Reading vs. Arsenal

5-2, Premier League, Madejski Stadium, 2012-12-17
Podolski 14,
Cazorla 32, 35, 60,
Walcott 80

For the first time in what feels like forever Arsenal produced a mind-blowing performance! We were brilliant for the majority of the game, as the scoreline will show. Tons of chances were created from many different players and it was truly great to see it!

Just about fifteen minutes into the first half we opened the scoring through Lukas Podolski, whose shot went into the back of the net from close range after a great cross from Gibbs. However, we truly brought the heat half an hour into the game when Cazorla scored twice within three minutes to grant us an astonishing first half lead. His first was quite a shocker, suddenly Santi Cazorla popped up in the box to score with a header! The most likely shortest player on the pitch got to score with a header.. Remarkable. A couple of minutes later he did it again, although not with his head. Walcott crossed the ball to Gibbs, who headed it down for Santi Cazorla to fire a quick shot into goal! Right before half-time Oxlade-Chamberlain got close with a header from Sagna's cross, it was saved by the 'keeper though.

We started the first half in like fashion as the first as Walcott came close to scoring, unfortunately the ball was cleared in the last second  by a defender. However, fifteen minutes into the half out new Spaniard got to complete his first hat-trick in the Premier League. Podolski found him in the box, and Santi Cazorla had no difficulties tapping the ball into the back of the net. We appeared to get a bit complacent after that fourth goal and made some sloppy mistakes that led to Reading pulling two goals back. Yet, we got the last say of the game as our central striker for the day, Theo Walcott, got to fire away a wonderful shot due to an assist from Cazorla.

It was indeed great to watch the Arsenal in this game, hopefully we will keep up the good work as it was stunning at times in this game. Cazorla had an outstanding game, not to forget Walcott's performance up-front. Everything seemed to click in this game and it was definitely vital as we now find ourselves in fifth place for the hectic Christmas period!

Injury Update:
- Walcott made it back for this game from his recent injury problems.