4-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 22 February 2014
Giroud 5, 31,
Rosicky 42,
Koscielny 57
This was probably exactly what we needed at the moment, a confident and assuring win where we get to score a few goals and display some brilliant playing. Only minus is the fact that we did not keep a clean sheet, but considering the final result that can be overlooked for once!
The goalscoring began early, with the first goal coming merely five minutes into the game. Rosicky found Wilshere at the edge of the box and he played it to Olivier Giroud, who has been rested for a couple of games, and he fired the ball past Mannone in the Sunderland goal! On the other end Szczesny had to remain vigilant, even though we dominated the game with roughly 80% of possession, as a dangerous cross was swung into the box. At the half-hour mark our tall French striker was at it again with his second goal of the game. Olivier Giroud sneaked in to intercept a pass from a defender towards Mannone, and put the ball into the back of the net with ease! As the half was drawing to a close we added another goal to the score-line, this time the previous goalscorer was the one to set it up as he, through a quick touch, played the ball back to Tomas Rosicky who, with a chip, got it over Mannone and into the back of the net! It looked quite classy!
Sunderland started the half quite good, and Szczesny had to make a decent save at the beginning of the half. Then a Sunderland clearance almost turned into an own goal, but went just wide. From the resulting corner, however, there was a goal! Laurent Koscielny met the the ball with a thundering header past Mannone! About midway through the half Gnabry was brought on and he had a decent chance himself to score as he was released onto the goal, but Mannone made a good save. However, the final chances of the game went to Sunderland. First Sebastian Larsson fired a free-kick just wide of the top corner, then they did get one back right at the end through a long-distance shot that went in right by the post.
So slightly disappointing to let a goal in at the end, but when you've already scored four yourself there is no greater harm done! If we keep up this good form in the league we certainly still have a shot at bringing the league title to the Emirates!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich
0-2, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 19 February 2014
What started out as a promising and lively game from both sides, a truly wonderful game from a neutral point of view, was spoiled before the end of the first half by a rash decision from the referee. Immensely disappointing.
The start of the first half was brilliant, from both sides. Szczesny had to make a great save in the initial minutes as Kroos fired towards the top corner. On the other end Sanogo, who got to start this game, created a few great chances himself. The most remarkable of which was a sizzling shot that forced a great save out of Neuer.
Cazorla had a decent chance as well not long after, but his shot went straight at the 'keeper. Then the moment came where we could have turned the game in our favour, Özil was brought down in the box and we were awarded with a penalty. He took it himself, but to our despair it was saved by Neuer, Özil attempted to wait the 'keeper out, but it did not work out that way and we squandered the one chance we could not afford to squander.
After that Bayern Munich got back in it, and Flamini had to make a block as Alaba had a shot following a corner. Throughout the game the Frenchman was brilliant, not only as a defensive midfielder but also as the one player urging the team on when things got tougher. As a result of some decent play around the box twenty minutes into the half Flamini also had a shot, unfortunately it went over the bar.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is in brilliant form at the moment, came inches from reaching the ball in a race with the 'keeper as Sanogo won the ball in the middle, but Neuer got to it first, by no large marginal, and swooped it clear. Ten minutes later Gibbs picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Monreal, the first in a series of poor things that were to shape the game for us.
As the half was approaching its end our defence kept up the hard work and Mertesacker made a vital block as Robben fired a shot away from inside the box. Then the true disaster of the game struck as Szczesny accidentally brought Robben down in an attempt to get the ball, and was quite unbelievably shown a red card for it. In that moment, the ref single-handedly killed the game. Cazorla had to go off and Fabianski was brought on to face the penalty. Even though Alaba hit the post and there was some momentary joy amidst the despair, the game was settled the moment we knew that we would be down to ten men for the rest of the game, and it was the home game as well.
The second half turned out as expected, Bayern Munich dominated possession while our team had to defend valiantly, which they did. Sadly it was not enough, and for all the saves that Fabianski produced and all the blocks and dedicated defending of the team two goals slipped in, an unstoppable shot from Kroos and a header from Müller. This gives us a pretty bleak chance of qualifying, yet anything can happen. It's a real shame, though, as it felt as though we were definitely up for the task when it was 11 against 11...
What started out as a promising and lively game from both sides, a truly wonderful game from a neutral point of view, was spoiled before the end of the first half by a rash decision from the referee. Immensely disappointing.
The start of the first half was brilliant, from both sides. Szczesny had to make a great save in the initial minutes as Kroos fired towards the top corner. On the other end Sanogo, who got to start this game, created a few great chances himself. The most remarkable of which was a sizzling shot that forced a great save out of Neuer.
Cazorla had a decent chance as well not long after, but his shot went straight at the 'keeper. Then the moment came where we could have turned the game in our favour, Özil was brought down in the box and we were awarded with a penalty. He took it himself, but to our despair it was saved by Neuer, Özil attempted to wait the 'keeper out, but it did not work out that way and we squandered the one chance we could not afford to squander.
After that Bayern Munich got back in it, and Flamini had to make a block as Alaba had a shot following a corner. Throughout the game the Frenchman was brilliant, not only as a defensive midfielder but also as the one player urging the team on when things got tougher. As a result of some decent play around the box twenty minutes into the half Flamini also had a shot, unfortunately it went over the bar.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is in brilliant form at the moment, came inches from reaching the ball in a race with the 'keeper as Sanogo won the ball in the middle, but Neuer got to it first, by no large marginal, and swooped it clear. Ten minutes later Gibbs picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Monreal, the first in a series of poor things that were to shape the game for us.
As the half was approaching its end our defence kept up the hard work and Mertesacker made a vital block as Robben fired a shot away from inside the box. Then the true disaster of the game struck as Szczesny accidentally brought Robben down in an attempt to get the ball, and was quite unbelievably shown a red card for it. In that moment, the ref single-handedly killed the game. Cazorla had to go off and Fabianski was brought on to face the penalty. Even though Alaba hit the post and there was some momentary joy amidst the despair, the game was settled the moment we knew that we would be down to ten men for the rest of the game, and it was the home game as well.
The second half turned out as expected, Bayern Munich dominated possession while our team had to defend valiantly, which they did. Sadly it was not enough, and for all the saves that Fabianski produced and all the blocks and dedicated defending of the team two goals slipped in, an unstoppable shot from Kroos and a header from Müller. This gives us a pretty bleak chance of qualifying, yet anything can happen. It's a real shame, though, as it felt as though we were definitely up for the task when it was 11 against 11...
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Arsenal vs. Liverpool
2-1, The FA Cup, Emirates Stadium, 16 February 2014
Oxlade-Chamberlain 16,
Podolski 47
We got the chance to take vengeance for the last game, and we took it! It may not have been a complete thrashing, but at least it feels as though we are back on track.
The game could have started just as the one a week ago did, when Sturridge let loose a shot mere minutes from the start, fortunately Fabianski was there to make a decent save. The same striker then fired wide a few minutes later, before we introduced our attacking play.
Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sanogo linked up well together as the former played it to Sanogo, who instantly played it back to the Ox, brilliant from Sanogo but unfortunately the angle got too steep for the Ox before he released his effort and the chance was squandered. The same, however, cannot be said for the Englishman's second chance. Sanogo headed the ball down and fired it towards the goal, but it was blocked by Gerrard and fell to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who put it past the 'keeper! It was definitely important to get a good start to the game, to dispel any lingering ghosts from the former game, and it was certainly gratifying that we got it!
Before the end of the half Özil created a decent chance as he advanced towards the goal, showcasing some skilful footwork, but his cross/shot was blocked and it fell to Podolski, whose shot was fired over the bar. On the other end Fabianski had to make another save, this time it was Suarez who fired it.
The second half began as the first one ended, with a great Fabianski save from a Suarez shot. Then it was time for us to, once again, to find the back of the net. It was a quick counter that did the trick this time, Özil passed the ball to the Ox, who cut it back toward the penalty spot and Lukas Podolski got there in time to fire the ball into the back of the net! A while later Özil fired a dangerous shot towards the goal that was saved by the 'keeper, while Fabianski had to make a save himself on the other end.
Things took a turn for the worse with half an hour to go as Liverpool was awarded with a penalty and Gerrard scored from the penalty spot. However, Fabianski was determined not to let another one go past him and he made a stunning save, jumping in right before the feet of Sterling and punching the ball clear with just the one hand, shortly after the penalty.
Even though he had been very solid throughout the game, Fabianski did provide some drama towards the end as he missed a punch when Liverpool had a free-kick, fortunately Agger headed it wide!
With this result we qualify for the quarter finals, where we will face Everton. Once again we will be playing it at the Emirates, we have certainly been lucky with all the home draws so far!
Oxlade-Chamberlain 16,
Podolski 47
We got the chance to take vengeance for the last game, and we took it! It may not have been a complete thrashing, but at least it feels as though we are back on track.
The game could have started just as the one a week ago did, when Sturridge let loose a shot mere minutes from the start, fortunately Fabianski was there to make a decent save. The same striker then fired wide a few minutes later, before we introduced our attacking play.
Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sanogo linked up well together as the former played it to Sanogo, who instantly played it back to the Ox, brilliant from Sanogo but unfortunately the angle got too steep for the Ox before he released his effort and the chance was squandered. The same, however, cannot be said for the Englishman's second chance. Sanogo headed the ball down and fired it towards the goal, but it was blocked by Gerrard and fell to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who put it past the 'keeper! It was definitely important to get a good start to the game, to dispel any lingering ghosts from the former game, and it was certainly gratifying that we got it!
Before the end of the half Özil created a decent chance as he advanced towards the goal, showcasing some skilful footwork, but his cross/shot was blocked and it fell to Podolski, whose shot was fired over the bar. On the other end Fabianski had to make another save, this time it was Suarez who fired it.
The second half began as the first one ended, with a great Fabianski save from a Suarez shot. Then it was time for us to, once again, to find the back of the net. It was a quick counter that did the trick this time, Özil passed the ball to the Ox, who cut it back toward the penalty spot and Lukas Podolski got there in time to fire the ball into the back of the net! A while later Özil fired a dangerous shot towards the goal that was saved by the 'keeper, while Fabianski had to make a save himself on the other end.
Things took a turn for the worse with half an hour to go as Liverpool was awarded with a penalty and Gerrard scored from the penalty spot. However, Fabianski was determined not to let another one go past him and he made a stunning save, jumping in right before the feet of Sterling and punching the ball clear with just the one hand, shortly after the penalty.
Even though he had been very solid throughout the game, Fabianski did provide some drama towards the end as he missed a punch when Liverpool had a free-kick, fortunately Agger headed it wide!
With this result we qualify for the quarter finals, where we will face Everton. Once again we will be playing it at the Emirates, we have certainly been lucky with all the home draws so far!
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Arsenal vs. Manchester United
0-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 12 February 2014
We should have won this game, not only considering the way we dominated it, but also considering last weekend's result. However, we did not and missed out on the chance to take back the top spot.
That said, United certainly had a couple of decent chances to score themselves, the first one coming merely two minutes into the first half when we lost the ball inexcusably right in front of the goal, fortunately Szczesny was there to save van Persie's shot! A couple of minutes later we had our first chance of the game as Wilshere dribbled his way through the defence, but his shot was blocked by a foot in the last moment and went out for a corner, which Giroud headed wide.
Rosicky was back in the starting XI for this game, and had a long distance shot deflected off of Vidic saved by De Gea in the first half. Giroud headed another corner wide, and sent a shot over the bar before the end of the half while Gibbs had a header straight at De Gea. As the half was drawing to a close Cazorla had a shot blocked, which incidentally more or less summed up the half.
The second half looked more or less just like the first one, the only difference being that we actually managed to build up some pressure towards the end. Fifteen minutes into the half we got really close to getting that first goal, as Cazorla's corner was met by Koscielny, unfortunately Valencia was there to clear it on the line! In the following minute Giroud had a diving header, but just missed the ball and in his next chance, a cross from Gibbs, he headed it wide.
Our 'keeper had to remain vigilant, as he made a vital interception, clearing the ball with his head, to prevent van Persie from reaching it. Then, with approximately fifteen minutes to go, Giroud came inches away from scoring as Sagna sent a brilliantly struck cross into the box that the French striker just missed. As just mentioned, Szczesny had to stay prepared for just about anything, and he made a great save as we lost possession and Rooney's cross was met by van Persie in the box, whose header was punched off the bar to safety by our Polish 'keeper.
Cazorla had a trio of chances near the end, the first forcing a great save out of De Gea, while the second one was blocked by defenders and the third one forced another save out of the 'keeper.
So in the end a rather dismal result, but at least we kept a clean sheet, which considering the recent result is, to say the least, progress.
We should have won this game, not only considering the way we dominated it, but also considering last weekend's result. However, we did not and missed out on the chance to take back the top spot.
That said, United certainly had a couple of decent chances to score themselves, the first one coming merely two minutes into the first half when we lost the ball inexcusably right in front of the goal, fortunately Szczesny was there to save van Persie's shot! A couple of minutes later we had our first chance of the game as Wilshere dribbled his way through the defence, but his shot was blocked by a foot in the last moment and went out for a corner, which Giroud headed wide.
Rosicky was back in the starting XI for this game, and had a long distance shot deflected off of Vidic saved by De Gea in the first half. Giroud headed another corner wide, and sent a shot over the bar before the end of the half while Gibbs had a header straight at De Gea. As the half was drawing to a close Cazorla had a shot blocked, which incidentally more or less summed up the half.
The second half looked more or less just like the first one, the only difference being that we actually managed to build up some pressure towards the end. Fifteen minutes into the half we got really close to getting that first goal, as Cazorla's corner was met by Koscielny, unfortunately Valencia was there to clear it on the line! In the following minute Giroud had a diving header, but just missed the ball and in his next chance, a cross from Gibbs, he headed it wide.
Our 'keeper had to remain vigilant, as he made a vital interception, clearing the ball with his head, to prevent van Persie from reaching it. Then, with approximately fifteen minutes to go, Giroud came inches away from scoring as Sagna sent a brilliantly struck cross into the box that the French striker just missed. As just mentioned, Szczesny had to stay prepared for just about anything, and he made a great save as we lost possession and Rooney's cross was met by van Persie in the box, whose header was punched off the bar to safety by our Polish 'keeper.
Cazorla had a trio of chances near the end, the first forcing a great save out of De Gea, while the second one was blocked by defenders and the third one forced another save out of the 'keeper.
So in the end a rather dismal result, but at least we kept a clean sheet, which considering the recent result is, to say the least, progress.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Liverpool vs. Arsenal
5-1, Premier League, Anfield, 08 February 2014
Arteta 69 (pen)
Ahead of the game there was only expectations and hope, twenty minutes into the game there was only deafening disappointment.
In the very first minute of the game Liverpool took the lead, but unjustly so. As a free-kick was swung in, Skrtel was in an offside position before he got a leg to the ball and scored from close range, and from then on things only got worse. We did have one chance in the first half, a Monreal run was spotted by Wilshere and when Mignolet came out to clear it it bounced off of a defender back into Monreal's path, unfortunately a second defender was there to clear it before the Spaniard could tuck it in.
In the following minute Szczesny made a save as Liverpool got a shot away, and the minute after that the second goal was scored. Once again it was Skrtel, this time it was a header following a corner that did the trick.
The coming ten minutes proved increasingly dark, starting with a Sturridge chip going wide and a Suarez shot hitting the post and culminating in two more goals for Liverpool. Sterling and Sturridge got one each as the former was completely unmarked at the edge of the box and Koscielny was unable to keep up with the latter as he surged forward down the centre.
Needless to say our first half can only be described as consisting of one thing: shocking defending.
At the start of the second half Cazorla had a free-kick deflected over the bar for a corner, a positive indicator that proved false. For five minutes later Sturridge scored another goal, Szczesny saved the first shot but could do nothing to deny the rebound. Once again we displayed absolutely shocking defending.
At least we got the last word in the game, goal-wise, and building up to that we had a few chances. Giroud headed straight at the 'keeper and Oxlade-Chamberlain saw his effort saved by Mignolet as well. Before our consolation goal (if you can even call it that) Szczesny had to make a save as Suarez's tricky free-kick approached the top corner of the goal.
We were awarded with a penalty as Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought down, and Mikel Arteta scored from the penalty spot.
Unfortunately that proved to be all that we would get out of the game, a very dismal, disappointing and down-right terrible game. We have some tough games up ahead and now we quite decidedly need to win them, starting with Manchester United on Wednesday. Following the result today, we will quite certainly lose the top spot, again, but this time risk falling down to third.
Arteta 69 (pen)
Ahead of the game there was only expectations and hope, twenty minutes into the game there was only deafening disappointment.
In the very first minute of the game Liverpool took the lead, but unjustly so. As a free-kick was swung in, Skrtel was in an offside position before he got a leg to the ball and scored from close range, and from then on things only got worse. We did have one chance in the first half, a Monreal run was spotted by Wilshere and when Mignolet came out to clear it it bounced off of a defender back into Monreal's path, unfortunately a second defender was there to clear it before the Spaniard could tuck it in.
In the following minute Szczesny made a save as Liverpool got a shot away, and the minute after that the second goal was scored. Once again it was Skrtel, this time it was a header following a corner that did the trick.
The coming ten minutes proved increasingly dark, starting with a Sturridge chip going wide and a Suarez shot hitting the post and culminating in two more goals for Liverpool. Sterling and Sturridge got one each as the former was completely unmarked at the edge of the box and Koscielny was unable to keep up with the latter as he surged forward down the centre.
Needless to say our first half can only be described as consisting of one thing: shocking defending.
At the start of the second half Cazorla had a free-kick deflected over the bar for a corner, a positive indicator that proved false. For five minutes later Sturridge scored another goal, Szczesny saved the first shot but could do nothing to deny the rebound. Once again we displayed absolutely shocking defending.
At least we got the last word in the game, goal-wise, and building up to that we had a few chances. Giroud headed straight at the 'keeper and Oxlade-Chamberlain saw his effort saved by Mignolet as well. Before our consolation goal (if you can even call it that) Szczesny had to make a save as Suarez's tricky free-kick approached the top corner of the goal.
We were awarded with a penalty as Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought down, and Mikel Arteta scored from the penalty spot.
Unfortunately that proved to be all that we would get out of the game, a very dismal, disappointing and down-right terrible game. We have some tough games up ahead and now we quite decidedly need to win them, starting with Manchester United on Wednesday. Following the result today, we will quite certainly lose the top spot, again, but this time risk falling down to third.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace
2-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 02 February 2014
Oxlade-Chamberlain 47, 73
Before writing about this game, it is worth to mention that we signed Swedish midfielder Kim Källström, on loan till the end of the season, on the final day of the transfer window. He is currently 31 years old and signed from Spartak Moscow.
Back to this game, which was, as more or less all games, a must-win. We have lost the top spot following last week's draw, but a win here would reclaim that spot at least until tomorrow, when City and Chelsea face off.
The first half was rather dismal. We had complete domination of possession, but did not create that many clear-cut chances. Within the initial twenty minutes all that happened was that Monreal had a shot saved by the 'keeper as he was released onto the goal by Özil, Cazorla hit a free-kick over the bar and Szczesny made a timely interception as Chamakh had a surge forward.
The best chance of the half came through a Koscielny header that forced a decent save out of the 'keeper, while Szczesny had to make quite the save himself as he managed to get his hand low by the near post to steer an effort into a corner. Finally we had a couple of chances, Özil's corner-kick was headed on by Mertesacker, straight at the 'keeper though, and Koscielny had a volley shot ending up quite wide.
Right at the start of the second half we got the much-needed first goal, and through a young player that has just returned from an almost six months long absence. A brilliant run into the box from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was spotted by Cazorla, and the run was finished with a cheeky chip over the 'keeper! It may not be all that popular to compare Oxlade-Chamberlain with Walcott, but when he is scoring goals like these it is all but impossible not to!
However, Szczesny was also called back into action for the second half as Jerome had a diving header right in front of the goal, fortunately the Polish 'keeper was there to deny him an equaliser. Before the second goal that more or less sealed the game Podolski fired into the side-netting and Crystal Palace had a shot over the bar.
So the second goal then. It certainly established, if it was not already decided, who was to be the match-hero of the day. There was some quite slick play involved as Rosicky passed the ball to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who instantly produced a back-heel to Giroud, who played the Englishman back in and another brilliant run led to another brilliant goal for Chamberlain!
In the final stages of the game Özil had a shot on target saved by the 'keeper while Szczesny made a vital, last-minute interception as Crystal Palace came forward.
This was most definitely a vital win, one that takes us back to the top of the league! Ahead we have some rather tricky game, Liverpool away, Manchester United at home, Liverpool at home and then Bayern Munich at the Emirates... Some interesting and defining games are certainly coming up...
Injury Update:
- While a new signing tends to be good news, the bad news this time around is that Källström is injured for 4 to 6 weeks, and perhaps even worse news is that the same goes for Ramsey.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 47, 73
Before writing about this game, it is worth to mention that we signed Swedish midfielder Kim Källström, on loan till the end of the season, on the final day of the transfer window. He is currently 31 years old and signed from Spartak Moscow.
Back to this game, which was, as more or less all games, a must-win. We have lost the top spot following last week's draw, but a win here would reclaim that spot at least until tomorrow, when City and Chelsea face off.
The first half was rather dismal. We had complete domination of possession, but did not create that many clear-cut chances. Within the initial twenty minutes all that happened was that Monreal had a shot saved by the 'keeper as he was released onto the goal by Özil, Cazorla hit a free-kick over the bar and Szczesny made a timely interception as Chamakh had a surge forward.
The best chance of the half came through a Koscielny header that forced a decent save out of the 'keeper, while Szczesny had to make quite the save himself as he managed to get his hand low by the near post to steer an effort into a corner. Finally we had a couple of chances, Özil's corner-kick was headed on by Mertesacker, straight at the 'keeper though, and Koscielny had a volley shot ending up quite wide.
Right at the start of the second half we got the much-needed first goal, and through a young player that has just returned from an almost six months long absence. A brilliant run into the box from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was spotted by Cazorla, and the run was finished with a cheeky chip over the 'keeper! It may not be all that popular to compare Oxlade-Chamberlain with Walcott, but when he is scoring goals like these it is all but impossible not to!
However, Szczesny was also called back into action for the second half as Jerome had a diving header right in front of the goal, fortunately the Polish 'keeper was there to deny him an equaliser. Before the second goal that more or less sealed the game Podolski fired into the side-netting and Crystal Palace had a shot over the bar.
So the second goal then. It certainly established, if it was not already decided, who was to be the match-hero of the day. There was some quite slick play involved as Rosicky passed the ball to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who instantly produced a back-heel to Giroud, who played the Englishman back in and another brilliant run led to another brilliant goal for Chamberlain!
In the final stages of the game Özil had a shot on target saved by the 'keeper while Szczesny made a vital, last-minute interception as Crystal Palace came forward.
This was most definitely a vital win, one that takes us back to the top of the league! Ahead we have some rather tricky game, Liverpool away, Manchester United at home, Liverpool at home and then Bayern Munich at the Emirates... Some interesting and defining games are certainly coming up...
Injury Update:
- While a new signing tends to be good news, the bad news this time around is that Källström is injured for 4 to 6 weeks, and perhaps even worse news is that the same goes for Ramsey.
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