0-1, Premier League, St James' Park, 29 December 2013
Giroud 65
This game marked the midway point of the season, and claiming the top spot at the midway point is usually a good sign for whoever is to be champions at the end of the season. Nothing but a win would be good enough as both Manchester City and Chelsea won their games, meaning that a win would take us one point ahead of City and two points ahead of Chelsea.
The game had a rather slow start, it took twenty minutes until the first corner of the game was awarded, and it was Sagna who arranged it with a surge forward. Before the end of the first half Newcastle fired wide and Cazorla had a shot on target saved by 'keeper Krul. In the very last minute we were in trouble as Szczesny made a great save from a shot and Wilshere made a save on the goal line in the following corner.
We started the second half a bit better, with a Flamini shot over the bar before getting the winning goal. Walcott took the free-kick that was met by Olivier Giroud, who headed it past Krul to return to the score sheet after some time absent! A few minutes later we came close to doubling the lead, as Walcott got the ball past Krul, only for a defender to head it clear. But only as far as to Giroud, who unfortunately did not get a clean hit and the effort went wide.
During the final minutes we let Newcastle dominate completely and merely defended our lead, which is quite unlike us. Szczesny almost made a huge blunder as he kicked the ball in Remy's face, and the ball bounced inches wide of the post! He then made a comfortable save from a shot on target. During the added time Ben Arfa hit the side netting and in the very final kick of the game Newcastle had a corner. Newcastle 'keeper Krul went up, but fortunately Szczesny beat him to the ball and the win was sealed!
We can now celebrate New Year top of the league, which is quite the relief since we could not do so over Christmas. Nevertheless, it is time to prepare for the clash against Cardiff on the very first day of the year!
Injury Update:
- Ramsey missed out due to the thigh injury he picked up against West Ham.
- Özil was unable to feature in this game due to a shoulder injury.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
West Ham vs. Arsenal
1-3, Premier League, Boleyn Ground, 26 December 2013
Walcott 68, 71,
Podolski 79
Since we had not won for three league games in a row prior to this game, a win was long overdue. Having lost the first place for the first time in months might have proven motivation enough to take the three points and retake the top spot, if only for a few hours.
In the third minute we got an indication of what was to come when Walcott was played through by Cazorla, sadly the Englishman was offside on that occasion. On the other side of the pitch Jarvis posed a bit of a threat in the shape of a dangerous cross that was cleared by Szczesny. Minutes later he was at it again, this time with a free-kick that was taken towards the top corner, where Szczesny made yet another save.
Giroud came close to reaching a great cross by Sagna with a header, and fifteen minutes into the game we had a double chance of header where, following a corner, a header was cleared in front of the goal and then Cazorla reached the rebound with a header that was saved near the top corner by the 'keeper.
We wrapped the half up with a few more chances, but never got quite close enough. Walcott had an effort going wide as he got close to the goal from a steep angle and Cazorla had a shot inches over the bar. Ramsey managed to hit the target, but it was a comfortable save for the 'keeper and to conclude Arteta fired inches wide following a Cazorla free-kick.
In the very first minute of the second half we found ourselves behind. Cole scored for West Ham from close range as Szczesny let a rebound loose right in front of the striker. It was a bit hard to take, but we kept on going and in the end it paid off.
As Cazorla had a shot saved, Ramsey fired from the rebound, only to see the 'keeper make yet another save. The Welshman then picked up an injury to his thigh and was unable to continue the game. Needless to say this is a huge blow for us, we can only hope that it was nothing too serious. However, there was some joy to be seen in this as Podolski was brought on to replace Ramsey. This was the first game for the German for many months, and he looked like he had never been away! Just a minute after being brought on, Podolski got a chance as Walcott got the ball to him in the box, unfortunately Poldi was unable to get a proper shot away and the 'keeper could make the save.
Mere minutes later we finally grabbed the equaliser, and it was none other than an in-form Englishman. Cazorla found the lightning fast Theo Walcott on the edge of the box, and the striker fired a shot that somehow found its way through the box and into the back of the net! Due to the extensive amount of defenders in the box, the 'keeper was unable to see the shot coming until it was too late, and we were back in it! Just three minutes later we took the lead, and once again it was a certain fast paced Englishman who made it happen. Podolski fired a cross into the box, that was headed on by a defender and ended up to be of perfect height for Theo Walcott to head into the back of the net as he ran into an excellent position right in front of the goal!
Podolski would get a perfect comeback before the end of the game, but first he had a one-on-one with the 'keeper where he got too close so the 'keeper could make the save. Then, however, he showed his accuracy. Giroud played the ball back to Lukas Podolski, who scored with a powerful! A brilliant comeback by Podolski!
Writing this ahead of the Man City - Liverpool game, we are once again top of the league (with the hope of remaining there!). On Sunday we face Newcastle away, which will be anything but easy. However, should we play as we did during the later part of this game, I have feeling that we will do quite all right!
Walcott 68, 71,
Podolski 79
Since we had not won for three league games in a row prior to this game, a win was long overdue. Having lost the first place for the first time in months might have proven motivation enough to take the three points and retake the top spot, if only for a few hours.
In the third minute we got an indication of what was to come when Walcott was played through by Cazorla, sadly the Englishman was offside on that occasion. On the other side of the pitch Jarvis posed a bit of a threat in the shape of a dangerous cross that was cleared by Szczesny. Minutes later he was at it again, this time with a free-kick that was taken towards the top corner, where Szczesny made yet another save.
Giroud came close to reaching a great cross by Sagna with a header, and fifteen minutes into the game we had a double chance of header where, following a corner, a header was cleared in front of the goal and then Cazorla reached the rebound with a header that was saved near the top corner by the 'keeper.
We wrapped the half up with a few more chances, but never got quite close enough. Walcott had an effort going wide as he got close to the goal from a steep angle and Cazorla had a shot inches over the bar. Ramsey managed to hit the target, but it was a comfortable save for the 'keeper and to conclude Arteta fired inches wide following a Cazorla free-kick.
In the very first minute of the second half we found ourselves behind. Cole scored for West Ham from close range as Szczesny let a rebound loose right in front of the striker. It was a bit hard to take, but we kept on going and in the end it paid off.
As Cazorla had a shot saved, Ramsey fired from the rebound, only to see the 'keeper make yet another save. The Welshman then picked up an injury to his thigh and was unable to continue the game. Needless to say this is a huge blow for us, we can only hope that it was nothing too serious. However, there was some joy to be seen in this as Podolski was brought on to replace Ramsey. This was the first game for the German for many months, and he looked like he had never been away! Just a minute after being brought on, Podolski got a chance as Walcott got the ball to him in the box, unfortunately Poldi was unable to get a proper shot away and the 'keeper could make the save.
Mere minutes later we finally grabbed the equaliser, and it was none other than an in-form Englishman. Cazorla found the lightning fast Theo Walcott on the edge of the box, and the striker fired a shot that somehow found its way through the box and into the back of the net! Due to the extensive amount of defenders in the box, the 'keeper was unable to see the shot coming until it was too late, and we were back in it! Just three minutes later we took the lead, and once again it was a certain fast paced Englishman who made it happen. Podolski fired a cross into the box, that was headed on by a defender and ended up to be of perfect height for Theo Walcott to head into the back of the net as he ran into an excellent position right in front of the goal!
Podolski would get a perfect comeback before the end of the game, but first he had a one-on-one with the 'keeper where he got too close so the 'keeper could make the save. Then, however, he showed his accuracy. Giroud played the ball back to Lukas Podolski, who scored with a powerful! A brilliant comeback by Podolski!
Writing this ahead of the Man City - Liverpool game, we are once again top of the league (with the hope of remaining there!). On Sunday we face Newcastle away, which will be anything but easy. However, should we play as we did during the later part of this game, I have feeling that we will do quite all right!
Monday, December 23, 2013
Arsenal vs. Chelsea
0-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 23 December 2013
Considering last weekend's game and the fact that Liverpool, having won their game of the round, had moved us to a runners-up position prior to our game, a win felt like a necessity. However, we proved to be slightly short up-front and had to settle for just the one point and a Christmas spent on the second place.
Considering last weekend's game and the fact that Liverpool, having won their game of the round, had moved us to a runners-up position prior to our game, a win felt like a necessity. However, we proved to be slightly short up-front and had to settle for just the one point and a Christmas spent on the second place.
We started the game quite well with lots of possession but sadly too few chances. Nearly half an hour into the game we got our first real chance of the game as Sagna provided a brilliant cross into the box that was cleared right in front of the goal and Giroud by Cahill. Next up was arguably the best chance of the game, and we got extremely lucky to remain on equal terms. Lampard had a shot hitting the bar and then going out. Two minutes later Chelsea had two more chances as Torres had a shot on target saved by Szczesny and Mertesacker made a vital block as a second shot was fired at the goal.
We wrapped up the game with a couple of decent chances. The first was a penalty shout as Walcott was brought down in the 18-yard-box, it was a clear penalty but unfortunately the ref did not see that. In the very last minute Özil had a shot blocked and Rosicky's follow-up went wide.
The second half was much alike to the first one, with chances going both ways to both teams. Lampard had a shot on target saved by Szczesny while, on the other end, Özil had another shot blocked. Terry headed wide following a Chelsea free-kick, then we dominated through the remaining twenty minutes. Giroud fired wide as Cech came out to cover his goal and the Frenchman had another effort as Gibbs provided a great cross, it was somehow but over the bar right in front of the goal due to some decent goalkeeping by Cech.
The second half was much alike to the first one, with chances going both ways to both teams. Lampard had a shot on target saved by Szczesny while, on the other end, Özil had another shot blocked. Terry headed wide following a Chelsea free-kick, then we dominated through the remaining twenty minutes. Giroud fired wide as Cech came out to cover his goal and the Frenchman had another effort as Gibbs provided a great cross, it was somehow but over the bar right in front of the goal due to some decent goalkeeping by Cech.
The last chance of the game came during the added time when we had a header saved on the line by a defender.
While it is very disappointing to have lost the top spot in the table, there is hope of having it returned before long, as Liverpool have a rather tough schedule coming up. For now we shall just have to prepare for the next game coming up on the 26th.
While it is very disappointing to have lost the top spot in the table, there is hope of having it returned before long, as Liverpool have a rather tough schedule coming up. For now we shall just have to prepare for the next game coming up on the 26th.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Champions League Last 16 Draw
We have been drawn against the same team we were drawn against last year, that is Bayern Munich. Needless to say it is one of the toughest (if not the toughest) opponent we could have gotten, but nevertheless there is hope, considering the away game last year and more particularly our autumn. The home game will be played on February 19, and the away game on March 11.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Manchester City vs. Arsenal
6-3, Premier League, Etihad Stadium, 14 December 2013
Walcott 31, 63,
Mertesacker
Manchester City have been solid all year at their home turf, while we have been excellent in more or less all of our away games. While a loss would not be a complete disaster, a win here and we would have been in an extremely good position ahead of Christmas.
The start of the first half consisted of lots of early pressure from Manchester City, with several corners and free-kicks. Therefore it was of no great surprise that their first goal came from a corner-kick, and the identity of the goalscorer was not of a particularly surprising nature either. Koscielny lost track of Aguero in the box and the Argentinian went on to score from close range.
With half an hour to go Walcott had a free-kick cleared by City 'keeper Pantilimon, the ball found its way to Özil, but his touch was too poor and the ball went out of his reach. The following minute we caught a break and got back in the game, through Theo Walcott! Ramsey nicked the ball off Yaya Toure and played it to Özil, who cut it back to the Englishman, whose shot was placed past Pantilimon and into the back of the net!
Mere minutes later we got extremely lucky as Negredo got in a golden position to score as he got past our defence, but fortunately he put it wide. Five minutes later we were not as lucky, Zabaleta was completely free at the edge of the box and played it in to Negredo, who scored from close range. In that situation Koscielny picked up an injury to his knee and had to be stretchered off, a huge set-back for us. Vermaelen came on to replace him.
At the start of the second half things took another turn for the worse as Fernandinho scored. We lost possession in a dangerous area, which cannot happen in these games, and so it fell to the City player who curled a shot past Szczesny.
Giroud then had a trio of chances to get us back into the game, but all of them failed. First he received a cross at the far end of the box, but did not get a proper hit at the ball and it went over the bar. He then miss-kicked the ball, forcing it to go wide rather than towards the goal. Last, but definitely not least, he had a header going inches wide! It was Sagna who provided the brilliant cross that was met by the on-rushing Giroud.
We had a penalty shout denied as the ref failed to see how Zabaleta used his arm to maintain possession. Shortly after that we got back in it for the last time, and once again it was Theo Walcott who scored! Ramsey chipped the ball to him and it was a brilliant finish from the Englishman, curling it into the top corner past Pantilimon!
Merely three minutes later we were once again two goals behind. Silva was unmarked in the box and could score from close range. Wilshere then had a decent shot tipped over the bar by Pantilimon while Navas hit the side-netting on the other end of the pitch. Szczesny had to make a save as Fernandinho fired on target, while Nasri just fired high and wide.
Whatever hope remained died with two minutes to go, as Fernandinho scored yet again. Wilshere lost possession in the middle of the field and eventually Fernandinho put it past Szczesny. Walcott would have scored a hat-trick had not his free-kick been saved by Pantilimon. Instead it was Per Mertesacker who ended up as our final goalscorer of the day. Sagna provided a very good cross, which was met by Mertesacker and headed past Pantilimon.
Then, yet again, we lost possession in a dangerous situation, leading to Szczesny bringing down a City player and them getting a penalty. Yaya Toure scored from the penalty spot, which was the last thing to happen in the game.
A very disappointing result, we were just not good enough and definitely need to step it up against Chelsea next Monday.
Walcott 31, 63,
Mertesacker
Manchester City have been solid all year at their home turf, while we have been excellent in more or less all of our away games. While a loss would not be a complete disaster, a win here and we would have been in an extremely good position ahead of Christmas.
The start of the first half consisted of lots of early pressure from Manchester City, with several corners and free-kicks. Therefore it was of no great surprise that their first goal came from a corner-kick, and the identity of the goalscorer was not of a particularly surprising nature either. Koscielny lost track of Aguero in the box and the Argentinian went on to score from close range.
With half an hour to go Walcott had a free-kick cleared by City 'keeper Pantilimon, the ball found its way to Özil, but his touch was too poor and the ball went out of his reach. The following minute we caught a break and got back in the game, through Theo Walcott! Ramsey nicked the ball off Yaya Toure and played it to Özil, who cut it back to the Englishman, whose shot was placed past Pantilimon and into the back of the net!
Mere minutes later we got extremely lucky as Negredo got in a golden position to score as he got past our defence, but fortunately he put it wide. Five minutes later we were not as lucky, Zabaleta was completely free at the edge of the box and played it in to Negredo, who scored from close range. In that situation Koscielny picked up an injury to his knee and had to be stretchered off, a huge set-back for us. Vermaelen came on to replace him.
At the start of the second half things took another turn for the worse as Fernandinho scored. We lost possession in a dangerous area, which cannot happen in these games, and so it fell to the City player who curled a shot past Szczesny.
Giroud then had a trio of chances to get us back into the game, but all of them failed. First he received a cross at the far end of the box, but did not get a proper hit at the ball and it went over the bar. He then miss-kicked the ball, forcing it to go wide rather than towards the goal. Last, but definitely not least, he had a header going inches wide! It was Sagna who provided the brilliant cross that was met by the on-rushing Giroud.
We had a penalty shout denied as the ref failed to see how Zabaleta used his arm to maintain possession. Shortly after that we got back in it for the last time, and once again it was Theo Walcott who scored! Ramsey chipped the ball to him and it was a brilliant finish from the Englishman, curling it into the top corner past Pantilimon!
Merely three minutes later we were once again two goals behind. Silva was unmarked in the box and could score from close range. Wilshere then had a decent shot tipped over the bar by Pantilimon while Navas hit the side-netting on the other end of the pitch. Szczesny had to make a save as Fernandinho fired on target, while Nasri just fired high and wide.
Whatever hope remained died with two minutes to go, as Fernandinho scored yet again. Wilshere lost possession in the middle of the field and eventually Fernandinho put it past Szczesny. Walcott would have scored a hat-trick had not his free-kick been saved by Pantilimon. Instead it was Per Mertesacker who ended up as our final goalscorer of the day. Sagna provided a very good cross, which was met by Mertesacker and headed past Pantilimon.
Then, yet again, we lost possession in a dangerous situation, leading to Szczesny bringing down a City player and them getting a penalty. Yaya Toure scored from the penalty spot, which was the last thing to happen in the game.
A very disappointing result, we were just not good enough and definitely need to step it up against Chelsea next Monday.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Napoli vs. Arsenal
2-0, Champions League, San Paolo Stadium, 11 December 2013
Ahead of this game, we knew that we were more or less guaranteed to qualify, the question was whether we would finish as runners-up or top of the group. However, at the end of the game we were closer to ending up as neither than we would have liked...
All in all, the game consisted of few clear-cut chances. Ten minutes into the first half Szczesny made a decent save from a shot on target while Giroud's effort on target was saved at the other end. Then Napoli had a shot over the bar and that was pretty much it for the first half.
In the second half things got a bit more interesting, though from our side it was not in a good way. Napoli fired wide before taking the lead as Higuain fired past Szczesny. With fifteen minutes to go Arteta was shown off the field as he received a second yellow card (meaning that he will miss the first game of the knock-out stages) and in the very last minute Napoli scored again, this time through Callejón.
Fortunately for us, they would have needed to win with at least 3-0 in order to qualify, so we made by the smallest possible margin, one goal. We did, however, lose the top spot to Dortmund, meaning that in the ensuing knock-out stages we will face one of the following teams: Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid or Barcelona. I think it goes without saying which team we would prefer and what teams we wouldn't.
Ahead of this game, we knew that we were more or less guaranteed to qualify, the question was whether we would finish as runners-up or top of the group. However, at the end of the game we were closer to ending up as neither than we would have liked...
All in all, the game consisted of few clear-cut chances. Ten minutes into the first half Szczesny made a decent save from a shot on target while Giroud's effort on target was saved at the other end. Then Napoli had a shot over the bar and that was pretty much it for the first half.
In the second half things got a bit more interesting, though from our side it was not in a good way. Napoli fired wide before taking the lead as Higuain fired past Szczesny. With fifteen minutes to go Arteta was shown off the field as he received a second yellow card (meaning that he will miss the first game of the knock-out stages) and in the very last minute Napoli scored again, this time through Callejón.
Fortunately for us, they would have needed to win with at least 3-0 in order to qualify, so we made by the smallest possible margin, one goal. We did, however, lose the top spot to Dortmund, meaning that in the ensuing knock-out stages we will face one of the following teams: Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid or Barcelona. I think it goes without saying which team we would prefer and what teams we wouldn't.
Monday, December 9, 2013
FA Cup Third-Round Draw
Our first game of the FA Cup this year will be a derby, and not just any derby, but the North London Derby!
We will face Tottenham at the Emirates on the 4th of January, in what will surely be a magnificent game!
Arsenal vs. Everton
1-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 08 December 2013
Özil 80
Ahead of this game we were four points clear at the top, and had the opportunity of going seven points clear. However, that proved too great a task against an Everton side, fresh from a win at Old Trafford.
Without a doubt, Everton were the best side at the start of the game. For the first half an hour or so, it was all about the visitors. Five minutes into the game they came forward with speed, but fortunately the cross was not met by any player. Then Mertesacker had to make a vital interception as Lukaku approached our goal.
Our chances of the half were quite limited, at the half hour mark Gibbs was inches away from meeting Cazorla's cross right in front of the Everton goal. Giroud had a decent chance as he got through the defence, only to have his shot saved by Tim Howard in the Everton goal. Mere minutes later Ramsey ended up in a similar situation, going through the defence only to have the shot saved.
Even though the first half ended goalless, it was clear that we were catching up with our usual form by the end of the half...
At the start of the second half we continued with the brilliant play from the end of the first half. First up was Gibbs who had a volley effort going wide from quite a distance. The full-back then crossed the box to Wilshere, who laid it back for Cazorla to head straight at Howard. Stunning play and a brilliant attack, it was just the finished that did not meet top standards. Giroud made a decent run into the box, but his shot was blocked by a defender right before Szczesny had to make a great save from Pienaar's shot.
We continued our pressure, with more from Gibbs as he provided a stunning cross across the box to Ramsey, whose shot was saved by Howard! Then Flamini fired wide as Walcott and Giroud worked together to get the ball to him, before we finally caught a break. With ten minutes to go Rosicky lifted the ball to Walcott, whose header reached Giroud, who missed the ball, but then Mesut Özil popped up behind him to put it into the back of the net!
With that goal it felt as though we were getting another three points, but unfortunately the lead only lasted for four minutes, then Everton equalised through Deulofeu. Szczesny may have let that one slip past him, but he was sure not to let that happen again as Lukaku got through the defence shortly after, making a vital save. We could have had a fairytale ending to the game when Giroud unleashed a sizzling shot in the very final minute, but it hit the woodwork rather than the net! It was such a shame, seeing such a beautiful shot hit the bar and then go wide...
So we had to settle for just the one point this time around, and for the first time in a long time. However, we are still ahead in the table and will just have to keep working had, seeing as we have some rather difficult games ahead.
Özil 80
Ahead of this game we were four points clear at the top, and had the opportunity of going seven points clear. However, that proved too great a task against an Everton side, fresh from a win at Old Trafford.
Without a doubt, Everton were the best side at the start of the game. For the first half an hour or so, it was all about the visitors. Five minutes into the game they came forward with speed, but fortunately the cross was not met by any player. Then Mertesacker had to make a vital interception as Lukaku approached our goal.
Our chances of the half were quite limited, at the half hour mark Gibbs was inches away from meeting Cazorla's cross right in front of the Everton goal. Giroud had a decent chance as he got through the defence, only to have his shot saved by Tim Howard in the Everton goal. Mere minutes later Ramsey ended up in a similar situation, going through the defence only to have the shot saved.
Even though the first half ended goalless, it was clear that we were catching up with our usual form by the end of the half...
At the start of the second half we continued with the brilliant play from the end of the first half. First up was Gibbs who had a volley effort going wide from quite a distance. The full-back then crossed the box to Wilshere, who laid it back for Cazorla to head straight at Howard. Stunning play and a brilliant attack, it was just the finished that did not meet top standards. Giroud made a decent run into the box, but his shot was blocked by a defender right before Szczesny had to make a great save from Pienaar's shot.
We continued our pressure, with more from Gibbs as he provided a stunning cross across the box to Ramsey, whose shot was saved by Howard! Then Flamini fired wide as Walcott and Giroud worked together to get the ball to him, before we finally caught a break. With ten minutes to go Rosicky lifted the ball to Walcott, whose header reached Giroud, who missed the ball, but then Mesut Özil popped up behind him to put it into the back of the net!
With that goal it felt as though we were getting another three points, but unfortunately the lead only lasted for four minutes, then Everton equalised through Deulofeu. Szczesny may have let that one slip past him, but he was sure not to let that happen again as Lukaku got through the defence shortly after, making a vital save. We could have had a fairytale ending to the game when Giroud unleashed a sizzling shot in the very final minute, but it hit the woodwork rather than the net! It was such a shame, seeing such a beautiful shot hit the bar and then go wide...
So we had to settle for just the one point this time around, and for the first time in a long time. However, we are still ahead in the table and will just have to keep working had, seeing as we have some rather difficult games ahead.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Arsenal vs. Hull
2-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 04 December 2013
Bendtner 2,
Özil 47
As all the other top teams won during this round (except for Manchester United and Tottenham, but maybe they don't really count at the moment), it was vital for us to do likewise.
Bendtner 2,
Özil 47
As all the other top teams won during this round (except for Manchester United and Tottenham, but maybe they don't really count at the moment), it was vital for us to do likewise.
Just two minutes (or rather 1 minute and 30 seconds) we took the lead. Scoring early on seems to be a trademark move of ours at the moment, but this time the goal-scorer was not expected. Nicklas Bendtner met Jenkinson's brilliant cross with an excellent header, making its way past the 'keeper! A while later Özil had a shot saved by the 'keeper, but Bendtner reached the rebound. Unfortunately it got too far away from him and he couldn't reach it before it went wide of the goal.
As the half was edging closer to the end Ramsey fired a sizzling shot on target, but the 'keeper made a stunning save, steering it wide. In the very last minute Bendtner provided a cross for Özil, but the header went wide.
In the second minute of the second half we doubled our lead (notice a pattern here...?). Mesut Özil fired into the back of the net without looking as Ramsey unleashed a deadly pass, cutting through the entire defence.
We remained in control throughout the rest of the game, with 20 - 7 attempts in our favour as of the 91st minute.
In the second minute of the second half we doubled our lead (notice a pattern here...?). Mesut Özil fired into the back of the net without looking as Ramsey unleashed a deadly pass, cutting through the entire defence.
We remained in control throughout the rest of the game, with 20 - 7 attempts in our favour as of the 91st minute.
This scoreline means that we have a combined 7-0 from our last three games, which is quite all right! On Sunday we face Everton, who beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in this round, so it will surely prove to be a tough test.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Cardiff vs. Arsenal
0-3, Premier League, Cardiff City Stadium, 30 November 2013
Ramsey 29, 90 + 2,
Flamini 86
We knew that it would be a tough game, and even though the scoreline might not reflect that, it was indeed a very tough game!
Wilshere almost began this game like the previous one, with a goal. Unfortunately his beautifully curved shot towards the top corner of the goal hit the bar rather than the net, but he sure is on fire at the moment. Speaking of players on fire, guess who was back on the scoresheet for this game...? Aaron Ramsey made a brilliant run into the box at the half-hour mark, meeting a cross perfectly with a stunning header into the back of the net! Then he came close to adding a second goal at the end of the half as he showed some slick moves in the box, but in the end his shot went high and wide as a defender intercepted.
Szczesny got to start the second half with a brilliant save from a powerful header that went downwards, towards the line. The majority of the second half was a big battle, one that we, fortunately, came out victorious of! Mathieu Flamini scored with about five minutes to go, a brilliant assist by Özil matched the Frenchman's run into the box. The shot itself was bursting with power and thundered past the 'keeper! Shortly after that the second goal scored by a certain Aaron Ramsey arrived. He wrapped up the game with another great goal, this time Walcott provided the assist.
So we remain top of the league for another week, maintaining consistent good results and playing. So far so good...
Ramsey 29, 90 + 2,
Flamini 86
We knew that it would be a tough game, and even though the scoreline might not reflect that, it was indeed a very tough game!
Wilshere almost began this game like the previous one, with a goal. Unfortunately his beautifully curved shot towards the top corner of the goal hit the bar rather than the net, but he sure is on fire at the moment. Speaking of players on fire, guess who was back on the scoresheet for this game...? Aaron Ramsey made a brilliant run into the box at the half-hour mark, meeting a cross perfectly with a stunning header into the back of the net! Then he came close to adding a second goal at the end of the half as he showed some slick moves in the box, but in the end his shot went high and wide as a defender intercepted.
Szczesny got to start the second half with a brilliant save from a powerful header that went downwards, towards the line. The majority of the second half was a big battle, one that we, fortunately, came out victorious of! Mathieu Flamini scored with about five minutes to go, a brilliant assist by Özil matched the Frenchman's run into the box. The shot itself was bursting with power and thundered past the 'keeper! Shortly after that the second goal scored by a certain Aaron Ramsey arrived. He wrapped up the game with another great goal, this time Walcott provided the assist.
So we remain top of the league for another week, maintaining consistent good results and playing. So far so good...
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