Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi continues to impress and his first senior goal helped Arsenal to a valuable 2-0 win at Everton.
I didn't feel too confident ahead of the game, which saw Danny Welbeck open the scoring, as our form hasn't been great lately but it was one we definitely couldn't afford to drop any points in if we were to keep our slim title hopes alive.
We are six points off second-placed Tottenham and 11 away from leaders Leicester, with a game in hand, and we will have to more or less win all of the remaining matches while hoping the other two sides drop points. Our chances are very slim but we still mathematically have a chance so can't give up.
Whatever happens in the title race, the performance at Goodison Park was a lot more encouraging than our other recent displays. We need to build on this and be a lot more consistent in the remaining games. I personally don't think we will win the title but this performance at least gave us a reason to feel more positive than a lot of fans had been in recent months.
It is almost a shame that we have no more games left this month as, after an impressive performance, I would rather we had another game coming up soon rather than having to wait until after the international break.
Everton started brightly with Seamus Coleman latching onto a corner and flicking an effort against the outside of a post. The woodwork was hit again moments later, but this time at the other end. Muhamed Besic’s clearance ricocheted off Welbeck and hit a post.
The hosts then wasted the chance to take the lead when Romelu Lukaku's cross was headed over by Ross Barkley. That miss proved costly as Welbeck opened the scoring for Arsenal after seven minutes. A good team move saw Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil exchange passes before a perfectly-timed pass from the Chilean put Welbeck through on goal. The England striker took it round Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles before calmly slotting the ball into the empty net.
Arsenal were putting together some good attacking moves and Mesut Ozil tried his luck on goal, only to see his effort well blocked by Phil Jagielka.
Gunners goalkeeper David Ospina was forced into a save as he got a hand to Besic's strike from outside the box before reclaiming the ball at the second attempt.
Arsenal saw a penalty shout turned away following Ramiro Funes Mori's challenge on Sanchez in the box. Although there did appear to be contact, Sanchez was already starting to lose his footing before the challenge even came in.
Arsene Wenger's men continued to battle hard and doubled their advantage three minutes before the break. Hector Bellerin received the ball deep in his own half before sending a lofted long pass over the top for Iwobi, who raced forward and slotted it beyond Robles with a composed finish.
Arsenal tried to add to their lead in the second half but Francis Coquelin volleyed over from outside the box before the visitors had to deal with a very worrying moment shortly after the hour mark. Ospina was hurt in collision with Lukaku, as well as his own team-mate Gabriel, and with Petr Cech already out injured this would've been a big cause for concern. Fortunately though, the Colombian shot-stopper was able to see out the rest of the match, although it did nearly cause a goal. Jagielka headed over from a corner and it was lucky his effort was off target as Ospina had seemed unable to challenge for the ball.
The visitors saw another penalty appeal turned down when Olivier Giroud went down under a challenge, but the contact was outside the box so it mattered little and the decision not to award a spot-kick was correct. Giroud did have the ball in the net soon after but his headed effort was ruled out for a foul on Jagielka.
At the other end, Lukaku saw his tame headed effort comfortably saved by Ospina in the closing minutes of the match as Arsenal held on for victory.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Everton fan Paul O'Neill was left frustrated by the result but first wanted to focus on the positives by welcoming the arrival of new major investor Farhad Moshiri.
"First of all I'd like to say what a great "signing" albeit in a non-playing role for the club Farhad Moshiri was the other week," said O'Neill. "Hopefully he will have happier times at the people's club."
On the match O'Neill added: "To footballing matters on the field, for Everton I felt a loss coming today and so it was. Despite more possession (52%) and similar shots we were outclassed by Arsenal again and we have given away six points to them this season.
"I would like to say I think Iwobi's goal was good but far too over embellished for what was just a good counter.
"I feel the minds of the squad are on the FA Cup and this is why we lost.
"(Roberto) Martinez will have pressure in this competition as he certainly has the squad to be right up there in the league, yet no way near Leicester City!
"I feel Arsenal have let a big chance go this season and wonder what the future holds, possibly without Wenger. They were my tip for the league this season and what looks like a trophyless season must be annoying for the fans.
"As for Everton, hopefully two games in the FA Cup to potentially win it like Arsenal the two previous."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
I think the international break has come at the wrong time for us. After an impressive performance it would've been better to have the chance to build up momentum sooner but that isn't the case, so we just need to make sure we come back refreshed and ready for the upcoming games.
Leicester and Tottenham are definitely the favourites for the title but, while we are still mathematically in with a shout, we can't give up. We will definitely need to put in very strong performances to stand a chance, with no more margin for error, especially with two potentially tough league games awaiting us after the international break. Watford visit the Emirates before we make the short but tough trip to London rivals West Ham.
I don't think we will catch Leicester but I want to at least see us put up a good fight and put in performances to be proud of and, most importantly, not let the remaining games fade away with a whimper.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 20 March 2016
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
Gunners crash out of Europe
There is never any shame in losing to arguably the best team in the world, but it didn't stop the feeling of it being the same old story for Arsenal.
The Gunners went into the game already 2-0 down from the first leg and the trip to Camp Nou was always going to be an uphill struggle. We battled valiantly at times and gave ourselves faint hope when Mohamed Elneny scored a stunning goal, but Barcelona's sheer class told on the day.
Barcelona were the better side over the two legs but I genuinely believe that, if we'd had a world class striker who actually buried his chances, it could've been a totally different story.
The Spanish giants were playing sublime football in attack but we made them look very suspect at the back on a fair few occasions. We just couldn't capitalise on it enough. If we had been able to it just might have been enough but, if you don't take your chances you're never going to win the game.
Arsenal started positively but Mesut Ozil and Elneny both failed to hit the target with their long-range efforts. Although Arsenal had started with great attacking intent, we all knew in the back of our minds that no matter what Barcelona were capable of changing the game in the blink of an eye, and that they did.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina had made a superb point-blank save to deny Lionel Messi from close range after 17 minutes but the Colombian couldn't do anything about Barcelona's opener just moments later. Neymar latched onto a through ball from Luis Suarez before calmly slotting the ball home from inside the box.
The visitors tried to find a response but Mathieu Flamini and Alex Iwobi sent their shots over the bar. Iwobi performed excellently and was one of the main positives to come out of what was a disappointing evening for Arsenal.
Arsenal continued to create chances and some great work from Ozil saw him beat his man and put the ball into the box but, when the ball eventually reached Elneny he took too long over the ball and was denied by a sliding block.
Despite decent attacking intentions and looking good going forward, we just couldn't seem to apply the finishing touch. Hector Bellerin's cross was headed wide by Alexis Sanchez before Danny Welbeck was denied by a superb challenge from Javier Mascherano.
Arsenal were 1-0 down at half-time and 3-0 behind on aggregate, but the visitors did finally have a goal to cheer about in the second half. Elneny scored his first goal for the club with a sublime strike into the top corner within six minutes of the restart. That goal seemed to give Arsenal renewed hope but, considering we were playing the best side in the world, I knew we were already out at this point...barring a miracle.
The goal seemed to spur the Gunners on with Welbeck bursting forward, only to be denied by a great challenge from Mascherano, before the striker sent a head over the bar soon after.
Any faint hope Arsenal had of a comeback was extinguished by an exquisite goal by Suarez. The former Liverpool man met Dani Alves cross with a sweet scissor kick into the top corner. It was a great finish.
Still Arsenal refused to give up as Welbeck's shot hit the crossbar. The visitors very nearly reduced the deficit soon after but a fine double save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen kept them out. The Barcelona shot-stopper produced a superb one-handed save to keep out Sanchez's free-kick at full-stretch before palming away substitute Olivier Giroud's follow-up. The German had to be alert again soon after as he came out quickly to deny substitute Theo Walcott.
Arsenal deserved more for their endeavours but they were hit by some more Barcelona magic before the end as Messi's superb chip over Ospina sealed Barcelona's 3-1 win on the night and 5-1 aggregate victory over the two legs.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CAMPAIGN
Other than the odd few highlights this has been a Champions League campaign to forget for Arsenal. After what should've been two easier games against Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiacos we found ourselves without any points on the board.
Beating Bayern Munich 2-0 at home was an absolutely superb result but then the German giants reminded us of their class by hammering us 5-1 in the return match.
A 3-0 home win over Dinamo Zagreb kept our hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knock-out stages alive. A Giroud hat-trick helped us beat Olympiacos 3-0 in Greece against the odds and somehow we had done what, at one point, looked impossible and got out of the group stages.
After being drawn against Barcelona in the round of 16, many fans were pessimistic about our chances. Although I also knew winning that tie would be a long-shot I was half delighted at the draw as if you want to win the competition you have to play against the best, and there's no point being in it if you don't want to test yourselves against the biggest sides in Europe.
For over an hour of the first leg I felt more belief than I was expecting as we were actually holding our own, matching Barcelona and keeping the world's best player Lionel Messi very quiet. Then in the blink of an eye the Argentinian legend hit two goals to give us a huge mountain to climb. We battled bravely in the second leg but Barcelona, as expected, proved too good and our European dream is over for yet another season.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Out of the Champions League and the FA Cup and, with only the unimportant Community Shield to show for our efforts, this season is fast becoming the same old story for us.
Although the Premier League title race isn't yet mathematically over, only something truly special could get us back into it now and that doesn't looking likely at all.
But whatever happens we need to just take it one game at the time and we need to produce one hell of a herculean effort against Everton in our next league match. Arsene Wenger and the players owe us a big performance and best give this to us at the weekend. Come on lads!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The Gunners went into the game already 2-0 down from the first leg and the trip to Camp Nou was always going to be an uphill struggle. We battled valiantly at times and gave ourselves faint hope when Mohamed Elneny scored a stunning goal, but Barcelona's sheer class told on the day.
Barcelona were the better side over the two legs but I genuinely believe that, if we'd had a world class striker who actually buried his chances, it could've been a totally different story.
The Spanish giants were playing sublime football in attack but we made them look very suspect at the back on a fair few occasions. We just couldn't capitalise on it enough. If we had been able to it just might have been enough but, if you don't take your chances you're never going to win the game.
Arsenal started positively but Mesut Ozil and Elneny both failed to hit the target with their long-range efforts. Although Arsenal had started with great attacking intent, we all knew in the back of our minds that no matter what Barcelona were capable of changing the game in the blink of an eye, and that they did.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina had made a superb point-blank save to deny Lionel Messi from close range after 17 minutes but the Colombian couldn't do anything about Barcelona's opener just moments later. Neymar latched onto a through ball from Luis Suarez before calmly slotting the ball home from inside the box.
The visitors tried to find a response but Mathieu Flamini and Alex Iwobi sent their shots over the bar. Iwobi performed excellently and was one of the main positives to come out of what was a disappointing evening for Arsenal.
Arsenal continued to create chances and some great work from Ozil saw him beat his man and put the ball into the box but, when the ball eventually reached Elneny he took too long over the ball and was denied by a sliding block.
Despite decent attacking intentions and looking good going forward, we just couldn't seem to apply the finishing touch. Hector Bellerin's cross was headed wide by Alexis Sanchez before Danny Welbeck was denied by a superb challenge from Javier Mascherano.
Arsenal were 1-0 down at half-time and 3-0 behind on aggregate, but the visitors did finally have a goal to cheer about in the second half. Elneny scored his first goal for the club with a sublime strike into the top corner within six minutes of the restart. That goal seemed to give Arsenal renewed hope but, considering we were playing the best side in the world, I knew we were already out at this point...barring a miracle.
The goal seemed to spur the Gunners on with Welbeck bursting forward, only to be denied by a great challenge from Mascherano, before the striker sent a head over the bar soon after.
Any faint hope Arsenal had of a comeback was extinguished by an exquisite goal by Suarez. The former Liverpool man met Dani Alves cross with a sweet scissor kick into the top corner. It was a great finish.
Still Arsenal refused to give up as Welbeck's shot hit the crossbar. The visitors very nearly reduced the deficit soon after but a fine double save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen kept them out. The Barcelona shot-stopper produced a superb one-handed save to keep out Sanchez's free-kick at full-stretch before palming away substitute Olivier Giroud's follow-up. The German had to be alert again soon after as he came out quickly to deny substitute Theo Walcott.
Arsenal deserved more for their endeavours but they were hit by some more Barcelona magic before the end as Messi's superb chip over Ospina sealed Barcelona's 3-1 win on the night and 5-1 aggregate victory over the two legs.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CAMPAIGN
Other than the odd few highlights this has been a Champions League campaign to forget for Arsenal. After what should've been two easier games against Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiacos we found ourselves without any points on the board.
Beating Bayern Munich 2-0 at home was an absolutely superb result but then the German giants reminded us of their class by hammering us 5-1 in the return match.
A 3-0 home win over Dinamo Zagreb kept our hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knock-out stages alive. A Giroud hat-trick helped us beat Olympiacos 3-0 in Greece against the odds and somehow we had done what, at one point, looked impossible and got out of the group stages.
After being drawn against Barcelona in the round of 16, many fans were pessimistic about our chances. Although I also knew winning that tie would be a long-shot I was half delighted at the draw as if you want to win the competition you have to play against the best, and there's no point being in it if you don't want to test yourselves against the biggest sides in Europe.
For over an hour of the first leg I felt more belief than I was expecting as we were actually holding our own, matching Barcelona and keeping the world's best player Lionel Messi very quiet. Then in the blink of an eye the Argentinian legend hit two goals to give us a huge mountain to climb. We battled bravely in the second leg but Barcelona, as expected, proved too good and our European dream is over for yet another season.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Out of the Champions League and the FA Cup and, with only the unimportant Community Shield to show for our efforts, this season is fast becoming the same old story for us.
Although the Premier League title race isn't yet mathematically over, only something truly special could get us back into it now and that doesn't looking likely at all.
But whatever happens we need to just take it one game at the time and we need to produce one hell of a herculean effort against Everton in our next league match. Arsene Wenger and the players owe us a big performance and best give this to us at the weekend. Come on lads!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 13 March 2016
Hornets sting Gunners in cup shock
Obviously I would love it more if Arsenal were to win the Premier League or Champions League but I still value the FA Cup highly so I was absolutely gutted when we were knocked out following a 2-1 defeat by Watford.
Before the game I knew it had the potential to be a very tricky quarter final tie. It was clear that Watford should not be taken lightly but I did feel home advantage would give us the edge.
Although our chances in other competitions were fading I genuinely felt that we had a great chance of winning a third FA Cup in a row. Instead, we struggled to cause Costel Pantilimon too many problems in the Watford goal.
Watford fully deserved the victory and Adlene Guedioura's second-half winner was nothing short of sensational. Arsenal, on the other hand, were below par for large spells of the game. We really should have taken it to a replay but Danny Welbeck missed a sitter in the closing moments of the match to sum up what was a frustrating afternoon.
Arsenal started brightly and looked on course for a possible special afternoon when Olivier Giroud put the ball in the net inside the opening 10 minutes, but the Frenchman's effort was ruled out for offside.
Arsenal were arguably lucky not to have been reduced to 10 men following Gabriel's two-footed tackle on Troy Deeney. At first glance it appeared a hard but fair challenge but, unlike the referee, we were able to see a replay and on second viewing the tackle did look worse. Gabriel was let off the hook and we continued to control the first half, but without really testing the goalkeeper too much.
The lively Calum Chambers created a great chance for Arsenal to take the lead when his pass set up Mohamed Elneny in the box, but the Egyptian's effort blazed his strike over the bar. Elneny was guilty of wasting another chance shortly before half-time after sending his first-time strike over the bar.
Arsenal ended the first half on top with Joel Campbell volleying just off target but, at this point, I wasn't too disheartened to see us go in to break with the scores goalless.
The hosts began the second half with a similar attacking intent and within a minute of the restart Giroud headed narrowly over from Mesut Ozil's cross.
Despite all Arsenal's possession it was becoming the same old story of not being able to convert chances into goals well enough. Watford took advantage of this and took the lead after 50 minutes through Odion Ighalo. Nathan Ake's throw in was flicked on by Deeney to Ighalo before the striker turned Gabriel and fired a shot into the bottom corner. Ighalo nearly scored again soon after but sent his next effort over the bar.
Arsenal tried to find a response but Elneny's effort was well saved by Pantilimon, who also denied Giroud. That proved costly for the Gunners as Watford scored their second through Guedioura after 64 minutes. It was a goal worthy of winning any game and there is not too much Arsenal could've done to prevent the Algerian midfielder's fine strike from going in. Deeney held the ball up before setting up Guedioura, who smashed in a sublime first-time shot from the edge of the area, giving Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina no chance.
Not only were Arsenal 2-0 down but they were also failing to create many chances, meaning I couldn't really see a way back for us. With time running out Kieran Gibbs tried his luck but his header was comfortably saved by Pantilimon, while Chambers curled his effort wide.
Arsenal were finally beginning to wake up and the hosts gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Danny Welbeck reduced the deficit to 2-1 two minutes from time. Substitute Welbeck exchanged passes with Ozil before sending a shot beyond Pantilimon and into the far corner of the net.
It was now looking like Arsenal could snatch an unlucky draw and they were handed a glorious chance to do just that before the end. Substitute Alex Iwobi saw his shot hit a post and the ball fell straight to Welbeck but, with the goal gaping, the England forward somehow managed to slice over from close range.
If the game had gone on for another 10 minutes we may have been able to turn the game around as we were just starting to build very good momentum, but it wasn't to be and Watford held on for a more than deserved victory.
It was disappointing that, after having won two FA Cups on the bounce, that our impressive run was ended by a disappointing performance and result on home soil but credit must be given to Watford. The Hornets really did do a job on us!
OPPOSITION VIEW
Watford fan Erik Grigg believes his side deserve credit for what was a great victory at the Emirates.
"I remember the eighties when Watford used to beat Arsenal, but that is ancient history now," said Grigg. "In recent years they have always done us.
"This season the only team that really made us look outclassed were Arsenal (when we lost to Swansea and Southampton we had poor days at the office, against Arsenal in October we played well and were hammered).
"What an impressive display against an Arsenal side desperate for a result and fielding their strongest team. Everyone will be talking about Arsenal but what about Watford? Deeney for England anyone?"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Although the defeat still hurts and it was such a poor way to go out, Watford really do deserve credit. We can't avoid the criticism for our display and there are no excuses but it wasn't all about us being poor. Watford did well and thoroughly deserved the win.
But where does this leave our season? Our best chance of silverware has now gone. Unless we can perform a miracle in Spain to overturn a two-goal deficit then Champions League elimination is likely to come in a under a week.
As for the Premier League, although I feel we are capable of bouncing back and going on a positive run, I can't see Leicester and Tottenham dropping too many points. But, while it is very unlikely we will catch Leicester, we must keep believing until it is mathematically impossible. No matter how the rest of the season pans out we need to make sure we go out there in every single game from now until the end that, rather than fold, we try and prove we are a big force.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Before the game I knew it had the potential to be a very tricky quarter final tie. It was clear that Watford should not be taken lightly but I did feel home advantage would give us the edge.
Although our chances in other competitions were fading I genuinely felt that we had a great chance of winning a third FA Cup in a row. Instead, we struggled to cause Costel Pantilimon too many problems in the Watford goal.
Watford fully deserved the victory and Adlene Guedioura's second-half winner was nothing short of sensational. Arsenal, on the other hand, were below par for large spells of the game. We really should have taken it to a replay but Danny Welbeck missed a sitter in the closing moments of the match to sum up what was a frustrating afternoon.
Arsenal started brightly and looked on course for a possible special afternoon when Olivier Giroud put the ball in the net inside the opening 10 minutes, but the Frenchman's effort was ruled out for offside.
Arsenal were arguably lucky not to have been reduced to 10 men following Gabriel's two-footed tackle on Troy Deeney. At first glance it appeared a hard but fair challenge but, unlike the referee, we were able to see a replay and on second viewing the tackle did look worse. Gabriel was let off the hook and we continued to control the first half, but without really testing the goalkeeper too much.
The lively Calum Chambers created a great chance for Arsenal to take the lead when his pass set up Mohamed Elneny in the box, but the Egyptian's effort blazed his strike over the bar. Elneny was guilty of wasting another chance shortly before half-time after sending his first-time strike over the bar.
Arsenal ended the first half on top with Joel Campbell volleying just off target but, at this point, I wasn't too disheartened to see us go in to break with the scores goalless.
The hosts began the second half with a similar attacking intent and within a minute of the restart Giroud headed narrowly over from Mesut Ozil's cross.
Despite all Arsenal's possession it was becoming the same old story of not being able to convert chances into goals well enough. Watford took advantage of this and took the lead after 50 minutes through Odion Ighalo. Nathan Ake's throw in was flicked on by Deeney to Ighalo before the striker turned Gabriel and fired a shot into the bottom corner. Ighalo nearly scored again soon after but sent his next effort over the bar.
Arsenal tried to find a response but Elneny's effort was well saved by Pantilimon, who also denied Giroud. That proved costly for the Gunners as Watford scored their second through Guedioura after 64 minutes. It was a goal worthy of winning any game and there is not too much Arsenal could've done to prevent the Algerian midfielder's fine strike from going in. Deeney held the ball up before setting up Guedioura, who smashed in a sublime first-time shot from the edge of the area, giving Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina no chance.
Not only were Arsenal 2-0 down but they were also failing to create many chances, meaning I couldn't really see a way back for us. With time running out Kieran Gibbs tried his luck but his header was comfortably saved by Pantilimon, while Chambers curled his effort wide.
Arsenal were finally beginning to wake up and the hosts gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Danny Welbeck reduced the deficit to 2-1 two minutes from time. Substitute Welbeck exchanged passes with Ozil before sending a shot beyond Pantilimon and into the far corner of the net.
It was now looking like Arsenal could snatch an unlucky draw and they were handed a glorious chance to do just that before the end. Substitute Alex Iwobi saw his shot hit a post and the ball fell straight to Welbeck but, with the goal gaping, the England forward somehow managed to slice over from close range.
If the game had gone on for another 10 minutes we may have been able to turn the game around as we were just starting to build very good momentum, but it wasn't to be and Watford held on for a more than deserved victory.
It was disappointing that, after having won two FA Cups on the bounce, that our impressive run was ended by a disappointing performance and result on home soil but credit must be given to Watford. The Hornets really did do a job on us!
OPPOSITION VIEW
Watford fan Erik Grigg believes his side deserve credit for what was a great victory at the Emirates.
"I remember the eighties when Watford used to beat Arsenal, but that is ancient history now," said Grigg. "In recent years they have always done us.
"This season the only team that really made us look outclassed were Arsenal (when we lost to Swansea and Southampton we had poor days at the office, against Arsenal in October we played well and were hammered).
"What an impressive display against an Arsenal side desperate for a result and fielding their strongest team. Everyone will be talking about Arsenal but what about Watford? Deeney for England anyone?"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Although the defeat still hurts and it was such a poor way to go out, Watford really do deserve credit. We can't avoid the criticism for our display and there are no excuses but it wasn't all about us being poor. Watford did well and thoroughly deserved the win.
But where does this leave our season? Our best chance of silverware has now gone. Unless we can perform a miracle in Spain to overturn a two-goal deficit then Champions League elimination is likely to come in a under a week.
As for the Premier League, although I feel we are capable of bouncing back and going on a positive run, I can't see Leicester and Tottenham dropping too many points. But, while it is very unlikely we will catch Leicester, we must keep believing until it is mathematically impossible. No matter how the rest of the season pans out we need to make sure we go out there in every single game from now until the end that, rather than fold, we try and prove we are a big force.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Wednesday, 9 March 2016
Gunners tame Tigers in replay
The FA Cup fifth round replay at Hull could have been a potential banana skin for holders Arsenal but the visitors instead came away with a convincing 4-0 win and a place in the quarter final.
The Gunners have been rather out of sorts in recent months and a case could be argued for both sides as to whether they are still in the Premier League title race. But the chance of a third FA Cup trophy in a row is still on thanks to two goals apiece from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud.
I was certainly nervous in the early stages of the game, despite us facing lower league opposition, but as soon as we got our rather fortunate opener we were in control for large spells of the game.
It could've been a different story for Hull had it not been for a fine save from David Ospina and David Meyler's crucial error. The hosts played better than the 4-0 scoreline suggests.
One of the most pleasing things from an Arsenal perspective, other than winning a place in the quarter finals, was to see Giroud and Walcott back among the goals. We have been really lacking that killer instinct upfront in many games this season, which could end up proving the difference between whether we can win the title or not. Hopefully these goals can boost the confidence of both strikers and put them on a good scoring run...here's hoping!
I feel mainly positive about our FA Cup campaign but the match was tinged slightly by picking up more injuries as Per Mertesacker, Gabriel, and substitute Aaron Ramsey were all forced off. After the match Arsene Wenger admitted that Mertesacker wouldn't be out long after sustaining a cut on his eye, but the extent of Gabriel and Ramsey's respective hamstring and thigh problems remains to be seen.
Arsenal started the game strongly and did actually have the ball in the net after just three minutes, but Walcott's effort was ruled out for offside.
Hull began to grow into the game and very nearly took the lead around the half hour mark. Arsenal failed to clear Nick Powell's free-kick properly and Meyler's low strike was excellently kept out by Ospina. As the ball was played back in the Colombian shot-stopper made another decent save before Hull did eventually get the ball in the net, only to see it disallowed for offside.
Mertsacker was then forced off following a clash of heads with Powell but Arsenal didn't let that affect them and went on to take the lead four minutes before the break. It was a bit harsh on Hull and was only the first goal they had conceded at home in 2016, but we did well to capitalise on the error. Meyler's attempted back pass fell straight to Giroud, allowing the French forward to score from close range for what was, alarmingly, his first goal in 12 games. I was obviously delighted and it definitely calmed the nerves because, if Hull had kept it at 0-0 a lot longer anything could've happened.
Arsenal now had the bit between their teeth and almost added a second before half-time but Kieran Gibbs' curling effort clipped the crossbar.
The Gunners almost doubled their advantage within five minutes of the restart, but Eldin Jakupovic tipped Mohamed Elneny's volley over the bar.
Hull tried to find a way back into the game but Mohamed Diame and Powell both sent their efforts off target, while Arsenal were lucky that Ramsey diverted the ball inches wide and not into his own net.
Those misses proved costly as Arsenal netted twice in six minutes to secure the victory. The first came 19 minutes from time as Gibbs controlled the ball well, before releasing Walcott, who crossed for Giroud to score on the volley. Provider then turned scorer as Walcott latched onto a fine pass from Joel Campbell before calmly beating Jakupovic with a low strike.
Jakupovic did well to keep out Alex Iwobi's effort from outside of the box, but Arsenal weren't to be denied a fourth as Walcott beat the Tigers' goalkeeper with a low shot at his near post.
Four goals may seem a bit harsh on Hull, who battled well, but it was pleasing to see us produce some more clinical finishes up front.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Hull fan Richard Madden was left frustrated by the result but is hoping his side will get the chance to make amends in a league game against the Gunners next season if they can win promotion.
"The replay was a bit of a strange affair," said Madden. "In the build up, City fans were either looking at the match as a step closer to Wembley or a potential banana skin for our promotion chances.
"Regardless, the 4-0 scoreline proved to be decisive although I think it flattered to deceive.
"It felt scrappy and David Meyler's mistake leading up to the opener pretty much summed it up.
"Fingers crossed we'll get another chance of revenge in the Premier League next season. If not, we'll wait until next year's third round draw is made!!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
As expected there will no longer be two games in two days as the upcoming league match with West Brom has been re-arranged, meaning the quarter final at home against Watford is next on the agenda.
This is the one competition where I actually feel more confident in us succeeding, although Watford definitely can't be underestimated and will no doubt be very tricky opponents.
We need to make sure we turn up with the right attitude on the day and don't get complacent. It could also depend on the injuries and whether or not Mertesacker and Gabriel are back in time because, if not, we will have a big selection dilemma.
Anything could happen and that is the magic of the FA Cup, but hopefully we can get the victory and move into the last four. Que sera sera!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The Gunners have been rather out of sorts in recent months and a case could be argued for both sides as to whether they are still in the Premier League title race. But the chance of a third FA Cup trophy in a row is still on thanks to two goals apiece from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud.
I was certainly nervous in the early stages of the game, despite us facing lower league opposition, but as soon as we got our rather fortunate opener we were in control for large spells of the game.
It could've been a different story for Hull had it not been for a fine save from David Ospina and David Meyler's crucial error. The hosts played better than the 4-0 scoreline suggests.
One of the most pleasing things from an Arsenal perspective, other than winning a place in the quarter finals, was to see Giroud and Walcott back among the goals. We have been really lacking that killer instinct upfront in many games this season, which could end up proving the difference between whether we can win the title or not. Hopefully these goals can boost the confidence of both strikers and put them on a good scoring run...here's hoping!
I feel mainly positive about our FA Cup campaign but the match was tinged slightly by picking up more injuries as Per Mertesacker, Gabriel, and substitute Aaron Ramsey were all forced off. After the match Arsene Wenger admitted that Mertesacker wouldn't be out long after sustaining a cut on his eye, but the extent of Gabriel and Ramsey's respective hamstring and thigh problems remains to be seen.
Arsenal started the game strongly and did actually have the ball in the net after just three minutes, but Walcott's effort was ruled out for offside.
Hull began to grow into the game and very nearly took the lead around the half hour mark. Arsenal failed to clear Nick Powell's free-kick properly and Meyler's low strike was excellently kept out by Ospina. As the ball was played back in the Colombian shot-stopper made another decent save before Hull did eventually get the ball in the net, only to see it disallowed for offside.
Mertsacker was then forced off following a clash of heads with Powell but Arsenal didn't let that affect them and went on to take the lead four minutes before the break. It was a bit harsh on Hull and was only the first goal they had conceded at home in 2016, but we did well to capitalise on the error. Meyler's attempted back pass fell straight to Giroud, allowing the French forward to score from close range for what was, alarmingly, his first goal in 12 games. I was obviously delighted and it definitely calmed the nerves because, if Hull had kept it at 0-0 a lot longer anything could've happened.
Arsenal now had the bit between their teeth and almost added a second before half-time but Kieran Gibbs' curling effort clipped the crossbar.
The Gunners almost doubled their advantage within five minutes of the restart, but Eldin Jakupovic tipped Mohamed Elneny's volley over the bar.
Hull tried to find a way back into the game but Mohamed Diame and Powell both sent their efforts off target, while Arsenal were lucky that Ramsey diverted the ball inches wide and not into his own net.
Those misses proved costly as Arsenal netted twice in six minutes to secure the victory. The first came 19 minutes from time as Gibbs controlled the ball well, before releasing Walcott, who crossed for Giroud to score on the volley. Provider then turned scorer as Walcott latched onto a fine pass from Joel Campbell before calmly beating Jakupovic with a low strike.
Jakupovic did well to keep out Alex Iwobi's effort from outside of the box, but Arsenal weren't to be denied a fourth as Walcott beat the Tigers' goalkeeper with a low shot at his near post.
Four goals may seem a bit harsh on Hull, who battled well, but it was pleasing to see us produce some more clinical finishes up front.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Hull fan Richard Madden was left frustrated by the result but is hoping his side will get the chance to make amends in a league game against the Gunners next season if they can win promotion.
"The replay was a bit of a strange affair," said Madden. "In the build up, City fans were either looking at the match as a step closer to Wembley or a potential banana skin for our promotion chances.
"Regardless, the 4-0 scoreline proved to be decisive although I think it flattered to deceive.
"It felt scrappy and David Meyler's mistake leading up to the opener pretty much summed it up.
"Fingers crossed we'll get another chance of revenge in the Premier League next season. If not, we'll wait until next year's third round draw is made!!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
As expected there will no longer be two games in two days as the upcoming league match with West Brom has been re-arranged, meaning the quarter final at home against Watford is next on the agenda.
This is the one competition where I actually feel more confident in us succeeding, although Watford definitely can't be underestimated and will no doubt be very tricky opponents.
We need to make sure we turn up with the right attitude on the day and don't get complacent. It could also depend on the injuries and whether or not Mertesacker and Gabriel are back in time because, if not, we will have a big selection dilemma.
Anything could happen and that is the magic of the FA Cup, but hopefully we can get the victory and move into the last four. Que sera sera!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 6 March 2016
Sanchez rescues derby draw for Gunners
It was another two points dropped for Arsenal as the North London derby at Tottenham ended in a 2-2 draw.
The result left me with a mixed feeling as not winning saw our title chances fade further but, showing great character to at least claim a point when we were down to 10 men was good to see.
Before the game I'd have taken a point but it is also frustrating that we couldn't find a way to boost our title chances and win the game. Considering we were on the back foot for large spells of the game a point doesn't seem too bad now. We maybe should've had a penalty in the closing stages but overall I can't complain about the result as Spurs were the better side.
Tottenham put us on the back foot early on and in the opening half an hour of the game we struggled to really do much of note with the ball and, at that point, it was looking very worrying for us.
Harry Kane had an early chance to open the scoring but his effort was comfortably saved by David Ospina, who was standing in for the injured Petr Cech, before the striker sent another shot over the bar soon after.
Ospina then proved his worth with an excellent save to deny Erik Lamela. Lamela managed to divert Kyle Walker's shot towards goal but Ospina managed to get a hand to it to palm it away.
Arsenal were containing Spurs well but it was still concerning me how much of the game's attacking play was being done by them. It is often expected that a home side will have a lot of the ball but I thought we would've created more in the attack than we did in the first half.
Tottenham had certainly enjoyed the better of the play, but that didn't stop us from opening the scoring against the run of play six minutes before the break. Danny Welbeck span past his man before rolling the ball across to Hector Bellerin before the right-back set up Aaron Ramsey to delightfully flick the ball beyond Hugo Lloris in the Tottenham goal.
The goal seemed to fire us up and we suddenly went from lacking ideas in attack to looking like we could actually go on to maybe even win the game.
Arsenal wasted the chance to double their lead before half-time when Welbeck's header was saved by Lloris.
Ospina had to be alert to keep out Walker's effort in the early stages of the second half before the game turned on its head following the dismissal of Arsenal's defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin for a second bookable offence after 55 minutes. It was a clumsy sliding challenge by Coquelin on Kane and, had he not done it and stayed on the field, I think we could've won the game. Instead it allowed Tottenham to get right back into it and meant that we had to suddenly change our tactical approach.
Spurs nearly levelled almost immediately but Ospina made a great save to deny Kane from close range before Per Mertesacker cleared the danger, with goal-line technology proving just how close the hosts had come to scoring. But Tottenham did find an equaliser as Toby Alderweireld fired the ball home from a corner on the hour mark.
Coquelin's dismissal was undoing all of Arsenal's hard work as just two minutes later Tottenham then took the lead. Kane got the ball near the corner flag before racing to the edge of the area and curling a shot beyond Ospina.
The Colombian was called into action again soon after and did well to keep out Eric Dier, who was arguably lucky not to have been given a second yellow for a pull on Olivier Giroud later on in the second half.
At that point I genuinely felt like we weren't even going to get anything out of the game but we refused to give up and were back on level terms through Alexis Sanchez 14 minutes from time. Sanchez raced onto a pass from Bellerin before hitting a shot first time into the far corner.
I was then hoping we could push on and win the game but was very wary that we would need to be extra careful at the back as the game could've gone either way.
Christian Eriksen's long-range effort was tipped over the bar by Ospina, who also denied Dele Alli, while Sanchez was only denied a second at the other end when his wonderfully struck free-kick was kept out by a superb diving save from Lloris.
Arsenal nearly gifted Spurs a winner late on when Gabriel sliced a cross just over his own crossbar.
There was still time for both sides to find a winner with Kevin Wimmer putting in a good tackle to get a touch to Aaron Ramsey's shot to stop it from going in. At the time I had genuinely thought it should've been a penalty but, after having seen the replay, it was clearly just a well-timed tackle by the defender.
Deep into injury time Eriksen sent his effort wide to ensure both sides took a share of the spoils.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Tottenham fan Adrian Drakes chose to focus on the performances of the two goalkeepers - Ospina and Lloris - as he reflected back on the game.
"Man of the match was the Arsenal goalkeeper and sadly Lloris perhaps should have got a better hand to the second to stop it," said Drakes.
"If only Ospina had stood 1cm further back we'd have had a deserved third and that wouldn't have mattered. At least Manchester United lost as they were catching up quickly."
Drakes' fellow Spurs fan Anthony Rayment added: "I felt it was a great game and that the way Arsenal played after the sending off might give them the moral boost they need to turn things around.
"I was happy for Spurs too. A difficult week done. Three points clear of the Arse."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Getting a point out of a tense derby away game is by no means a poor result but in terms of the title race this was a game we really needed to have won.
The draw leaves us three points behind second-placed Spurs and eight off leaders Leicester. Although an eight-point gap is possible to turn around, the chances of us not dropping any further points and other results all going our way is unlikely.
We need to make sure we don't worry about other team's results and just focus on getting our own job done, and what will be will be.
Focus must now turn to the FA Cup as the fixtures continue to pile up with our fifth-round replay at Hull next on the agenda.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The result left me with a mixed feeling as not winning saw our title chances fade further but, showing great character to at least claim a point when we were down to 10 men was good to see.
Before the game I'd have taken a point but it is also frustrating that we couldn't find a way to boost our title chances and win the game. Considering we were on the back foot for large spells of the game a point doesn't seem too bad now. We maybe should've had a penalty in the closing stages but overall I can't complain about the result as Spurs were the better side.
Tottenham put us on the back foot early on and in the opening half an hour of the game we struggled to really do much of note with the ball and, at that point, it was looking very worrying for us.
Harry Kane had an early chance to open the scoring but his effort was comfortably saved by David Ospina, who was standing in for the injured Petr Cech, before the striker sent another shot over the bar soon after.
Ospina then proved his worth with an excellent save to deny Erik Lamela. Lamela managed to divert Kyle Walker's shot towards goal but Ospina managed to get a hand to it to palm it away.
Arsenal were containing Spurs well but it was still concerning me how much of the game's attacking play was being done by them. It is often expected that a home side will have a lot of the ball but I thought we would've created more in the attack than we did in the first half.
Tottenham had certainly enjoyed the better of the play, but that didn't stop us from opening the scoring against the run of play six minutes before the break. Danny Welbeck span past his man before rolling the ball across to Hector Bellerin before the right-back set up Aaron Ramsey to delightfully flick the ball beyond Hugo Lloris in the Tottenham goal.
The goal seemed to fire us up and we suddenly went from lacking ideas in attack to looking like we could actually go on to maybe even win the game.
Arsenal wasted the chance to double their lead before half-time when Welbeck's header was saved by Lloris.
Ospina had to be alert to keep out Walker's effort in the early stages of the second half before the game turned on its head following the dismissal of Arsenal's defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin for a second bookable offence after 55 minutes. It was a clumsy sliding challenge by Coquelin on Kane and, had he not done it and stayed on the field, I think we could've won the game. Instead it allowed Tottenham to get right back into it and meant that we had to suddenly change our tactical approach.
Spurs nearly levelled almost immediately but Ospina made a great save to deny Kane from close range before Per Mertesacker cleared the danger, with goal-line technology proving just how close the hosts had come to scoring. But Tottenham did find an equaliser as Toby Alderweireld fired the ball home from a corner on the hour mark.
Coquelin's dismissal was undoing all of Arsenal's hard work as just two minutes later Tottenham then took the lead. Kane got the ball near the corner flag before racing to the edge of the area and curling a shot beyond Ospina.
The Colombian was called into action again soon after and did well to keep out Eric Dier, who was arguably lucky not to have been given a second yellow for a pull on Olivier Giroud later on in the second half.
At that point I genuinely felt like we weren't even going to get anything out of the game but we refused to give up and were back on level terms through Alexis Sanchez 14 minutes from time. Sanchez raced onto a pass from Bellerin before hitting a shot first time into the far corner.
I was then hoping we could push on and win the game but was very wary that we would need to be extra careful at the back as the game could've gone either way.
Christian Eriksen's long-range effort was tipped over the bar by Ospina, who also denied Dele Alli, while Sanchez was only denied a second at the other end when his wonderfully struck free-kick was kept out by a superb diving save from Lloris.
Arsenal nearly gifted Spurs a winner late on when Gabriel sliced a cross just over his own crossbar.
There was still time for both sides to find a winner with Kevin Wimmer putting in a good tackle to get a touch to Aaron Ramsey's shot to stop it from going in. At the time I had genuinely thought it should've been a penalty but, after having seen the replay, it was clearly just a well-timed tackle by the defender.
Deep into injury time Eriksen sent his effort wide to ensure both sides took a share of the spoils.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Tottenham fan Adrian Drakes chose to focus on the performances of the two goalkeepers - Ospina and Lloris - as he reflected back on the game.
"Man of the match was the Arsenal goalkeeper and sadly Lloris perhaps should have got a better hand to the second to stop it," said Drakes.
"If only Ospina had stood 1cm further back we'd have had a deserved third and that wouldn't have mattered. At least Manchester United lost as they were catching up quickly."
Drakes' fellow Spurs fan Anthony Rayment added: "I felt it was a great game and that the way Arsenal played after the sending off might give them the moral boost they need to turn things around.
"I was happy for Spurs too. A difficult week done. Three points clear of the Arse."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Getting a point out of a tense derby away game is by no means a poor result but in terms of the title race this was a game we really needed to have won.
The draw leaves us three points behind second-placed Spurs and eight off leaders Leicester. Although an eight-point gap is possible to turn around, the chances of us not dropping any further points and other results all going our way is unlikely.
We need to make sure we don't worry about other team's results and just focus on getting our own job done, and what will be will be.
Focus must now turn to the FA Cup as the fixtures continue to pile up with our fifth-round replay at Hull next on the agenda.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
Former Spur haunts Gunners
Former Tottenham midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson broke Arsenal hearts and put a big dent in their title challenge as he helped his Swansea side to a surprise 2-1 win at the Emirates.
Wayne Routledge cancelled out Joel Campbell's opener before Sigurdsson's free-kick was bundled home by Ashley Williams 16 minutes from time.
Second-placed Tottenham lost 1-0 at West Ham, which makes it all the more frustrating that we couldn't capitalise. The title challenge is gradually slipping further away from us and it really is looking more and more like it's going to be Leicester's year. If we are to have any remote chance of changing that then we must get nothing other than a win from our next game away at bitter rivals Spurs.
Some reports after the game suggested Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech could face a few weeks on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury, so we just have to hope people have jumped the gun and he is back for the North London Derby. We definitely need him!
Arsenal showed more attacking intent in the first half but just couldn't make their dominance count enough despite the fact they opened the scoring.
Olivier Giroud had a shot blocked, Francis Coquelin's effort went off target and Alexis Sanchez saw his strike hit a post all inside the opening 10 minutes.
But the Gunners finally broke the deadlock after quarter of an hour when Campbell timed his run to perfection to meet Sanchez's chipped ball over the top with a lovely half volley.
Swansea hit back shortly after the half hour mark as Jack Cork slid the ball through to Routledge, who then fired a shot into the bottom corner of the net. It was a well taken goal but Arsenal fans, including myself, were left frustrated that we hadn't been awarded a free-kick for what looked like a foul on Mesut Ozil in the build up.
Arsenal had a superb chance to equalise four minutes before the break as Per Mertesacker's headed knock down was met by a powerful volley from Giroud, but the Frenchman's effort hit the crossbar so the scores remained level.
The hosts tried to threaten their Welsh opponents more in the second half but didn't do nearly enough to test their former player Lukasz Fabianski in the Swansea goal.
Ozil saw a shot blocked after doing excellently to bring down a long ball, while Sanchez sent a shot just wide. At the other end, Sigurdsson got the better of Cech before firing inches wide from a tight angle.
Arsenal very nearly took the lead after 67 minutes but Sanchez's free-kick went over the wall and smashed against the crossbar. That miss proved costly as Swansea moved in front just seven minutes later. Sigurdsson's superb delivery from the free-kick wasn't dealt with by Cech and Ashley Williams bundled it in from close range. Cech maybe should've done a bit better but take nothing away from Sigurdsson, it was a great cross and it was no wonder that it caused so many problems.
The hosts tried desperately to get back into the game but Giroud sent his header straight into the hands of Fabianski before Nacho Monreal sent his effort over.
Substitute Theo Walcott also failed to trouble Fabianski from a header and seeing Campbell and Sanchez - two of Arsenal's best players on the night - taken off was infuriating and just added to the dismal feeling surrounding the match at this point.
Although we didn't really deserve anything on the night, I still feel we should've had a penalty in the final minute of normal time when Aaron Ramsey appeared to be fouled in the box, but it wasn't to be and Swansea held on for a huge three points.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Swansea fan Lisa Phillips was delighted by the result as her side boosted their chances of survival.
"I thought it was all Arsenal for a while but they couldn't take their chances," said Phillips. "We were clinical when we had to be and played well at times. It's such a massive win for us."
"It's a massive game against Norwich on the weekend so if we win that we should be fine."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Every time we are given false hope that we may actually have a chance at the title this year something goes wrong. Leicester are top and some said this was our best chance as at least we aren't trying to catch the likes of Chelsea, while Manchester City are also below us, but how wrong they were. Leicester fully deserve their place at the top and we are not going to catch them if we keep playing like this.
My friends know I am often an eternal optimist when it comes to football but even I was truly fed up tonight. We wasted what was such a good opportunity and it is so irritating. Part of me wants to keep believing that we can get a result at Spurs and then re-ignite the challenge, while the other part of me thinks 'don't be silly, we'll just muck up again'. I really genuinely have no idea what is going to happen next but one thing I can be sure will never change is my love for Arsenal Football Club.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Wayne Routledge cancelled out Joel Campbell's opener before Sigurdsson's free-kick was bundled home by Ashley Williams 16 minutes from time.
Second-placed Tottenham lost 1-0 at West Ham, which makes it all the more frustrating that we couldn't capitalise. The title challenge is gradually slipping further away from us and it really is looking more and more like it's going to be Leicester's year. If we are to have any remote chance of changing that then we must get nothing other than a win from our next game away at bitter rivals Spurs.
Some reports after the game suggested Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech could face a few weeks on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury, so we just have to hope people have jumped the gun and he is back for the North London Derby. We definitely need him!
Arsenal showed more attacking intent in the first half but just couldn't make their dominance count enough despite the fact they opened the scoring.
Olivier Giroud had a shot blocked, Francis Coquelin's effort went off target and Alexis Sanchez saw his strike hit a post all inside the opening 10 minutes.
But the Gunners finally broke the deadlock after quarter of an hour when Campbell timed his run to perfection to meet Sanchez's chipped ball over the top with a lovely half volley.
Swansea hit back shortly after the half hour mark as Jack Cork slid the ball through to Routledge, who then fired a shot into the bottom corner of the net. It was a well taken goal but Arsenal fans, including myself, were left frustrated that we hadn't been awarded a free-kick for what looked like a foul on Mesut Ozil in the build up.
Arsenal had a superb chance to equalise four minutes before the break as Per Mertesacker's headed knock down was met by a powerful volley from Giroud, but the Frenchman's effort hit the crossbar so the scores remained level.
The hosts tried to threaten their Welsh opponents more in the second half but didn't do nearly enough to test their former player Lukasz Fabianski in the Swansea goal.
Ozil saw a shot blocked after doing excellently to bring down a long ball, while Sanchez sent a shot just wide. At the other end, Sigurdsson got the better of Cech before firing inches wide from a tight angle.
Arsenal very nearly took the lead after 67 minutes but Sanchez's free-kick went over the wall and smashed against the crossbar. That miss proved costly as Swansea moved in front just seven minutes later. Sigurdsson's superb delivery from the free-kick wasn't dealt with by Cech and Ashley Williams bundled it in from close range. Cech maybe should've done a bit better but take nothing away from Sigurdsson, it was a great cross and it was no wonder that it caused so many problems.
The hosts tried desperately to get back into the game but Giroud sent his header straight into the hands of Fabianski before Nacho Monreal sent his effort over.
Substitute Theo Walcott also failed to trouble Fabianski from a header and seeing Campbell and Sanchez - two of Arsenal's best players on the night - taken off was infuriating and just added to the dismal feeling surrounding the match at this point.
Although we didn't really deserve anything on the night, I still feel we should've had a penalty in the final minute of normal time when Aaron Ramsey appeared to be fouled in the box, but it wasn't to be and Swansea held on for a huge three points.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Swansea fan Lisa Phillips was delighted by the result as her side boosted their chances of survival.
"I thought it was all Arsenal for a while but they couldn't take their chances," said Phillips. "We were clinical when we had to be and played well at times. It's such a massive win for us."
"It's a massive game against Norwich on the weekend so if we win that we should be fine."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Every time we are given false hope that we may actually have a chance at the title this year something goes wrong. Leicester are top and some said this was our best chance as at least we aren't trying to catch the likes of Chelsea, while Manchester City are also below us, but how wrong they were. Leicester fully deserve their place at the top and we are not going to catch them if we keep playing like this.
My friends know I am often an eternal optimist when it comes to football but even I was truly fed up tonight. We wasted what was such a good opportunity and it is so irritating. Part of me wants to keep believing that we can get a result at Spurs and then re-ignite the challenge, while the other part of me thinks 'don't be silly, we'll just muck up again'. I really genuinely have no idea what is going to happen next but one thing I can be sure will never change is my love for Arsenal Football Club.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)