud's effort.
At the other end, David Meyler sent his shot into the side netting as Hull attempted to cause the Gunners problems. Sone Aluko tried his luck but his shot was straight at David Ospina in the Arsenal goal.
Arsenal continued to try and find a winner as substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shot wide following Giroud's headed knock down.
As the game entered injury time Arsenal still had chances to win the game and avoid a replay, but they just couldn't find a way past Jakupovic. The goalkeeper pushed substitute Alexis Sanchez's free-kick away for a corner.
With the last attack of the game Jakupovic once again denied Sanchez before Oxlade-Chamberlain sent his headed rebound straight into the goalkeeper's arms, so a replay at the KC Stadium will now be required.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Hull fan Richard Madden was happy with the result and was keen to praise a trio of individuals for their performances against the Gunners.
"I really wasn't sure what to expect from the match," said Madden. "Both sides are pushing for league success so seeing two "reserve" sides take to the pitch wasn't a big surprise but it saddens me that a Fifth Round FA Cup tie is considered to be of secondary importance.
"From a Hull City point of view, we were hoping for third time lucky and despite a few patchy moments I was pleased to get a draw. It was clear from the outset that chances for the Tigers wouldn't be abundant and we put in a solid defensive showing.
"Eldin Jakupovic, so often left to sit on the bench or head out on loan, produced his best performance in a city shirt and will have given Steve Bruce plenty to think about with a string of fine saves. It was also encouraging to see 16-year-old Josh Tymon cope with such a big occasion and I was impressed by loanee Nick Powell.
"Arsenal fans will no doubt point to a couple of dubious refereeing decisions that could have resulted in penalties but overall it was a full blooded cup tie and I don't think anyone will complain about that.
"The replay is probably a game that both sides can do without at this point in the season but, if it's anything like today's match, it'll be well worth a trip to the KC Stadium."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
The quarter final draw will mean the winner of our replay in Hull faces a home tie against Watford. Although Watford is by no means an easy game and will be tough, I was pleased to see us get a home tie and avoid both Chelsea and Manchester United. We can't even think about that yet though and must focus on beating Hull...we are not in the quarter finals yet!
But before we can think about that we must focus our attentions on two key games - the Champions League tie with Barcelona and the away league clash against Manchester United.
Let's make sure we make it a good week to remember!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
With games against Barcelona and Manchester United looming having another fixture is frustrating but at least we are still in the competition we have won for the last two years running.
Arsenal spent large spells of the game in attack but just couldn't make the most of their chances, whether it was missing the target or being denied by a string of fine saves from Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.
Arsene Wenger made nine changes to the side but his men still started brightly with Mohamed Elneny seeing his first-time shot blocked.
Danny Welbeck, who was making his first start of the season, headed straight at Jakupovic before forcing a better save out of the 31-year-old soon after following Calum Chambers' pass through.
The chances continued to come and go for Arsenal as Alex Iwobi curled a shot just wide before Jakupovic once again came to Hull's rescue. Walcott controlled Chambers' cross before seeing his shot saved by the feet of the Tigers' shot-stopper.
Arsenal started the second half with the same attacking intent as the first and nearly opened the scoring within two minutes of the restart. Kieran Gibbs cut the ball back to Theo Walcott, but the England man's close-range strike was well kept out by Jakupovic.
Iwobi saw his effort deflected wide before Jakupovic pulled off arguably his best save of the afternoon by somehow getting a hand to Joel Campbell's free-kick to tip it onto a post. Mathieu Flamini then blazed the rebound over the bar.
Jakupovic palmed Welbeck's curling shot away for a corner before getting down well to comfortably save substitute Olivier Giroud's effort.
At the other end, David Meyler sent his shot into the side netting as Hull attempted to cause the Gunners problems. Sone Aluko tried his luck but his shot was straight at David Ospina in the Arsenal goal.
Arsenal continued to try and find a winner as substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shot wide following Giroud's headed knock down.
As the game entered injury time Arsenal still had chances to win the game and avoid a replay, but they just couldn't find a way past Jakupovic. The goalkeeper pushed substitute Alexis Sanchez's free-kick away for a corner.
With the last attack of the game Jakupovic once again denied Sanchez before Oxlade-Chamberlain sent his headed rebound straight into the goalkeeper's arms, so a replay at the KC Stadium will now be required.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Hull fan Richard Madden was happy with the result and was keen to praise a trio of individuals for their performances against the Gunners.
"I really wasn't sure what to expect from the match," said Madden. "Both sides are pushing for league success so seeing two "reserve" sides take to the pitch wasn't a big surprise but it saddens me that a Fifth Round FA Cup tie is considered to be of secondary importance.
"From a Hull City point of view, we were hoping for third time lucky and despite a few patchy moments I was pleased to get a draw. It was clear from the outset that chances for the Tigers wouldn't be abundant and we put in a solid defensive showing.
"Eldin Jakupovic, so often left to sit on the bench or head out on loan, produced his best performance in a city shirt and will have given Steve Bruce plenty to think about with a string of fine saves. It was also encouraging to see 16-year-old Josh Tymon cope with such a big occasion and I was impressed by loanee Nick Powell.
"Arsenal fans will no doubt point to a couple of dubious refereeing decisions that could have resulted in penalties but overall it was a full blooded cup tie and I don't think anyone will complain about that.
"The replay is probably a game that both sides can do without at this point in the season but, if it's anything like today's match, it'll be well worth a trip to the KC Stadium."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
The quarter final draw will mean the winner of our replay in Hull faces a home tie against Watford. Although Watford is by no means an easy game and will be tough, I was pleased to see us get a home tie and avoid both Chelsea and Manchester United. We can't even think about that yet though and must focus on beating Hull...we are not in the quarter finals yet!
But before we can think about that we must focus our attentions on two key games - the Champions League tie with Barcelona and the away league clash against Manchester United.
Let's make sure we make it a good week to remember!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Monday, 15 February 2016
Super Sub Welbeck Downs Plucky Foxes
There's nothing like a bit of late drama, providing it goes in your team's favour, and luckily for me it did as Danny Welbeck's injury time winner gave Arsenal a 2-1 win over leaders Leicester.
The Gunners, who are the only side to have done the league double over the Foxes this season, fell behind to a Jamie Vardy penalty on the stroke of half-time.
Leicester defender Danny Simpson was dismissed for a second yellow card after 53 minutes and Arsenal took advantage of having the extra man with goals from substitutes Theo Walcott and Welbeck sealing maximum points for the hosts.
It really did feel like it was going to be one of those days and, even after Walcott levelled the scores, I thought we'd get a point at best. But when Welbeck marked his first appearance of the season with a headed winner there was a real sense of our title bid being reignited. It will also do Welbeck's confidence the world of good to get a goal so early into his comeback and, fingers crossed, it can be the start of a decent run of goals for the England striker.
The result, coupled with Tottenham's win at Manchester City, puts us third with just goal difference separating us from our North London rivals. Beating Leicester also means we are now just two points behind the league leading Foxes.
In some ways it feels like we have massively improved our title chances but, with a trip to Manchester United awaiting as our next league match, we cannot rest on our laurels and will certainly need to be much less wasteful than we were against the Foxes. 24 shots on goal at home is an impressive statistic to see, but not when only six of them were on target.
Arsenal made a blistering start to the game and could've taken the lead inside the opening two minutes had Alexis Sanchez's header not gone just wide.
The Gunners continued to pile forward and Aaron Ramsey was given a great chance to score when put through, but Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel raced off his line to deny the Welsh midfielder.
Schmeichel's opposite number Petr Cech was also soon called into action and made an excellent save to keep out Vardy's header.
Chances continued to come for both sides with Olivier Giroud seeing a goal ruled out for offside before Cech clawed away N'Golo Kante's curling effort.
It was Leicester who eventually broke the deadlock through Vardy's penalty. The 29-year-old raced into the box before going down under a challenge from Nacho Monreal. Vardy made no mistake from the spot to give Leicester the lead but the home faithful weren't happy as they felt Mesut Ozil had been fouled in the build up to the penalty incident.
I must admit I felt more nervous about the game when I saw that key defender Laurent Koscielny had been forced off with an injury at half-time, with Calum Chambers coming on in his place. But in fairness to Chambers he did little wrong for the remainder of the game and actually put in a decent shift at the back.
Ramsey and Giroud both failed to hit the target in the early stages of the second half, while Leicester saw a penalty appeal waved away after Riyad Mahrez went down in the box.
Arsenal were then given a lifeline when Simpson was given his marching orders after receiving his second yellow card of the match following a foul on Giroud.
Despite now having a man advantage and mounting attack after attack, I did begin to wonder if we were ever going to score as Sanchez shot wide and the chances continued to go begging.
Arsene Wenger's men levelled the scores through Walcott 20 minutes from time. The England forward had only been on the field for nine minutes when he got on the end of Giroud's header to fire home from close range.
Arsenal continued to pile forward but Ramsey, Sanchez and Per Mertesacker all failed in their attempts to find a winning goal. Giroud then tried his luck from inside the box but Schmeichel produced a superb save to keep out the French striker.
With the game still level going into the final of the four added minutes it looked destined to end as a draw. That was, until Welbeck's vital contribution. Arsenal were awarded a free-kick just outside the box and Ozil's fine delivery was met by Welbeck's glancing header to win the game, and what a vital goal that could prove to be.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Leicester fan Mitch Ashworth was left frustrated by his side's defeat.
"I thought that the result didn't reflect the match and a draw would've suited it," said Ashworth. "Simpson's red card was a joke and that changed the entire game.
"Both teams had chances and it was a good game and they were both getting stuck in a good battle."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
This was a game we really had to win and it looked like it was going to be another one that got away. Welbeck's dramatic late goal not only gave us a vital three points but could this now make the players believe that this could yet be their year? It is still too early to say what will happen and there will undoubtedly be plenty more twist and turns along the way, but this at least gives us a chance.
If Leicester do slip up again we have to be ready to take advantage or risk the horrible possibility of Spurs going top. That should be motivation enough to ensure a positive run of results.
Regardless of their poor form Manchester United can not be taken lightly but we need to make sure we don't undo the hardwork of these three points and, if we can repeat our last performance against them earlier in the season, then we should be okay, but it's a big if.
I also want to take the time to give Leicester huge credit for what has been a truly remarkable season. Whether they bounce back to winning ways or this result causes them to crumble, it has been an amazing season for the Foxes either way and Claudio Ranieri has done a superb job.
Before we can even begin to think about what might be in the league, we must now turn our attention to other competitions. A home clash against Hull in the FA Cup before the mammoth task of the first leg of our Champions League tie with the mighty Barcelona. Two completely different games. In the first, the pressure is on us as the higher division side and also holders, but against Barcelona we are huge underdogs and have nothing to lose so let's wait and see what happens.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The Gunners, who are the only side to have done the league double over the Foxes this season, fell behind to a Jamie Vardy penalty on the stroke of half-time.
Leicester defender Danny Simpson was dismissed for a second yellow card after 53 minutes and Arsenal took advantage of having the extra man with goals from substitutes Theo Walcott and Welbeck sealing maximum points for the hosts.
It really did feel like it was going to be one of those days and, even after Walcott levelled the scores, I thought we'd get a point at best. But when Welbeck marked his first appearance of the season with a headed winner there was a real sense of our title bid being reignited. It will also do Welbeck's confidence the world of good to get a goal so early into his comeback and, fingers crossed, it can be the start of a decent run of goals for the England striker.
The result, coupled with Tottenham's win at Manchester City, puts us third with just goal difference separating us from our North London rivals. Beating Leicester also means we are now just two points behind the league leading Foxes.
In some ways it feels like we have massively improved our title chances but, with a trip to Manchester United awaiting as our next league match, we cannot rest on our laurels and will certainly need to be much less wasteful than we were against the Foxes. 24 shots on goal at home is an impressive statistic to see, but not when only six of them were on target.
Arsenal made a blistering start to the game and could've taken the lead inside the opening two minutes had Alexis Sanchez's header not gone just wide.
The Gunners continued to pile forward and Aaron Ramsey was given a great chance to score when put through, but Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel raced off his line to deny the Welsh midfielder.
Schmeichel's opposite number Petr Cech was also soon called into action and made an excellent save to keep out Vardy's header.
Chances continued to come for both sides with Olivier Giroud seeing a goal ruled out for offside before Cech clawed away N'Golo Kante's curling effort.
It was Leicester who eventually broke the deadlock through Vardy's penalty. The 29-year-old raced into the box before going down under a challenge from Nacho Monreal. Vardy made no mistake from the spot to give Leicester the lead but the home faithful weren't happy as they felt Mesut Ozil had been fouled in the build up to the penalty incident.
I must admit I felt more nervous about the game when I saw that key defender Laurent Koscielny had been forced off with an injury at half-time, with Calum Chambers coming on in his place. But in fairness to Chambers he did little wrong for the remainder of the game and actually put in a decent shift at the back.
Ramsey and Giroud both failed to hit the target in the early stages of the second half, while Leicester saw a penalty appeal waved away after Riyad Mahrez went down in the box.
Arsenal were then given a lifeline when Simpson was given his marching orders after receiving his second yellow card of the match following a foul on Giroud.
Despite now having a man advantage and mounting attack after attack, I did begin to wonder if we were ever going to score as Sanchez shot wide and the chances continued to go begging.
Arsene Wenger's men levelled the scores through Walcott 20 minutes from time. The England forward had only been on the field for nine minutes when he got on the end of Giroud's header to fire home from close range.
Arsenal continued to pile forward but Ramsey, Sanchez and Per Mertesacker all failed in their attempts to find a winning goal. Giroud then tried his luck from inside the box but Schmeichel produced a superb save to keep out the French striker.
With the game still level going into the final of the four added minutes it looked destined to end as a draw. That was, until Welbeck's vital contribution. Arsenal were awarded a free-kick just outside the box and Ozil's fine delivery was met by Welbeck's glancing header to win the game, and what a vital goal that could prove to be.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Leicester fan Mitch Ashworth was left frustrated by his side's defeat.
"I thought that the result didn't reflect the match and a draw would've suited it," said Ashworth. "Simpson's red card was a joke and that changed the entire game.
"Both teams had chances and it was a good game and they were both getting stuck in a good battle."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
This was a game we really had to win and it looked like it was going to be another one that got away. Welbeck's dramatic late goal not only gave us a vital three points but could this now make the players believe that this could yet be their year? It is still too early to say what will happen and there will undoubtedly be plenty more twist and turns along the way, but this at least gives us a chance.
If Leicester do slip up again we have to be ready to take advantage or risk the horrible possibility of Spurs going top. That should be motivation enough to ensure a positive run of results.
Regardless of their poor form Manchester United can not be taken lightly but we need to make sure we don't undo the hardwork of these three points and, if we can repeat our last performance against them earlier in the season, then we should be okay, but it's a big if.
I also want to take the time to give Leicester huge credit for what has been a truly remarkable season. Whether they bounce back to winning ways or this result causes them to crumble, it has been an amazing season for the Foxes either way and Claudio Ranieri has done a superb job.
Before we can even begin to think about what might be in the league, we must now turn our attention to other competitions. A home clash against Hull in the FA Cup before the mammoth task of the first leg of our Champions League tie with the mighty Barcelona. Two completely different games. In the first, the pressure is on us as the higher division side and also holders, but against Barcelona we are huge underdogs and have nothing to lose so let's wait and see what happens.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Super Sub Welbeck Downs Plucky Foxes
There's nothing like a bit of late drama, providing it goes in your team's favour, and luckily for me it did as Danny Welbeck's injury time winner gave Arsenal a 2-1 win over leaders Leicester.
The Gunners, who are the only side to have done the league double over the Foxes this season, fell behind to a Jamie Vardy penalty on the stroke of half-time.
Leicester defender Danny Simpson was dismissed for a second yellow card after 53 minutes and Arsenal took advantage of having the extra man with goals from substitutes Theo Walcott and Welbeck sealing maximum points for the hosts.
It really did feel like it was going to be one of those days and, even after Walcott levelled the scores, I thought we'd get a point at best. But when Welbeck marked his first appearance of the season with a headed winner there was a real sense of our title bid being reignited. It will also do Welbeck's confidence the world of good to get a goal so early into his comeback and, fingers crossed, it can be the start of a decent run of goals for the England striker.
The result, coupled with Tottenham's win at Manchester City, puts us third with just goal difference separating us from our North London rivals. Beating Leicester also means we are now just two points behind the league leading Foxes.
In some ways it feels like we have massively improved our title chances but, with a trip to Manchester United awaiting as our next league match, we cannot rest on our laurels and will certainly need to be much less wasteful than we were against the Foxes. 24 shots on goal at home is an impressive statistic to see, but not when only six of them were on target.
Arsenal made a blistering start to the game and could've taken the lead inside the opening two minutes had Alexis Sanchez's header not gone just wide.
The Gunners continued to pile forward and Aaron Ramsey was given a great chance to score when put through, but Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel raced off his line to deny the Welsh midfielder.
Schmeichel's opposite number Petr Cech was also soon called into action and made an excellent save to keep out Vardy's header.
Chances continued to come for both sides with Olivier Giroud seeing a goal ruled out for offside before Cech clawed away N'Golo Kante's curling effort.
It was Leicester who eventually broke the deadlock through Vardy's penalty. The 29-year-old raced into the box before going down under a challenge from Nacho Monreal. Vardy made no mistake from the spot to give Leicester the lead but the home faithful weren't happy as they felt Mesut Ozil had been fouled in the build up to the penalty incident.
I must admit I felt more nervous about the game when I saw that key defender Laurent Koscielny had been forced off with an injury at half-time, with Calum Chambers coming on in his place. But in fairness to Chambers he did little wrong for the remainder of the game and actually put in a decent shift at the back.
Ramsey and Giroud both failed to hit the target in the early stages of the second half, while Leicester saw a penalty appeal waved away after Riyad Mahrez went down in the box.
Arsenal were then given a lifeline when Simpson was given his marching orders after receiving his second yellow card of the match following a foul on Giroud.
Despite now having a man advantage and mounting attack after attack, I did begin to wonder if we were ever going to score as Sanchez shot wide and the chances continued to go begging.
Arsene Wenger's men levelled the scores through Walcott 20 minutes from time. The England forward had only been on the field for nine minutes when he got on the end of Giroud's header to fire home from close range.
Arsenal continued to pile forward but Ramsey, Sanchez and Per Mertesacker all failed in their attempts to find a winning goal. Giroud then tried his luck from inside the box but Schmeichel produced a superb save to keep out the French striker.
With the game still level going into the final of the four added minutes it looked destined to end as a draw. That was, until Welbeck's vital contribution. Arsenal were awarded a free-kick just outside the box and Ozil's fine delivery was met by Welbeck's glancing header to win the game, and what a vital goal that could prove to be.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Leicester fan Mitch Ashworth was left frustrated by his side's defeat.
"I thought that the result didn't reflect the match and a draw would've suited it," said Ashworth. "Simpson's red card was a joke and that changed the entire game.
"Both teams had chances and it was a good game and they were both getting stuck in a good battle."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
This was a game we really had to win and it looked like it was going to be another one that got away. Welbeck's dramatic late goal not only gave us a vital three points but could this now make the players believe that this could yet be their year? It is still too early to say what will happen and there will undoubtedly be plenty more twist and turns along the way, but this at least gives us a chance.
If Leicester do slip up again we have to be ready to take advantage or risk the horrible possibility of Spurs going top. That should be motivation enough to ensure a positive run of results.
Regardless of their poor form Manchester United can not be taken lightly but we need to make sure we don't undo the hardwork of these three points and, if we can repeat our last performance against them earlier in the season, then we should be okay, but it's a big if.
I also want to take the time to give Leicester huge credit for what has been a truly remarkable season. Whether they bounce back to winning ways or this result causes them to crumble, it has been an amazing season for the Foxes either way and Claudio Ranieri has done a superb job.
Before we can even begin to think about what might be in the league, we must now turn our attention to other competitions. A home clash against Hull in the FA Cup before the mammoth task of the first leg of our Champions League tie with the mighty Barcelona. Two completely different games. In the first, the pressure is on us as the higher division side and also holders, but against Barcelona we are huge underdogs and have nothing to lose so let's wait and see what happens.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The Gunners, who are the only side to have done the league double over the Foxes this season, fell behind to a Jamie Vardy penalty on the stroke of half-time.
Leicester defender Danny Simpson was dismissed for a second yellow card after 53 minutes and Arsenal took advantage of having the extra man with goals from substitutes Theo Walcott and Welbeck sealing maximum points for the hosts.
It really did feel like it was going to be one of those days and, even after Walcott levelled the scores, I thought we'd get a point at best. But when Welbeck marked his first appearance of the season with a headed winner there was a real sense of our title bid being reignited. It will also do Welbeck's confidence the world of good to get a goal so early into his comeback and, fingers crossed, it can be the start of a decent run of goals for the England striker.
The result, coupled with Tottenham's win at Manchester City, puts us third with just goal difference separating us from our North London rivals. Beating Leicester also means we are now just two points behind the league leading Foxes.
In some ways it feels like we have massively improved our title chances but, with a trip to Manchester United awaiting as our next league match, we cannot rest on our laurels and will certainly need to be much less wasteful than we were against the Foxes. 24 shots on goal at home is an impressive statistic to see, but not when only six of them were on target.
Arsenal made a blistering start to the game and could've taken the lead inside the opening two minutes had Alexis Sanchez's header not gone just wide.
The Gunners continued to pile forward and Aaron Ramsey was given a great chance to score when put through, but Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel raced off his line to deny the Welsh midfielder.
Schmeichel's opposite number Petr Cech was also soon called into action and made an excellent save to keep out Vardy's header.
Chances continued to come for both sides with Olivier Giroud seeing a goal ruled out for offside before Cech clawed away N'Golo Kante's curling effort.
It was Leicester who eventually broke the deadlock through Vardy's penalty. The 29-year-old raced into the box before going down under a challenge from Nacho Monreal. Vardy made no mistake from the spot to give Leicester the lead but the home faithful weren't happy as they felt Mesut Ozil had been fouled in the build up to the penalty incident.
I must admit I felt more nervous about the game when I saw that key defender Laurent Koscielny had been forced off with an injury at half-time, with Calum Chambers coming on in his place. But in fairness to Chambers he did little wrong for the remainder of the game and actually put in a decent shift at the back.
Ramsey and Giroud both failed to hit the target in the early stages of the second half, while Leicester saw a penalty appeal waved away after Riyad Mahrez went down in the box.
Arsenal were then given a lifeline when Simpson was given his marching orders after receiving his second yellow card of the match following a foul on Giroud.
Despite now having a man advantage and mounting attack after attack, I did begin to wonder if we were ever going to score as Sanchez shot wide and the chances continued to go begging.
Arsene Wenger's men levelled the scores through Walcott 20 minutes from time. The England forward had only been on the field for nine minutes when he got on the end of Giroud's header to fire home from close range.
Arsenal continued to pile forward but Ramsey, Sanchez and Per Mertesacker all failed in their attempts to find a winning goal. Giroud then tried his luck from inside the box but Schmeichel produced a superb save to keep out the French striker.
With the game still level going into the final of the four added minutes it looked destined to end as a draw. That was, until Welbeck's vital contribution. Arsenal were awarded a free-kick just outside the box and Ozil's fine delivery was met by Welbeck's glancing header to win the game, and what a vital goal that could prove to be.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Leicester fan Mitch Ashworth was left frustrated by his side's defeat.
"I thought that the result didn't reflect the match and a draw would've suited it," said Ashworth. "Simpson's red card was a joke and that changed the entire game.
"Both teams had chances and it was a good game and they were both getting stuck in a good battle."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
This was a game we really had to win and it looked like it was going to be another one that got away. Welbeck's dramatic late goal not only gave us a vital three points but could this now make the players believe that this could yet be their year? It is still too early to say what will happen and there will undoubtedly be plenty more twist and turns along the way, but this at least gives us a chance.
If Leicester do slip up again we have to be ready to take advantage or risk the horrible possibility of Spurs going top. That should be motivation enough to ensure a positive run of results.
Regardless of their poor form Manchester United can not be taken lightly but we need to make sure we don't undo the hardwork of these three points and, if we can repeat our last performance against them earlier in the season, then we should be okay, but it's a big if.
I also want to take the time to give Leicester huge credit for what has been a truly remarkable season. Whether they bounce back to winning ways or this result causes them to crumble, it has been an amazing season for the Foxes either way and Claudio Ranieri has done a superb job.
Before we can even begin to think about what might be in the league, we must now turn our attention to other competitions. A home clash against Hull in the FA Cup before the mammoth task of the first leg of our Champions League tie with the mighty Barcelona. Two completely different games. In the first, the pressure is on us as the higher division side and also holders, but against Barcelona we are huge underdogs and have nothing to lose so let's wait and see what happens.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Monday, 8 February 2016
Quick-fire double secures Gunners win
Arsenal reignited their title push with a 2-0 win over Bournemouth and now face a make or break home clash with leaders Leicester.
Bournemouth are doing better than many expected in their first season in the Premier League but if I'm being honest it was one of the few fixtures on the list that didn't worry me too much.
The Cherries battled well but Arsenal had to rely on a quick-fire double from Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to ensure all three points.
The result puts the Gunners five points adrift of Leicester and they will now have to put in a consistent run of good form if they are to have any chance of finishing top of the table.
There was a controversial moment inside the opening 20 minutes when Mathieu Flamini being booked for his foul on Dan Gosling, with some sections of the crowd believing Kevin Friend should have shown a red card rather than just a yellow.
After a somewhat slow start from the hosts, Arsenal scored twice in the space of 88 seconds to put themselves in firm control of the match after 23 minutes. Olivier Giroud latched onto a pass from Aaron Ramsey before cushioning a header into the path of Ozil, who volleyed a fine effort into roof of the net.
Before Bournemouth had time to deal with the set-back Arsenal grabbed their second with Ramsey once again at the heart of the move. The Welsh midfielder picked up a loose ball before releasing Oxlade-Chamberlain, who then raced into the box before firing home a shot in off the post.
At the other end, Cech had to be alert to tip Harry Arter's effort over the bar before later denying Adam Smith, while Matt Ritchie sent his shot off target.
Bournemouth tried to reduce the deficit in the second half but Smith saw his effort hit the side netting. Arsenal were also creating chances of their own with Alexis Sanchez forcing Artur Boruc into a great save. From the resulting corner Boruc comfortably saved Giroud's header.
Boruc was called into action again in the closing stages and made an excellent save to deny Ramsey, while Cech had to be on top form to deny Bournemouth a late consolation. Cech saved Steve Cook's low strike before reacting quickly to get back up and keep out Arter's effort, ensuring a clean sheet for the hosts.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Bournemouth fan Peter Sweet was left feeling frustrated by the referee failing to dismiss Flamini.
"With Arsenal having a bad patch and us being at home, I fully expected to at least get a point out of the Gooners on Sunday," said Sweet.
"It might have been a different story as Flamini should have been sent off for his reckless challenge on Gosling. It was a clear red and Arsenal should have been down to 10 men.
"I thought we matched Arsenal in the early stages, but the two goals in 90 seconds really did it for us. Great technique from Ozil for the first and a cross come shot from the Ox took the wind out of our sails.
"We looked sprightly in the second half but we lacked a cutting edge. (Benik) Afobe didn’t have the best of games and Cech made his work look easy."
Sweet is also unsure whether Arsenal's defence can cope with a title challenge this season, adding: "Arsenal have work to do if they are going to catch Leicester.
"They have the quality, but I’m not too keen on their defence. They seem to have the better players coming back at just the right time."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It wasn't the prettiest of performances but we did what mattered most and got all three points. If we can beat Leicester in our next league game we can cut the gap on the leaders to just two points. That would well and truly put our title challenge back on track but it is definitely not going to be easy.
I have been taking Leicester's challenge seriously from the early stages and they deserve to be where they are, so we will have to be at our best to beat them and must play a lot better than we did against Bournemouth. We need to play more like we did when we demolished the Foxes 5-2 back in September and, if we are serious about our title challenge, this is the time to start showing it.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Bournemouth are doing better than many expected in their first season in the Premier League but if I'm being honest it was one of the few fixtures on the list that didn't worry me too much.
The Cherries battled well but Arsenal had to rely on a quick-fire double from Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to ensure all three points.
The result puts the Gunners five points adrift of Leicester and they will now have to put in a consistent run of good form if they are to have any chance of finishing top of the table.
There was a controversial moment inside the opening 20 minutes when Mathieu Flamini being booked for his foul on Dan Gosling, with some sections of the crowd believing Kevin Friend should have shown a red card rather than just a yellow.
After a somewhat slow start from the hosts, Arsenal scored twice in the space of 88 seconds to put themselves in firm control of the match after 23 minutes. Olivier Giroud latched onto a pass from Aaron Ramsey before cushioning a header into the path of Ozil, who volleyed a fine effort into roof of the net.
Before Bournemouth had time to deal with the set-back Arsenal grabbed their second with Ramsey once again at the heart of the move. The Welsh midfielder picked up a loose ball before releasing Oxlade-Chamberlain, who then raced into the box before firing home a shot in off the post.
At the other end, Cech had to be alert to tip Harry Arter's effort over the bar before later denying Adam Smith, while Matt Ritchie sent his shot off target.
Bournemouth tried to reduce the deficit in the second half but Smith saw his effort hit the side netting. Arsenal were also creating chances of their own with Alexis Sanchez forcing Artur Boruc into a great save. From the resulting corner Boruc comfortably saved Giroud's header.
Boruc was called into action again in the closing stages and made an excellent save to deny Ramsey, while Cech had to be on top form to deny Bournemouth a late consolation. Cech saved Steve Cook's low strike before reacting quickly to get back up and keep out Arter's effort, ensuring a clean sheet for the hosts.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Bournemouth fan Peter Sweet was left feeling frustrated by the referee failing to dismiss Flamini.
"With Arsenal having a bad patch and us being at home, I fully expected to at least get a point out of the Gooners on Sunday," said Sweet.
"It might have been a different story as Flamini should have been sent off for his reckless challenge on Gosling. It was a clear red and Arsenal should have been down to 10 men.
"I thought we matched Arsenal in the early stages, but the two goals in 90 seconds really did it for us. Great technique from Ozil for the first and a cross come shot from the Ox took the wind out of our sails.
"We looked sprightly in the second half but we lacked a cutting edge. (Benik) Afobe didn’t have the best of games and Cech made his work look easy."
Sweet is also unsure whether Arsenal's defence can cope with a title challenge this season, adding: "Arsenal have work to do if they are going to catch Leicester.
"They have the quality, but I’m not too keen on their defence. They seem to have the better players coming back at just the right time."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It wasn't the prettiest of performances but we did what mattered most and got all three points. If we can beat Leicester in our next league game we can cut the gap on the leaders to just two points. That would well and truly put our title challenge back on track but it is definitely not going to be easy.
I have been taking Leicester's challenge seriously from the early stages and they deserve to be where they are, so we will have to be at our best to beat them and must play a lot better than we did against Bournemouth. We need to play more like we did when we demolished the Foxes 5-2 back in September and, if we are serious about our title challenge, this is the time to start showing it.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Wednesday, 3 February 2016
Forster frustrates Gunners
Fraser Forster produced a string of fine saves to frustrate Arsenal and give his Southampton side a share of the spoils in a goalless draw at the Emirates.
The England international was in excellent form on the night but that wasn't the only reason for Arsenal dropping two points. The Gunners really should've made more of their opportunities in front of goal. Although I rate Olivier Giroud highly I also believe that, if we had a world class striker in our ranks, some of those chances would've been put away.
Results like this could end up costing us the title. Although I haven't fully given up hope on us finishing top, despite us dropping to fourth and five points behind leaders Leicester, it is starting to feel like it is fading away from us.
It was a dramatic improvement on the 4-0 horror show we encountered at Southampton on Boxing Day but it still wasn't really good enough. Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez linked up superbly at times but we just seemed to lack that extra spark in front of goal.
However, had it not been for Forster's top display, it is very likely we would've got all three points from that game and it was a frustrating result to take. What made it even tougher to accept was the fact the result saw us drop below bitter rivals Tottenham. We need to rectify this quickly!
Neither side created too much in the early exchanges with Arsenal in particular starting very slowly, although Petr Cech did have to be alert to tip James Ward-Prowse's free-kick wide.
One of Arsenal's best moments of the game arrived after 12 minutes when Ozil controlled Sanchez's long pass with a delightful touch before forcing Forster into a save.
The duo faced off again nine minutes later as Ozil flicked on Giroud's header in the box, but Forster denied him with an excellent point-blank save.
At the other end Dusan Tadic's shot from the edge of the area was straight at Cech, while Oriol Romeu blazed over from long-range.
Ozil continued to be in the thick of the action but Arsenal were still unable to find that all-important goal as the German international's shot was blocked in the final minute of the half.
Arsenal started the second half with a lot more attacking purpose and came close to breaking the deadlock within 12 minutes of the restart. Giroud's curling placed shot looked destined to go in, only for Forster to dive high to his left to keep him out with a fantastic save.
Gabriel's sloppy defending gifted Southampton possession and a great chance to score after 54 minutes but, luckily for Arsenal, Sadio Mane's eventual shot was comfortably saved by Cech.
Substitute Theo Walcott should've made a big impact on the game within five minutes of coming on but he spurned his opportunities. Walcott was denied twice in quick succession by Forster and, although they were both excellent saves, the England forward really should've done better with the amount of space he was in for the first attempt.
Forster continued to frustrate the Gunners as he did just about enough to claw away Sanchez's header before Laurent Koscielny later headed over from close range.
Arsenal finally got the better of Forster with 19 minutes remaining but Sanchez's goal-bound effort was blocked on the line by Ward-Prowse to keep the scores level.
Nothing Arsenal tried was working as they just couldn't beat Forster, who once again rescued his side when he tipped Giroud's header over the bar.
Sanchez saw a shot blocked and Aaron Ramsey's effort was saved by Forster as the game ended all square.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Southampton fan Mavis John was pleased with her side's performance and paid tribute to the heroics of Forster.
"I thought we played well, particularly defensively, but there was one clear reason why Arsenal's 11 shots on target didn't end up as goals and that was Fraser Forster. He was brilliant." said John.
"It's no coincidence that our improved performances and results have happened since Fraser came back from injury.
"The game showed just how much we need Fraser - not only is he a brilliant goalkeeper but he manages to get the defence working properly too."
"It's good to be back safely in the top half of the table - it was not so long ago that the R word started being used in connection with Southampton but it now seems we're marching more consistently upwards. COYS!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
You could argue that a draw against a well-drilled Southampton side isn't all that bad but, in the context of the whole season and how recent weeks have gone, I can't help but feel very frustrated.
That result was simply not good enough. In a season where champions Chelsea are under-performing and Manchester City are looking more beatable, we really should be looking to do better.
We are only five points behind Leicester so the title isn't over for us just yet but we are certainly making hard work of it. We should really be clear at the top by now and not below Spurs in fourth. We need to get our act together and quickly and nothing less than six points, away at Bournemouth and home to leaders Leicester, will be good enough if we are serious about this title challenge.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The England international was in excellent form on the night but that wasn't the only reason for Arsenal dropping two points. The Gunners really should've made more of their opportunities in front of goal. Although I rate Olivier Giroud highly I also believe that, if we had a world class striker in our ranks, some of those chances would've been put away.
Results like this could end up costing us the title. Although I haven't fully given up hope on us finishing top, despite us dropping to fourth and five points behind leaders Leicester, it is starting to feel like it is fading away from us.
It was a dramatic improvement on the 4-0 horror show we encountered at Southampton on Boxing Day but it still wasn't really good enough. Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez linked up superbly at times but we just seemed to lack that extra spark in front of goal.
However, had it not been for Forster's top display, it is very likely we would've got all three points from that game and it was a frustrating result to take. What made it even tougher to accept was the fact the result saw us drop below bitter rivals Tottenham. We need to rectify this quickly!
Neither side created too much in the early exchanges with Arsenal in particular starting very slowly, although Petr Cech did have to be alert to tip James Ward-Prowse's free-kick wide.
One of Arsenal's best moments of the game arrived after 12 minutes when Ozil controlled Sanchez's long pass with a delightful touch before forcing Forster into a save.
The duo faced off again nine minutes later as Ozil flicked on Giroud's header in the box, but Forster denied him with an excellent point-blank save.
At the other end Dusan Tadic's shot from the edge of the area was straight at Cech, while Oriol Romeu blazed over from long-range.
Ozil continued to be in the thick of the action but Arsenal were still unable to find that all-important goal as the German international's shot was blocked in the final minute of the half.
Arsenal started the second half with a lot more attacking purpose and came close to breaking the deadlock within 12 minutes of the restart. Giroud's curling placed shot looked destined to go in, only for Forster to dive high to his left to keep him out with a fantastic save.
Gabriel's sloppy defending gifted Southampton possession and a great chance to score after 54 minutes but, luckily for Arsenal, Sadio Mane's eventual shot was comfortably saved by Cech.
Substitute Theo Walcott should've made a big impact on the game within five minutes of coming on but he spurned his opportunities. Walcott was denied twice in quick succession by Forster and, although they were both excellent saves, the England forward really should've done better with the amount of space he was in for the first attempt.
Forster continued to frustrate the Gunners as he did just about enough to claw away Sanchez's header before Laurent Koscielny later headed over from close range.
Arsenal finally got the better of Forster with 19 minutes remaining but Sanchez's goal-bound effort was blocked on the line by Ward-Prowse to keep the scores level.
Nothing Arsenal tried was working as they just couldn't beat Forster, who once again rescued his side when he tipped Giroud's header over the bar.
Sanchez saw a shot blocked and Aaron Ramsey's effort was saved by Forster as the game ended all square.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Southampton fan Mavis John was pleased with her side's performance and paid tribute to the heroics of Forster.
"I thought we played well, particularly defensively, but there was one clear reason why Arsenal's 11 shots on target didn't end up as goals and that was Fraser Forster. He was brilliant." said John.
"It's no coincidence that our improved performances and results have happened since Fraser came back from injury.
"The game showed just how much we need Fraser - not only is he a brilliant goalkeeper but he manages to get the defence working properly too."
"It's good to be back safely in the top half of the table - it was not so long ago that the R word started being used in connection with Southampton but it now seems we're marching more consistently upwards. COYS!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
You could argue that a draw against a well-drilled Southampton side isn't all that bad but, in the context of the whole season and how recent weeks have gone, I can't help but feel very frustrated.
That result was simply not good enough. In a season where champions Chelsea are under-performing and Manchester City are looking more beatable, we really should be looking to do better.
We are only five points behind Leicester so the title isn't over for us just yet but we are certainly making hard work of it. We should really be clear at the top by now and not below Spurs in fourth. We need to get our act together and quickly and nothing less than six points, away at Bournemouth and home to leaders Leicester, will be good enough if we are serious about this title challenge.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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