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.