2-0, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 26 November 2013
Wilshere 1, 65
This game was more or less a "must-win" if we were to have any hope of qualifying, and fortunately there was never any doubt as to whether we would make it or not!
Not even 30 seconds into the game, but 29 seconds, we had our lead. Jack Wilshere was released down the right-hand side, made his way into the box, got past the defender with a quick turn and put the ball into the back of the net with an exquisite shot! Simply just stunning and it left us feeling quite comfortable for the remainder of the game! We almost increased the lead a few minutes later, though, as Giroud passed the ball to Wilshere, who played it in for Ramsey in the middle of the box to finish the move off, but the 'keeper pulled off an amazing save.
Szczesny had to showcase some of his goalkeeping skills, even though we were, indeed, quite comfortably in control of the game. The Polish 'keeper prevented Gignac from getting an opportunity to score by making a quick and early interception.
Towards the end of the half we were awarded with a penalty, unfortunately it was a wrong decision from the referee, since Ramsey was just outside of the 18-yard-box when he was brought down while making a neat and quick turn. Maybe it was fair, then, that Özil's penalty was saved by the 'keeper. However, it was a remarkably poor penalty, lacking in pace and placing.
In the second half we continued stacking up chances, Giroud had a shot deflected inches wide of the post while Özil got in a brilliant position to score, but the 'keeper made the save. Giroud then had another chance as a high ball into the box ended up behind him and he had to make a quick turn, unfortunately it was not quick enough as the 'keeper got to it right before him.
Two minutes later, however, we did score. And once again it was a certain young Englishman who did the deed. Ramsey provided an excellent pass to Özil, matching the German's run into the box, who passed it on to Jack Wilshere, who finished the move off with a confident strike!
Marseille did create a couple of more chances, though, before the end of the game. Monreal had to clear the ball off the line with fifteen minutes to go and mere minutes later Szczesny pulled off an amazing save, getting down fast to keep the ball clear of the line.
These three, vital points takes us one step closer to qualification, with only one more game to go!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Arsenal vs. Southampton
2-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 23 November 2013
Giroud 22, 86 (pen)
Having left off on a negative note before the international break, it was important to get back to our winning ways right away. Especially with the knowledge that Liverpool had dropped points earlier today, meaning that we had the chance to go four points clear at the top!
We started the game off in brilliant style, at least as brilliant as it can get without scoring, with two efforts hitting the post within the initial twenty minutes. First up was Wilshere, following a neat pass by Ramsey into the box, ending up at the Englishman's feet. The ball may have gone over Southampton 'keeper Boruc, but unfortunately it bounced off the post and stayed clear of the goal line. Next up was Ramsey's cheeky back-heel, he attempted to flick Özil's cross into the back of the net, what a goal it would have been had it not hit the post and then gone out.
Mere minutes later, however, we did find the back of the net. The fashion of the goal was quite unusual and very lucky, depending on whose side you view it. Olivier Giroud nicked the ball off the 'keeper, who got over-confident with his footwork and dribbled just a few times too many, and put it into the back of the net! Really poor play by Boruc, but one-nil nevertheless!
Before the end of the half Szczesny got the chance to show how proper goalkeeping should look like as he conjured a decent save to deny Lallana's shot access to the goal.
The second half started in similar fashion, with Szczesny making a save. This one was far more comfortable, though, as Lallana fired straight at him. Ten minutes later Özil had a shot on target saved by Boruc and then Wilshere headed straight at the same 'keeper.
With half an hour to go Walcott was introduced, his first game for two months, at the expense of Cazorla. Needless to say it is brilliant to have him back, considering his form earlier this season! On a less positive note, Arteta appeared to pick up an injury and Rosicky came on to take his place for the remained of the game.
As Osvaldo produced a shot on target Szczesny had to make another save, but the next effort went wide into a corner. Ten minutes from the end Özil was replaced by Monreal and Walcott fired wide. Five minutes before the end we sealed the game, as Fonte pulled at Mertesacker's shirt during a corner and the referee awarded us with a penalty! Since first-choice penalty taker Arteta had gone off, a certain Frenchman stepped up to take the penalty. Olivier Giroud produced a powerful strike from the penalty spot to double his tally for the game and win it for us!
With these points we are now four points clear of second-placed Liverpool, meaning that we have some breathing space! Furthermore, it was important for the confidence of the team to return to winning ways, things are definitely still looking good! On Tuesday we face Marseille at the Emirates, a (more or less) must-win for us to ensure qualification for the next round in the Champions League!
Injury Update:
- Walcott returned to the squad for this game, starting on the bench.
Giroud 22, 86 (pen)
Having left off on a negative note before the international break, it was important to get back to our winning ways right away. Especially with the knowledge that Liverpool had dropped points earlier today, meaning that we had the chance to go four points clear at the top!
We started the game off in brilliant style, at least as brilliant as it can get without scoring, with two efforts hitting the post within the initial twenty minutes. First up was Wilshere, following a neat pass by Ramsey into the box, ending up at the Englishman's feet. The ball may have gone over Southampton 'keeper Boruc, but unfortunately it bounced off the post and stayed clear of the goal line. Next up was Ramsey's cheeky back-heel, he attempted to flick Özil's cross into the back of the net, what a goal it would have been had it not hit the post and then gone out.
Mere minutes later, however, we did find the back of the net. The fashion of the goal was quite unusual and very lucky, depending on whose side you view it. Olivier Giroud nicked the ball off the 'keeper, who got over-confident with his footwork and dribbled just a few times too many, and put it into the back of the net! Really poor play by Boruc, but one-nil nevertheless!
Before the end of the half Szczesny got the chance to show how proper goalkeeping should look like as he conjured a decent save to deny Lallana's shot access to the goal.
The second half started in similar fashion, with Szczesny making a save. This one was far more comfortable, though, as Lallana fired straight at him. Ten minutes later Özil had a shot on target saved by Boruc and then Wilshere headed straight at the same 'keeper.
With half an hour to go Walcott was introduced, his first game for two months, at the expense of Cazorla. Needless to say it is brilliant to have him back, considering his form earlier this season! On a less positive note, Arteta appeared to pick up an injury and Rosicky came on to take his place for the remained of the game.
As Osvaldo produced a shot on target Szczesny had to make another save, but the next effort went wide into a corner. Ten minutes from the end Özil was replaced by Monreal and Walcott fired wide. Five minutes before the end we sealed the game, as Fonte pulled at Mertesacker's shirt during a corner and the referee awarded us with a penalty! Since first-choice penalty taker Arteta had gone off, a certain Frenchman stepped up to take the penalty. Olivier Giroud produced a powerful strike from the penalty spot to double his tally for the game and win it for us!
With these points we are now four points clear of second-placed Liverpool, meaning that we have some breathing space! Furthermore, it was important for the confidence of the team to return to winning ways, things are definitely still looking good! On Tuesday we face Marseille at the Emirates, a (more or less) must-win for us to ensure qualification for the next round in the Champions League!
Injury Update:
- Walcott returned to the squad for this game, starting on the bench.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Manchester United vs. Arsenal
1-0, Premier League, Old Trafford, 10 November 2013
Prior to this game Chelsea had dropped points in a draw while both Tottenham and Manchester City had lost their games. I guess we can take some comfort in the fact that we have not lost too much ground, but now Liverpool are back to being merely two points behind.
Ten minutes into the first half Rooney had a shot deflected, but it was a comfortable save for Szczesny. Five minutes later Giroud used a wonderful touch to bring down a cross, but Özil was not prepared for the cut-back and United could clear it.
The goal came after approximately half an hour of the game, van Persie headed a corner into the back of the net. We began building some pressure towards the end of the half, Cazorla had a shot blocked and Giroud headed Ramsey's cross over the bar before half-time.
We enjoyed the majority of the possession during the entire second half, all in all it became somewhere around 63 % of the possession in the second half, but we were unable to find an equalizer. Ramsey had a shot blocked at the beginning of the half and the following minute Vermaelen fired a free-kick well over the bar. Özil hit the side netting from inside the box and Ramsey had a shot on target saved by De Gea before Rooney fired wide as our defence opened up completely.
As the game drew closer and closer to the end Ramsey almost found Özil with a great ball across the pitch and Sagna's cross was inches away from being met by one of our players right in front of the goal, but took a deflection into a corner instead. Then Gibbs had a shot on target following a corner saved by De Gea while Giroud had a shot deflected wide minutes later. The final chance was another Sagna cross, almost met by Bendtner in the final minute.
It is immensely disappointing to lose, having completely dominated the second half. But we never reached our full potential, there was always something missing in the final third. Nevertheless we keep the top spot over the international break and let's just hope that we are back to our winning ways after the break.
Injury Update:
- Both Mertesacker and Rosicky picked up some kind of illness prior to the game and were unable to play. This meant that Vermaelen got to start this game, while Flamini also returned to the starting XI.
Prior to this game Chelsea had dropped points in a draw while both Tottenham and Manchester City had lost their games. I guess we can take some comfort in the fact that we have not lost too much ground, but now Liverpool are back to being merely two points behind.
Ten minutes into the first half Rooney had a shot deflected, but it was a comfortable save for Szczesny. Five minutes later Giroud used a wonderful touch to bring down a cross, but Özil was not prepared for the cut-back and United could clear it.
The goal came after approximately half an hour of the game, van Persie headed a corner into the back of the net. We began building some pressure towards the end of the half, Cazorla had a shot blocked and Giroud headed Ramsey's cross over the bar before half-time.
We enjoyed the majority of the possession during the entire second half, all in all it became somewhere around 63 % of the possession in the second half, but we were unable to find an equalizer. Ramsey had a shot blocked at the beginning of the half and the following minute Vermaelen fired a free-kick well over the bar. Özil hit the side netting from inside the box and Ramsey had a shot on target saved by De Gea before Rooney fired wide as our defence opened up completely.
As the game drew closer and closer to the end Ramsey almost found Özil with a great ball across the pitch and Sagna's cross was inches away from being met by one of our players right in front of the goal, but took a deflection into a corner instead. Then Gibbs had a shot on target following a corner saved by De Gea while Giroud had a shot deflected wide minutes later. The final chance was another Sagna cross, almost met by Bendtner in the final minute.
It is immensely disappointing to lose, having completely dominated the second half. But we never reached our full potential, there was always something missing in the final third. Nevertheless we keep the top spot over the international break and let's just hope that we are back to our winning ways after the break.
Injury Update:
- Both Mertesacker and Rosicky picked up some kind of illness prior to the game and were unable to play. This meant that Vermaelen got to start this game, while Flamini also returned to the starting XI.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Borussia Dortmund vs. Arsenal
0-1, Champions League, BVB Stadion, 06 November 2013
Ramsey 62
There are plenty of moments in football that aren't fair. The result a couple of weeks ago at the Emirates was certainly not fair. Judging from the first half and the first part of the second half of this game this result was not fair. But summarising these two clashes, things ended fairly. Makes sense, right?
We were desperately poor in the first half. To sum it up in a sentence: we did not have a single goal during the entire half. Not a single chance to score for an entire half. Can't remember ever experiencing that with the Arsenal before. Hardly five minutes into the game Mertesacker had to clear the ball inches from the goal-line as Lewandowski got close. Dortmund then had a shot through Subotic just wide of the goal before seeing yet another shot going wide. Before the end of the half Dortmund had time for two more goals going wide, one where we got extremely lucky as our defence opened up completely and then Lewandowski had another chance as his shot from outside the 18-yard-box went wide.
The second half started much like the first, with a shot over the bar from Dortmund right before Szczesny was forced into making a brilliant save from a shot and the rebound found Reus who scored, fortunately it was from an off-side position!
Then came the unlikely goal. The goalscorer, however, was not very unlikely. Aaron Ramsey's close-range header, the first chance for us of the game, found the back of the net following a decent cross by Özil, which was headed on by Giroud to the Welsh goalscoring-machine, who threw his head forward onto the ball to get it past the 'keeper! It has been said before, but it bears saying again, who would have thought a couple of seasons ago that Ramsey would be our top goalscorer with so many decisive goals so far this season...?!
Needless to say this spurred a response from Dortmund, who started going even more forward and they got really close shortly after our goal with a cross that went across the goal, inches away from finding one of several Dortmund players in the box. As a result of this new surge from Dortmund, their half of the pitch opened up for us and we could get a couple of more chances. Ramsey's shot from close range was saved by the 'keeper and from the resulting corner Giroud's effort was saved on the goal-line, while the following cross was inches away from being met by Mertesacker.
As we pushed forward ourselves, Dortmund got chances of counter-attacks and they got close in the resulting one from the cross that Mertesacker almost met, fortunately we cleared it right before the Dortmund player fired. With twenty minutes to go it was 12 - 2 to Dortmund in chances (although the majority of them were off-target), this was announced seconds before Mertesacker headed a free-kick just above the goal, though.
With fifteen minutes left of the game Monreal came on for Cazorla to add some stability to our defence, which would prove necessary as Koscielny was completely mangled by the Dortmund 'keeper right after heading Özil's free-kick wide. We should definitely have been awarded with a penalty for that poor goalkeeping, but all that we were left with was for, some time, be reduced to ten men as Koscielny had to get some treatment. We did not concede without him, though, and ten minutes later Gibbs made an important block to deny Dortmund.
Dortmund's final chance came through Lewandowski, who headed a corner over Szczesny and the goal. In the final minutes Bendtner and Vermaelen were introduced and Özil managed to piss off the entire Dortmund team by gaining both throw-ins and a free-kick by their corner flag!
So with this result we redeemed ourselves for the home game a couple of weeks ago, something that was quite necessary. We are now back at the top of the group, with the same amount of points as Napoli (= 9 pts) but a better goal-difference (3 against Napoli's 1). Hence, the Napoli game in a couple of weeks will be quite decisive then! But now it is time to recharge the batteries for the (presumably) epic clash against Manchester United on Sunday!
Injury Update:
- Wilshere missed out on this game as well due to a minor ankle problem.
- Gibbs started this game, recovering from a slight problem picked up at the end of the Liverpool game.
Ramsey 62
There are plenty of moments in football that aren't fair. The result a couple of weeks ago at the Emirates was certainly not fair. Judging from the first half and the first part of the second half of this game this result was not fair. But summarising these two clashes, things ended fairly. Makes sense, right?
We were desperately poor in the first half. To sum it up in a sentence: we did not have a single goal during the entire half. Not a single chance to score for an entire half. Can't remember ever experiencing that with the Arsenal before. Hardly five minutes into the game Mertesacker had to clear the ball inches from the goal-line as Lewandowski got close. Dortmund then had a shot through Subotic just wide of the goal before seeing yet another shot going wide. Before the end of the half Dortmund had time for two more goals going wide, one where we got extremely lucky as our defence opened up completely and then Lewandowski had another chance as his shot from outside the 18-yard-box went wide.
The second half started much like the first, with a shot over the bar from Dortmund right before Szczesny was forced into making a brilliant save from a shot and the rebound found Reus who scored, fortunately it was from an off-side position!
Then came the unlikely goal. The goalscorer, however, was not very unlikely. Aaron Ramsey's close-range header, the first chance for us of the game, found the back of the net following a decent cross by Özil, which was headed on by Giroud to the Welsh goalscoring-machine, who threw his head forward onto the ball to get it past the 'keeper! It has been said before, but it bears saying again, who would have thought a couple of seasons ago that Ramsey would be our top goalscorer with so many decisive goals so far this season...?!
Needless to say this spurred a response from Dortmund, who started going even more forward and they got really close shortly after our goal with a cross that went across the goal, inches away from finding one of several Dortmund players in the box. As a result of this new surge from Dortmund, their half of the pitch opened up for us and we could get a couple of more chances. Ramsey's shot from close range was saved by the 'keeper and from the resulting corner Giroud's effort was saved on the goal-line, while the following cross was inches away from being met by Mertesacker.
As we pushed forward ourselves, Dortmund got chances of counter-attacks and they got close in the resulting one from the cross that Mertesacker almost met, fortunately we cleared it right before the Dortmund player fired. With twenty minutes to go it was 12 - 2 to Dortmund in chances (although the majority of them were off-target), this was announced seconds before Mertesacker headed a free-kick just above the goal, though.
With fifteen minutes left of the game Monreal came on for Cazorla to add some stability to our defence, which would prove necessary as Koscielny was completely mangled by the Dortmund 'keeper right after heading Özil's free-kick wide. We should definitely have been awarded with a penalty for that poor goalkeeping, but all that we were left with was for, some time, be reduced to ten men as Koscielny had to get some treatment. We did not concede without him, though, and ten minutes later Gibbs made an important block to deny Dortmund.
Dortmund's final chance came through Lewandowski, who headed a corner over Szczesny and the goal. In the final minutes Bendtner and Vermaelen were introduced and Özil managed to piss off the entire Dortmund team by gaining both throw-ins and a free-kick by their corner flag!
So with this result we redeemed ourselves for the home game a couple of weeks ago, something that was quite necessary. We are now back at the top of the group, with the same amount of points as Napoli (= 9 pts) but a better goal-difference (3 against Napoli's 1). Hence, the Napoli game in a couple of weeks will be quite decisive then! But now it is time to recharge the batteries for the (presumably) epic clash against Manchester United on Sunday!
Injury Update:
- Wilshere missed out on this game as well due to a minor ankle problem.
- Gibbs started this game, recovering from a slight problem picked up at the end of the Liverpool game.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Arsenal vs. Liverpool
2-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 02 November 2013
Cazorla 19,
Ramsey 59
Ahead of this game we knew that a win would see us five points clear at the top of the league, whereas a loss would send us down to second in the league. So, win or lose would have quite the impact on our position in the league...
Our first chance of the game was a shot by Rosicky that went into a corner via Liverpool 'keeper Mignolet. Not long after that chance we had our lead that we would hold onto for the rest of the game. Santi Cazorla initially headed Sagna's cross into the post, but when the rebound fell perfectly for him, the Spaniard made no mistake and fired past Mignolet into the back of the net! He had an overall brilliant game, and this was quite the goal for the occasion! Two minutes later he was at it again, only this time Mignolet caught his shot.
The Liverpool 'keeper would make another save not long after as Ramsey had a shot on target following some slick play. Before the end of the half Cazorla had another effort, but this time his shot from outside the 18-yard-box went just wide of the goal.
We began the second half not quite as sharp as we had looked for the majority of the first, fortunately we grew into the half and came out as we started it, on top!
Five minutes into the half Henderson had a shot over the bar for Liverpool and five minutes after that Giroud was one-on-one with Mignolet at the other end, unfortunately his chip went wide. He got another chance to score two minutes later after some neat play including Rosicky and Cazorla, but his shot on target was saved by Mignolet.
Then the final score was settled, and it was none other than Aaron Ramsey who finished the scoring of the evening. An incredible, curling shot from outside the 18-yard-box did the trick, it sure was a stunning strike from the Welshman!
Chances continued to be created, though, and full-back Gibbs had a shot inside the box blocked. At the other end Sturridge had a header going high and wide while Suarez's dangerous, low shot across the goal hit the post and then out. Özil had a shot saved by the 'keeper with fifteen minutes to go and a couple of minutes later Gibbs picked up some kind of calf problem and had to be replaced, skipper Vermaelen came on.
With approximately ten minutes to go Szczesny made a couple of decent saves, removing the ball from right underneath Suarez's feet and producing another save the following minute that caused a corner. The Polish 'keeper was brilliant overall this evening and deserves a lot of credit for this win.
For the final minutes Jenkinson came on for Cazorla (who, deservingly, got a standing ovation). Liverpool's final chance was a shot from Suarez that went wide and the very last chance of the game went to Özil whose shot on target was directly at Mignolet, who could make a fairly comfortable save.
This win means that we are now five points clear at the top of the table after ten games! It sure feels brilliant, considering the past seasons where we have had quite poor starts to the season. Next week we face Manchester United at Old Trafford, so it certainly feels good to have a bit of breathing space to second placed Chelsea and Liverpool. (Chelsea also lost today!)
Injury Update:
- Jack Wilshere had to sit this game out due to a minor ankle proble.
Cazorla 19,
Ramsey 59
Ahead of this game we knew that a win would see us five points clear at the top of the league, whereas a loss would send us down to second in the league. So, win or lose would have quite the impact on our position in the league...
Our first chance of the game was a shot by Rosicky that went into a corner via Liverpool 'keeper Mignolet. Not long after that chance we had our lead that we would hold onto for the rest of the game. Santi Cazorla initially headed Sagna's cross into the post, but when the rebound fell perfectly for him, the Spaniard made no mistake and fired past Mignolet into the back of the net! He had an overall brilliant game, and this was quite the goal for the occasion! Two minutes later he was at it again, only this time Mignolet caught his shot.
The Liverpool 'keeper would make another save not long after as Ramsey had a shot on target following some slick play. Before the end of the half Cazorla had another effort, but this time his shot from outside the 18-yard-box went just wide of the goal.
We began the second half not quite as sharp as we had looked for the majority of the first, fortunately we grew into the half and came out as we started it, on top!
Five minutes into the half Henderson had a shot over the bar for Liverpool and five minutes after that Giroud was one-on-one with Mignolet at the other end, unfortunately his chip went wide. He got another chance to score two minutes later after some neat play including Rosicky and Cazorla, but his shot on target was saved by Mignolet.
Then the final score was settled, and it was none other than Aaron Ramsey who finished the scoring of the evening. An incredible, curling shot from outside the 18-yard-box did the trick, it sure was a stunning strike from the Welshman!
Chances continued to be created, though, and full-back Gibbs had a shot inside the box blocked. At the other end Sturridge had a header going high and wide while Suarez's dangerous, low shot across the goal hit the post and then out. Özil had a shot saved by the 'keeper with fifteen minutes to go and a couple of minutes later Gibbs picked up some kind of calf problem and had to be replaced, skipper Vermaelen came on.
With approximately ten minutes to go Szczesny made a couple of decent saves, removing the ball from right underneath Suarez's feet and producing another save the following minute that caused a corner. The Polish 'keeper was brilliant overall this evening and deserves a lot of credit for this win.
For the final minutes Jenkinson came on for Cazorla (who, deservingly, got a standing ovation). Liverpool's final chance was a shot from Suarez that went wide and the very last chance of the game went to Özil whose shot on target was directly at Mignolet, who could make a fairly comfortable save.
This win means that we are now five points clear at the top of the table after ten games! It sure feels brilliant, considering the past seasons where we have had quite poor starts to the season. Next week we face Manchester United at Old Trafford, so it certainly feels good to have a bit of breathing space to second placed Chelsea and Liverpool. (Chelsea also lost today!)
Injury Update:
- Jack Wilshere had to sit this game out due to a minor ankle proble.
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