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!