A goal from Dele Alli and a Harry Kane penalty gave Tottenham North London bragging rights and left Arsenal's top four hopes hanging by a thread.
Although the penalty decision was frustrating, Tottenham fully deserved their win and could have scored further goals had it not been for a mixture of poor finishing from them and some fine goalkeeping by Petr Cech.
We have enjoyed the dominance over our arch rivals for over 20 years and, although it is tough to admit, they have been the better side this season and deserve to have got the win that secured they will definitely finish above us for the first time since 1995.
The tide seems to be turning now and if Spurs keep up their form this could be the start of a shift in dominance, so it is up to us to make sure we put things right next season and in the next derby fixtures.
The chance to have put a big dent in their title bid, as well as to take advantage of the two Manchester clubs dropping point, should have been enough motivation to fire us up for a strong display. Instead, not only did we lose, but the majority of our players were simply not good enough at White Hart Lane. Cech kept us in it with some great goalkeeping and Aaron Ramsey worked his socks off, but very few of the other players did much of note, which was very disappointing.
Tottenham started strongly and came close inside the opening minute as Kane got a shot away, but Cech was able to gather it at the second attempt.
Spurs continued to enjoy the better of the chances and had they not missed what appeared to be two sitters they could have been out of sight earlier in the match. Alli failed to convert Kane's deflected shot from close range, although Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain deserves credit for getting back brilliant to challenge him for the ball and put him off. How on earth it wasn't 1-0 to Spurs after 25 minutes only Christian Eriksen will know. The Danish midfielder latched onto Son Heung-min's deflected cross, but somehow hammered his volley against the crossbar when it looked far easier to have scored.
Arsenal's best moment of the first half came seven minutes before the break when Ramsey's low curling effort from outside of the box was superbly tipped wide for a corner by Hugo Lloris.
The final chance of the half fell to Jan Vertonghen in first-half stoppage time, but the Spurs' defender saw his effort well beaten away by Cech.
Two goals in three minutes deflated Arsenal and saw Spurs strengthen their grip on the game. Cech did excellently to tip Victor Wanyama's effort over the bar, but he was unable to prevent the two goals that followed soon after. With the second half just 10 minutes old Eriksen beat two defenders before being denied by Cech and Alli was on hand to calmly slot home the rebound.
Spurs doubled their advantage from the penalty spot after Kane was adjudged to have been fouled by Gabriel in box. I felt the contact was minimal and the way Kane went down would suggest more of a challenge than the very slight contact I believed there to be. It seemed very harsh, but was still given, and Kane made no mistake from the spot to put Spurs in control.
Cech produced a fine save to parry an effort from Vertonghen before Spurs were appealing for another penalty for an alleged handball against Alexis Sanchez.
Tottenham were definitely on top and could have added a further goal had Cech not reacted quickly to block Kane's effort. Cech had to be alert again soon after as he produced another great save to keep out Toby Alderweireld's header.
It was hard to see any way back for Arsenal, who had created very little in attack. A decent attacking move from Arsenal could have set up a nervy finish, but substitute Theo Walcott hit his effort straight at Lloris.
It was certainly a bad day at the office for sixth-placed Arsenal, who are six points away from fourth albeit with a game in hand.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Tottenham fans Adrian Drakes and Anthony Rayment were understandably happy to see their side assert dominance over their bitter rivals.
"It was a good game from our perspective, but must have been painful for large parts for Arsenal supporters," said Drakes. "One of the few games I can remember where we were on top for just about the whole game and I was surprised Arsenal had so few genuine chances.
"Two clear penalties, one of which was given, and with all the good stops Cech made he was probably man of the match which says a lot.
"Very good day and a fitting final Derby for the Lane. Apparently Arsenal now can't finish ahead of us, just like every other year I simply don't care, but it should at least keep Arsenal quiet on that front for a year!
"Still not mathematical for second yet so we need to get more points before we can back off. May as well get the seeded Champions League spot that comes from second and it might help show some team progress and increase revenue from our stadium naming rights negotiations, certainly can't hurt."
Rayment added: "After two decades of finishing below Arsenal it was actually quite an anti-climax to finish above the Gooners.
"As it seemed inevitable The two teams just seem to be going in completely different directions at the moment and even Arsenal fans have to accept that at this moment in time Spurs are the better side.
"I think Spurs showed the extra strength on the ball and awareness of where their team mates were. Whereas Arsenal seemed a bit lost without a gameplan fit for the match they were in.
"Arsenal never seem to work to a plan and just put in off the cuff performances hoping for the best. My only concern once the second goal went in was that Sanchez would do something magical to make things interesting, but in reality Arsenal never really threatened.
"Spurs were the better team and have been for most of the season. Man to man they have flaws but Tottenham play as a team. Arsenal have a bunch of players with a similar skillset whom can play flashy one two passing but as a team they cannot adapt to different circumstances and dig in when required.
"Thought today it was a fair result. Although next year at Wembley all bets are off. Shout out to Cech as he made some great saves."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
You can't win them all and sometimes defeats, even derby defeats, can be taken on the chin, but it was the manner of the performance that hurt more than the result at White Hart Lane.
We didn't test Lloris nearly enough and looked off the pace. Credit to Tottenham for their performance, but we were not good enough. Although fourth still wouldn't be great, as we would still be far off the pace in the title race, securing Champions League football is a must and we face a tough uphill battle to even achieve that.
If we can finish strongly and win our remaining five games there is still hope of snatching fourth, but we also have to rely on other results. But it doesn't get any easier for the Gunners with the next match another huge challenge - the visit of Manchester United. We always find matches against them difficult and don't have the best record against Jose Mourinho either. No matter what happens one thing is for sure - Arsene Wenger and the players owe us one hell of a performance against Manchester United!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 30 April 2017
Wednesday, 26 April 2017
Own goal spares Gunners blushes
A late own goal from Robert Huth kept Arsenal's top four hopes alive in a game that left a lot to be desired at the Emirates.
Kasper Schmeichel made some decent saves to keep the Premier League champions in the game before Huth's misfortune saw Arsenal take the points and move up to sixth.
The result leaves the Gunners four points off fourth-placed Manchester City, who they recently knocked out of the FA Cup. With Manchester City and their local rivals United facing each other next, at least one will drop points so a top four finish could yet be possible.
At one point the race for fourth looked over, but Arsenal have just about clawed themselves back into it. Performances certainly need to improve, but at least the results have been getting better. In truth fourth wouldn't really be good enough and would still mean we are way off the pace in the title race. It would be an impressive recovery to get back into the top four though and sealing Champions League football is a must so we need to up our game and rely on other results going our way.
Although champions Leicester have largely under-performed this season, it was always going to be a tough game against the Foxes. It was Leicester who had the first real chance of note as Jamie Vardy fired a shot into the side netting.
Arsenal tried to put pressure on their opponents with Schmeichel producing a decent save to push away Francis Coquelin's long-range effort, before Granit Xhaka fired a shot over the crossbar.
A long throw-in by Christian Fuchs very nearly set up a goal for Leicester as Riyad Mahrez met it on the volley, but Petr Cech produced a great reaction save to turn it over the bar.
Although the first half was largely a dull affair Arsenal did come close on a further two occasions to breaking the deadlock before half-time. Theo Walcott dinked the ball over the defender before firing in a low shot that Schmeichel did well to push away before Alexis Sanchez's strike hit the crossbar.
Wilfred Nidi tried his luck for Leicester in the early stages of the second half, only to see his header comfortably saved by Cech.
Arsenal began to grow into the half and only a superb last-ditch tackle from Huth stopped Sanchez from pulling the trigger in the box. The Gunners continued to push forward, but each time they were frustrated by the opposition's impressive goalkeeper Schmeichel. The Dane produced an excellent save to palm Xhaka's deflected strike behind for a corner before making more routine saves to deny Laurent Koscielny and Sanchez.
There was a worrying moment for the hosts 12 minutes from time when Koscielny was down needing treatment and Arsene Wenger had already made all three substitutions. Fortunately the French defender was able to continue.
In the corresponding fixture we needed a late goal from Danny Welbeck to snatch the win and we again left it until the closing stages to snatch the win at the Emirates. With just four mintues remaining Sanchez's cross ballooned up into the area before Nacho Monreal hit it on the half volley and it cannoned in via a wicked deflection off Huth.
The score could have got worse for the visitors soon after as Mesut Ozil netted from close range, but the German's effort was ruled out for offside.
Arsenal's hard work was nearly undone deep into stoppage time following a scramble in the box, but the hosts did just about enough to clear the danger and hold on for the victory.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Leicester fan Tom Earl admitted it wasn't the best of games after seeing his side coming away from the Emirates without anything to show for their efforts.
"I don't think it was a great game, but I thought we defended well," said Earl. "We had the odd chance to score, but Arsenal should have scored more to be honest.
"I would question why (Yohan) Benalouane hasn't played before the (Wes) Morgan injury. He is technically better than either Huth or Morgan.
"Most Leicester fans will tell you (Demarai) Gray should start more. Maybe he will when Mahrez leaves in the summer."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It may not have been the greatest display, but it is a results business and we got the result! There is no denying that league performances need to improve, but if we can grind out a victory like that at Tottenham in our next match I won't be complaining however we get it.
Without being disrespectful to Leicester, Spurs are in great form and will pose a completely different challenge. We will need to dramatically up our game if we are to have a chance of snatching all three points in the North London Derby. It is very likely that Spurs will finish above us for the first time since Arsene Wenger has been at the helm at Arsenal, but we could improve our top four aspirations and put a huge dent in their title bid if we can claim the win.
No matter what happens Wenger and the players owe us a massive performance and one to be proud of and every single one of them needs to stand up to be counted at White Hart Lane!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Kasper Schmeichel made some decent saves to keep the Premier League champions in the game before Huth's misfortune saw Arsenal take the points and move up to sixth.
The result leaves the Gunners four points off fourth-placed Manchester City, who they recently knocked out of the FA Cup. With Manchester City and their local rivals United facing each other next, at least one will drop points so a top four finish could yet be possible.
At one point the race for fourth looked over, but Arsenal have just about clawed themselves back into it. Performances certainly need to improve, but at least the results have been getting better. In truth fourth wouldn't really be good enough and would still mean we are way off the pace in the title race. It would be an impressive recovery to get back into the top four though and sealing Champions League football is a must so we need to up our game and rely on other results going our way.
Although champions Leicester have largely under-performed this season, it was always going to be a tough game against the Foxes. It was Leicester who had the first real chance of note as Jamie Vardy fired a shot into the side netting.
Arsenal tried to put pressure on their opponents with Schmeichel producing a decent save to push away Francis Coquelin's long-range effort, before Granit Xhaka fired a shot over the crossbar.
A long throw-in by Christian Fuchs very nearly set up a goal for Leicester as Riyad Mahrez met it on the volley, but Petr Cech produced a great reaction save to turn it over the bar.
Although the first half was largely a dull affair Arsenal did come close on a further two occasions to breaking the deadlock before half-time. Theo Walcott dinked the ball over the defender before firing in a low shot that Schmeichel did well to push away before Alexis Sanchez's strike hit the crossbar.
Wilfred Nidi tried his luck for Leicester in the early stages of the second half, only to see his header comfortably saved by Cech.
Arsenal began to grow into the half and only a superb last-ditch tackle from Huth stopped Sanchez from pulling the trigger in the box. The Gunners continued to push forward, but each time they were frustrated by the opposition's impressive goalkeeper Schmeichel. The Dane produced an excellent save to palm Xhaka's deflected strike behind for a corner before making more routine saves to deny Laurent Koscielny and Sanchez.
There was a worrying moment for the hosts 12 minutes from time when Koscielny was down needing treatment and Arsene Wenger had already made all three substitutions. Fortunately the French defender was able to continue.
In the corresponding fixture we needed a late goal from Danny Welbeck to snatch the win and we again left it until the closing stages to snatch the win at the Emirates. With just four mintues remaining Sanchez's cross ballooned up into the area before Nacho Monreal hit it on the half volley and it cannoned in via a wicked deflection off Huth.
The score could have got worse for the visitors soon after as Mesut Ozil netted from close range, but the German's effort was ruled out for offside.
Arsenal's hard work was nearly undone deep into stoppage time following a scramble in the box, but the hosts did just about enough to clear the danger and hold on for the victory.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Leicester fan Tom Earl admitted it wasn't the best of games after seeing his side coming away from the Emirates without anything to show for their efforts.
"I don't think it was a great game, but I thought we defended well," said Earl. "We had the odd chance to score, but Arsenal should have scored more to be honest.
"I would question why (Yohan) Benalouane hasn't played before the (Wes) Morgan injury. He is technically better than either Huth or Morgan.
"Most Leicester fans will tell you (Demarai) Gray should start more. Maybe he will when Mahrez leaves in the summer."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It may not have been the greatest display, but it is a results business and we got the result! There is no denying that league performances need to improve, but if we can grind out a victory like that at Tottenham in our next match I won't be complaining however we get it.
Without being disrespectful to Leicester, Spurs are in great form and will pose a completely different challenge. We will need to dramatically up our game if we are to have a chance of snatching all three points in the North London Derby. It is very likely that Spurs will finish above us for the first time since Arsene Wenger has been at the helm at Arsenal, but we could improve our top four aspirations and put a huge dent in their title bid if we can claim the win.
No matter what happens Wenger and the players owe us a massive performance and one to be proud of and every single one of them needs to stand up to be counted at White Hart Lane!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Monday, 24 April 2017
Sanchez strike puts Gunners into cup final
Alexis Sanchez struck in extra time as Arsenal came from behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley to secure their place in the FA Cup Final.
The officials were the main talking point of the first half with two disallowed goals and penalty appeals causing plenty of talking points in a goalless first half.
Sergio Aguero opened the scoring shortly after the hour mark before Nacho Monreal levelled matters 19 minutes from time. There wasn't much to separate the sides and it was unsurprising to see the game go into extra time, where Sanchez sealed the win.
Sanchez put in a decent performance and man of the match Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was excellent, as was goalscorer Monreal, but for me it was two of our defenders who stood out the most. Gabriel put in arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt, while Rob Holding put in a confident and assured display to frustrate the opposition.
I love the FA Cup so am understandably delighted at us reaching the final, but can't help wonder why we haven't been able to show this superb character in some of the other games in recent months.
There is no doubting that we will be seen as underdogs in the final against league leaders Chelsea, but in cup football anything can happen and it will come down to who performs better and wants it more on the day...let's just hope it is us!
Oxlade-Chamberlain started well and performed strongly throughout and his fine early cross could have led to a goal had Olivier Giroud not headed straight at Claudio Bravo.
At the other end David Silva's close-range header was excellently tipped over by Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech before the Spanish midfielder was forced off injured soon after.
Arsenal saw a goal ruled out when Laurent Koscielny poked the ball beyond Bravo, only to be flagged for offside, but it looked to be a correct decision.
Manchester City were then denied by the official as referee Craig Pawson waved play on after what some sections of the crowd believed to be a foul by Oxlade-Chamberlain on Raheem Sterling in the box. The contact seemed minimal and it would have been soft if a penalty had been given in my opinion.
City however may have had more reason to feel aggrieved when Leroy Sane saw a goal disallowed as officials believed the ball had gone out of play. Each time I see the replay I keep changing my mind about it and, although it was a very tight call, I must admit I think we were lucky on this occasion and it was a big let off.
Maybe City are right to feel hard done by, but then the decisions going both for and against the two sides appeared to even themselves out when Sanchez was denied a penalty after being hauled down in the box.
Arsenal started the second half brightly and will no doubt be frustrated at themselves for conceding a sloppy equaliser after 62 minutes. Some have pointed the finger at Cech saying he should have done better with the goal, but I think Aaron Ramsey needs to take responsibility for his part in it as well. The Welsh midfielder gifted possession to Manchester City and Yaya Toure released Aguero, who beat Monreal and dinked the ball over the onrushing Cech.
At this point I genuinely wondered if we would be able to turn the game around or if this was going to spark City into life and become tougher for us. Fortunately Oxlade-Chamberlain was on hand to curl in a great cross for Monreal to race in and powerfully hammer home after 71 minutes.
City began to attack with more desire and only a superb save from Cech kept the scores level. The Gunners number one reacted excellently to tip Toure's volley onto a post. The woodwork was hit again soon after as Fernandinho's header hit the crossbar.
Arsenal substitute Danny Welbeck wasted the chance to win the game in normal time when he curled a shot wide, meaning the scores remained level and extra time beckoned.
Holding, who was performing excellently at the back, sent a header just over the bar in the first half of extra time, but Arsenal made no mistake on the 100-minute mark. Koscielny headed the ball back across goal from a corner and Sanchez forced the ball home from close range.
It should have been 3-1 soon after, but Welbeck sent an effort just wide when he maybe should have crossed for one of his team-mates in a better position to have an easier finish.
City substitute Fabian Delph had a chance to equalise and force penalties, but Hector Bellerin got enough on it to put it behind for a corner. Kevin De Bruyne shot just wide for City as Arsenal held on to secure a huge victory.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Manchester City fan Joseph Barnes congratulated the opposition after seeing his side eliminated and believes Pep Guardiola's men will come back even stronger.
"I think the game was a good advert for the Premier League and was end to end at times," said Barnes. "We can moan about the ref, but it evens out in the grand scheme of things.
"Look at Sterling's goal in the League Cup semi against Everton last year! Well done Arsenal!
"City will be a different proposition next year! In Pep we trust!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
As much as it feels great to have reached the FA Cup Final, we must now forget about it until the league campaign is over. Before the Wembley showpiece on May 27th, we have seven more matches that we need to treat as if they were also cup finals.
Whether we defy the odds to finish in the top four or end up outside of it for the first time under Arsene Wenger, the league campaign cannot be seen as decent. Being so far off the pace in the title race is very frustrating, but securing Champions League football is a must.
The Gunners are currently seventh and seven points off fourth-placed Manchester City, albeit with a game in hand, so there is no margin for error. We need to focus on the visit of Leicester first before the tough task of the trip to bitter rivals Tottenham, where we could scupper their title aspirations.
If we are to finish fourth I feel we need a minimum of four points from these two tough games. Although it is a big ask I really think we should be aiming for six though!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The officials were the main talking point of the first half with two disallowed goals and penalty appeals causing plenty of talking points in a goalless first half.
Sergio Aguero opened the scoring shortly after the hour mark before Nacho Monreal levelled matters 19 minutes from time. There wasn't much to separate the sides and it was unsurprising to see the game go into extra time, where Sanchez sealed the win.
Sanchez put in a decent performance and man of the match Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was excellent, as was goalscorer Monreal, but for me it was two of our defenders who stood out the most. Gabriel put in arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt, while Rob Holding put in a confident and assured display to frustrate the opposition.
I love the FA Cup so am understandably delighted at us reaching the final, but can't help wonder why we haven't been able to show this superb character in some of the other games in recent months.
There is no doubting that we will be seen as underdogs in the final against league leaders Chelsea, but in cup football anything can happen and it will come down to who performs better and wants it more on the day...let's just hope it is us!
Oxlade-Chamberlain started well and performed strongly throughout and his fine early cross could have led to a goal had Olivier Giroud not headed straight at Claudio Bravo.
At the other end David Silva's close-range header was excellently tipped over by Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech before the Spanish midfielder was forced off injured soon after.
Arsenal saw a goal ruled out when Laurent Koscielny poked the ball beyond Bravo, only to be flagged for offside, but it looked to be a correct decision.
Manchester City were then denied by the official as referee Craig Pawson waved play on after what some sections of the crowd believed to be a foul by Oxlade-Chamberlain on Raheem Sterling in the box. The contact seemed minimal and it would have been soft if a penalty had been given in my opinion.
City however may have had more reason to feel aggrieved when Leroy Sane saw a goal disallowed as officials believed the ball had gone out of play. Each time I see the replay I keep changing my mind about it and, although it was a very tight call, I must admit I think we were lucky on this occasion and it was a big let off.
Maybe City are right to feel hard done by, but then the decisions going both for and against the two sides appeared to even themselves out when Sanchez was denied a penalty after being hauled down in the box.
Arsenal started the second half brightly and will no doubt be frustrated at themselves for conceding a sloppy equaliser after 62 minutes. Some have pointed the finger at Cech saying he should have done better with the goal, but I think Aaron Ramsey needs to take responsibility for his part in it as well. The Welsh midfielder gifted possession to Manchester City and Yaya Toure released Aguero, who beat Monreal and dinked the ball over the onrushing Cech.
At this point I genuinely wondered if we would be able to turn the game around or if this was going to spark City into life and become tougher for us. Fortunately Oxlade-Chamberlain was on hand to curl in a great cross for Monreal to race in and powerfully hammer home after 71 minutes.
City began to attack with more desire and only a superb save from Cech kept the scores level. The Gunners number one reacted excellently to tip Toure's volley onto a post. The woodwork was hit again soon after as Fernandinho's header hit the crossbar.
Arsenal substitute Danny Welbeck wasted the chance to win the game in normal time when he curled a shot wide, meaning the scores remained level and extra time beckoned.
Holding, who was performing excellently at the back, sent a header just over the bar in the first half of extra time, but Arsenal made no mistake on the 100-minute mark. Koscielny headed the ball back across goal from a corner and Sanchez forced the ball home from close range.
It should have been 3-1 soon after, but Welbeck sent an effort just wide when he maybe should have crossed for one of his team-mates in a better position to have an easier finish.
City substitute Fabian Delph had a chance to equalise and force penalties, but Hector Bellerin got enough on it to put it behind for a corner. Kevin De Bruyne shot just wide for City as Arsenal held on to secure a huge victory.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Manchester City fan Joseph Barnes congratulated the opposition after seeing his side eliminated and believes Pep Guardiola's men will come back even stronger.
"I think the game was a good advert for the Premier League and was end to end at times," said Barnes. "We can moan about the ref, but it evens out in the grand scheme of things.
"Look at Sterling's goal in the League Cup semi against Everton last year! Well done Arsenal!
"City will be a different proposition next year! In Pep we trust!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
As much as it feels great to have reached the FA Cup Final, we must now forget about it until the league campaign is over. Before the Wembley showpiece on May 27th, we have seven more matches that we need to treat as if they were also cup finals.
Whether we defy the odds to finish in the top four or end up outside of it for the first time under Arsene Wenger, the league campaign cannot be seen as decent. Being so far off the pace in the title race is very frustrating, but securing Champions League football is a must.
The Gunners are currently seventh and seven points off fourth-placed Manchester City, albeit with a game in hand, so there is no margin for error. We need to focus on the visit of Leicester first before the tough task of the trip to bitter rivals Tottenham, where we could scupper their title aspirations.
If we are to finish fourth I feel we need a minimum of four points from these two tough games. Although it is a big ask I really think we should be aiming for six though!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Monday, 17 April 2017
Relief as Gunners beat Boro
It may not have been the greatest of performances, but there was a huge sense of relief at full-time as Arsenal claimed a 2-1 win at Middlesbrough.
When Alvaro Negredo cancelled out Alexis Sanchez's opener it felt a bit like it was going to be one of those days, but fortunately Mesut Ozil rescued us with the winning goal 19 minutes from time and kept our slim hopes of a top-four finish alive.
The fact this was our first away win in the league since January says a lot about how 2017 has panned out for us. We have been below par for much of the second half of the season and this really does feel like a massive three points.
We are now 6th and seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester City with a game in hand. There are only seven games remaining so our chances don't look great, but at least we have given ourselves a glimmer of hope. Fourth wouldn't really be good enough either, but it would still be better than where we find ourselves now so we must keep on fighting until the end.
Although I expected some changes following the awful 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, I didn't think Arsene Wenger was going to spring the surprise of a totally new formation with three at the back. It worried me a little, but at least something had been changed!
In truth the first half wasn't all that exciting with the only real chances from either side prior to the goal being routine saves for the two goalkeepers - Boro's Brad Guzan and Arsenal's Petr Cech.
Arsenal had a strong shout for a penalty when Daniel Ayala grappled with Olivier Giroud in the box, but nothing was given.
The Gunners continued to push forward and came close when Sanchez tried to release Giroud in the box, but Guzan did well to come out and smother the danger. At the other end Marten de Roon headed into the net, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.
A moment of individual brilliance saw Arsenal finally break the deadlock three minutes before the break as a superbly struck Sanchez free-kick went over the wall and into the net.
Boro levelled matters within five minutes of the restart and left me wondering if it was going to end up being yet another frustrating day for us. Stewart Downing swung in a cross and Negredo got between two defenders to poke the ball beyond Cech.
Downing wasted the chance to put Boro in front when he sent an effort off target before a fine save from Cech ensured the scores stayed level a little while longer. The Arsenal goalkeeper produced a great reaction save to deny Ayala from close range - a big let off for the visitors!
It was a huge relief when Ozil hit the winner after 71 minutes and it was a well-taken goal too! Aaron Ramsey latched onto a deep cross and chested the ball down for Ozil to squeeze a first-time shot inside the post.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Giroud both wasted the chance to extend Arsenal's lead, while Negredo failed to make the most of his opportunity at the other end as the Gunners held on.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Boro fans Kevin Scott and Tom Snowdon were unable to find much to be positive about after a disappointing home defeat.
"In the first half Boro continued to stink the Premier League out," said Scott. "It was a must win game at home against a side low on confidence and again we play with one up front and three defensive midfielders.
"We set up for a narrow defeat and got what we deserved as usual. Our goal difference shows we compete, but Boro never win games as they don't get forward and 0 shots on target at half-time was not surprising.
"We came out second half giving a go because we had to and if Ayala's header goes in it is maybe a different game.
"Adama Traore came on and this lost us the chance of winning. We lost all balance and momentum and there was only one winner. Traore is a player for the FIFA generation as his power and pace continues to make him look like Messi until he has to make a decision or make a pass and then he falls to pieces.
"He cannot play football but so many people think he is great. His close control on the touchline, beating two players and driving into the box was a good example of this as he looks great and, just like Forrest Gump, continues to run into trouble or out of room.
On Arsenal Scott added: "After seeing all the "big clubs" this season you won't be happy to hear that in my opinion Arsenal are by far the worst of them.
"Apart from Sanchez and Oxlade-Chamberlain there was no threat tonight. Every time I see Ozil play away he goes missing. Arsenal have too many players not good enough for a club looking to play Champions League.
"I expect players like Monreal, Gabriel and Xhaka to be at mid-table Premier League clubs like Watford, West Brom or Stoke and Ramsey doesn't look the same player as a couple of years ago. Can't see top four this year or for the next couple of years as a huge rebuilding job is required."
Snowdon was also left feeling frustrated by the direction Boro are heading in, but believes Arsenal will also have an equally as difficult end to the season.
"I was expecting the game to be dead and buried after Sanchez's goal, so was pleasantly surprised when our one striker managed to get away from three centre-backs to score," said Snowdon. "Fair win for the Arse and the ref had a good game.
"I don't think the season is going to end well for either team. Boro are definitely going down and it's time for Wenger. I think if he walks there'll be sighs of relief all around for Arsenal's fan base, but if he signs a new contract there'll be a riot!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
That really was a massive win in terms of keeping our slim hopes of a top-four finish alive, but it doesn't paper over the cracks which are still there.
It was a far from convincing performance and the fact there is such a big sense of relief at the result shows how tough things have been in recent months.....but at least we are finally back on track in terms of stopping the rut with a win.
It is now time to briefly forget about the league and turn our attentions to our best chance of silverware this season. Whether or not we were still in it at this stage, I will always love the FA Cup and am delighted we are one game away from the final....shame our league campaign hasn't been as successful.
But there is still one more game to go before we can even think about the final and it doesn't get much tougher than Manchester City. With Tottenham and Chelsea in the other semi-final, it would have been a tough game whoever we'd been drawn against.
If we play like I know we can we might just sneak it, but if we perform like we did against West Brom or Crystal Palace then we are in big trouble, so let's hope it's not the latter.
We need to put in a mammoth performance to try and get a result and, if we can somehow do it, I'd prefer Chelsea in the final as I don't want Spurs anywhere near it! Whatever happens the players need to give us a performance to be proud of as they really owe us one!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
When Alvaro Negredo cancelled out Alexis Sanchez's opener it felt a bit like it was going to be one of those days, but fortunately Mesut Ozil rescued us with the winning goal 19 minutes from time and kept our slim hopes of a top-four finish alive.
The fact this was our first away win in the league since January says a lot about how 2017 has panned out for us. We have been below par for much of the second half of the season and this really does feel like a massive three points.
We are now 6th and seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester City with a game in hand. There are only seven games remaining so our chances don't look great, but at least we have given ourselves a glimmer of hope. Fourth wouldn't really be good enough either, but it would still be better than where we find ourselves now so we must keep on fighting until the end.
Although I expected some changes following the awful 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, I didn't think Arsene Wenger was going to spring the surprise of a totally new formation with three at the back. It worried me a little, but at least something had been changed!
In truth the first half wasn't all that exciting with the only real chances from either side prior to the goal being routine saves for the two goalkeepers - Boro's Brad Guzan and Arsenal's Petr Cech.
Arsenal had a strong shout for a penalty when Daniel Ayala grappled with Olivier Giroud in the box, but nothing was given.
The Gunners continued to push forward and came close when Sanchez tried to release Giroud in the box, but Guzan did well to come out and smother the danger. At the other end Marten de Roon headed into the net, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.
A moment of individual brilliance saw Arsenal finally break the deadlock three minutes before the break as a superbly struck Sanchez free-kick went over the wall and into the net.
Boro levelled matters within five minutes of the restart and left me wondering if it was going to end up being yet another frustrating day for us. Stewart Downing swung in a cross and Negredo got between two defenders to poke the ball beyond Cech.
Downing wasted the chance to put Boro in front when he sent an effort off target before a fine save from Cech ensured the scores stayed level a little while longer. The Arsenal goalkeeper produced a great reaction save to deny Ayala from close range - a big let off for the visitors!
It was a huge relief when Ozil hit the winner after 71 minutes and it was a well-taken goal too! Aaron Ramsey latched onto a deep cross and chested the ball down for Ozil to squeeze a first-time shot inside the post.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Giroud both wasted the chance to extend Arsenal's lead, while Negredo failed to make the most of his opportunity at the other end as the Gunners held on.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Boro fans Kevin Scott and Tom Snowdon were unable to find much to be positive about after a disappointing home defeat.
"In the first half Boro continued to stink the Premier League out," said Scott. "It was a must win game at home against a side low on confidence and again we play with one up front and three defensive midfielders.
"We set up for a narrow defeat and got what we deserved as usual. Our goal difference shows we compete, but Boro never win games as they don't get forward and 0 shots on target at half-time was not surprising.
"We came out second half giving a go because we had to and if Ayala's header goes in it is maybe a different game.
"Adama Traore came on and this lost us the chance of winning. We lost all balance and momentum and there was only one winner. Traore is a player for the FIFA generation as his power and pace continues to make him look like Messi until he has to make a decision or make a pass and then he falls to pieces.
"He cannot play football but so many people think he is great. His close control on the touchline, beating two players and driving into the box was a good example of this as he looks great and, just like Forrest Gump, continues to run into trouble or out of room.
On Arsenal Scott added: "After seeing all the "big clubs" this season you won't be happy to hear that in my opinion Arsenal are by far the worst of them.
"Apart from Sanchez and Oxlade-Chamberlain there was no threat tonight. Every time I see Ozil play away he goes missing. Arsenal have too many players not good enough for a club looking to play Champions League.
"I expect players like Monreal, Gabriel and Xhaka to be at mid-table Premier League clubs like Watford, West Brom or Stoke and Ramsey doesn't look the same player as a couple of years ago. Can't see top four this year or for the next couple of years as a huge rebuilding job is required."
Snowdon was also left feeling frustrated by the direction Boro are heading in, but believes Arsenal will also have an equally as difficult end to the season.
"I was expecting the game to be dead and buried after Sanchez's goal, so was pleasantly surprised when our one striker managed to get away from three centre-backs to score," said Snowdon. "Fair win for the Arse and the ref had a good game.
"I don't think the season is going to end well for either team. Boro are definitely going down and it's time for Wenger. I think if he walks there'll be sighs of relief all around for Arsenal's fan base, but if he signs a new contract there'll be a riot!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
That really was a massive win in terms of keeping our slim hopes of a top-four finish alive, but it doesn't paper over the cracks which are still there.
It was a far from convincing performance and the fact there is such a big sense of relief at the result shows how tough things have been in recent months.....but at least we are finally back on track in terms of stopping the rut with a win.
It is now time to briefly forget about the league and turn our attentions to our best chance of silverware this season. Whether or not we were still in it at this stage, I will always love the FA Cup and am delighted we are one game away from the final....shame our league campaign hasn't been as successful.
But there is still one more game to go before we can even think about the final and it doesn't get much tougher than Manchester City. With Tottenham and Chelsea in the other semi-final, it would have been a tough game whoever we'd been drawn against.
If we play like I know we can we might just sneak it, but if we perform like we did against West Brom or Crystal Palace then we are in big trouble, so let's hope it's not the latter.
We need to put in a mammoth performance to try and get a result and, if we can somehow do it, I'd prefer Chelsea in the final as I don't want Spurs anywhere near it! Whatever happens the players need to give us a performance to be proud of as they really owe us one!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Monday, 10 April 2017
Eagles soar as Gunners plummet
Defeats are always hard to take, but it is more difficult to accept when the performance is gutless and inexcusable. Well, that's just what happened as Arsenal were outclassed in a 3-0 defeat at London rivals Crystal Palace!
Yes, give Palace a lot of credit, they did a number on us and thoroughly deserved their win. But at the same time we also made them look good and our lack of fight and hunger to get back into the game was very frustrating to watch.
We barely threatened Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and apart from a headed chance and a penalty shout I can't really remember us doing much else. The defeat hurts, but the manner of it hurts more. I wouldn't have felt much better, but had we actually looked remotely like making a comeback and tested Hennessey more it might have been easier to take. Instead we seemed void of ideas and didn't look remotely like even getting one goal.
This season was already looking bleak, but at least we had games in hand and the chances of getting back in the top four if we won them looked half decent. After that showing it looks even tougher to get back in the top four and we could even drop lower than our current position of sixth. Even if we do somehow perform a miracle and snatch fourth it still wouldn't be good enough. Yes, if we can win the FA Cup that would be amazing as I do love that competition, but I'm not sure I can even see that and it still wouldn't paper over the big cracks. Something has to change!
Palace had the better of the chances in the opening 15 minutes, although both Luka Milivojevic and Yohan Cabaye sent their efforts off target.
Arsenal forced Hennessey into a decent save soon after as Mohamed Elneny's strike was excellently tipped to safety by the Welsh goalkeeper. But the scores didn't stay goalless for much longer as Palace scored their first goal after 17 minutes. It was poor defending by Arsenal, although a Palace fan did admit to me that it could have been a foul from Christian Benteke in the build up to Andros Townsend's goal. Townsend exchanged passes with Cabaye before the latter released Wilfried Zaha. Zaha got away with slipping before setting up Townsend to score from close range and the Arsenal defence really should have done better.
Alexis Sanchez forced Hennessey into a save before sending his next effort narrowly wide, but sadly that was about as good as it got for us at Selhurst Park.
Hennessey also saved a header from Arsenal defender Gabriel, while at the other end Emiliano Martinez did well to keep out Benteke before the break.
It nearly got worse for Arsenal soon after the restart, but fortunately Hector Bellerin blocked Benteke's effort before Martinez later denied Townsend.
Elneny fired a shot wide as Arsenal attempted to haul themselves back into the game, but it was Palace who were deservedly next to score after 63 minutes as Cabaye latched onto Zaha's cutback to hit a wonderfully curled effort into the top corner.
Arsenal then had a penalty shout, which at the time looked like it was wrongly not given, but either way it would have made little difference and Palace were definitely the better team on the day.
The hosts made our evening worse by adding a third goal from the spot soon after as Townsend appeared to be fouled by Martinez in the box. Milivojevic made no mistake from the spot as he fired the ball into the bottom corner.
Bellerin sent a shot wide as Arsenal failed miserably to get back into what was a one-sided contest. Credit to Palace for the win, but the lack of times we tested Hennessey's goal was not good enough and the performance really was poor.
We couldn't even manage a goal and didn't really look close to scoring apart from the odd effort here and there. Not only are we miles behind leaders Chelsea, but we are in serious danger of falling even further behind our usual comfort of fourth spot and myself and the rest of our fans are all understandably unhappy.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Eagles fan Chris Williams was understandably delighted after his side's brilliant result against the Gunners.
"Oh what a night!" said Williams. "Despite our recent upturn in form I was worried going into the game. Not only had Palace never beaten Arsenal at home in the Premier League era, but injuries to key defenders have left us weaker at the back.
"I needn't have worried, Mamadou Sakho has been a rock in central defence since his loan arrival from Liverpool and once again he was outstanding tonight.
"Big Sam has worked wonders with Andros Townsend as well, a player who was lacking confidence and game time under Alan Pardew. He may have looked for the penalty tonight, but you can see why the referee awarded it.
"Wilfried Zaha will be named Palace's Player of the Year this season, two more assists for him tonight. The club will have to try really hard to keep hold of him during the summer transfer window.
"I have every confidence Palace will still be a Premier League side come the summer, we are now six points above the relegation zone with a game in hand on our closest rivals. We have the toughest run-in of all the sides at the bottom but six points from our remaining seven games should be enough. Bring on Brighton next season!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
There is absolutely no excusing that woeful performance and, although Palace did deserve it, we should have put up a far better showing than we did at Selhurst Park.
This season has already been a failure, but after a draw against Manchester City and a win over West Ham reaching fourth actually looked possible especially with having games in hand. But not after that awful defeat to Sam Allardyce's men.
It was certainly a night to forget and has left us seven points off fourth-placed Manchester City, who we meet in the FA Cup semi-final later this month, albeit with a game in hand.
When you have the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil on the pitch yet still struggle to create much of note it is very worrying. The games will continue to get harder now with teams feeling more than ever that we are there for the taking.
Let's just hope the next match away at Middlesbrough is a lot better than this. It certainly won't be easy as Middlesbrough will certainly fancy their chances of causing an upset as will many teams against us at the moment as we have under-performed massively.
But being a fan isn't all about glory, you have to take the rough with the smooth. Yes it is mainly all rough at the moment, but I'll continue to back the team and just pray we can perform better and not put in another Monday horror show!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Yes, give Palace a lot of credit, they did a number on us and thoroughly deserved their win. But at the same time we also made them look good and our lack of fight and hunger to get back into the game was very frustrating to watch.
We barely threatened Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and apart from a headed chance and a penalty shout I can't really remember us doing much else. The defeat hurts, but the manner of it hurts more. I wouldn't have felt much better, but had we actually looked remotely like making a comeback and tested Hennessey more it might have been easier to take. Instead we seemed void of ideas and didn't look remotely like even getting one goal.
This season was already looking bleak, but at least we had games in hand and the chances of getting back in the top four if we won them looked half decent. After that showing it looks even tougher to get back in the top four and we could even drop lower than our current position of sixth. Even if we do somehow perform a miracle and snatch fourth it still wouldn't be good enough. Yes, if we can win the FA Cup that would be amazing as I do love that competition, but I'm not sure I can even see that and it still wouldn't paper over the big cracks. Something has to change!
Palace had the better of the chances in the opening 15 minutes, although both Luka Milivojevic and Yohan Cabaye sent their efforts off target.
Arsenal forced Hennessey into a decent save soon after as Mohamed Elneny's strike was excellently tipped to safety by the Welsh goalkeeper. But the scores didn't stay goalless for much longer as Palace scored their first goal after 17 minutes. It was poor defending by Arsenal, although a Palace fan did admit to me that it could have been a foul from Christian Benteke in the build up to Andros Townsend's goal. Townsend exchanged passes with Cabaye before the latter released Wilfried Zaha. Zaha got away with slipping before setting up Townsend to score from close range and the Arsenal defence really should have done better.
Alexis Sanchez forced Hennessey into a save before sending his next effort narrowly wide, but sadly that was about as good as it got for us at Selhurst Park.
Hennessey also saved a header from Arsenal defender Gabriel, while at the other end Emiliano Martinez did well to keep out Benteke before the break.
It nearly got worse for Arsenal soon after the restart, but fortunately Hector Bellerin blocked Benteke's effort before Martinez later denied Townsend.
Elneny fired a shot wide as Arsenal attempted to haul themselves back into the game, but it was Palace who were deservedly next to score after 63 minutes as Cabaye latched onto Zaha's cutback to hit a wonderfully curled effort into the top corner.
Arsenal then had a penalty shout, which at the time looked like it was wrongly not given, but either way it would have made little difference and Palace were definitely the better team on the day.
The hosts made our evening worse by adding a third goal from the spot soon after as Townsend appeared to be fouled by Martinez in the box. Milivojevic made no mistake from the spot as he fired the ball into the bottom corner.
Bellerin sent a shot wide as Arsenal failed miserably to get back into what was a one-sided contest. Credit to Palace for the win, but the lack of times we tested Hennessey's goal was not good enough and the performance really was poor.
We couldn't even manage a goal and didn't really look close to scoring apart from the odd effort here and there. Not only are we miles behind leaders Chelsea, but we are in serious danger of falling even further behind our usual comfort of fourth spot and myself and the rest of our fans are all understandably unhappy.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Eagles fan Chris Williams was understandably delighted after his side's brilliant result against the Gunners.
"Oh what a night!" said Williams. "Despite our recent upturn in form I was worried going into the game. Not only had Palace never beaten Arsenal at home in the Premier League era, but injuries to key defenders have left us weaker at the back.
"I needn't have worried, Mamadou Sakho has been a rock in central defence since his loan arrival from Liverpool and once again he was outstanding tonight.
"Big Sam has worked wonders with Andros Townsend as well, a player who was lacking confidence and game time under Alan Pardew. He may have looked for the penalty tonight, but you can see why the referee awarded it.
"Wilfried Zaha will be named Palace's Player of the Year this season, two more assists for him tonight. The club will have to try really hard to keep hold of him during the summer transfer window.
"I have every confidence Palace will still be a Premier League side come the summer, we are now six points above the relegation zone with a game in hand on our closest rivals. We have the toughest run-in of all the sides at the bottom but six points from our remaining seven games should be enough. Bring on Brighton next season!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
There is absolutely no excusing that woeful performance and, although Palace did deserve it, we should have put up a far better showing than we did at Selhurst Park.
This season has already been a failure, but after a draw against Manchester City and a win over West Ham reaching fourth actually looked possible especially with having games in hand. But not after that awful defeat to Sam Allardyce's men.
It was certainly a night to forget and has left us seven points off fourth-placed Manchester City, who we meet in the FA Cup semi-final later this month, albeit with a game in hand.
When you have the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil on the pitch yet still struggle to create much of note it is very worrying. The games will continue to get harder now with teams feeling more than ever that we are there for the taking.
Let's just hope the next match away at Middlesbrough is a lot better than this. It certainly won't be easy as Middlesbrough will certainly fancy their chances of causing an upset as will many teams against us at the moment as we have under-performed massively.
But being a fan isn't all about glory, you have to take the rough with the smooth. Yes it is mainly all rough at the moment, but I'll continue to back the team and just pray we can perform better and not put in another Monday horror show!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Wednesday, 5 April 2017
Ozil inspires long-awaited Gunners win
Mesut Ozil scored one and set up another as the German helped to inspire Arsenal to a much-needed 3-0 win over London rivals West Ham.
With things not going our way in recent months this was a must-win game if we are to have any chance of finishing in the top four. It looked like some results might go in our favour, but late goals gave Spurs a dramatic 3-1 win at Swansea. Liverpool and Manchester City both dropped points though as we moved up one place to fifth.
With Petr Cech and David Ospina now both out injured, Emiliano Martinez started his first league game since 2014, but that didn't concern me as I rate the Argentine goalkeeper and think he has a bright future. However, what did concern me was the previous form of some of our so-called bigger players.
Ozil caught the eye and showed glimpses of brilliance against the Hammers and, although it wasn't the greatest of performances from us, he certainly played his part.
Alexis Sanchez, Mohamed Elneny, and Theo Walcott all sent efforts off target in a dull first half, while Manuel Lanzini and Mark Noble wasted chances at the other end.
Walcott also saw a shot saved by Darren Randolph and the West Ham shot-stopper also had to be alert in the closing stages of the first half. Hector Bellerin and Elneny both saw shots excellently blocked by the visitors' defence before Randolph denied Welbeck and later raced out quickly off his line to keep out Walcott.
Arsenal continued to try and push forward in the second half and only a superb last-ditch tackle by James Collins denied Ozil in the box. But the German international had better luck next time as the Gunners finally broke the deadlock after 58 minutes. Ozil made the most of a poor defensive clearance before taking a touch and curling a shot beyond Randolph from just outside the box. West Ham players appeared unimpressed at the award of the goal as they felt there had been a handball by Walcott and that Sanchez was offside in the goalkeeper's way.
Ozil continued to look lively as he set up chances for Danny Welbeck and Elneny, but neither of his team-mates were able to turn them into goals.
Excellent combination play from Sanchez and Ozil set up Arsenal's second and gave the hosts some breathing space. Sanchez back-heeled the ball back to Ozil before the German squared it for Walcott to score from close range after 68 minutes.
It really should have been 3-0 just moments later when a superb pass by Ozil found Bellerin, but the defender somehow shot wide when well placed in the box.
West Ham had a great chance to reduce the deficit through Lanzini, but the Argentine's effort from outside the box was excellently kept out by Martinez.
Arsenal had become the first Premier League side to score 100 goals in all competitions this season, although it didn't feel like it after the poor run of form we'd endured prior to this game and the draw against Manchester City.
But against West Ham we actually looked capable of scoring more goals and only a save from Randolph prevented Granit Xhaka scoring from long-range.
Arsenal had a shout for a penalty when Nacho Monreal went down under Collins' challenge, but nothing was given. It mattered little as two substitutes combined for the Gunners to score a third seven minutes from time. Moments after coming off the bench Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ran at the defence before passing to fellow substitute Giroud, who took a touch and curled home a wonderful strike.
The hosts were denied what looked a certain penalty in injury time when Sam Byram, who had already been booked, appeared to foul Monreal in the box, but it didn't stop Arsenal from looking good value for the win.
It wasn't the greatest display, but it definitely feels good to finally be back to winning ways in the league.
OPPOSITION VIEW
West Ham fans Adam Brown and Mike Benson were both left feeling disappointed, yet not surprised, by the poor showing from the Hammers.
"To be honest the game turned out exactly how I expected," said Brown. "Arsenal were under huge pressure to get a result and given the result at the London Stadium combined with West Ham's horrific run of form - it was bound to end up one way.
"In the second half, West Ham were simply poorly organised and sloppy. Arsenal seized their chances after being frustrated by a reasonable first half of defending. And of course Giroud scored, big surprise there!"
Benson added: "Tonight sums up our season, and shows the woeful state of our side. No passion, heart or motivation, with the Arsenal rookie keeper not once tested.
"Not being able to do the basic fundamentals that should be second nature. The insistence of Bilic to play a one dimensional style of game, and not being able to change things during the match to counter the opposition tells me that Bilic in my opinion is lacking as a top manager.
"Last season feels like a distant memory. No wonder one of our best ever players upped sticks and left mid term."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Although it won't drastically change what has largely been a failed season, the win over West Ham cannot be underestimated and at least gives us a big confidence boost going into the final months of the season.
The title is way out of reach and even breaking back into the top four would be a big ask, but we've given ourselves a chance at the latter. Other results mean we are four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and with a game in hand and catching Liverpool also isn't impossible.
Things could so easily slip back the other way, so we need to make sure we are at the top of our game as realistically we need a maximum six-point haul from our back-to-back away games at Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough. Let's hope this can be the start of a decent winning run.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
With things not going our way in recent months this was a must-win game if we are to have any chance of finishing in the top four. It looked like some results might go in our favour, but late goals gave Spurs a dramatic 3-1 win at Swansea. Liverpool and Manchester City both dropped points though as we moved up one place to fifth.
With Petr Cech and David Ospina now both out injured, Emiliano Martinez started his first league game since 2014, but that didn't concern me as I rate the Argentine goalkeeper and think he has a bright future. However, what did concern me was the previous form of some of our so-called bigger players.
Ozil caught the eye and showed glimpses of brilliance against the Hammers and, although it wasn't the greatest of performances from us, he certainly played his part.
Alexis Sanchez, Mohamed Elneny, and Theo Walcott all sent efforts off target in a dull first half, while Manuel Lanzini and Mark Noble wasted chances at the other end.
Walcott also saw a shot saved by Darren Randolph and the West Ham shot-stopper also had to be alert in the closing stages of the first half. Hector Bellerin and Elneny both saw shots excellently blocked by the visitors' defence before Randolph denied Welbeck and later raced out quickly off his line to keep out Walcott.
Arsenal continued to try and push forward in the second half and only a superb last-ditch tackle by James Collins denied Ozil in the box. But the German international had better luck next time as the Gunners finally broke the deadlock after 58 minutes. Ozil made the most of a poor defensive clearance before taking a touch and curling a shot beyond Randolph from just outside the box. West Ham players appeared unimpressed at the award of the goal as they felt there had been a handball by Walcott and that Sanchez was offside in the goalkeeper's way.
Ozil continued to look lively as he set up chances for Danny Welbeck and Elneny, but neither of his team-mates were able to turn them into goals.
Excellent combination play from Sanchez and Ozil set up Arsenal's second and gave the hosts some breathing space. Sanchez back-heeled the ball back to Ozil before the German squared it for Walcott to score from close range after 68 minutes.
It really should have been 3-0 just moments later when a superb pass by Ozil found Bellerin, but the defender somehow shot wide when well placed in the box.
West Ham had a great chance to reduce the deficit through Lanzini, but the Argentine's effort from outside the box was excellently kept out by Martinez.
Arsenal had become the first Premier League side to score 100 goals in all competitions this season, although it didn't feel like it after the poor run of form we'd endured prior to this game and the draw against Manchester City.
But against West Ham we actually looked capable of scoring more goals and only a save from Randolph prevented Granit Xhaka scoring from long-range.
Arsenal had a shout for a penalty when Nacho Monreal went down under Collins' challenge, but nothing was given. It mattered little as two substitutes combined for the Gunners to score a third seven minutes from time. Moments after coming off the bench Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ran at the defence before passing to fellow substitute Giroud, who took a touch and curled home a wonderful strike.
The hosts were denied what looked a certain penalty in injury time when Sam Byram, who had already been booked, appeared to foul Monreal in the box, but it didn't stop Arsenal from looking good value for the win.
It wasn't the greatest display, but it definitely feels good to finally be back to winning ways in the league.
OPPOSITION VIEW
West Ham fans Adam Brown and Mike Benson were both left feeling disappointed, yet not surprised, by the poor showing from the Hammers.
"To be honest the game turned out exactly how I expected," said Brown. "Arsenal were under huge pressure to get a result and given the result at the London Stadium combined with West Ham's horrific run of form - it was bound to end up one way.
"In the second half, West Ham were simply poorly organised and sloppy. Arsenal seized their chances after being frustrated by a reasonable first half of defending. And of course Giroud scored, big surprise there!"
Benson added: "Tonight sums up our season, and shows the woeful state of our side. No passion, heart or motivation, with the Arsenal rookie keeper not once tested.
"Not being able to do the basic fundamentals that should be second nature. The insistence of Bilic to play a one dimensional style of game, and not being able to change things during the match to counter the opposition tells me that Bilic in my opinion is lacking as a top manager.
"Last season feels like a distant memory. No wonder one of our best ever players upped sticks and left mid term."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Although it won't drastically change what has largely been a failed season, the win over West Ham cannot be underestimated and at least gives us a big confidence boost going into the final months of the season.
The title is way out of reach and even breaking back into the top four would be a big ask, but we've given ourselves a chance at the latter. Other results mean we are four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and with a game in hand and catching Liverpool also isn't impossible.
Things could so easily slip back the other way, so we need to make sure we are at the top of our game as realistically we need a maximum six-point haul from our back-to-back away games at Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough. Let's hope this can be the start of a decent winning run.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Monday, 3 April 2017
Mixed feelings after City draw
A decent point gained or yet more dropped? The 2-2 draw against Manchester City certainly left me with a mixed feeling.
As a stand alone game I am happy with the result, especially as I'd have taken a point before the match against a City side who are always hard to play. However, given our recent poor form it is also hard to hide the disappointment of another two points dropped.
We are down in sixth and seven points behind fourth-placed City albeit with a game in hand. Even finishing in our infamous fourth place is going to be a tough ask. It is doable and not impossible, but even if we achieve it fourth isn't really good enough.
Danny Welbeck was a whisker away from giving Arsenal the lead when he blocked a clearance to send it just wide. But what was very disappointing was the ease at which City got their opening goal after just five minutes. Kevin De Bruyne's pass set up Sane, but poor defending allowed the winger to get through without any trouble before he took the ball beyond Ospina for a simple finish.
It could have got worse had De Bruyne's curling effort not hit a post before Ospina came to the rescue with a fine save to deny David Silva.
Mesut Ozil shot straight at Willy Caballero, while Nacho Monreal and Alexis Sanchez both sent efforts off target as we finally began to find our feet in the match. Theo Walcott then finally gave us something to cheer about when he equalised five minutes before the break. The England forward latched onto Shkodran Mustafi's header before calmly slotting a shot into the bottom corner of the net.
The euphoria soon turned to frustration though as we managed to concede again soon after. Aguero is arguably among the best strikers in the world and he made no mistake to score from Silva's pass.
Arsenal came very close to levelling matters again in first-half injury time, but Walcott's volley went agonisingly over the crossbar.
It got worse for Arsenal at half-time when key defender Laurent Koscielny was forced off injured with an Achilles problem and he was replaced by Gabriel.
Aguero missed a big chance after the break when he sent a header wide before we hauled ourselves back into the game with a second equaliser within eight minutes of the restart. Mustafi climbed above the opposition to power home a header from an Ozil corner.
Both sides wasted chances to find a winning goal as Ospina saved Aguero's header before Ozil failed to make the most of a poor back pass by the visitors.
The two sides continued to exchange chances with Silva and Arsenal substitute Alex Iwobi both sending their efforts off target in the closing stages.
Neither side could find a winner in the end so the spoils were shared at the Emirates.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Manchester City fan Jordan Fiddes admitted a draw was probably a fair result, but was also left frustrated at some of his side's performances.
"City started with the devastating pace I've come to expect from our wide players like Sane and Sterling and really should have capitalised on their advantage early on," said Fiddes. "However, what has come to be a regular feature under Guardiola's reign, the defence didn't have the composure to match Aguero at the other end and Arsenal used that to take control of the game and fully deserved to equalise.
"The turning point for me was Aguero's misjudged header which he put wide, unlike Mustafi at the other end. A draw was a fair result, but this was a huge opportunity missed for the sky blues at a crucial time to close the gap on Chelsea.
"Had we closed the gap further, Wednesday's game at Stamford Bridge would have far more at stake!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
A point against Manchester City can always be considered decent, but it felt more like two points dropped this time as we haven't tasted victory in the league since February.
We will have a chance to swiftly attempted to get back on track when West Ham visit the Emirates and if we are to have any chance of a top-four finish it is a game we cannot afford to lose.
Win lose or draw nothing will stop me supporting the Gunners, but we definitely need a league victory soon to get that winning feeling back!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
As a stand alone game I am happy with the result, especially as I'd have taken a point before the match against a City side who are always hard to play. However, given our recent poor form it is also hard to hide the disappointment of another two points dropped.
We are down in sixth and seven points behind fourth-placed City albeit with a game in hand. Even finishing in our infamous fourth place is going to be a tough ask. It is doable and not impossible, but even if we achieve it fourth isn't really good enough.
Danny Welbeck was a whisker away from giving Arsenal the lead when he blocked a clearance to send it just wide. But what was very disappointing was the ease at which City got their opening goal after just five minutes. Kevin De Bruyne's pass set up Sane, but poor defending allowed the winger to get through without any trouble before he took the ball beyond Ospina for a simple finish.
It could have got worse had De Bruyne's curling effort not hit a post before Ospina came to the rescue with a fine save to deny David Silva.
Mesut Ozil shot straight at Willy Caballero, while Nacho Monreal and Alexis Sanchez both sent efforts off target as we finally began to find our feet in the match. Theo Walcott then finally gave us something to cheer about when he equalised five minutes before the break. The England forward latched onto Shkodran Mustafi's header before calmly slotting a shot into the bottom corner of the net.
The euphoria soon turned to frustration though as we managed to concede again soon after. Aguero is arguably among the best strikers in the world and he made no mistake to score from Silva's pass.
Arsenal came very close to levelling matters again in first-half injury time, but Walcott's volley went agonisingly over the crossbar.
It got worse for Arsenal at half-time when key defender Laurent Koscielny was forced off injured with an Achilles problem and he was replaced by Gabriel.
Aguero missed a big chance after the break when he sent a header wide before we hauled ourselves back into the game with a second equaliser within eight minutes of the restart. Mustafi climbed above the opposition to power home a header from an Ozil corner.
Both sides wasted chances to find a winning goal as Ospina saved Aguero's header before Ozil failed to make the most of a poor back pass by the visitors.
The two sides continued to exchange chances with Silva and Arsenal substitute Alex Iwobi both sending their efforts off target in the closing stages.
Neither side could find a winner in the end so the spoils were shared at the Emirates.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Manchester City fan Jordan Fiddes admitted a draw was probably a fair result, but was also left frustrated at some of his side's performances.
"City started with the devastating pace I've come to expect from our wide players like Sane and Sterling and really should have capitalised on their advantage early on," said Fiddes. "However, what has come to be a regular feature under Guardiola's reign, the defence didn't have the composure to match Aguero at the other end and Arsenal used that to take control of the game and fully deserved to equalise.
"The turning point for me was Aguero's misjudged header which he put wide, unlike Mustafi at the other end. A draw was a fair result, but this was a huge opportunity missed for the sky blues at a crucial time to close the gap on Chelsea.
"Had we closed the gap further, Wednesday's game at Stamford Bridge would have far more at stake!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
A point against Manchester City can always be considered decent, but it felt more like two points dropped this time as we haven't tasted victory in the league since February.
We will have a chance to swiftly attempted to get back on track when West Ham visit the Emirates and if we are to have any chance of a top-four finish it is a game we cannot afford to lose.
Win lose or draw nothing will stop me supporting the Gunners, but we definitely need a league victory soon to get that winning feeling back!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)