Arsenal's latest 2-1 defeat at Newcastle is yet another example of the Gunners' struggles on their travels in the league this season.
Sixth and only two points ahead of seventh-placed Burnley already shows how poor our season has been, but the fact we have no away points in league in 2018 is even more shocking.
Defeats at Bournemouth, Swansea, Tottenham, Brighton and now Newcastle since the turn of the year are simply not good enough, especially when added to the away losses against champions Manchester City, Watford, Liverpool and Stoke from earlier in the season.
At the Emirates we have performed far better with our only two home league defeats coming against the two Manchester clubs, but the away form really has been appalling.
Although a handball decision didn't go our way against Newcastle, I'm not sure how much difference it would have made because in the second half especially we didn't really create too many chances. Yes, it would have seen us take a two-goal lead, but judging by our overall performance we didn't do enough to have got the points anyway.
Without being disrespectful to Newcastle the performance and the result were not good enough and that is a game we really should have been looking at winning.
There was already some concern before kick-off, with Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil all left out of the squad. Ramsey had a wound and couldn't get into any contact, while the others were suffering from little knocks. Should they have played? Well, it's hard to gauge the exact extent of the injuries, and maybe it would have been unwise to risk them getting worse, but they are big players to leave out. If they were only "little knocks" I'd rather have seen Wilshere and Ozil start or at the very least be on the bench.
We can't blame team selection for the defeat though as the squad out there was still capable enough of doing the job, but we didn't perform well enough and Arsene Wenger got his tactics wrong. We played fairly positively in attack, but there just wasn't enough end product and the defending again at times left a lot to be desired.
Arsenal started quite brightly with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang producing some fine early trickery to set up Alexandre Lacazette, but the French striker dragged his shot wide.
Lacazette made no mistake after 14 minutes though when he scored the game's opening goal. Shkodran Mustafi played a great long ball over the top, which Aubameyang controlled with a fine touch before curling a pass for Lacazette to volley into the roof of the net.
Provider very nearly turned scorer as Aubameyang's shot deflected over the crossbar, but replays show the ball appeared to hit the hands of Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles. Without the replay I don't think I'd have noticed it, so it would be harsh to blame the referee for doing so.
Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka denied Alex Iwobi as Arsenal continued to show promise, but the game was then turned on its head as the hosts scored out of nowhere after 29 minutes. Jonjo Shelvey's ball over the top found DeAndre Yedlin, whose curling ball into the box was steered home by Ayoze Perez.
Both sides wasted chances before the break with Arsenal defender Calum Chambers guilty of missing two. A great pass by Granit Xhaka picked out Nacho Monreal, who headed the ball back across goal, but the sliding Chambers sent his effort of target. The defender then headed over the crossbar from a Xhaka corner soon after.
At the other end, Matt Ritchie found space in the area, but his shot was well held by Petr Cech under pressure from Dwight Gayle.
Arsenal really should have gone in at half-time in front, but somehow youngster Joe Willock, who was making his Premier League debut, skewed a shot wide after a great counter attack.
Ritchie sent a dipping volley over the crossbar in the second half, while Iwobi's fizzing drive sailed just wide.
Poor defending from a throw-in led to the game's decisive goal as Arsenal failed to properly clear the danger and Ritchie found himself in space in the box to calmly slot home 22 minutes from time.
It nearly got worse for Arsenal soon after, but Kenedy's deflected effort hit the crossbar before Perez's shot went into the side netting soon after.
Arsenal tried to push for a late equaliser, but Mohamed Elneny sent a long-range effort over the crossbar. Lacazette was presented with a chance after Dubravka failed to deal with a cross, but the France international shot into the side netting as Newcastle held on for victory.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Newcastle fan David Charlesworth believes the Gunners met his side at the worst possible time with confidence at his highest.
"Six weeks ago we were only two points above the bottom three and it seemed a desperate battle for survival loomed," said Charlesworth. "In truth though, our revival can be traced back to the start of the year: in 2018 we’ve only lost at the Etihad and Anfield, nothing disgraceful in that.
"Three wins in a row left our confidence at unusual sky-high levels and not even falling behind was going to do too much to dent that. Put simply, I think Arsenal ran into us at the wrong time.
"Our squad should not be pushing for a top-half finish, but the fact that we are owes much, possibly everything, to our manager.
"It’s not difficult to see why in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, there were some corners of social media linking our beloved boss with the Emirates hot seat.
"After all, if he can wring the best out of Mo Diame, what can he accomplish with a far superior set of individuals and money to spend?"
Fellow Magpies supporter Alex Earle added: "I think Arsenal bossed the game, which was a negative for them. They invited us on the counter and we struck (the only feeling I had was that we could win).
"First half Arsenal were much better. Second half we were the better side because we managed the game better. Slimani was excellent."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
We host West Ham in our next league match before the first leg of our Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
We are at home in both games and are capable of getting a result in both, although admittedly I won't be surprised if the game goes against us either.
Whatever happens in those two games we absolutely must do better in our next away game. Trips to Old Trafford to face Manchester United have often proved difficult for us, but I don't care who the opponents are, we have no excuse not to do better.
Yes, we'll be up against one of the best goalkeepers in the world in David De Gea, who more or less decided the destination of the points by himself in the reverse fixture, but we need to do far better away from home and we need to use that match to try and prove a point.
If I'm being honest I don't feel at all confident ahead of that next away match and fear the worst, so please Arsenal and Wenger prove me wrong.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Monday, 16 April 2018
Thursday, 12 April 2018
Gunners survive Moscow scare to reach Europa semis
Arsenal survived a second leg scare coming from behind to claim a 2-2 draw at CSKA Moscow to secure their progress into the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Roma produced an amazing comeback to overturn a three-goal deficit to knock out Barcelona in the Champions League. Juventus also came back from three down against Real Madrid, before losing to a late controversial penalty, but the drama of those European nights alone meant Arsenal knew their 4-1 first leg lead wasn't 100% safe.
Although I was still fairly confident we would progress, even after CSKA Moscow took a 2-0 lead, we didn't half make hard work of it.
Apart from a few half chances neither side really created much in the first half an hour of the game. CSKA Moscow midfielder Kristijan Bistrovic sent a long-range shot wide, while at the other end Alexandre Lacazette's strike was excellent blocked behind for a corner by Aleksei Berezutski.
A decent move down the right very nearly led to an opening for Arsenal, but Danny Welbeck's low cross was just inches away from finding Aaron Ramsey at the back post.
CSKA Moscow broke the deadlock six minutes before the break when Petr Cech got down well to superbly parry Kirill Nababkin's towering header, but the goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent Fedor Chalov from reacting first to tap in from the rebound.
The hosts tried to increase their lead just before half-time, but Bistrovic's first-time effort sailed just off target.
Ramsey went off for treatment as Arsenal played with 10 men for a few minutes and the Welsh midfielder was then involved in a penalty appeal for the hosts. Aleksandr Golovin, who scored in the first leg, saw his cross hit Ramsey, but it came off his arm not his hand and there wasn't much he could have done about it either.
CSKA Moscow doubled their advantage and moved to within one goal of completing the turnaround after 50 minutes. Golovin's shot from distance was parried by Cech, who should've done better with it, and Nababkin pounced at the far post to bury the rebound.
Although I felt fairly confident we could score a goal, I knew it was now very much game on and I was very aware how leaky our defence could be and the tie was far from over.
Golovin nearly added a third for the hosts, but his free-kick was parried behind for a corner by Cech.
Arsenal tried to hit back, but Mohamed Elneny saw his header ruled out for offside before Mesut Ozil's shot was blocked.
Those misses could have proved more costly had Sergei Ignashevich not sent a powerful shot just wide.
The nerves were eased when Welbeck reduced the deficit and put the Gunners back in more firm control of the tie 15 minutes from time. A good passing move set up Welbeck to expertly turn his man and run towards the box. The forward then exchanged passes with Elneny before clipping a composed finish beyond goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
Arsenal really should have levelled the score on the night two minutes from time, but substitute Alex Iwobi dragged his shot wide when it looked easier to score.
Ozil and Ramsey combined to set up Welbeck soon after, but the England striker was denied by an excellent parry from Akinfeev.
Arsenal managed to find an equaliser in stoppage time to secure their passage into the final four - Elneny raced forward from near his own box before releasing Ramsey with a through ball, and the Welshman calmly finished a one-on-one with Akinfeev.
THE SEMI-FINALS
There is no denying we made hard work of the second leg, but we did what mattered and still qualified into the semi-final.
Whoever we face in the final four, sandwiched either side of a trip to Manchester United, is going to be tough, but we are now just two games away from the final so are still in with a chance.
Unlike most Arsenal fans I would rather draw Atletico Madrid in the semi-final rather than avoid them. Yes, they are favourites for the competition and would be a very tough opposition to face, but I think I'd rather play them sooner than in the final.
It would be hard whichever round we played them in, but I think in the final would be that extra bit more difficult, so let's get them out the way sooner and give it our best shot.
Our opponents will be one of Atletico Madrid, Marseille or Red Bull Salzburg and the latter deserve a big mention for their incredible quarter-final comeback. If you thought Roma's comeback was great, look what the Austrian side did. Okay, it wasn't against the might of Barcelona, but after losing the first leg at Lazio 4-2 they certainly had an uphill task. They also conceded the first goal of the second leg, but after an almost instant equaliser it was game on. Three goals in four minutes ultimately secured the win for Salzburg and what a superb comeback it was.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
We've done our part, albeit we made hard work of it, to reach the semi-final and we'll have to see who we end up with in the draw and make sure we produce two great performances against them.
Winning the Europa League is our best chance of getting Champions League football back so whoever we face in the semi-finals it is a massively important tie.
Once Friday's draw is out of the way we must forget about the Europa League for a while and focus our attentions on the trip to Newcastle.
If we can win at Newcastle and beat West Ham at home then we'll be heading into the first leg of the semi-final in good form, but I am certainly taking nothing for granted as anything could happen.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Roma produced an amazing comeback to overturn a three-goal deficit to knock out Barcelona in the Champions League. Juventus also came back from three down against Real Madrid, before losing to a late controversial penalty, but the drama of those European nights alone meant Arsenal knew their 4-1 first leg lead wasn't 100% safe.
Although I was still fairly confident we would progress, even after CSKA Moscow took a 2-0 lead, we didn't half make hard work of it.
Apart from a few half chances neither side really created much in the first half an hour of the game. CSKA Moscow midfielder Kristijan Bistrovic sent a long-range shot wide, while at the other end Alexandre Lacazette's strike was excellent blocked behind for a corner by Aleksei Berezutski.
A decent move down the right very nearly led to an opening for Arsenal, but Danny Welbeck's low cross was just inches away from finding Aaron Ramsey at the back post.
CSKA Moscow broke the deadlock six minutes before the break when Petr Cech got down well to superbly parry Kirill Nababkin's towering header, but the goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent Fedor Chalov from reacting first to tap in from the rebound.
The hosts tried to increase their lead just before half-time, but Bistrovic's first-time effort sailed just off target.
Ramsey went off for treatment as Arsenal played with 10 men for a few minutes and the Welsh midfielder was then involved in a penalty appeal for the hosts. Aleksandr Golovin, who scored in the first leg, saw his cross hit Ramsey, but it came off his arm not his hand and there wasn't much he could have done about it either.
CSKA Moscow doubled their advantage and moved to within one goal of completing the turnaround after 50 minutes. Golovin's shot from distance was parried by Cech, who should've done better with it, and Nababkin pounced at the far post to bury the rebound.
Although I felt fairly confident we could score a goal, I knew it was now very much game on and I was very aware how leaky our defence could be and the tie was far from over.
Golovin nearly added a third for the hosts, but his free-kick was parried behind for a corner by Cech.
Arsenal tried to hit back, but Mohamed Elneny saw his header ruled out for offside before Mesut Ozil's shot was blocked.
Those misses could have proved more costly had Sergei Ignashevich not sent a powerful shot just wide.
The nerves were eased when Welbeck reduced the deficit and put the Gunners back in more firm control of the tie 15 minutes from time. A good passing move set up Welbeck to expertly turn his man and run towards the box. The forward then exchanged passes with Elneny before clipping a composed finish beyond goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
Arsenal really should have levelled the score on the night two minutes from time, but substitute Alex Iwobi dragged his shot wide when it looked easier to score.
Ozil and Ramsey combined to set up Welbeck soon after, but the England striker was denied by an excellent parry from Akinfeev.
Arsenal managed to find an equaliser in stoppage time to secure their passage into the final four - Elneny raced forward from near his own box before releasing Ramsey with a through ball, and the Welshman calmly finished a one-on-one with Akinfeev.
THE SEMI-FINALS
There is no denying we made hard work of the second leg, but we did what mattered and still qualified into the semi-final.
Whoever we face in the final four, sandwiched either side of a trip to Manchester United, is going to be tough, but we are now just two games away from the final so are still in with a chance.
Unlike most Arsenal fans I would rather draw Atletico Madrid in the semi-final rather than avoid them. Yes, they are favourites for the competition and would be a very tough opposition to face, but I think I'd rather play them sooner than in the final.
It would be hard whichever round we played them in, but I think in the final would be that extra bit more difficult, so let's get them out the way sooner and give it our best shot.
Our opponents will be one of Atletico Madrid, Marseille or Red Bull Salzburg and the latter deserve a big mention for their incredible quarter-final comeback. If you thought Roma's comeback was great, look what the Austrian side did. Okay, it wasn't against the might of Barcelona, but after losing the first leg at Lazio 4-2 they certainly had an uphill task. They also conceded the first goal of the second leg, but after an almost instant equaliser it was game on. Three goals in four minutes ultimately secured the win for Salzburg and what a superb comeback it was.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
We've done our part, albeit we made hard work of it, to reach the semi-final and we'll have to see who we end up with in the draw and make sure we produce two great performances against them.
Winning the Europa League is our best chance of getting Champions League football back so whoever we face in the semi-finals it is a massively important tie.
Once Friday's draw is out of the way we must forget about the Europa League for a while and focus our attentions on the trip to Newcastle.
If we can win at Newcastle and beat West Ham at home then we'll be heading into the first leg of the semi-final in good form, but I am certainly taking nothing for granted as anything could happen.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 8 April 2018
Danny at the double as Gunners beat Saints
Danny Welbeck struck twice as Arsenal edged past relegation-threatened Southampton 3-2 and both sides saw a player sent off in the final moments of the match.
Getting the three points is what matters most and we scored some well-taken goals, but once again there was some questionable defending on show and that remains a cause for concern.
Mesut Ozil was on the bench and Aaron Ramsey didn't make the squad as it seemed manager Arsene Wenger had one eye on the upcoming Europa League clash with CSKA Moscow.
In some ways rotation is understandable and it is good to see players given a chance such as youngster Reiss Nelson, who made his first Premier League start.
However, as we were already 4-1 up from the first leg against CSKA Moscow I'd like to have seen the likes of Ozil and Ramsey start, unless there were any injury doubts over them.
Southampton started fairly well and fashioned a decent chance after just eight minutes. Dusan Tadic latched onto Jack Stephens' long ball forward before squaring it to James Ward-Prowse, but his effort was cleared off the line by Hector Bellerin. Tadic tried his luck soon after, but his shot was blocked by Calum Chambers.
The visitors were not to be denied after 17 minutes though as Cedric Soares crossed for Shane Long, who nipped in front of Shkodran Mustafi to flick the ball beyond Petr Cech from a tight angle.
Arsenal levelled the score shortly before the half hour mark when Alex Iwobi set up Danny Welbeck, whose deft flick was prodded beyond Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It was the Gabon striker's sixth goal in eight games as he continues to look a decent attacking threat following his January move to North London.
The Gunners completed the turn around seven minutes before the break when Welbeck raced onto Iwobi's through ball before cutting inside, holding off two challenges, and firing a shot in via a deflection off Maya Yoshida.
Arsenal continued to push forward with Chambers' low shot being blocked behind for a corner as the first half ended 2-1 in the hosts' favour.
Arsenal nearly extended their advantage within two minutes of the restart, but McCarthy beat away Aubameyang's effort before producing an excellent one-handed save to parry Granit Xhaka's shot behind for a corner.
McCarthy was again in the thick of the action after 53 minutes as he produced another equally as impressive one-handed save to parry Iwobi's shot from outside of the box behind for a corner.
At the other end Mohamed Elneny headed Wesley Hoedt's goal-bound effort off the line and Cech parried Long's header behind for a corner. The Southampton striker did have the ball in the net soon after, but his effort was rightly ruled out for offside.
Within a minute of coming on from the bench Charlie Austin found an equaliser for the visitors when he turned in from close range after good build up play from Tadic and Soares.
Arsenal really should have moved back in front soon after as Iwobi clipped the ball in and Jack Wilshere connected with it to set up Welbeck, who somehow spooned it over the crossbar from just a couple of yards out.
Southampton wasted the chance to score again when Austin shot straight at Cech before the Gunners had the final say and re-established their lead nine minutes from time. Iwobi got the better of the defence before crossing for Welbeck to score with a far-post header.
The game wasn't over just yet though and Southampton very nearly got back on level times five minutes from time, but Cech reacted well to palm Tadic's effort over the crossbar.
It became very heated in the final moments of the match as Stephens was sent off after appearing to push Wilshere off the ball after tangling with the Arsenal midfielder, who received a yellow card for his part in the altercation.
The drama wasn't over yet as Arsenal were also reduced to 10 men soon after when Elneny was sent off for a shove on Soares, but the Gunners held on for the win.
The result, coupled with Chelsea's draw against West Ham, sees Arsenal move to within just three points of their fifth-placed London rivals. Southampton on the other hand remain in the relegation zone, although they are only three points away from safety with six games still left to play.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Southampton fan Mavis John was disappointed her side couldn't take advantage of what was an improved display at the Emirates.
"Before the match had kicked off, I accepted that defeat was inevitable on the evidence of the way the team played - or didn't - against West Ham last week," said John. "By the final whistle, I was actually disappointed with the result.
"The team showed spirit (albeit the wrong kind towards the end, Jack Stephens especially) and played particularly well in the second half against a much changed Arsenal side - it's disappointing we couldn't take advantage of that.
"There have been definite signs of improvement under Mark Hughes, but it is clear that the Southampton board (who should take a large chunk of responsibility for the position in which we find ourselves) waited too long before bringing in a new manager.
"He might have got Shane Long scoring at last, but he needs more time to get the whole team performing properly than the six league games currently remaining. There were glimmers of hope from the team's performance against Arsenal, but I fear that nothing short of a miracle will keep us up."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
A mixed performance with some well-taken goals and positive play, but also some frustrating defending, but at least we did what mattered most and got all three points.
I hope Southampton stay up to keep the friends and family I know who support them happy, but it is going to be a difficult ask for them and it is hard to predict what will happen.
Focus must quickly switch back to the Europa League and the second leg of our quarter-final tie away at CSKA Moscow. Although the 4-1 lead from the first leg should be enough I am certainly taken nothing for granted.
Against Southampton we showed some defensive lapses and CSKA Moscow may feel, especially at home, they can score against us, so the players need to make sure they stand up to be counted and preserve our lead.
I don't just want us to preserve the lead though as we shouldn't be going to Russia to defend. We need to go out there to try and win the second leg as a standalone game and add to our aggregate lead. There are some very good teams left in the competition so if we do progress we need to be clinical.
Welbeck getting two goals against Southampton will hopefully put him in the right mindset for the game in Russia, so let's hope we can get another victory before we return to Premier League action away at Newcastle.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Getting the three points is what matters most and we scored some well-taken goals, but once again there was some questionable defending on show and that remains a cause for concern.
Mesut Ozil was on the bench and Aaron Ramsey didn't make the squad as it seemed manager Arsene Wenger had one eye on the upcoming Europa League clash with CSKA Moscow.
In some ways rotation is understandable and it is good to see players given a chance such as youngster Reiss Nelson, who made his first Premier League start.
However, as we were already 4-1 up from the first leg against CSKA Moscow I'd like to have seen the likes of Ozil and Ramsey start, unless there were any injury doubts over them.
Southampton started fairly well and fashioned a decent chance after just eight minutes. Dusan Tadic latched onto Jack Stephens' long ball forward before squaring it to James Ward-Prowse, but his effort was cleared off the line by Hector Bellerin. Tadic tried his luck soon after, but his shot was blocked by Calum Chambers.
The visitors were not to be denied after 17 minutes though as Cedric Soares crossed for Shane Long, who nipped in front of Shkodran Mustafi to flick the ball beyond Petr Cech from a tight angle.
Arsenal levelled the score shortly before the half hour mark when Alex Iwobi set up Danny Welbeck, whose deft flick was prodded beyond Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It was the Gabon striker's sixth goal in eight games as he continues to look a decent attacking threat following his January move to North London.
The Gunners completed the turn around seven minutes before the break when Welbeck raced onto Iwobi's through ball before cutting inside, holding off two challenges, and firing a shot in via a deflection off Maya Yoshida.
Arsenal continued to push forward with Chambers' low shot being blocked behind for a corner as the first half ended 2-1 in the hosts' favour.
Arsenal nearly extended their advantage within two minutes of the restart, but McCarthy beat away Aubameyang's effort before producing an excellent one-handed save to parry Granit Xhaka's shot behind for a corner.
McCarthy was again in the thick of the action after 53 minutes as he produced another equally as impressive one-handed save to parry Iwobi's shot from outside of the box behind for a corner.
At the other end Mohamed Elneny headed Wesley Hoedt's goal-bound effort off the line and Cech parried Long's header behind for a corner. The Southampton striker did have the ball in the net soon after, but his effort was rightly ruled out for offside.
Within a minute of coming on from the bench Charlie Austin found an equaliser for the visitors when he turned in from close range after good build up play from Tadic and Soares.
Arsenal really should have moved back in front soon after as Iwobi clipped the ball in and Jack Wilshere connected with it to set up Welbeck, who somehow spooned it over the crossbar from just a couple of yards out.
Southampton wasted the chance to score again when Austin shot straight at Cech before the Gunners had the final say and re-established their lead nine minutes from time. Iwobi got the better of the defence before crossing for Welbeck to score with a far-post header.
The game wasn't over just yet though and Southampton very nearly got back on level times five minutes from time, but Cech reacted well to palm Tadic's effort over the crossbar.
It became very heated in the final moments of the match as Stephens was sent off after appearing to push Wilshere off the ball after tangling with the Arsenal midfielder, who received a yellow card for his part in the altercation.
The drama wasn't over yet as Arsenal were also reduced to 10 men soon after when Elneny was sent off for a shove on Soares, but the Gunners held on for the win.
The result, coupled with Chelsea's draw against West Ham, sees Arsenal move to within just three points of their fifth-placed London rivals. Southampton on the other hand remain in the relegation zone, although they are only three points away from safety with six games still left to play.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Southampton fan Mavis John was disappointed her side couldn't take advantage of what was an improved display at the Emirates.
"Before the match had kicked off, I accepted that defeat was inevitable on the evidence of the way the team played - or didn't - against West Ham last week," said John. "By the final whistle, I was actually disappointed with the result.
"The team showed spirit (albeit the wrong kind towards the end, Jack Stephens especially) and played particularly well in the second half against a much changed Arsenal side - it's disappointing we couldn't take advantage of that.
"There have been definite signs of improvement under Mark Hughes, but it is clear that the Southampton board (who should take a large chunk of responsibility for the position in which we find ourselves) waited too long before bringing in a new manager.
"He might have got Shane Long scoring at last, but he needs more time to get the whole team performing properly than the six league games currently remaining. There were glimmers of hope from the team's performance against Arsenal, but I fear that nothing short of a miracle will keep us up."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
A mixed performance with some well-taken goals and positive play, but also some frustrating defending, but at least we did what mattered most and got all three points.
I hope Southampton stay up to keep the friends and family I know who support them happy, but it is going to be a difficult ask for them and it is hard to predict what will happen.
Focus must quickly switch back to the Europa League and the second leg of our quarter-final tie away at CSKA Moscow. Although the 4-1 lead from the first leg should be enough I am certainly taken nothing for granted.
Against Southampton we showed some defensive lapses and CSKA Moscow may feel, especially at home, they can score against us, so the players need to make sure they stand up to be counted and preserve our lead.
I don't just want us to preserve the lead though as we shouldn't be going to Russia to defend. We need to go out there to try and win the second leg as a standalone game and add to our aggregate lead. There are some very good teams left in the competition so if we do progress we need to be clinical.
Welbeck getting two goals against Southampton will hopefully put him in the right mindset for the game in Russia, so let's hope we can get another victory before we return to Premier League action away at Newcastle.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Thursday, 5 April 2018
Four-some Gunners cruise past CSKA Moscow
A sublime finish from Aaron Ramsey was the pick of the goals as Arsenal confidently brushed aside CSKA Moscow 4-1 in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
The Welsh midfielder opened the scoring after just nine minutes before Aleksandr Golovin levelled matters with a superbly struck free-kick, but from then on Arsenal controlled proceedings.
Ramsey scored a quality flick either side of goals from Alexandre Lacazette before half-time and, although the Gunners failed to add to their lead in the second half they still produced more confident and dominant attacking football.
Arsenal started the game in confident mood and came close to opening the scoring after just four minutes. Mesut Ozil, who put in a superb performance against the Russian outfit, combined with Nacho Monreal before picking out Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but the Armenian's shot went just wide.
Ramsey then saw a close-range effort ruled out for offside, but there was no denying the Welshman after nine minutes. A great team move ended with Hector Bellerin crossing from Ramsey to fire home.
CSKA Moscow were right back in the game six minutes later as Golovin hit a delightful free-kick into the top corner - it was a superbly-taken goal.
Back came Arsenal to restore their lead after 23 minutes when Ozil was tripped in the box by Georgi Schennikov and Lacazette made no mistake from the resulting penalty.
Then came the goal of the game after 28 minutes - the excellent Ozil lofted a ball over the top to Ramsey for the midfielder to flick it with the back of his foot up and over Igor Akinfeev in the visitors' goal.
At the other end Bibras Natkho sent his effort well over the crossbar and that miss proved costly as Arsenal scored their fourth goal 10 minutes before the break. Monreal's cutback was dummied by Jack Wilshere before Lacazette took a touch and rifled in his second goal of the evening.
On-loan Leicester forward Ahmed Musa tried to get CSKA Moscow back into the game by sending in a decent cross, but Alan Dzagoev blazed his effort over the crossbar from close range.
Arsenal continued to push forward, but were unable to add to their lead before half-time as Ozil's first-time strike went just over the crossbar.
The Gunners started the second half brightly, but Mkhitaryan shot just wide from a superb Ozil pass before Ramsey's effort deflected off target. The same two players very nearly combined for a goal soon after when Mkhitaryan's shot was fumbled by Akinfeev, but Ramsey sliced his follow-up over the crossbar.
Mkhitaryan was forced off injured shortly after the hour mark before a correct call from the linesman kept Arsenal's three-goal lead intact. Dzagoev's header beat Petr Cech in the Arsenal goal, but the CSKA Moscow man was pulled back for offside.
Arsene Wenger revealed after the match that Mkhitaryan has a knee problem and will miss the league match against Southampton, although the extent of the injury is unknown. It was also confirmed that goalkeeper David Ospina will be out for two to three weeks with an ankle problem.
Arsenal continued to try and add to their lead, but just couldn't make the most of the chances that came their way as Lacazette narrowly missed before Ozil's shot was palmed away by Akinfeev.
Lacazette didn't look too happy when he was subbed off with 17 minutes remaining and, although it would have been good to see him stay on to get a hat-trick, when he's been out with a long injury recently and the match was virtually won it was better to be safe.
Ramsey came close to grabbing a hat-trick with a shot from the edge of the box, but his right-footed effort hit a post.
Substitute Danny Welbeck tried to add further gloss to the scoreline, but the striker saw his shot saved at point blank range by Akinfeev.
There weren't to be any further goals as Ramsey sent a late effort wide, but it didn't stop the Gunners from running out worthy winners at the Emirates.
SECOND LEG
Surely taking a 4-1 lead into the second leg should be more than enough, but I am certainly not taking anything for granted.
We have a strong foothold into the semi-final, but we are not there yet. We must make sure we produce a solid performance and, most importantly, a decent defensive display to avoid any silly hiccups in this tie.
Playing away in Russia will be a totally different prospect and could be tough, but I think a three-goal lead should be enough for us and our Europa League chances are looking good.
Rather than give ourselves a mountain to climb in the second leg like we have done in other European ties in recent years, we did a decent job in the first match like we did in the last round against AC Milan, so hopefully it will pay off.
I won't get too carried away just yet as anything could happen, but our hopes of Europa League progression are definitely looking good as things stand.
If we do progress there is still a long way to go with a two-legged semi-final standing in the way of a place in the final and, with Atletico Madrid still in the tournament, nothing is going to be easy.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Before we can even begin to think about the second leg and progression into the semi-final, we must focus our attentions back to the Premier League and the visit of Southampton.
We are down in sixth and five points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. A top-four finish looks out of reach, but fifth isn't beyond the realms of possibility as Chelsea have been dropping points. If they lose any more we need to be ready to take advantage.
Southampton are currently in the relegation zone and fighting for their lives and, although I hope they stay up due to having close family and friends that support them, I hope they drop three more points when they face us.
If we can show the same attacking intent as we did against CSKA Moscow, but with extra killer instinct in front goal, then we should hopefully get another win.
I won't take anything for granted though and we'll have to be at our best to get a result, so let's hope that we are!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The Welsh midfielder opened the scoring after just nine minutes before Aleksandr Golovin levelled matters with a superbly struck free-kick, but from then on Arsenal controlled proceedings.
Ramsey scored a quality flick either side of goals from Alexandre Lacazette before half-time and, although the Gunners failed to add to their lead in the second half they still produced more confident and dominant attacking football.
Arsenal started the game in confident mood and came close to opening the scoring after just four minutes. Mesut Ozil, who put in a superb performance against the Russian outfit, combined with Nacho Monreal before picking out Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but the Armenian's shot went just wide.
Ramsey then saw a close-range effort ruled out for offside, but there was no denying the Welshman after nine minutes. A great team move ended with Hector Bellerin crossing from Ramsey to fire home.
CSKA Moscow were right back in the game six minutes later as Golovin hit a delightful free-kick into the top corner - it was a superbly-taken goal.
Back came Arsenal to restore their lead after 23 minutes when Ozil was tripped in the box by Georgi Schennikov and Lacazette made no mistake from the resulting penalty.
Then came the goal of the game after 28 minutes - the excellent Ozil lofted a ball over the top to Ramsey for the midfielder to flick it with the back of his foot up and over Igor Akinfeev in the visitors' goal.
At the other end Bibras Natkho sent his effort well over the crossbar and that miss proved costly as Arsenal scored their fourth goal 10 minutes before the break. Monreal's cutback was dummied by Jack Wilshere before Lacazette took a touch and rifled in his second goal of the evening.
On-loan Leicester forward Ahmed Musa tried to get CSKA Moscow back into the game by sending in a decent cross, but Alan Dzagoev blazed his effort over the crossbar from close range.
Arsenal continued to push forward, but were unable to add to their lead before half-time as Ozil's first-time strike went just over the crossbar.
The Gunners started the second half brightly, but Mkhitaryan shot just wide from a superb Ozil pass before Ramsey's effort deflected off target. The same two players very nearly combined for a goal soon after when Mkhitaryan's shot was fumbled by Akinfeev, but Ramsey sliced his follow-up over the crossbar.
Mkhitaryan was forced off injured shortly after the hour mark before a correct call from the linesman kept Arsenal's three-goal lead intact. Dzagoev's header beat Petr Cech in the Arsenal goal, but the CSKA Moscow man was pulled back for offside.
Arsene Wenger revealed after the match that Mkhitaryan has a knee problem and will miss the league match against Southampton, although the extent of the injury is unknown. It was also confirmed that goalkeeper David Ospina will be out for two to three weeks with an ankle problem.
Arsenal continued to try and add to their lead, but just couldn't make the most of the chances that came their way as Lacazette narrowly missed before Ozil's shot was palmed away by Akinfeev.
Lacazette didn't look too happy when he was subbed off with 17 minutes remaining and, although it would have been good to see him stay on to get a hat-trick, when he's been out with a long injury recently and the match was virtually won it was better to be safe.
Ramsey came close to grabbing a hat-trick with a shot from the edge of the box, but his right-footed effort hit a post.
Substitute Danny Welbeck tried to add further gloss to the scoreline, but the striker saw his shot saved at point blank range by Akinfeev.
There weren't to be any further goals as Ramsey sent a late effort wide, but it didn't stop the Gunners from running out worthy winners at the Emirates.
SECOND LEG
Surely taking a 4-1 lead into the second leg should be more than enough, but I am certainly not taking anything for granted.
We have a strong foothold into the semi-final, but we are not there yet. We must make sure we produce a solid performance and, most importantly, a decent defensive display to avoid any silly hiccups in this tie.
Playing away in Russia will be a totally different prospect and could be tough, but I think a three-goal lead should be enough for us and our Europa League chances are looking good.
Rather than give ourselves a mountain to climb in the second leg like we have done in other European ties in recent years, we did a decent job in the first match like we did in the last round against AC Milan, so hopefully it will pay off.
I won't get too carried away just yet as anything could happen, but our hopes of Europa League progression are definitely looking good as things stand.
If we do progress there is still a long way to go with a two-legged semi-final standing in the way of a place in the final and, with Atletico Madrid still in the tournament, nothing is going to be easy.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Before we can even begin to think about the second leg and progression into the semi-final, we must focus our attentions back to the Premier League and the visit of Southampton.
We are down in sixth and five points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. A top-four finish looks out of reach, but fifth isn't beyond the realms of possibility as Chelsea have been dropping points. If they lose any more we need to be ready to take advantage.
Southampton are currently in the relegation zone and fighting for their lives and, although I hope they stay up due to having close family and friends that support them, I hope they drop three more points when they face us.
If we can show the same attacking intent as we did against CSKA Moscow, but with extra killer instinct in front goal, then we should hopefully get another win.
I won't take anything for granted though and we'll have to be at our best to get a result, so let's hope that we are!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 1 April 2018
Potters pay the penalty as Gunners win
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice and unselfishly gave up the chance of the hat-trick to get team-mate Alexandre Lacazette back among the goals in Arsenal's 3-0 win over relegation-threatened Stoke.
The Gunners didn't really get going in what was a rather tedious first half, but showed more energy and purpose after the restart. Although there was an element of fortune about the controversial penalty which broke the deadlock after 75 minutes, it spurred Arsenal into life to see the game out.
After over two weeks without a match it was great to see us back in action in what was a shuffled line-up, with Premier League ever-presents Petr Cech and Granit Xhaka not in the starting XI. Xhaka was on the bench along with Laurent Koscielny, who was rested due to an Achilles problem.
Stoke started brightly with their main threat Xherdan Shaqiri curling a shot just wide inside the opening five minutes.
Arsenal looked very rusty in the first half and kept cheaply giving the ball away with sloppy passing. Shkodran Mustafi carelessly gave the ball away twice in the opening 15 minutes, although he did slightly redeem himself with two good sliding challenges.
Mame Biram Diouf saw his strike deflected off target for a corner before his Stoke team-mate Shaqiri sent a powerful long-range shot well wide.
Arsenal's first meaningful chance of the match didn't arrive until the 23rd minute when good interplay between Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey set up Hector Bellerin. The full-back's cross was cleared before Ramsey returned it on the volley and the Welsh midfielder's effort clipped the crossbar.
Ramsey and Mohamed Elneny saw shots deflect wide for a corner before Mesut Ozil saw two of his inviting crosses headed off target by Calum Chambers.
Arsenal improved after the break with Danny Welbeck sending a volley just wide before Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland reacted quickly to save Nacho Monreal's low strike soon after.
After being out injured for nearly two months it was great to see Lacazette make his return when he replaced Welbeck after 61 minutes and he put in a decent energetic shift.
Jack Wilshere saw his effort comfortably saved by Butland before Shaqiri tested David Ospina in the Arsenal goal at the other end.
Arsenal survived a heart in mouth moment when Shaqiri's inswinging corner cannoned back off a post with Ospina beaten.
The Gunners were soon back on the attack with Ozil's through ball picking out Aubameyang, but the Gabon striker's chipped effort was saved by Butland.
With 15 minutes remaining Arsenal broke the deadlock in somewhat controversial circumstances when Bruno Martins-Indi brought down Ozil in the box. A penalty was given, although Martins-Indi did appear to get a foot to the ball first before catching Ozil from behind. Referee Craig Pawson didn't have the benefit of a television replay and a penalty was given, with Aubameyang sending Butland the wrong way for his fourth goal in six appearances for the hosts.
Butland produced a great save to keep out Ramsey before Stoke wasted the chance to level the scores seven minutes from time. Substitute Peter Crouch headed the ball down to Badou Ndiaye, but the midfielder curled his effort way off target.
Arsenal put the result beyond doubt three minutes later as Aubameyang clinically fired a first-time shot beyond Butland from Ozil's corner.
Aubameyang could have had a hat-trick when Arsenal were awarded a more clear-cut penalty in the final minute of normal time, but instead he unselfishly let Lacazette take it and the French striker made no mistake to complete the scoring.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Stoke fan Laurie Crouch was downbeat about the performances of both sides after a defeat which left the Potters second bottom in the league and three points away from safety with only six games left.
"It was a crap game between two crap sides," said Crouch. "I thought we might hang on for a point until the terrible penalty decision, but we are not getting any luck - see Shaq's almost-goal from the corner.
"We’re dead and gone and if it wasn’t for Shaqiri we’d be bottom on about 10 points. Nobody at Arsenal looks interested as evidenced by the half-empty stands.
"They could barely even be bothered to boo Shawcross. I didn’t even realise Ozil was playing until the 35th minute. What’s he on, 350k a week?
"Conclusions: there’s still a bit of fight in us but we’re terrible, and down. Arsenal are embarrassingly crap for a team of that stature, and the apathy that’s set in there is reminiscent of what’s happening at Stoke, albeit at a different level.
"Basically football, and particularly the Premier League, is shite. We’ll see whether the Championship offers us anything more to cheer about next year, but I doubt you’ll be requesting any post-match comments from a Stoke fan any time soon! Over and out."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
The 3-0 victory and Tottenham's win at Chelsea means the latter are now only five points ahead of us. I'm not convinced we'll catch them, but you just never know.
Although Chelsea dropping points is good, I'd much rather that one had ended all square as we never like to see a Tottenham win and they are 13 points ahead of us which isn't good enough.
Attention must now quickly turn to the Europa League and the first leg of our Europa League quarter-final at home against CSKA Moscow.
We must make sure we don't underestimate the Russian outfit as by no means is this an easy tie, but it is certainly winnable and one of the preferred teams to have drawn given who else is still left in the competition.
We need to make sure we put in an excellent performance, try to build a decent lead and avoid conceding any away goals as the second leg in Russia will be a completely different kettle of fish.
Between the two legs we face a home Premier League game against Southampton and, although we don't have a lot left to play for, we must finish the season strongly and pick up as many points as we can!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
The Gunners didn't really get going in what was a rather tedious first half, but showed more energy and purpose after the restart. Although there was an element of fortune about the controversial penalty which broke the deadlock after 75 minutes, it spurred Arsenal into life to see the game out.
After over two weeks without a match it was great to see us back in action in what was a shuffled line-up, with Premier League ever-presents Petr Cech and Granit Xhaka not in the starting XI. Xhaka was on the bench along with Laurent Koscielny, who was rested due to an Achilles problem.
Stoke started brightly with their main threat Xherdan Shaqiri curling a shot just wide inside the opening five minutes.
Arsenal looked very rusty in the first half and kept cheaply giving the ball away with sloppy passing. Shkodran Mustafi carelessly gave the ball away twice in the opening 15 minutes, although he did slightly redeem himself with two good sliding challenges.
Mame Biram Diouf saw his strike deflected off target for a corner before his Stoke team-mate Shaqiri sent a powerful long-range shot well wide.
Arsenal's first meaningful chance of the match didn't arrive until the 23rd minute when good interplay between Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey set up Hector Bellerin. The full-back's cross was cleared before Ramsey returned it on the volley and the Welsh midfielder's effort clipped the crossbar.
Ramsey and Mohamed Elneny saw shots deflect wide for a corner before Mesut Ozil saw two of his inviting crosses headed off target by Calum Chambers.
Arsenal improved after the break with Danny Welbeck sending a volley just wide before Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland reacted quickly to save Nacho Monreal's low strike soon after.
After being out injured for nearly two months it was great to see Lacazette make his return when he replaced Welbeck after 61 minutes and he put in a decent energetic shift.
Jack Wilshere saw his effort comfortably saved by Butland before Shaqiri tested David Ospina in the Arsenal goal at the other end.
Arsenal survived a heart in mouth moment when Shaqiri's inswinging corner cannoned back off a post with Ospina beaten.
The Gunners were soon back on the attack with Ozil's through ball picking out Aubameyang, but the Gabon striker's chipped effort was saved by Butland.
With 15 minutes remaining Arsenal broke the deadlock in somewhat controversial circumstances when Bruno Martins-Indi brought down Ozil in the box. A penalty was given, although Martins-Indi did appear to get a foot to the ball first before catching Ozil from behind. Referee Craig Pawson didn't have the benefit of a television replay and a penalty was given, with Aubameyang sending Butland the wrong way for his fourth goal in six appearances for the hosts.
Butland produced a great save to keep out Ramsey before Stoke wasted the chance to level the scores seven minutes from time. Substitute Peter Crouch headed the ball down to Badou Ndiaye, but the midfielder curled his effort way off target.
Arsenal put the result beyond doubt three minutes later as Aubameyang clinically fired a first-time shot beyond Butland from Ozil's corner.
Aubameyang could have had a hat-trick when Arsenal were awarded a more clear-cut penalty in the final minute of normal time, but instead he unselfishly let Lacazette take it and the French striker made no mistake to complete the scoring.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Stoke fan Laurie Crouch was downbeat about the performances of both sides after a defeat which left the Potters second bottom in the league and three points away from safety with only six games left.
"It was a crap game between two crap sides," said Crouch. "I thought we might hang on for a point until the terrible penalty decision, but we are not getting any luck - see Shaq's almost-goal from the corner.
"We’re dead and gone and if it wasn’t for Shaqiri we’d be bottom on about 10 points. Nobody at Arsenal looks interested as evidenced by the half-empty stands.
"They could barely even be bothered to boo Shawcross. I didn’t even realise Ozil was playing until the 35th minute. What’s he on, 350k a week?
"Conclusions: there’s still a bit of fight in us but we’re terrible, and down. Arsenal are embarrassingly crap for a team of that stature, and the apathy that’s set in there is reminiscent of what’s happening at Stoke, albeit at a different level.
"Basically football, and particularly the Premier League, is shite. We’ll see whether the Championship offers us anything more to cheer about next year, but I doubt you’ll be requesting any post-match comments from a Stoke fan any time soon! Over and out."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
The 3-0 victory and Tottenham's win at Chelsea means the latter are now only five points ahead of us. I'm not convinced we'll catch them, but you just never know.
Although Chelsea dropping points is good, I'd much rather that one had ended all square as we never like to see a Tottenham win and they are 13 points ahead of us which isn't good enough.
Attention must now quickly turn to the Europa League and the first leg of our Europa League quarter-final at home against CSKA Moscow.
We must make sure we don't underestimate the Russian outfit as by no means is this an easy tie, but it is certainly winnable and one of the preferred teams to have drawn given who else is still left in the competition.
We need to make sure we put in an excellent performance, try to build a decent lead and avoid conceding any away goals as the second leg in Russia will be a completely different kettle of fish.
Between the two legs we face a home Premier League game against Southampton and, although we don't have a lot left to play for, we must finish the season strongly and pick up as many points as we can!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Friday, 16 March 2018
Controversial penalty helps Gunners into quarter-final
Danny Welbeck struck twice, including a controversial penalty, as Arsenal beat AC Milan 3-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate in their round of 16 Europa League tie.
Arsenal took a 2-0 advantage into the second leg and both sides had good chances in what was an open match at the Emirates.
AC Milan gave the hosts an early scare inside the opening two minutes as Andre Silva flashed a shot into the side netting.
Arsenal's first chance fell to Laurent Koscielny, but the defender's header looped over the bar before he was forced off injured after just 10 minutes. After the match manager Arsene Wenger confirmed the injury does not seem as bad as it looked and, although it isn't serious,the defender cramped up at the time and couldn't continue.
The Gunners came even closer after 25 minutes when Henrikh Mkhitaryan set up Welbeck, but the striker's effort was well saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Milan goal.
Milan turned the tie on its head and moved to within one goal of Arsenal after Hakan Calhanoglu's superb piercing strike from 30 yards after 36 minutes.
Arsenal raced up the other end to level the match via a controversial penalty. Welbeck got the wrong side of Ricardo Rodriguez after being played in by Mkhitaryan before going down under very minimal contact from the defender. It was very soft, but the penalty was given and Welbeck calmly slotted it past Donnarumma.
Milan wasted the chance to move back in front when Calhanoglu sliced a shot wide before Alessio Romagnoli lofted an effort over the crossbar.
The hosts also missed an opportunity to regain their lead on the night late in the first half as Jack Wilshere's effort was well kept out by Donnarumma.
Arsenal went in at the break at 1-1 and crucially 3-1 up on aggregate, meaning there was no chance of extra time and the next 45 minutes would decide the outcome one way or another.
Donnarumma came to Milan's rescue within seven minutes of the restart as Mkhitaryan latched onto a pass from Mesut Ozil before seeing his shot parried away for a corner by the visiting goalkeeper.
Milan refused to give up and were still creating chances with Suso's shot from the edge of the penalty area sailing just wide, before youngster Patrick Cutrone sent his volley off target.
Nikola Kalinic wasted a glorious chance to get Milan back in the tie after 68 minutes when a swerving cross picked him out in a great position, but the substitute could only send his header straight into the arms of David Ospina.
Arsenal moved 2-1 in front on the night and three goals clear on aggregate with a well-taken, yet fortuitous goal, after 71 minutes. Granit Xhaka powered a long-range shot towards goal and, although he hit it well, Donnarumma should have done better than to allow it to squirm into the net.
The hosts added further gloss to the scoreline five minutes from time when Wilshere ran into the box and clipped a cross in, which Donnarumma spilled and Welbeck was able to head in the rebound.
The lively Wilshere nearly grabbed a late goal for himself as his curling effort sailed just wide, but it didn't stop Arsenal from securing their place in this season's Europa League quarter-final.
QUARTER FINALS
When we got drawn against AC Milan I think many people feared the worst, especially with our poor form going into the first leg, but instead we showed grit and determination to deservedly book our place in the final eight.
There are some excellent sides still left in the competition, most notably Atletico Madrid, so whoever we face it won't be easy.
The other seven sides into the quarter final are Atletico Madrid, Marseille, Lazio, Sporting Lisbon, RB Leipzig, Salzburg and CSKA Moscow.
FC Red Bull Salzburg knocked out out Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16 so certainly can't be underestimated, but I think they would be my ideal pick to face in the next round.
No tie is going to be easy, but I think if we can at least avoid Atletico Madrid then we stand a good chance.
Roll on Friday's draw so we can find out who we will be playing in the quarter final.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It is frustrating to think our next game is now not until April's visit of Stoke, so a break of more than two weeks.
We were due to play Leicester next, but that has been delayed due to the Foxes' involvement in the FA Cup. Weirdly the new clash against Leicester at the moment appears to be after the final league weekend of the season is meant to be.
Although the wait for the next game is annoying, at least we got the job done and got through our two-legged tie with Milan!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Arsenal took a 2-0 advantage into the second leg and both sides had good chances in what was an open match at the Emirates.
AC Milan gave the hosts an early scare inside the opening two minutes as Andre Silva flashed a shot into the side netting.
Arsenal's first chance fell to Laurent Koscielny, but the defender's header looped over the bar before he was forced off injured after just 10 minutes. After the match manager Arsene Wenger confirmed the injury does not seem as bad as it looked and, although it isn't serious,the defender cramped up at the time and couldn't continue.
The Gunners came even closer after 25 minutes when Henrikh Mkhitaryan set up Welbeck, but the striker's effort was well saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Milan goal.
Milan turned the tie on its head and moved to within one goal of Arsenal after Hakan Calhanoglu's superb piercing strike from 30 yards after 36 minutes.
Arsenal raced up the other end to level the match via a controversial penalty. Welbeck got the wrong side of Ricardo Rodriguez after being played in by Mkhitaryan before going down under very minimal contact from the defender. It was very soft, but the penalty was given and Welbeck calmly slotted it past Donnarumma.
Milan wasted the chance to move back in front when Calhanoglu sliced a shot wide before Alessio Romagnoli lofted an effort over the crossbar.
The hosts also missed an opportunity to regain their lead on the night late in the first half as Jack Wilshere's effort was well kept out by Donnarumma.
Arsenal went in at the break at 1-1 and crucially 3-1 up on aggregate, meaning there was no chance of extra time and the next 45 minutes would decide the outcome one way or another.
Donnarumma came to Milan's rescue within seven minutes of the restart as Mkhitaryan latched onto a pass from Mesut Ozil before seeing his shot parried away for a corner by the visiting goalkeeper.
Milan refused to give up and were still creating chances with Suso's shot from the edge of the penalty area sailing just wide, before youngster Patrick Cutrone sent his volley off target.
Nikola Kalinic wasted a glorious chance to get Milan back in the tie after 68 minutes when a swerving cross picked him out in a great position, but the substitute could only send his header straight into the arms of David Ospina.
Arsenal moved 2-1 in front on the night and three goals clear on aggregate with a well-taken, yet fortuitous goal, after 71 minutes. Granit Xhaka powered a long-range shot towards goal and, although he hit it well, Donnarumma should have done better than to allow it to squirm into the net.
The hosts added further gloss to the scoreline five minutes from time when Wilshere ran into the box and clipped a cross in, which Donnarumma spilled and Welbeck was able to head in the rebound.
The lively Wilshere nearly grabbed a late goal for himself as his curling effort sailed just wide, but it didn't stop Arsenal from securing their place in this season's Europa League quarter-final.
QUARTER FINALS
When we got drawn against AC Milan I think many people feared the worst, especially with our poor form going into the first leg, but instead we showed grit and determination to deservedly book our place in the final eight.
There are some excellent sides still left in the competition, most notably Atletico Madrid, so whoever we face it won't be easy.
The other seven sides into the quarter final are Atletico Madrid, Marseille, Lazio, Sporting Lisbon, RB Leipzig, Salzburg and CSKA Moscow.
FC Red Bull Salzburg knocked out out Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16 so certainly can't be underestimated, but I think they would be my ideal pick to face in the next round.
No tie is going to be easy, but I think if we can at least avoid Atletico Madrid then we stand a good chance.
Roll on Friday's draw so we can find out who we will be playing in the quarter final.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It is frustrating to think our next game is now not until April's visit of Stoke, so a break of more than two weeks.
We were due to play Leicester next, but that has been delayed due to the Foxes' involvement in the FA Cup. Weirdly the new clash against Leicester at the moment appears to be after the final league weekend of the season is meant to be.
Although the wait for the next game is annoying, at least we got the job done and got through our two-legged tie with Milan!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 11 March 2018
Gunners sting Hornets to halt league slump
Our league campaign has been a mess, but Arsenal at least managed to end a run of three straight Premier League defeats with a 3-0 win over Watford.
It doesn't paper over the cracks of what has gone before, but it was certainly a much-needed win and Arsene Wenger's 700th for the Gunners.
Arsenal started brightly and came close to opening the scoring after just three minutes when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang latched onto Mesut Ozil's through ball, but the striker's effort was turned away by Orestis Karnezis in the Watford goal.
The Gunners made no mistake after eight minutes when Shkodran Mustafi headed in Ozil's free-kick for Arsenal's 1000th home Premier League goal - we are only the second team to reach that landmark.
That goal also saw Ozil become the fastest player to reach 50 Premier League assists, which he achieved in just 141 games.
Watford had a great opportunity to level the scores after 12 minutes when Richarlison set up Abdoulaye Doucoure, but his deflected strike was well saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Arsenal continued to create chances with Mohamed Elneny passing through to Sead Kolasinac, but Aubameyang couldn't quite get enough on the full-back's low ball into the box.
Richarlison tried to get Watford back into the game, but his free-kick hit a post before Roberto Pereryra blasted the rebound over the crossbar.
Back came Arsenal and Ozil cleverly worked his way into the box, only for his shot to be kept out by the outstretched leg of Karnezis.
Watford tried, but failed, to find an equaliser before half-time as Richarlison's header was tipped behind for a corner by Cech.
The cushion of a second goal finally came for Arsenal after 59 minutes as Henrikh Mkhitaryan ran at the defence and played a through ball into Aubameyang, who took a touch to take it past Karnezis and score from close range.
The game very nearly turned on its head two minutes later as Watford were awarded a penalty after Ainsley Maitland-Niles was adjudged to have fouled Pereyra in the box.
Troy Deeney, who said Arsenal players must look at themselves and show 'cojones' after Watford's 2-1 win in October's reverse fixture, stepped up to take the penalty. Fortunately for Arsenal Cech was on hand to dive to his right and palm away Deeney's spot-kick - his first Arsenal penalty save.
Mustafi was forced off with a groin problem after 72 minutes and will have to be assessed before the extent of the damage is known.
Arsenal put the result beyond doubt 13 minutes from time when Rob Holding's excellent through ball found Ozil, whose cutback was saved by Karnezis, but fell to Aubameyang and he set up Mkhitaryan to fire home.
Substitute Danny Welbeck tried to add further gloss to the scoreline late on, but his effort was kept out by Karnezis.
Watford were unable to find a consolation goal meaning Cech kept his 200th clean sheet and becomes the first goalkeeper to achieve that feat in Premier League history.
A much-needed win to halt our poor run of league form, but eight points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and 12 off Liverpool in fourth simply isn't good enough.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Watford fan Paul Caygill believes the best team on the day won at the Emirates and is nervous about the club's next league game away at Liverpool.
"It was a strange game," said Caygill. "In the first 10 minutes we gave too much respect, although there was not too much wrong with the first goal, just a great header.
"Gradually we got a foothold in the game and missed a good few chances as well as Arsenal. When Karnezis, who I felt was our best player, denied Ozil on the half hour that was the game changer.
"I did feel the first 15 minutes of the second half was our best spell of the match, but we didn’t test Cech enough. The killer was the second goal, because it knocked us out of stride, until the penalty.
"That goes in, you could see the crowd getting very nervous. Deeney misses, which considering his comments back in October, is probably ironic.
"That killed the game really and a third was inevitable. Overall the best team on the day won, and we should still be safe, but I’m not feeling confident about Anfield on Saturday teatime on this evidence."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
With confidence low and things in a mess the recent wins against AC Milan and Watford are a big morale boost for the Gunners.
Even if this is the start of a good run of form it won't stop it from being a poor league campaign, but at least there has been more positives in the last two games in all competitions.
Focus must now quickly switch to the second leg of our Europa League round of 16 tie against AC Milan.
The job is only half done, but after a surprise 2-0 win in Italy the tie is firmly in our favour. I am taking nothing for granted as anything could happen, but I feel better about our chances than I thought I would have done at this stage after being handed a tough draw.
Our next league match will see us travel to Leicester, which will undoubtedly be a tough game, but we need to make sure we produce a decent performance.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
It doesn't paper over the cracks of what has gone before, but it was certainly a much-needed win and Arsene Wenger's 700th for the Gunners.
Arsenal started brightly and came close to opening the scoring after just three minutes when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang latched onto Mesut Ozil's through ball, but the striker's effort was turned away by Orestis Karnezis in the Watford goal.
The Gunners made no mistake after eight minutes when Shkodran Mustafi headed in Ozil's free-kick for Arsenal's 1000th home Premier League goal - we are only the second team to reach that landmark.
That goal also saw Ozil become the fastest player to reach 50 Premier League assists, which he achieved in just 141 games.
Watford had a great opportunity to level the scores after 12 minutes when Richarlison set up Abdoulaye Doucoure, but his deflected strike was well saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Arsenal continued to create chances with Mohamed Elneny passing through to Sead Kolasinac, but Aubameyang couldn't quite get enough on the full-back's low ball into the box.
Richarlison tried to get Watford back into the game, but his free-kick hit a post before Roberto Pereryra blasted the rebound over the crossbar.
Back came Arsenal and Ozil cleverly worked his way into the box, only for his shot to be kept out by the outstretched leg of Karnezis.
Watford tried, but failed, to find an equaliser before half-time as Richarlison's header was tipped behind for a corner by Cech.
The cushion of a second goal finally came for Arsenal after 59 minutes as Henrikh Mkhitaryan ran at the defence and played a through ball into Aubameyang, who took a touch to take it past Karnezis and score from close range.
The game very nearly turned on its head two minutes later as Watford were awarded a penalty after Ainsley Maitland-Niles was adjudged to have fouled Pereyra in the box.
Troy Deeney, who said Arsenal players must look at themselves and show 'cojones' after Watford's 2-1 win in October's reverse fixture, stepped up to take the penalty. Fortunately for Arsenal Cech was on hand to dive to his right and palm away Deeney's spot-kick - his first Arsenal penalty save.
Mustafi was forced off with a groin problem after 72 minutes and will have to be assessed before the extent of the damage is known.
Arsenal put the result beyond doubt 13 minutes from time when Rob Holding's excellent through ball found Ozil, whose cutback was saved by Karnezis, but fell to Aubameyang and he set up Mkhitaryan to fire home.
Substitute Danny Welbeck tried to add further gloss to the scoreline late on, but his effort was kept out by Karnezis.
Watford were unable to find a consolation goal meaning Cech kept his 200th clean sheet and becomes the first goalkeeper to achieve that feat in Premier League history.
A much-needed win to halt our poor run of league form, but eight points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and 12 off Liverpool in fourth simply isn't good enough.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Watford fan Paul Caygill believes the best team on the day won at the Emirates and is nervous about the club's next league game away at Liverpool.
"It was a strange game," said Caygill. "In the first 10 minutes we gave too much respect, although there was not too much wrong with the first goal, just a great header.
"Gradually we got a foothold in the game and missed a good few chances as well as Arsenal. When Karnezis, who I felt was our best player, denied Ozil on the half hour that was the game changer.
"I did feel the first 15 minutes of the second half was our best spell of the match, but we didn’t test Cech enough. The killer was the second goal, because it knocked us out of stride, until the penalty.
"That goes in, you could see the crowd getting very nervous. Deeney misses, which considering his comments back in October, is probably ironic.
"That killed the game really and a third was inevitable. Overall the best team on the day won, and we should still be safe, but I’m not feeling confident about Anfield on Saturday teatime on this evidence."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
With confidence low and things in a mess the recent wins against AC Milan and Watford are a big morale boost for the Gunners.
Even if this is the start of a good run of form it won't stop it from being a poor league campaign, but at least there has been more positives in the last two games in all competitions.
Focus must now quickly switch to the second leg of our Europa League round of 16 tie against AC Milan.
The job is only half done, but after a surprise 2-0 win in Italy the tie is firmly in our favour. I am taking nothing for granted as anything could happen, but I feel better about our chances than I thought I would have done at this stage after being handed a tough draw.
Our next league match will see us travel to Leicester, which will undoubtedly be a tough game, but we need to make sure we produce a decent performance.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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