1-2, Premier League, Liberty Stadium, 28 September 2013
Gnabry 58,
Ramsey 62
Considering the fact that Tottenham and Chelsea dropped points ahead of this game, as well as the fact that both Manchester City and Manchester United lost prior to our game, we had some important points to gain and a win would ensure the top spot in the league!
Nevertheless, Swansea are formidable opponents and they had a great start to this game, keeping possession and moving the ball around with a good flow. It took us fifteen minutes to get a decent chance, and it is hardly surprising that it was Ramsey who claimed it. Flamini passed the ball to the Welshman, whose shot was just inches wide of the post. Apart from this, there really weren't many clear-cut chances in the first half, the only other coming to mind was in the very last minute of the half when Gnabry (18-year-old German who has stepped in since Walcott's injury) got the ball to Giroud, but the Frenchman's shot went wide.
It was in the second half that all the action happened, with a very prolific start from the young 18-year-old German. He started with a shot on target five minutes into the half, and seven minutes later he found the back of the net! Ramsey provided the assist to Serge Gnabry, who fired past the 'keeper, making him our second youngest goalscorer in the league! In the following minutes Özil got close to scoring as well, but he was denied by the 'keeper, having been set free by yet another Ramsey pass. Three minutes later, the Welshman would claim his eighth goal so far this season and win us the game. Wilshere did great in the build-up to the goal to win the ball and get it to Giroud, who was completely unselfish as he passed it back to Aaron Ramsey, whose finish went over both 'keeper and defender to reach the back of the net! Yet another great goal scored by Ramsey, his incredible run continues and the chants he hears now goes along the lines of: "He scores when he wants, he scores when he wants, Aaron Ramsey, he scores when he wants!"
Things got dramatic towards the end, though, as Swansea got back in the game with ten minutes to go, but we held on to the lead and got the three points!
As mentioned, these three points mean that we are currently top of the league, being two points ahead of Tottenham!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
West Bromwich Albion vs. Arsenal
1-1 (3-4 penalties), Capital One Cup, The Hawthorns, 25 September 2013
Eisfeld 62
Unfortunately Swedish television did not broadcast this Capital One Cup clash. Fortunately there are other ways of following a game, as well as ways of watching the highlights the following day!
The first half was quite uneventful, both teams created chances but failed to find the back of the net. It wasn't until about midway through the second half that things got truly interesting. Nicklas Bendtner (back in the Arsenal shirt) played a brilliant pass through to Thomas Eisfeld, and the young German midfielder fired into the back of the net! It did not take long, however, for West Brom to equalise through a header following a corner.
The game eventually reached extra-time, but since no one could find a winning goal it was penalties that had to settle this game, West Brom went first:
1-0 Reid
1-1 Bendtner
2-1 Rosenberg
2-1 Gnabry's effort is saved.
3-1 Morrison
3-2 Olsson
3-2 Dawson misses!
3-3 Akpom scores!
3-3 Amalfitano misses!
3-4 MONREAL SCORES!!
It got quite dramatic, but we made it through all right to the fourth round, where we will face Chelsea at the Emirates!
Injury Update:
- Arteta completed 95 minutes of this game, while Vermaelen played the entire game.
- Cazorla is expected to be back in approximately one week, hopefully in time for the next game against West Brom in the league.
Eisfeld 62
Unfortunately Swedish television did not broadcast this Capital One Cup clash. Fortunately there are other ways of following a game, as well as ways of watching the highlights the following day!
The first half was quite uneventful, both teams created chances but failed to find the back of the net. It wasn't until about midway through the second half that things got truly interesting. Nicklas Bendtner (back in the Arsenal shirt) played a brilliant pass through to Thomas Eisfeld, and the young German midfielder fired into the back of the net! It did not take long, however, for West Brom to equalise through a header following a corner.
The game eventually reached extra-time, but since no one could find a winning goal it was penalties that had to settle this game, West Brom went first:
1-0 Reid
1-1 Bendtner
2-1 Rosenberg
2-1 Gnabry's effort is saved.
3-1 Morrison
3-2 Olsson
3-2 Dawson misses!
3-3 Akpom scores!
3-3 Amalfitano misses!
3-4 MONREAL SCORES!!
It got quite dramatic, but we made it through all right to the fourth round, where we will face Chelsea at the Emirates!
Injury Update:
- Arteta completed 95 minutes of this game, while Vermaelen played the entire game.
- Cazorla is expected to be back in approximately one week, hopefully in time for the next game against West Brom in the league.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Arsenal vs. Stoke
3-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 22 September 2013
Ramsey 5,
Mertesacker 36,
Sagna 72
I travelled to London this weekend to watch this game live at the Emirates, and at last the curse has been lifted! Prior to this weekend I have watched the Arsenal live a total of six times and never have I seen a victory, or a game where we have scored more than one goal, in fact! One 1-2 defeat, three 0-0 and two 1-1 games is what I've had to settle with. But no more! Words can't describe the relief this win brings me, I was even considering not watching them live any more due to the poor results!
The first half began in splendid fashion as we took the lead within five minutes! And who scored if not red hot Aaron Ramsey! Stoke 'keeper Begovic punched Özil's free kick out, into the path of the Welshman who fired it into the back of the net from a fairly close range! His current form is just breathtaking and it definitely promises to be a good season for Ramsey!
Unfortunately we dropped our game slightly following the goal, allowing Stoke to equalise approximately twenty minutes after having taken the lead. However, that was a wake-up call for the team and it did not take long before we played some serious good football again, and with that we got back in front. Once again it was from a set-piece and once again it was Özil who provided the assist. The German's corner found the head of Per Mertesacker, our very own Big Fucking German, who put the ball into the back of the net! It was a relief to be back with a lead and it was certainly deserved!
We continued with the same spirit in the second half, and even though Stoke continuously searched for an equaliser we never allowed it. The game was more or less sealed when the third goal arrived, and from quite the unexpected chance! With the risk of sounding like a broken record, Özil provided with the assist through a set-piece. His free-kick was perfectly met by Bacary Sagna, the short full-back somehow got a header away crushed between two Stoke defenders, for him to score from that situation was quite unbelievable!
So another important victory with three more points, another game where Ramsey scored and another game where Özil shone, creating both goals and chances from his midfield position!
Injury Update:
- Walcott has developed a minor problem with his posterior abdominal wall, causing him to miss out on a couple of games, but is expected back after the upcoming international break.
- Arteta was back for this game! He came on for the final ten minutes and looked very well!
Ramsey 5,
Mertesacker 36,
Sagna 72
I travelled to London this weekend to watch this game live at the Emirates, and at last the curse has been lifted! Prior to this weekend I have watched the Arsenal live a total of six times and never have I seen a victory, or a game where we have scored more than one goal, in fact! One 1-2 defeat, three 0-0 and two 1-1 games is what I've had to settle with. But no more! Words can't describe the relief this win brings me, I was even considering not watching them live any more due to the poor results!
The first half began in splendid fashion as we took the lead within five minutes! And who scored if not red hot Aaron Ramsey! Stoke 'keeper Begovic punched Özil's free kick out, into the path of the Welshman who fired it into the back of the net from a fairly close range! His current form is just breathtaking and it definitely promises to be a good season for Ramsey!
Unfortunately we dropped our game slightly following the goal, allowing Stoke to equalise approximately twenty minutes after having taken the lead. However, that was a wake-up call for the team and it did not take long before we played some serious good football again, and with that we got back in front. Once again it was from a set-piece and once again it was Özil who provided the assist. The German's corner found the head of Per Mertesacker, our very own Big Fucking German, who put the ball into the back of the net! It was a relief to be back with a lead and it was certainly deserved!
We continued with the same spirit in the second half, and even though Stoke continuously searched for an equaliser we never allowed it. The game was more or less sealed when the third goal arrived, and from quite the unexpected chance! With the risk of sounding like a broken record, Özil provided with the assist through a set-piece. His free-kick was perfectly met by Bacary Sagna, the short full-back somehow got a header away crushed between two Stoke defenders, for him to score from that situation was quite unbelievable!
So another important victory with three more points, another game where Ramsey scored and another game where Özil shone, creating both goals and chances from his midfield position!
Injury Update:
- Walcott has developed a minor problem with his posterior abdominal wall, causing him to miss out on a couple of games, but is expected back after the upcoming international break.
- Arteta was back for this game! He came on for the final ten minutes and looked very well!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Marseille vs. Arsenal
1-2, Champions League, Stade Velodrome, 18.09.2013
Walcott 65,
Ramsey 84
At last the Champions League has kicked off well and truly with the first match of the group stage now completed! Getting an away win in the very first game certainly puts us in a brilliant position to qualify, but there is still many games to be played, meaning many points to play for.
Injury Update:
- Mertesacker was back in the starting XI this evening, recovering from a previous illness.
Walcott 65,
Ramsey 84
At last the Champions League has kicked off well and truly with the first match of the group stage now completed! Getting an away win in the very first game certainly puts us in a brilliant position to qualify, but there is still many games to be played, meaning many points to play for.
The game started with Walcott getting a couple of chances, his header was cleared by a defender and he had a shot saved by the Marseille 'keeper Mandanda. Marseille had a couple of chances themselves, Szczesny was called into action early, making a comfortable save, and later on in the game Ayew headed the ball wide for the home side.
In general, the first half was quite tight with no team creating particularly clear chances. Towards the end of the half Ramsey got a shot away, but it was cleared by a defender. The very last chance of the half, however, went to Marseille. Fortunately for us, Mertesacker was there to make the vital clearance right in front of the goal-line!
Right at the start of the second half Marseille got inches away from scoring again, this time through a slightly wide shot from Fanni. From that moment on, however, our domination became a fact. Özil's cross was cleared by a defender instead of reaching the intended target right in front of the goal, Walcott. The German midfielder would almost create another goal minutes later, as Gibbs passed the ball to him in the box, continued his run and received a clever back-heel back from Özil, only to have the shot saved by Mandanda.
On the other side of the pitch Szczesny had to remain vary, and did well to prevent a low, powerful shot from reaching the back of the net. Minutes later Gibbs headed the ball clear right on the goal-line as Mertesacker and Szczesny had a misunderstanding, the Polish 'keeper caught the header from Gibbs, though.
Nevertheless, one could tell that we were getting closer and closer to a goal. Sagna found Wilshere with a brilliant cross and the Englishman did get a decent shot away, but Mandanda made yet another save. We did find a way past the Marseille 'keeper eventually, and got the long over-due lead. Gibbs created a great cross that found its way to Theo Walcott, who fired on the volley with a brilliant strike past the 'keeper!
After the goal the game opened up considerably, with chances for both teams. Szczesny had to continue making good saves, one particularly dangerous shot came from outside the 18-yard-box with approximately twenty minutes to go. Then Giroud saw a powerful header go wide while Valbuena fired a shot over the bar the following minute. Özil also fired wide, from quite a steep angle.
The game was more or less over, though, when a certain Welsh midfielder scored yet another goal for us this season, granting us the 2-0 lead. Aaron Ramsey put on a brilliant solo effort, shrugging off Marseille players as he advanced towards the goal to fire into the back of the net! He has certainly been the centre of attention recently, and for good reason, proving to be the talent Wenger always saw in him!
However, right before the end of the game Marseille got a penalty as Ramsey brought a player down in the box. The replay showed that the midfielder got to the ball first, but this was not noticed by the ref and Ayew scored from the penalty spot.
Although the very last action of the game was a bit bitter, it does not remove the relief and importance of getting the three points away from home. We have a tough group and will need all the points we can get to qualify!
Injury Update:
- Mertesacker was back in the starting XI this evening, recovering from a previous illness.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Sunderland vs. Arsenal
1-3, Premier League, Stadium of Light, 14.09.2013
Giroud 11,
Ramsey 67, 76
There is no denying the fact that the main focus ahead of this game was on Mesut Özil, especially since he got to start the game despite having been sick earlier this week. It proved to be a good decision, and an even better decision to sign him in the first place, despite the price!
Five minutes into the game we got a corner, which was taken by none other than Özil. He created a fairly good chance with that corner kick, as it led to Walcott getting a powerful shot away, only to be saved by Sunderland 'keeper Westwood. Merely five minutes later, though, our German playmaker would get his first assist in the Arsenal shirt. He controlled the ball at the edge of the 18-yard-box and provided a brilliant pass to Olivier Giroud, who finished the move off with a classy strike into the back of the net! This obviously means that Giroud continues on his stunning goalscoring run, while the first (hopefully of many) assist for Özil came in his debut! Sunderland almost made a quick reply to our goal by scoring themselves, fortunately they hit the bar instead of the net with a header following a corner.
During this game we saw plenty of Özil passes leading to decent chances for Walcott. The first of these game after fifteen mintutes, when the Englishman found himself one-on-one with Westwood due to a great pass by Özil. Unfortunately Walcott could not find a way past the 'keeper, who made the save. Minutes later Szczesny was called back into action as a thumping long-distance shot headed his way, fortunately for us he made the important save.
We got a glimpse of what was to come as Ramsey had a shot deflected wide midway through the half. Westwood them made two decent saves to first deny Özil a goal on his debut from a free-kick and then to yet again deny Walcott a goal. The English winger would get two more chances before the end of the half, the first was a header wide following some great link-up play between Wilshere and Giroud, the former eventually getting the ball to Walcott. Then, in the very last minute of the half, a clever pass by Giroud led to yet another Walcott shot being saved by Westwood, and Özil's follow-up was deflected into a corner.
The beginning of the second half could not have gone much worse for us, in the end we were happy that the scoreline was not 1-3 after the initial fifteen minutes. Right at the start Sunderland got a penalty as Koscielny mistimed a tackle in the box, Gardner scored from the penalty spot. Ten minutes later they scored again, but it was ruled offside, and rightly so, by the ref. Mere minutes after that offside goal they hit the inside of the post with a free-kick, fortunately for us the ball never crossed the goal-line. Considering how we had dominated the first half, this was quite a shock. However, we stepped up our game and overcame the obstacle ahead.
We have recently been able to see the amazing growth within one of our younger midfield players, he has stepped up tremendously of late and he saved us in this game. Within ten minutes he turned the game around for us, ensuring our victory. Aaron Ramsey has truly become one of our more influential players! The first goal came with approximately twenty minutes of the game to go, Jenkinson provided a great pass to the Welshman and the strike produced was just magnificent, containing both power and precision! The second goal was created through some slick play, Özil got the ball to Giroud, who at once played it onwards so Aaron Ramsey could finish the move off with a superb shot!
This result, along with the fact that both Manchester City and Chelsea dropped points, means that we are at the top of the league (even if just for a day)!! Our recent winning streak has ensured a rapid rise in the table, let's just hope that it continues for as long as possible!
Injury Update:
- Vermaelen is back from his back injury! He was brought on towards the end of this game, bringing Özil's debut to a premature end.
- Mertesacker missed out on this game due to illness.
- Cazorla picked up an ankle injury while away, causing him to miss out on this game.
- Rosicky has picked up a hamstring problem and was not available for this game.
Giroud 11,
Ramsey 67, 76
There is no denying the fact that the main focus ahead of this game was on Mesut Özil, especially since he got to start the game despite having been sick earlier this week. It proved to be a good decision, and an even better decision to sign him in the first place, despite the price!
Five minutes into the game we got a corner, which was taken by none other than Özil. He created a fairly good chance with that corner kick, as it led to Walcott getting a powerful shot away, only to be saved by Sunderland 'keeper Westwood. Merely five minutes later, though, our German playmaker would get his first assist in the Arsenal shirt. He controlled the ball at the edge of the 18-yard-box and provided a brilliant pass to Olivier Giroud, who finished the move off with a classy strike into the back of the net! This obviously means that Giroud continues on his stunning goalscoring run, while the first (hopefully of many) assist for Özil came in his debut! Sunderland almost made a quick reply to our goal by scoring themselves, fortunately they hit the bar instead of the net with a header following a corner.
During this game we saw plenty of Özil passes leading to decent chances for Walcott. The first of these game after fifteen mintutes, when the Englishman found himself one-on-one with Westwood due to a great pass by Özil. Unfortunately Walcott could not find a way past the 'keeper, who made the save. Minutes later Szczesny was called back into action as a thumping long-distance shot headed his way, fortunately for us he made the important save.
We got a glimpse of what was to come as Ramsey had a shot deflected wide midway through the half. Westwood them made two decent saves to first deny Özil a goal on his debut from a free-kick and then to yet again deny Walcott a goal. The English winger would get two more chances before the end of the half, the first was a header wide following some great link-up play between Wilshere and Giroud, the former eventually getting the ball to Walcott. Then, in the very last minute of the half, a clever pass by Giroud led to yet another Walcott shot being saved by Westwood, and Özil's follow-up was deflected into a corner.
The beginning of the second half could not have gone much worse for us, in the end we were happy that the scoreline was not 1-3 after the initial fifteen minutes. Right at the start Sunderland got a penalty as Koscielny mistimed a tackle in the box, Gardner scored from the penalty spot. Ten minutes later they scored again, but it was ruled offside, and rightly so, by the ref. Mere minutes after that offside goal they hit the inside of the post with a free-kick, fortunately for us the ball never crossed the goal-line. Considering how we had dominated the first half, this was quite a shock. However, we stepped up our game and overcame the obstacle ahead.
We have recently been able to see the amazing growth within one of our younger midfield players, he has stepped up tremendously of late and he saved us in this game. Within ten minutes he turned the game around for us, ensuring our victory. Aaron Ramsey has truly become one of our more influential players! The first goal came with approximately twenty minutes of the game to go, Jenkinson provided a great pass to the Welshman and the strike produced was just magnificent, containing both power and precision! The second goal was created through some slick play, Özil got the ball to Giroud, who at once played it onwards so Aaron Ramsey could finish the move off with a superb shot!
This result, along with the fact that both Manchester City and Chelsea dropped points, means that we are at the top of the league (even if just for a day)!! Our recent winning streak has ensured a rapid rise in the table, let's just hope that it continues for as long as possible!
Injury Update:
- Vermaelen is back from his back injury! He was brought on towards the end of this game, bringing Özil's debut to a premature end.
- Mertesacker missed out on this game due to illness.
- Cazorla picked up an ankle injury while away, causing him to miss out on this game.
- Rosicky has picked up a hamstring problem and was not available for this game.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Signing: Mesut Özil
During the final hours of deadline day Arsenal secured a club-record signing of German international Mesut Özil. The 24-year-old midfielder allegedly left Real Madrid for no less than £42,2 million pounds. It is reported to be a five-year-deal, and hopefully one that will bring much joy and fortune! It will be exciting, to say the least, to see what our new no. 11 can accomplish in the Arsenal shirt!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Signing: Emiliano Viviano
Italian goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano has joined Arsenal on a season-long loan for 2013/2014. He is a 27-year-old 'keeper going from Palermo to join us for the season. Personally I have no experience of watching him play, but it will be interesting to see him compete for a starting place against Szczesny and Fabianski.
Arsenal vs. Tottenham
1-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 01.09.2013
Giroud 23
This season the first North London Derby came along early, and very much to our liking. We played circles around Tottenham, with all their new signings, for the better part of the game, emphasising the fact that their best player definitely was their 'keeper!
In the very first minute, however, Koscielny had to make an important block to prevent a disastrous start to the game. Two minutes later Cazorla saw his sizzling free-kick saved by Lloris ín the Tottenham goal and the resulting header was sent over the bar by Giroud. Merely three minutes later we got another free-kick in a decent position as Walcott was brought down just outside of the 18-yard-box. Once again Cazorla stepped up to take it and fired inches wide of the post!
Mertesacker was then called into action as he made the second important block in front of the goal for us following a shot from Soldado. Ten minutes then elapsed before what would become the winning goal was scored. Rosicky passed the ball to Walcott, who made a brilliant cross for Olivier Giroud to put into the back of the net! It was not the Frenchman's first goal in a North London Derby, but it could very well be the most important one so far! Needless to say he has had an amazing start to this season, much like Ramsey who shone in the midfield in this game, and this could very well prove to be his (and Ramsey's) season!
The just mentioned Welsh midfielder created our next decent chance to score as he advanced skillfully down the right-hand side and played a great ball to Walcott, whose shot was saved by Lloris. At the half-hour mark our own 'keeper (Szczesny, that is) had to make a save as Townsend fired a fairly long-distance shot away. In the Fenerbahce game earlier this week Ramsey proved to be quite the goalscorer, unfortunately that was not evident in this game as he fired high over the bar when Walcott found him with some space at the edge of the 18-yard-box.
Before the end of the half Szczesny made another decent save following a Townsend shot and for the first time in five years we got to see Flamini take to the pitch as an Arsenal player when Wilshere had to go off due to a stomach bug. The Frenchman provided plenty of experience and showcased great dedication and skill in the midfield, all in all I believe he will prove to be a very good signing!
There was plenty of pace right at the start of the second half, our first chance came along as Ramsey fired a shot wide from way outside the 18-yard-box. A while later, roughly twenty minutes into the half, Giroud finished a great counter-attack with a strike that was deflected wide. Two minutes later Tottenham fired wide as well through Paulinho.
With twenty minutes to go Walcott got in a position he usually scores from, but this time he did not manage to put the ball over the 'keeper, as the ball was just out of his reach. That could have proved costly, as approximately five minutes later Tottenham got ridiculously closed to scoring following a free-kick, the only thing in their way being one of Szczesny's hands! A truly stunning save by our Polish 'keeper!
As we approached eighty minutes played Monreal replaced Rosicky and immediately got close to scoring as Giroud played a wonderful ball to Walcott in the box, whose shot was saved by Lloris (again) and the rebound was placed just wide by the Spanish full-back!
The final minutes included tons of Tottenham pressure, luckily we brought on Sagna at the beginning of the added time to help out with the defensive work and in the end we held firm to grab the win!
There is hardly any need to express the fact that winning this game granted us more than the three points and I dare say that the Villa loss is well and truly behind us. Now there is a bit of a break from club football, our next game being away against Sunderland on the 14th of September.
Injury Update:
- Koscielny was back in action in the league in this game, doing a great job at the back!
- Podolski will be out for two to three months following a hamstring injury picked up in the Fenerbahce game, obviously a huge disappointment.
- The reason behind Sagna starting on the bench was due to a stomach bug (probably the same Wilshere has picked up), but it was nothing severe (which I dare say it won't be for Wilshere either).
Giroud 23
This season the first North London Derby came along early, and very much to our liking. We played circles around Tottenham, with all their new signings, for the better part of the game, emphasising the fact that their best player definitely was their 'keeper!
In the very first minute, however, Koscielny had to make an important block to prevent a disastrous start to the game. Two minutes later Cazorla saw his sizzling free-kick saved by Lloris ín the Tottenham goal and the resulting header was sent over the bar by Giroud. Merely three minutes later we got another free-kick in a decent position as Walcott was brought down just outside of the 18-yard-box. Once again Cazorla stepped up to take it and fired inches wide of the post!
Mertesacker was then called into action as he made the second important block in front of the goal for us following a shot from Soldado. Ten minutes then elapsed before what would become the winning goal was scored. Rosicky passed the ball to Walcott, who made a brilliant cross for Olivier Giroud to put into the back of the net! It was not the Frenchman's first goal in a North London Derby, but it could very well be the most important one so far! Needless to say he has had an amazing start to this season, much like Ramsey who shone in the midfield in this game, and this could very well prove to be his (and Ramsey's) season!
The just mentioned Welsh midfielder created our next decent chance to score as he advanced skillfully down the right-hand side and played a great ball to Walcott, whose shot was saved by Lloris. At the half-hour mark our own 'keeper (Szczesny, that is) had to make a save as Townsend fired a fairly long-distance shot away. In the Fenerbahce game earlier this week Ramsey proved to be quite the goalscorer, unfortunately that was not evident in this game as he fired high over the bar when Walcott found him with some space at the edge of the 18-yard-box.
Before the end of the half Szczesny made another decent save following a Townsend shot and for the first time in five years we got to see Flamini take to the pitch as an Arsenal player when Wilshere had to go off due to a stomach bug. The Frenchman provided plenty of experience and showcased great dedication and skill in the midfield, all in all I believe he will prove to be a very good signing!
There was plenty of pace right at the start of the second half, our first chance came along as Ramsey fired a shot wide from way outside the 18-yard-box. A while later, roughly twenty minutes into the half, Giroud finished a great counter-attack with a strike that was deflected wide. Two minutes later Tottenham fired wide as well through Paulinho.
With twenty minutes to go Walcott got in a position he usually scores from, but this time he did not manage to put the ball over the 'keeper, as the ball was just out of his reach. That could have proved costly, as approximately five minutes later Tottenham got ridiculously closed to scoring following a free-kick, the only thing in their way being one of Szczesny's hands! A truly stunning save by our Polish 'keeper!
As we approached eighty minutes played Monreal replaced Rosicky and immediately got close to scoring as Giroud played a wonderful ball to Walcott in the box, whose shot was saved by Lloris (again) and the rebound was placed just wide by the Spanish full-back!
The final minutes included tons of Tottenham pressure, luckily we brought on Sagna at the beginning of the added time to help out with the defensive work and in the end we held firm to grab the win!
There is hardly any need to express the fact that winning this game granted us more than the three points and I dare say that the Villa loss is well and truly behind us. Now there is a bit of a break from club football, our next game being away against Sunderland on the 14th of September.
Injury Update:
- Koscielny was back in action in the league in this game, doing a great job at the back!
- Podolski will be out for two to three months following a hamstring injury picked up in the Fenerbahce game, obviously a huge disappointment.
- The reason behind Sagna starting on the bench was due to a stomach bug (probably the same Wilshere has picked up), but it was nothing severe (which I dare say it won't be for Wilshere either).
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