Arsenal vs. Tottenham

2-0, The FA Cup, Emirates Stadium, 4 January 2013
Cazorla 31,
Rosicky 62

Like every North London Derby, winning this game meant more than mere qualification to the next round in the cup. It is all about showing that North London Is Red.

We were excellent throughout this game, completely dominated through a brilliant passing game that has seen us through more or less this entire season so far. Fabianski was called into action early on, though, as Eriksen got into a one-on-one with the Polish 'keeper, who made a great save. On the other side of the pitch, where most of the action happened, Walcott had two shots, one on target that was saved by Lloris and a second that was deflected wide. In the resulting corner Gnabry fired mere inches over the bar. Eriksen created another chance for Tottenham with a free-kick that went slightly over the bar, while Cazorla fired wide and Walcott saw his effort saved as he too got in a one-on-one with the 'keeper.
   Half an hour into the game we took the lead. Gnabry made a great run, and while Walcott drew the defenders' attention Santi Cazorla was completely unmarked on the left-hand side. Gnabry provided the necessary pass for the Spaniard to fire into the back of the net. He may not have scored too much so far this season, but he certainly chose the right occasion for this one! We almost added to the goal before the end of the half as Walcott had a volley going over the bar and a free-kick was inches away from being met by Sagna at the far post.

The second half started much like the first, there might have been a slight improvement in Tottenham's play, but it was most certainly far from enough. After fifteen minutes Walcott hit the side netting as he got past Lloris but found the angle to steep to score from, but then came the goal that sealed the game.
   When Tottenham were looking for the equaliser with all save one man and the 'keeper in our half, Tomas Rosicky nicked the ball off of that one man and ran across the entire Tottenham half to chip the ball over Lloris and score! A truly wonderful goal, showing the true spirit of the Czech midfielder.
   The only sad news of the day was that Walcott was stretchered off with ten minutes to go as he injured his knee. We can only hope that he will be back before long.

So another North London Derby played, and another North London Derby won. Things are definitely looking good at the moment!

In the next round we will face Coventry at the Emirates. It's a game that we will be confident to win, but one must never underestimate the opponents in these cups, as shocking results appear rather frequently.

Injury Update:
- Giroud missed out on this game due to sickness, but should be back for the Villa game next Monday.
- Bendtner will be out for a month due to the injury he picked up in the last game.