2-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 2013-02-23
Cazorla 6, 85
It was vital for us to get the three points in this game if we are to have any hope of reaching the fourth spot, so needless to say the feeling of relief when we scored the winner with five minutes to go was immense! However, we should have won this game far more comfortably than we did considering all the chances we had. But, for now, we can be pleased with the three points.
After less than five minutes Wilshere had a shot on target that was saved by the 'keeper, and two minutes later we found ourselves ahead! Santi Cazorla's first shot was blocked, but he managed to pick up the ball again and fire a shot past the 'keeper! As we got such an early goal, one might have thought that we could get the three points with ease, but that was not the case as we couldn't seem to convert any other chances. After the goal we maintained a lot of pressure on Villa, but we had to remain vary of their counter-attacks as Szczesny had to make a couple of decent saves in the first half. We, on the other hand, mainly threatened through Walcott and Giroud, the former providing some good crosses as well as shot going just wide or getting blocked and the latter producing a fine shot that was saved and the rebound was put just wide of the goal.
From the start of the second half we continued to put pressure on Villa. Giroud had a powerful shot wide while Cazorla had a shot on target saved by the 'keeper and Jenkinson provided a great cross that was almost met by Giroud. Then disaster struck as Aston Villa scored through a shot from a distance that Szczesny should have kept out. This led to further pressuring from our side and when Giroud had a header saved/hitting the bar the feeling that this was just not going to be our game crept in. But, with just five minutes left, Santi Cazorla did it again! Monreal put in a brilliant cross that was met by the Spaniard, who put the ball into the back of the net with a low and sizzling shot! In the final minutes Walcott had two chances to increase our lead, one went high and wide while the other was saved.
We obviously need all the points we can get in the pursuit of that fourth spot, and fortunately we managed to get the three points in this game. However, ahead of this game one would not have thought it a too hard a challenge to win, at home, against Aston Villa. But in this league no game is a certain victory and anything can happen.
Injury Update:
- Diaby had to be replaced in this game due to some kind of injury, do not know the severity of it yet.
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