Arsenal vs. Swansea

1-0, the FA cup, Emirates Stadium, 2013-01-16
Wilshere 86

It seemed as though this evening would end in tears for us as we kept on creating chances but just couldn't seem to convert them into goals, until a certain Jack Wilshere came in and saved the day! An absolutely stunning goal to get us through to the next stage of the FA Cup!

Our first decent chance to score came when Walcott crossed the ball to Giroud about five minutes into the game, unfortunately the header went wide and when the Frenchman got in a shooting position just after the header his shot went wide as well. Fifteen minutes later we had a great free-kick opportunity as Walcott was brought down right at the edge of the box, but Vermaelen's powerful shot went over the bar. Mere minutes later Bartley headed the ball against the bar for Swansea, a rather serious warning of the threat that Swansea posed in this game. Before half-time we had one more shot at goal, Walcott's strike was saved by the keeper though.

In the second half we began to build up even more pressure on Swansea and right as the half began Walcott was given a golden opportunity, quite surprisingly his shot went wide. Cazorla had a shot over the bar just a couple of minutes later.
   Giroud continued to put his headers wide as he met Walcott's corner brilliantly but just couldn't seem to get  it on target. Then Wilshere had two great chances, first his shot was deflected wide and from the resulting corner he eventually got a shot from close-range, which first was saved by the keeper and then saved on the goal-line by a defender. Another corner-kick just a minute later was yet again saved on the goal-line by a Swansea player.
   We continued to create chance upon chance, Giroud had a shot on target saved by the keeper a minute before Walcott fired a shot wide. With ten minutes to go Giroud had a shot taken right at the keeper and Sagna's cross was almost met by Walcott, but ended up hitting the post. As extra-time approached Giroud had a header on target that was saved on the goal-line and the following shot was blocked.
   Then salvation came as Jack Wilshere showed up, firing a powerful shot that went past the keeper and into the back of the net! A truly brilliant volley!

Jack has improved from game to game since returning from his long-term injury, we are fortunate to have him. Next up in the FA cup is Brighton away for us, that game will take place next weekend. This weekend we face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which ought to be quite a challenge.

Injury Update:
- Arteta and Rosicky will both miss the Chelsea game through injury.