0-2, Premier League, Carrow Road, 11 May 2014
Ramsey 53,
Jenkinson 62
We ended the Premier League season on a high with this win over Norwich. Although the points in themselves mean little, since we had already secured the fourth spot last weekend, the win will give us a boost for next weekend, as our season is not quite over yet...
Although the first half was goalless, the second proved more bountiful with two goals that gave us the win. The first goal of this last PL game could very well be the best of the season, Giroud chipped the ball across the box to Aaron Ramsey, whose strike on volley went into the top corner of the goal! Absolutely stunning goal! The second goal came not even ten minutes later, and was no less special. Carl Jenkinson score his first goal for the first team, running into the box, reaching the ball and firing it into the back of the net! It is also worth to mention that Diaby came on for the final fifteen minutes of this game, hopefully his long injuries are behind him now!
So it was the younger generation that won the game for us, and they will hopefully be just as deadly on Saturday! But this was the end of the Premier League season of 13/14. It was a season that started with much promise and hope, but ended up as another season of reaching no higher than the fourth spot.
Showing posts with label Away. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Away. Show all posts
Monday, May 12, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
Hull vs. Arsenal
0-3, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 20 April 2014
Ramsey 31,
Podolski 45, 54
A comfortable win that not only further ensures that fourth spot, but also gives us a taste of what might be in the FA Cup final....
The first half contained plenty of chances for both teams, Szczesny had to make several decent saves throughout the half. However, we were the only ones to actually score! The first goal was scored by Aaron Ramsey, proving that he is getting back to the brilliant form he was in before the injury. Özil passed to Ramsey who, via a quick interchange of passes with Cazorla, got through the defence and neatly placed the ball past the 'keeper!
Mere minutes later Hull hit the post, but that was as close as they would get. Just before the half was over Lukas Podolski smashed the ball into the back of the net with a powerful strike, Ramsey had used his chest to get the ball down for the German to reach. These two players in particular proved to be the winning recipe of this game...
We began the second half much like we had ended the first one, with a goal! The 'keeper made an excellent save from Ramsey's thundering shot, but the rebound fell perfectly for Lukas Podolski, who tucked it home! Ten minutes later Giroud hit the bar! He stole the ball off of the 'keeper, but got into a very steep angle and was only able to kick the ball up into the bar, so close though!
In the end three goals were enough, and we are now looking more likely to qualify for the Champions League yet another year!
Ramsey 31,
Podolski 45, 54
A comfortable win that not only further ensures that fourth spot, but also gives us a taste of what might be in the FA Cup final....
The first half contained plenty of chances for both teams, Szczesny had to make several decent saves throughout the half. However, we were the only ones to actually score! The first goal was scored by Aaron Ramsey, proving that he is getting back to the brilliant form he was in before the injury. Özil passed to Ramsey who, via a quick interchange of passes with Cazorla, got through the defence and neatly placed the ball past the 'keeper!
Mere minutes later Hull hit the post, but that was as close as they would get. Just before the half was over Lukas Podolski smashed the ball into the back of the net with a powerful strike, Ramsey had used his chest to get the ball down for the German to reach. These two players in particular proved to be the winning recipe of this game...
We began the second half much like we had ended the first one, with a goal! The 'keeper made an excellent save from Ramsey's thundering shot, but the rebound fell perfectly for Lukas Podolski, who tucked it home! Ten minutes later Giroud hit the bar! He stole the ball off of the 'keeper, but got into a very steep angle and was only able to kick the ball up into the bar, so close though!
In the end three goals were enough, and we are now looking more likely to qualify for the Champions League yet another year!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Everton vs. Arsenal
3-0, Premier League, Goodison Park, 06 April 2014
Ahead of this game we were aware that losing would put us in serious danger of losing the fourth spot, and now that it is only five games left of the season that looks like a real possibility.
The game started off fairly even, Osman fired towards the top corner while Podolski also had an effort going wide within the first five minutes. Then Flamini had a decent shot on target before things went south for us. Everton scored approximately fifteen minutes into the game, Szczesny saved Lukaku's shot from right in front of the goal, but the rebound reached fellow Everton player Naismith who tucked it into the back of the net. Before the half was over Everton would score yet again, this time through Lukaku.
In the second half we never looked too likely to score, until at the very end when the Ox had a shot being tipped onto the bar by Everton 'keeper Howard. Unfortunately Everton did score in the second half as well and we have to face another crushing defeat.
In short, nothing appears to be going well for us at the moment. Next up is Wigan in the FA Cup semi-final, so things had better turn around now!
Injury Update:
- Ramsey is back! He started on the bench but eventually got to play for a while.
Ahead of this game we were aware that losing would put us in serious danger of losing the fourth spot, and now that it is only five games left of the season that looks like a real possibility.
The game started off fairly even, Osman fired towards the top corner while Podolski also had an effort going wide within the first five minutes. Then Flamini had a decent shot on target before things went south for us. Everton scored approximately fifteen minutes into the game, Szczesny saved Lukaku's shot from right in front of the goal, but the rebound reached fellow Everton player Naismith who tucked it into the back of the net. Before the half was over Everton would score yet again, this time through Lukaku.
In the second half we never looked too likely to score, until at the very end when the Ox had a shot being tipped onto the bar by Everton 'keeper Howard. Unfortunately Everton did score in the second half as well and we have to face another crushing defeat.
In short, nothing appears to be going well for us at the moment. Next up is Wigan in the FA Cup semi-final, so things had better turn around now!
Injury Update:
- Ramsey is back! He started on the bench but eventually got to play for a while.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Chelsea vs. Arsenal
6-0, Premier League, Stamford Bridge, 22 March 2014
In the second half we conceded two more, and were over-all poor.
We were down by 4-0 at the end of the first half and one man less after Gibbs was sent off in a weird situation. The Ox had touched the ball with his hand in the box and Chelsea was awarded with the penalty, yet the Ox did not even receive a yellow card. It also appeared as though he attempted to tell the ref he was wrong, but if he did it did not make any difference.
In the second half we conceded two more, and were over-all poor.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Tottenham vs. Arsenal
0-1, Premier League, White Hart Lane, 16 March 2014
Rosicky 2
Not only were we in desperate need of three points, but it was from a North London Derby that we desperately needed those three points. And most importantly, it was from a North London Derby that we took those three points!
Rosicky 2
Not only were we in desperate need of three points, but it was from a North London Derby that we desperately needed those three points. And most importantly, it was from a North London Derby that we took those three points!
Just two minutes into the game we grabbed the lead that would last through the entire game. During a counter-attack Rosicky passed the ball to the Ox, then got it back at the edge of the 18-yard-box and fired an unstoppable shot past the 'keeper!
Before the end of the half Oxlade-Chamberlain got a decent chance himself to score, he rushed forward and with a chip got the ball over the 'keeper, but his effort went way wide instead of hitting the back of the net.
Before the end of the half Oxlade-Chamberlain got a decent chance himself to score, he rushed forward and with a chip got the ball over the 'keeper, but his effort went way wide instead of hitting the back of the net.
The second half consisted of Tottenham trying to find the equaliser. At the start of the half they had a cross being inches away from being met by an on-rushing player right in front of the goal. Then Adebayor had a header going wide from right in front of the goal.
Towards the end Mertesacker had a dangerous shot on target following a free-kick that forces a great save by Lloris.
As the end drew nearer Tottenham increased the pressure, but we held firm and ensured a season of 100% wins against Tottenham!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal
1-1, Champions League, Allianz Arena, 11 March 2014
Podolski 57
Even though the game was more or less already decided due to the result of the first clash, we did go out in the right way with this display, even though it obviously wasn't enough.
Bayern Munich were solid throughout the game, posing constant threats to our defense while we looked to grab a goal (or two) ourselves. Schweinsteiger had a shot on target within the first five minutes, but it was comfortably dealt with by Fabianski, standing in as 'keeper due to Szczesny's red card in the previous game.
The main man going forward for us was, unexpectedly, Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Ox has been in immaculate form recently and will certainly prove important for the league run-in and the FA Cup semi-final (and hopefully final). The first we got to see of him in this game was as he surged forward, resulting in a defender bringing him down harshly, which, in turn, led to a free-kick and booking.
Bayern Munich did score in the first half, fortunately it was a clear offside and the goal was not given. Mere minutes later the Ox surged forward again with an astounding solo run, containing plenty of dribbling in order to get past the defenders, but he was eventually felled and a free-kick was given. That free-kick was taken by Cazorla and hit the wall, and in the resulting corner Giroud got a header on target, but it was saved by Neuer.
The half was concluded with a brilliant save by Fabianski as Götze fired a fast-paced shot on target.
At the start of the second half Robben fell easily in the box, shouting for a penalty, but nothing was given. Unfortunately it only took about four minutes after that penalty-shout before they actually got the lead, which inevitably ended much of whatever hope that was left for us. The space in front of the goal completely opened up for Schweinsteiger, leaving Fabianski quite helpless.
Somehow that seemed to ignite a spark within (or maybe it was just pure luck) but two minutes after that goal we grabbed one ourselves! And once again it was a German player who scored it! Lukas Podolski smashed the ball into the back of the net after winning the ball from Lahm! That goal did give us some hope, however futile, and the following minute the Ox had a shot on target, from outside the box, saved by Neuer.
But Fabianski had to remain vigilant till the very end, however unfortunate that was for us. Robben had an effort that he had to save with fifteen minutes to go, and then during the added time he had to face a penalty! Robben was brought down in the box and the ref gave the penalty this time around. Müller stepped up to take the penalty, but Fabianski produced an amazing save, somehow leaving the ball spinning on the goal-line to his left! So he threw himself back across the goal and poked it clear before any on-rushing Munich player could teach it! Astounding goalkeeping!
But going into this game we knew that goalkeeping alone would not save us, and we have to face being eliminated in the first knock-out stage yet again. It is quite disappointing, obviously, but not altogether unexpected and all we can do now is be sure to bring home the FA Cup trophy and have a decent finish to the league.
Podolski 57
Even though the game was more or less already decided due to the result of the first clash, we did go out in the right way with this display, even though it obviously wasn't enough.
Bayern Munich were solid throughout the game, posing constant threats to our defense while we looked to grab a goal (or two) ourselves. Schweinsteiger had a shot on target within the first five minutes, but it was comfortably dealt with by Fabianski, standing in as 'keeper due to Szczesny's red card in the previous game.
The main man going forward for us was, unexpectedly, Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Ox has been in immaculate form recently and will certainly prove important for the league run-in and the FA Cup semi-final (and hopefully final). The first we got to see of him in this game was as he surged forward, resulting in a defender bringing him down harshly, which, in turn, led to a free-kick and booking.
Bayern Munich did score in the first half, fortunately it was a clear offside and the goal was not given. Mere minutes later the Ox surged forward again with an astounding solo run, containing plenty of dribbling in order to get past the defenders, but he was eventually felled and a free-kick was given. That free-kick was taken by Cazorla and hit the wall, and in the resulting corner Giroud got a header on target, but it was saved by Neuer.
The half was concluded with a brilliant save by Fabianski as Götze fired a fast-paced shot on target.
At the start of the second half Robben fell easily in the box, shouting for a penalty, but nothing was given. Unfortunately it only took about four minutes after that penalty-shout before they actually got the lead, which inevitably ended much of whatever hope that was left for us. The space in front of the goal completely opened up for Schweinsteiger, leaving Fabianski quite helpless.
Somehow that seemed to ignite a spark within (or maybe it was just pure luck) but two minutes after that goal we grabbed one ourselves! And once again it was a German player who scored it! Lukas Podolski smashed the ball into the back of the net after winning the ball from Lahm! That goal did give us some hope, however futile, and the following minute the Ox had a shot on target, from outside the box, saved by Neuer.
But Fabianski had to remain vigilant till the very end, however unfortunate that was for us. Robben had an effort that he had to save with fifteen minutes to go, and then during the added time he had to face a penalty! Robben was brought down in the box and the ref gave the penalty this time around. Müller stepped up to take the penalty, but Fabianski produced an amazing save, somehow leaving the ball spinning on the goal-line to his left! So he threw himself back across the goal and poked it clear before any on-rushing Munich player could teach it! Astounding goalkeeping!
But going into this game we knew that goalkeeping alone would not save us, and we have to face being eliminated in the first knock-out stage yet again. It is quite disappointing, obviously, but not altogether unexpected and all we can do now is be sure to bring home the FA Cup trophy and have a decent finish to the league.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Stoke vs. Arsenal
1-0, Premier League, Britannia Stadium, 01 March 2014
This was quite possibly the most dismal game I've watched us play so far this season. We hardly created anything, in fact, the game in general hardly contained any chances.
Stoke had an effort inches wide of the post fifteen minutes into the half, and then there was more or less nothing happening until the final minutes of the half when Cazorla's shot on target was saved by Begovic.
In the second half Stoke created a bit more chances, while we remained over-all poor. Crouch created two chances within ten minutes, starting with meeting a free-kick, but his touch brought it up into the air rather than towards the goal. The second was a trademark header, which forced a great save out of Szczesny. From the resulting corner Cameron fired a shot wide.
Disaster struck with fifteen minutes to go, though it might not have been altogether unexpected. The fashion of the goal, on the other hand, was rather disagreeable. Stoke were awarded with a penalty as both Koscielny and the Stoke player went for the ball with high kicks, and both missed. Absolute joke by the ref to give in favour of one or the other.... Walters converted the penalty, giving us a tough outlook on the remainder of the season.
As we are approaching the final stretch of the league run, this was disastrous for our title chances. We truly face ending another season without a title at the moment.
This was quite possibly the most dismal game I've watched us play so far this season. We hardly created anything, in fact, the game in general hardly contained any chances.
Stoke had an effort inches wide of the post fifteen minutes into the half, and then there was more or less nothing happening until the final minutes of the half when Cazorla's shot on target was saved by Begovic.
In the second half Stoke created a bit more chances, while we remained over-all poor. Crouch created two chances within ten minutes, starting with meeting a free-kick, but his touch brought it up into the air rather than towards the goal. The second was a trademark header, which forced a great save out of Szczesny. From the resulting corner Cameron fired a shot wide.
Disaster struck with fifteen minutes to go, though it might not have been altogether unexpected. The fashion of the goal, on the other hand, was rather disagreeable. Stoke were awarded with a penalty as both Koscielny and the Stoke player went for the ball with high kicks, and both missed. Absolute joke by the ref to give in favour of one or the other.... Walters converted the penalty, giving us a tough outlook on the remainder of the season.
As we are approaching the final stretch of the league run, this was disastrous for our title chances. We truly face ending another season without a title at the moment.
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.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Southampton vs. Arsenal
2-2, Premier League, St. Mary's, 28 January 2014
Giroud 48,
Cazorla 52
We were quite miserable in the first half of this game. We, quite literally, created nothing going forward and more or less just let Southampton dominate the game completely. Fortunately, we managed to turn it around for the second half through a minor miracle.
Szczesny had to make some decent saves during the game, the first truly brilliant one came after eight minutes as we lost possession in our own box. Southampton then fired wide before finding the back of the net through a header at the edge of the box.
We should have gotten a penalty in the first half, even though we did not play very well at all, as there was a clear hand ball by a Southampton player, but nothing was given. Towards the end of the half we came close to finding ourselves two goals behind as Monreal fired a clearance into the back of a Southampton player, and the ball fell to the feet of Gallagher, who somehow managed to put it wide from right in front of the goal!
In the final minute we did create one chance, though, as Koscielny managed to get an effort on target following a corner, but unfortunately it was right at the 'keeper.
Right from the start of the second half the game pretty much exploded. A few minutes in we got the equaliser as Sagna provided a decent pass to Olivier Giroud, who steered the ball into the back of the net with a classy back-heel! Four minutes later we found ourselves in the lead, as Santi Cazorla fired a long-distance shot from outside the 18-yard-box past the 'keeper, burying it right by the post!
The turn-around would have been even more incredible had we not conceded a second goal shortly after, which effectively meant that we had to settle for just the one point in this game. However, before the end of the game Özil had time for a brilliant surge forward, but his effort glanced off a defender and hit the bar! And, on a more negative note, Flamini was shown a red card after a harsh tackle, which was especially miserable considering how good he was throughout the game.
The fact that we dropped two points here mean that we risk losing the top spot to either Manchester City (should they win their game later this evening) or/and Chelsea (should they win their game with a two-goal margin).
Giroud 48,
Cazorla 52
We were quite miserable in the first half of this game. We, quite literally, created nothing going forward and more or less just let Southampton dominate the game completely. Fortunately, we managed to turn it around for the second half through a minor miracle.
Szczesny had to make some decent saves during the game, the first truly brilliant one came after eight minutes as we lost possession in our own box. Southampton then fired wide before finding the back of the net through a header at the edge of the box.
We should have gotten a penalty in the first half, even though we did not play very well at all, as there was a clear hand ball by a Southampton player, but nothing was given. Towards the end of the half we came close to finding ourselves two goals behind as Monreal fired a clearance into the back of a Southampton player, and the ball fell to the feet of Gallagher, who somehow managed to put it wide from right in front of the goal!
In the final minute we did create one chance, though, as Koscielny managed to get an effort on target following a corner, but unfortunately it was right at the 'keeper.
Right from the start of the second half the game pretty much exploded. A few minutes in we got the equaliser as Sagna provided a decent pass to Olivier Giroud, who steered the ball into the back of the net with a classy back-heel! Four minutes later we found ourselves in the lead, as Santi Cazorla fired a long-distance shot from outside the 18-yard-box past the 'keeper, burying it right by the post!
The turn-around would have been even more incredible had we not conceded a second goal shortly after, which effectively meant that we had to settle for just the one point in this game. However, before the end of the game Özil had time for a brilliant surge forward, but his effort glanced off a defender and hit the bar! And, on a more negative note, Flamini was shown a red card after a harsh tackle, which was especially miserable considering how good he was throughout the game.
The fact that we dropped two points here mean that we risk losing the top spot to either Manchester City (should they win their game later this evening) or/and Chelsea (should they win their game with a two-goal margin).
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal
1-2, Premier League, Villa Park, 13 January 2014
Wilshere 34,
Giroud 35
Considering the fact that all the top teams had already won their games of this round, it was vital for us to beat Villa in order to remain top of the leauge. For a while it looked as though it wouldn't be a too difficult win, but towards the end things got pretty nerve-wracking!
Within the first fifteen minutes, both teams had had two chances going wide, Giroud with a header and Delph with a shot. It took us more than half an hour to get the lead, but once we did the second came mere seconds later. The first one happened as Monreal cut a pass back to Jack Wilshere at the edge of the box, who fired a shot that went in right by the right post! And the following minute we were at it again! Wilshere won the ball and played it to Olivier Giroud, who had an exquisite touch and got a bit lucky to get the ball with him, and the strike hit the same spot as Wilshere's in the previous minute!!
Szczesny was called into action in the second half as he saved a shot not five minutes into the half, and then made another one a while later. Unfortunately he could save Benteke's header with fifteen minutes to go, and all of a sudden Villa was back in the game. Fortunately they did not get closer than that and we held out to grab the important three points!
So it turned out to be a hard-fought for win, but a deserved one as well. Next up is Fulham on Saturday, definitely another must-win game for us!
Injury Update:
- Last week we received the devastating news that Theo Walcott will be out for six months due to the injury he picked up on his knee in the recent win over Tottenham. It is a very harsh blow, especially considering his current form and importance in the team.
- On a more positive note, the Ox is back! Having picked up an injury in the very first game of the season against Villa at the Emirates, the twenty-year old midfielder was brought on in the 86th minute to make his long-awaited return to the first team!
Wilshere 34,
Giroud 35
Considering the fact that all the top teams had already won their games of this round, it was vital for us to beat Villa in order to remain top of the leauge. For a while it looked as though it wouldn't be a too difficult win, but towards the end things got pretty nerve-wracking!
Within the first fifteen minutes, both teams had had two chances going wide, Giroud with a header and Delph with a shot. It took us more than half an hour to get the lead, but once we did the second came mere seconds later. The first one happened as Monreal cut a pass back to Jack Wilshere at the edge of the box, who fired a shot that went in right by the right post! And the following minute we were at it again! Wilshere won the ball and played it to Olivier Giroud, who had an exquisite touch and got a bit lucky to get the ball with him, and the strike hit the same spot as Wilshere's in the previous minute!!
Szczesny was called into action in the second half as he saved a shot not five minutes into the half, and then made another one a while later. Unfortunately he could save Benteke's header with fifteen minutes to go, and all of a sudden Villa was back in the game. Fortunately they did not get closer than that and we held out to grab the important three points!
So it turned out to be a hard-fought for win, but a deserved one as well. Next up is Fulham on Saturday, definitely another must-win game for us!
Injury Update:
- Last week we received the devastating news that Theo Walcott will be out for six months due to the injury he picked up on his knee in the recent win over Tottenham. It is a very harsh blow, especially considering his current form and importance in the team.
- On a more positive note, the Ox is back! Having picked up an injury in the very first game of the season against Villa at the Emirates, the twenty-year old midfielder was brought on in the 86th minute to make his long-awaited return to the first team!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Newcastle vs. Arsenal
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.
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.
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!
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.
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...
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Manchester United vs. Arsenal
1-0, Premier League, Old Trafford, 10 November 2013
Prior to this game Chelsea had dropped points in a draw while both Tottenham and Manchester City had lost their games. I guess we can take some comfort in the fact that we have not lost too much ground, but now Liverpool are back to being merely two points behind.
Ten minutes into the first half Rooney had a shot deflected, but it was a comfortable save for Szczesny. Five minutes later Giroud used a wonderful touch to bring down a cross, but Özil was not prepared for the cut-back and United could clear it.
The goal came after approximately half an hour of the game, van Persie headed a corner into the back of the net. We began building some pressure towards the end of the half, Cazorla had a shot blocked and Giroud headed Ramsey's cross over the bar before half-time.
We enjoyed the majority of the possession during the entire second half, all in all it became somewhere around 63 % of the possession in the second half, but we were unable to find an equalizer. Ramsey had a shot blocked at the beginning of the half and the following minute Vermaelen fired a free-kick well over the bar. Özil hit the side netting from inside the box and Ramsey had a shot on target saved by De Gea before Rooney fired wide as our defence opened up completely.
As the game drew closer and closer to the end Ramsey almost found Özil with a great ball across the pitch and Sagna's cross was inches away from being met by one of our players right in front of the goal, but took a deflection into a corner instead. Then Gibbs had a shot on target following a corner saved by De Gea while Giroud had a shot deflected wide minutes later. The final chance was another Sagna cross, almost met by Bendtner in the final minute.
It is immensely disappointing to lose, having completely dominated the second half. But we never reached our full potential, there was always something missing in the final third. Nevertheless we keep the top spot over the international break and let's just hope that we are back to our winning ways after the break.
Injury Update:
- Both Mertesacker and Rosicky picked up some kind of illness prior to the game and were unable to play. This meant that Vermaelen got to start this game, while Flamini also returned to the starting XI.
Prior to this game Chelsea had dropped points in a draw while both Tottenham and Manchester City had lost their games. I guess we can take some comfort in the fact that we have not lost too much ground, but now Liverpool are back to being merely two points behind.
Ten minutes into the first half Rooney had a shot deflected, but it was a comfortable save for Szczesny. Five minutes later Giroud used a wonderful touch to bring down a cross, but Özil was not prepared for the cut-back and United could clear it.
The goal came after approximately half an hour of the game, van Persie headed a corner into the back of the net. We began building some pressure towards the end of the half, Cazorla had a shot blocked and Giroud headed Ramsey's cross over the bar before half-time.
We enjoyed the majority of the possession during the entire second half, all in all it became somewhere around 63 % of the possession in the second half, but we were unable to find an equalizer. Ramsey had a shot blocked at the beginning of the half and the following minute Vermaelen fired a free-kick well over the bar. Özil hit the side netting from inside the box and Ramsey had a shot on target saved by De Gea before Rooney fired wide as our defence opened up completely.
As the game drew closer and closer to the end Ramsey almost found Özil with a great ball across the pitch and Sagna's cross was inches away from being met by one of our players right in front of the goal, but took a deflection into a corner instead. Then Gibbs had a shot on target following a corner saved by De Gea while Giroud had a shot deflected wide minutes later. The final chance was another Sagna cross, almost met by Bendtner in the final minute.
It is immensely disappointing to lose, having completely dominated the second half. But we never reached our full potential, there was always something missing in the final third. Nevertheless we keep the top spot over the international break and let's just hope that we are back to our winning ways after the break.
Injury Update:
- Both Mertesacker and Rosicky picked up some kind of illness prior to the game and were unable to play. This meant that Vermaelen got to start this game, while Flamini also returned to the starting XI.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Borussia Dortmund vs. Arsenal
0-1, Champions League, BVB Stadion, 06 November 2013
Ramsey 62
There are plenty of moments in football that aren't fair. The result a couple of weeks ago at the Emirates was certainly not fair. Judging from the first half and the first part of the second half of this game this result was not fair. But summarising these two clashes, things ended fairly. Makes sense, right?
We were desperately poor in the first half. To sum it up in a sentence: we did not have a single goal during the entire half. Not a single chance to score for an entire half. Can't remember ever experiencing that with the Arsenal before. Hardly five minutes into the game Mertesacker had to clear the ball inches from the goal-line as Lewandowski got close. Dortmund then had a shot through Subotic just wide of the goal before seeing yet another shot going wide. Before the end of the half Dortmund had time for two more goals going wide, one where we got extremely lucky as our defence opened up completely and then Lewandowski had another chance as his shot from outside the 18-yard-box went wide.
The second half started much like the first, with a shot over the bar from Dortmund right before Szczesny was forced into making a brilliant save from a shot and the rebound found Reus who scored, fortunately it was from an off-side position!
Then came the unlikely goal. The goalscorer, however, was not very unlikely. Aaron Ramsey's close-range header, the first chance for us of the game, found the back of the net following a decent cross by Özil, which was headed on by Giroud to the Welsh goalscoring-machine, who threw his head forward onto the ball to get it past the 'keeper! It has been said before, but it bears saying again, who would have thought a couple of seasons ago that Ramsey would be our top goalscorer with so many decisive goals so far this season...?!
Needless to say this spurred a response from Dortmund, who started going even more forward and they got really close shortly after our goal with a cross that went across the goal, inches away from finding one of several Dortmund players in the box. As a result of this new surge from Dortmund, their half of the pitch opened up for us and we could get a couple of more chances. Ramsey's shot from close range was saved by the 'keeper and from the resulting corner Giroud's effort was saved on the goal-line, while the following cross was inches away from being met by Mertesacker.
As we pushed forward ourselves, Dortmund got chances of counter-attacks and they got close in the resulting one from the cross that Mertesacker almost met, fortunately we cleared it right before the Dortmund player fired. With twenty minutes to go it was 12 - 2 to Dortmund in chances (although the majority of them were off-target), this was announced seconds before Mertesacker headed a free-kick just above the goal, though.
With fifteen minutes left of the game Monreal came on for Cazorla to add some stability to our defence, which would prove necessary as Koscielny was completely mangled by the Dortmund 'keeper right after heading Özil's free-kick wide. We should definitely have been awarded with a penalty for that poor goalkeeping, but all that we were left with was for, some time, be reduced to ten men as Koscielny had to get some treatment. We did not concede without him, though, and ten minutes later Gibbs made an important block to deny Dortmund.
Dortmund's final chance came through Lewandowski, who headed a corner over Szczesny and the goal. In the final minutes Bendtner and Vermaelen were introduced and Özil managed to piss off the entire Dortmund team by gaining both throw-ins and a free-kick by their corner flag!
So with this result we redeemed ourselves for the home game a couple of weeks ago, something that was quite necessary. We are now back at the top of the group, with the same amount of points as Napoli (= 9 pts) but a better goal-difference (3 against Napoli's 1). Hence, the Napoli game in a couple of weeks will be quite decisive then! But now it is time to recharge the batteries for the (presumably) epic clash against Manchester United on Sunday!
Injury Update:
- Wilshere missed out on this game as well due to a minor ankle problem.
- Gibbs started this game, recovering from a slight problem picked up at the end of the Liverpool game.
Ramsey 62
There are plenty of moments in football that aren't fair. The result a couple of weeks ago at the Emirates was certainly not fair. Judging from the first half and the first part of the second half of this game this result was not fair. But summarising these two clashes, things ended fairly. Makes sense, right?
We were desperately poor in the first half. To sum it up in a sentence: we did not have a single goal during the entire half. Not a single chance to score for an entire half. Can't remember ever experiencing that with the Arsenal before. Hardly five minutes into the game Mertesacker had to clear the ball inches from the goal-line as Lewandowski got close. Dortmund then had a shot through Subotic just wide of the goal before seeing yet another shot going wide. Before the end of the half Dortmund had time for two more goals going wide, one where we got extremely lucky as our defence opened up completely and then Lewandowski had another chance as his shot from outside the 18-yard-box went wide.
The second half started much like the first, with a shot over the bar from Dortmund right before Szczesny was forced into making a brilliant save from a shot and the rebound found Reus who scored, fortunately it was from an off-side position!
Then came the unlikely goal. The goalscorer, however, was not very unlikely. Aaron Ramsey's close-range header, the first chance for us of the game, found the back of the net following a decent cross by Özil, which was headed on by Giroud to the Welsh goalscoring-machine, who threw his head forward onto the ball to get it past the 'keeper! It has been said before, but it bears saying again, who would have thought a couple of seasons ago that Ramsey would be our top goalscorer with so many decisive goals so far this season...?!
Needless to say this spurred a response from Dortmund, who started going even more forward and they got really close shortly after our goal with a cross that went across the goal, inches away from finding one of several Dortmund players in the box. As a result of this new surge from Dortmund, their half of the pitch opened up for us and we could get a couple of more chances. Ramsey's shot from close range was saved by the 'keeper and from the resulting corner Giroud's effort was saved on the goal-line, while the following cross was inches away from being met by Mertesacker.
As we pushed forward ourselves, Dortmund got chances of counter-attacks and they got close in the resulting one from the cross that Mertesacker almost met, fortunately we cleared it right before the Dortmund player fired. With twenty minutes to go it was 12 - 2 to Dortmund in chances (although the majority of them were off-target), this was announced seconds before Mertesacker headed a free-kick just above the goal, though.
With fifteen minutes left of the game Monreal came on for Cazorla to add some stability to our defence, which would prove necessary as Koscielny was completely mangled by the Dortmund 'keeper right after heading Özil's free-kick wide. We should definitely have been awarded with a penalty for that poor goalkeeping, but all that we were left with was for, some time, be reduced to ten men as Koscielny had to get some treatment. We did not concede without him, though, and ten minutes later Gibbs made an important block to deny Dortmund.
Dortmund's final chance came through Lewandowski, who headed a corner over Szczesny and the goal. In the final minutes Bendtner and Vermaelen were introduced and Özil managed to piss off the entire Dortmund team by gaining both throw-ins and a free-kick by their corner flag!
So with this result we redeemed ourselves for the home game a couple of weeks ago, something that was quite necessary. We are now back at the top of the group, with the same amount of points as Napoli (= 9 pts) but a better goal-difference (3 against Napoli's 1). Hence, the Napoli game in a couple of weeks will be quite decisive then! But now it is time to recharge the batteries for the (presumably) epic clash against Manchester United on Sunday!
Injury Update:
- Wilshere missed out on this game as well due to a minor ankle problem.
- Gibbs started this game, recovering from a slight problem picked up at the end of the Liverpool game.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal
0-2, Premier League, Selhurst Park, 26 October 2013
Arteta 47 (pen),
Giroud 87
This game was a tough fight, from start to finish. In a way this makes the victory even sweeter, and we know that we will have to get more hard-fought wins like this one if we are to remain at the top of the league.
Our first decent chance of the game came after three minutes, when Giroud met Sagna's cross with a header. Unfortunately it went wide, and what was even more unfortunate was Flamini having to go off due to some kind of groin problem eight minutes into the game. He was replaced by Serge Gnabry.
Approximately ten minutes after our first chance Crystal Palace had theirs, another header over the bar. Their next chance was slightly better, though, as Chamakh (who has ended up in Crystal Palace since leaving us) had a shot on target saved by Szczesny. A couple of minutes later they had another shot on target saved by our Polish 'keeper and a shot going just wide as well.
On the other side of the pitch Cazorla had a shot inches away from being met by Giroud, which instead ended up going just wide. Then Ramsey had a shot from a steep angle saved by Crystal Palace 'keeper Speroni, before Giroud had a shot saved as well right before half-time.
At the very beginning of the second half we got that desired lead. When Gnabry was brought down in the box the referee did not hesitate to give the penalty, and in the following minute Mikel Arteta scored from the penalty spot with a penalty that was simply too well struck to be saved, even though Speroni went the right way. Minutes later Gnabry created a chance for himself, but his effort went wide.
Disaster struck when Arteta received a red card for bringing down Chamakh in a 'last man' situation, meaning that he could miss our upcoming game against Liverpool. This also meant that Gnabry had to leave the pitch, having come on in the first half, as Wilshere was introduced.
Even though we were ten against eleven we continued to create some chances, Giroud had a dangerous cross into the box almost met by Ramsey at the far post. Huge credit for this win will have to go to Szczesny, though, who made two brilliant saves with fifteen minutes to go that definitely aided in ensuring this win. He tipped one shot into the bar with his fingertips, and in the following minute he made a stunning, one-hand save from a long-distance shot.
Right at the end we secured the win through a certain French striker. Ramsey made a neat run into the 18-yard-box and provided a brilliant pass that was met by Olivier Giroud with a thundering header past Speroni!
With this win we ensure another week at the top of the league, and come next weekend we have a chance of putting Liverpool further behind us as we go head-to-head to with them. For now, however, the focus lies on Tuesday's clash against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup!
Injury Update:
- Flamini returned from the concussion he picked up last weekend, only to go off after eight minutes due to what appeared to be a groin problem.
Arteta 47 (pen),
Giroud 87
This game was a tough fight, from start to finish. In a way this makes the victory even sweeter, and we know that we will have to get more hard-fought wins like this one if we are to remain at the top of the league.
Our first decent chance of the game came after three minutes, when Giroud met Sagna's cross with a header. Unfortunately it went wide, and what was even more unfortunate was Flamini having to go off due to some kind of groin problem eight minutes into the game. He was replaced by Serge Gnabry.
Approximately ten minutes after our first chance Crystal Palace had theirs, another header over the bar. Their next chance was slightly better, though, as Chamakh (who has ended up in Crystal Palace since leaving us) had a shot on target saved by Szczesny. A couple of minutes later they had another shot on target saved by our Polish 'keeper and a shot going just wide as well.
On the other side of the pitch Cazorla had a shot inches away from being met by Giroud, which instead ended up going just wide. Then Ramsey had a shot from a steep angle saved by Crystal Palace 'keeper Speroni, before Giroud had a shot saved as well right before half-time.
At the very beginning of the second half we got that desired lead. When Gnabry was brought down in the box the referee did not hesitate to give the penalty, and in the following minute Mikel Arteta scored from the penalty spot with a penalty that was simply too well struck to be saved, even though Speroni went the right way. Minutes later Gnabry created a chance for himself, but his effort went wide.
Disaster struck when Arteta received a red card for bringing down Chamakh in a 'last man' situation, meaning that he could miss our upcoming game against Liverpool. This also meant that Gnabry had to leave the pitch, having come on in the first half, as Wilshere was introduced.
Even though we were ten against eleven we continued to create some chances, Giroud had a dangerous cross into the box almost met by Ramsey at the far post. Huge credit for this win will have to go to Szczesny, though, who made two brilliant saves with fifteen minutes to go that definitely aided in ensuring this win. He tipped one shot into the bar with his fingertips, and in the following minute he made a stunning, one-hand save from a long-distance shot.
Right at the end we secured the win through a certain French striker. Ramsey made a neat run into the 18-yard-box and provided a brilliant pass that was met by Olivier Giroud with a thundering header past Speroni!
With this win we ensure another week at the top of the league, and come next weekend we have a chance of putting Liverpool further behind us as we go head-to-head to with them. For now, however, the focus lies on Tuesday's clash against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup!
Injury Update:
- Flamini returned from the concussion he picked up last weekend, only to go off after eight minutes due to what appeared to be a groin problem.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
W.B.A vs. Arsenal
1-1, Premier League, The Hawthorns, 06 October 2013
Wilshere 65
Considering the recent Capital One Cup clash and the fact that they beat Manchester United last week, we knew that this would be a tough game against West Bromwich Albion. And it certainly was a tough game, one that looked to be heading in the wrong direction for us for quite some time!
The initial fifteen minutes consisted of both teams creating half-chances without really getting anywhere, Arteta had a shot deflected off of Giroud wide and Ramsey sent a free-kick over the bar. The first decent chance to score belonged to West Bromwich as they had a shot on target, fortunately Szczesny was there to make the save. We continued to fire high and wide, however, with Gibbs' effort after approximately twenty minutes going way over the crossbar and Wilshere firing wide from outside the 18-yard-box five minutes later.
West Brom took the lead at the end of the half through a header by Yacob.
Six minutes into the second half Anelka almost made it 2-0, but his shot went just wide as West Brom created another decent chance to score.
With just over half an hour to go Flamini had a shot blocked by a defender and then caught by the 'keeper. The following minute saw Ramsey get replaced by Rosicky. Then, at last, we got one back! Jack Wilshere scored with a powerful strike after a quick round of passes from Giroud, to Rosicky, to the Englishman! It has been quite some time since Wilshere last scored, so it is certainly nice to see him back on the score-sheet.
Szczesny was called into action again with about twenty minutes to go as Jones produced a shot on target. The following minutes Gibbs did well to deny another shot bound for our Polish 'keeper.
Giroud got extremely close to giving us the lead with fifteen minutes to go as he ran past the 'keeper, who somehow managed to get back in time to block the goal-bound shot! The Frenchman was then replaced by Bendtner, the Dane getting five minutes to produce something spectacular. Unfortunately he, nor anyone else for that matter, managed to do so and we had to settle for just the one point this time around, putting an end to our stunning run of consecutive wins.
The one point was enough for us to retain our top spot in the league, even though Liverpool now has the same amount of points as ourselves. So let's remember, a draw at the Hawthorns is no easy feat and we should definitely be pleased with it.
Wilshere 65
Considering the recent Capital One Cup clash and the fact that they beat Manchester United last week, we knew that this would be a tough game against West Bromwich Albion. And it certainly was a tough game, one that looked to be heading in the wrong direction for us for quite some time!
The initial fifteen minutes consisted of both teams creating half-chances without really getting anywhere, Arteta had a shot deflected off of Giroud wide and Ramsey sent a free-kick over the bar. The first decent chance to score belonged to West Bromwich as they had a shot on target, fortunately Szczesny was there to make the save. We continued to fire high and wide, however, with Gibbs' effort after approximately twenty minutes going way over the crossbar and Wilshere firing wide from outside the 18-yard-box five minutes later.
West Brom took the lead at the end of the half through a header by Yacob.
Six minutes into the second half Anelka almost made it 2-0, but his shot went just wide as West Brom created another decent chance to score.
With just over half an hour to go Flamini had a shot blocked by a defender and then caught by the 'keeper. The following minute saw Ramsey get replaced by Rosicky. Then, at last, we got one back! Jack Wilshere scored with a powerful strike after a quick round of passes from Giroud, to Rosicky, to the Englishman! It has been quite some time since Wilshere last scored, so it is certainly nice to see him back on the score-sheet.
Szczesny was called into action again with about twenty minutes to go as Jones produced a shot on target. The following minutes Gibbs did well to deny another shot bound for our Polish 'keeper.
Giroud got extremely close to giving us the lead with fifteen minutes to go as he ran past the 'keeper, who somehow managed to get back in time to block the goal-bound shot! The Frenchman was then replaced by Bendtner, the Dane getting five minutes to produce something spectacular. Unfortunately he, nor anyone else for that matter, managed to do so and we had to settle for just the one point this time around, putting an end to our stunning run of consecutive wins.
The one point was enough for us to retain our top spot in the league, even though Liverpool now has the same amount of points as ourselves. So let's remember, a draw at the Hawthorns is no easy feat and we should definitely be pleased with it.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Swansea vs. Arsenal
1-2, Premier League, Liberty Stadium, 28 September 2013
Gnabry 58,
Ramsey 62
Considering the fact that Tottenham and Chelsea dropped points ahead of this game, as well as the fact that both Manchester City and Manchester United lost prior to our game, we had some important points to gain and a win would ensure the top spot in the league!
Nevertheless, Swansea are formidable opponents and they had a great start to this game, keeping possession and moving the ball around with a good flow. It took us fifteen minutes to get a decent chance, and it is hardly surprising that it was Ramsey who claimed it. Flamini passed the ball to the Welshman, whose shot was just inches wide of the post. Apart from this, there really weren't many clear-cut chances in the first half, the only other coming to mind was in the very last minute of the half when Gnabry (18-year-old German who has stepped in since Walcott's injury) got the ball to Giroud, but the Frenchman's shot went wide.
It was in the second half that all the action happened, with a very prolific start from the young 18-year-old German. He started with a shot on target five minutes into the half, and seven minutes later he found the back of the net! Ramsey provided the assist to Serge Gnabry, who fired past the 'keeper, making him our second youngest goalscorer in the league! In the following minutes Özil got close to scoring as well, but he was denied by the 'keeper, having been set free by yet another Ramsey pass. Three minutes later, the Welshman would claim his eighth goal so far this season and win us the game. Wilshere did great in the build-up to the goal to win the ball and get it to Giroud, who was completely unselfish as he passed it back to Aaron Ramsey, whose finish went over both 'keeper and defender to reach the back of the net! Yet another great goal scored by Ramsey, his incredible run continues and the chants he hears now goes along the lines of: "He scores when he wants, he scores when he wants, Aaron Ramsey, he scores when he wants!"
Things got dramatic towards the end, though, as Swansea got back in the game with ten minutes to go, but we held on to the lead and got the three points!
As mentioned, these three points mean that we are currently top of the league, being two points ahead of Tottenham!
Gnabry 58,
Ramsey 62
Considering the fact that Tottenham and Chelsea dropped points ahead of this game, as well as the fact that both Manchester City and Manchester United lost prior to our game, we had some important points to gain and a win would ensure the top spot in the league!
Nevertheless, Swansea are formidable opponents and they had a great start to this game, keeping possession and moving the ball around with a good flow. It took us fifteen minutes to get a decent chance, and it is hardly surprising that it was Ramsey who claimed it. Flamini passed the ball to the Welshman, whose shot was just inches wide of the post. Apart from this, there really weren't many clear-cut chances in the first half, the only other coming to mind was in the very last minute of the half when Gnabry (18-year-old German who has stepped in since Walcott's injury) got the ball to Giroud, but the Frenchman's shot went wide.
It was in the second half that all the action happened, with a very prolific start from the young 18-year-old German. He started with a shot on target five minutes into the half, and seven minutes later he found the back of the net! Ramsey provided the assist to Serge Gnabry, who fired past the 'keeper, making him our second youngest goalscorer in the league! In the following minutes Özil got close to scoring as well, but he was denied by the 'keeper, having been set free by yet another Ramsey pass. Three minutes later, the Welshman would claim his eighth goal so far this season and win us the game. Wilshere did great in the build-up to the goal to win the ball and get it to Giroud, who was completely unselfish as he passed it back to Aaron Ramsey, whose finish went over both 'keeper and defender to reach the back of the net! Yet another great goal scored by Ramsey, his incredible run continues and the chants he hears now goes along the lines of: "He scores when he wants, he scores when he wants, Aaron Ramsey, he scores when he wants!"
Things got dramatic towards the end, though, as Swansea got back in the game with ten minutes to go, but we held on to the lead and got the three points!
As mentioned, these three points mean that we are currently top of the league, being two points ahead of Tottenham!
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