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!