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.
Showing posts with label Injury Update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Injury Update. Show all posts
Sunday, April 6, 2014
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.
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!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Arsenal vs. Tottenham
2-0, The FA Cup, Emirates Stadium, 4 January 2013
Cazorla 31,
Rosicky 62
Like every North London Derby, winning this game meant more than mere qualification to the next round in the cup. It is all about showing that North London Is Red.
We were excellent throughout this game, completely dominated through a brilliant passing game that has seen us through more or less this entire season so far. Fabianski was called into action early on, though, as Eriksen got into a one-on-one with the Polish 'keeper, who made a great save. On the other side of the pitch, where most of the action happened, Walcott had two shots, one on target that was saved by Lloris and a second that was deflected wide. In the resulting corner Gnabry fired mere inches over the bar. Eriksen created another chance for Tottenham with a free-kick that went slightly over the bar, while Cazorla fired wide and Walcott saw his effort saved as he too got in a one-on-one with the 'keeper.
Half an hour into the game we took the lead. Gnabry made a great run, and while Walcott drew the defenders' attention Santi Cazorla was completely unmarked on the left-hand side. Gnabry provided the necessary pass for the Spaniard to fire into the back of the net. He may not have scored too much so far this season, but he certainly chose the right occasion for this one! We almost added to the goal before the end of the half as Walcott had a volley going over the bar and a free-kick was inches away from being met by Sagna at the far post.
The second half started much like the first, there might have been a slight improvement in Tottenham's play, but it was most certainly far from enough. After fifteen minutes Walcott hit the side netting as he got past Lloris but found the angle to steep to score from, but then came the goal that sealed the game.
When Tottenham were looking for the equaliser with all save one man and the 'keeper in our half, Tomas Rosicky nicked the ball off of that one man and ran across the entire Tottenham half to chip the ball over Lloris and score! A truly wonderful goal, showing the true spirit of the Czech midfielder.
The only sad news of the day was that Walcott was stretchered off with ten minutes to go as he injured his knee. We can only hope that he will be back before long.
So another North London Derby played, and another North London Derby won. Things are definitely looking good at the moment!
In the next round we will face Coventry at the Emirates. It's a game that we will be confident to win, but one must never underestimate the opponents in these cups, as shocking results appear rather frequently.
Injury Update:
- Giroud missed out on this game due to sickness, but should be back for the Villa game next Monday.
- Bendtner will be out for a month due to the injury he picked up in the last game.
Cazorla 31,
Rosicky 62
Like every North London Derby, winning this game meant more than mere qualification to the next round in the cup. It is all about showing that North London Is Red.
We were excellent throughout this game, completely dominated through a brilliant passing game that has seen us through more or less this entire season so far. Fabianski was called into action early on, though, as Eriksen got into a one-on-one with the Polish 'keeper, who made a great save. On the other side of the pitch, where most of the action happened, Walcott had two shots, one on target that was saved by Lloris and a second that was deflected wide. In the resulting corner Gnabry fired mere inches over the bar. Eriksen created another chance for Tottenham with a free-kick that went slightly over the bar, while Cazorla fired wide and Walcott saw his effort saved as he too got in a one-on-one with the 'keeper.
Half an hour into the game we took the lead. Gnabry made a great run, and while Walcott drew the defenders' attention Santi Cazorla was completely unmarked on the left-hand side. Gnabry provided the necessary pass for the Spaniard to fire into the back of the net. He may not have scored too much so far this season, but he certainly chose the right occasion for this one! We almost added to the goal before the end of the half as Walcott had a volley going over the bar and a free-kick was inches away from being met by Sagna at the far post.
The second half started much like the first, there might have been a slight improvement in Tottenham's play, but it was most certainly far from enough. After fifteen minutes Walcott hit the side netting as he got past Lloris but found the angle to steep to score from, but then came the goal that sealed the game.
When Tottenham were looking for the equaliser with all save one man and the 'keeper in our half, Tomas Rosicky nicked the ball off of that one man and ran across the entire Tottenham half to chip the ball over Lloris and score! A truly wonderful goal, showing the true spirit of the Czech midfielder.
The only sad news of the day was that Walcott was stretchered off with ten minutes to go as he injured his knee. We can only hope that he will be back before long.
So another North London Derby played, and another North London Derby won. Things are definitely looking good at the moment!
In the next round we will face Coventry at the Emirates. It's a game that we will be confident to win, but one must never underestimate the opponents in these cups, as shocking results appear rather frequently.
Injury Update:
- Giroud missed out on this game due to sickness, but should be back for the Villa game next Monday.
- Bendtner will be out for a month due to the injury he picked up in the last game.
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.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Arsenal vs. Southampton
2-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 23 November 2013
Giroud 22, 86 (pen)
Having left off on a negative note before the international break, it was important to get back to our winning ways right away. Especially with the knowledge that Liverpool had dropped points earlier today, meaning that we had the chance to go four points clear at the top!
We started the game off in brilliant style, at least as brilliant as it can get without scoring, with two efforts hitting the post within the initial twenty minutes. First up was Wilshere, following a neat pass by Ramsey into the box, ending up at the Englishman's feet. The ball may have gone over Southampton 'keeper Boruc, but unfortunately it bounced off the post and stayed clear of the goal line. Next up was Ramsey's cheeky back-heel, he attempted to flick Özil's cross into the back of the net, what a goal it would have been had it not hit the post and then gone out.
Mere minutes later, however, we did find the back of the net. The fashion of the goal was quite unusual and very lucky, depending on whose side you view it. Olivier Giroud nicked the ball off the 'keeper, who got over-confident with his footwork and dribbled just a few times too many, and put it into the back of the net! Really poor play by Boruc, but one-nil nevertheless!
Before the end of the half Szczesny got the chance to show how proper goalkeeping should look like as he conjured a decent save to deny Lallana's shot access to the goal.
The second half started in similar fashion, with Szczesny making a save. This one was far more comfortable, though, as Lallana fired straight at him. Ten minutes later Özil had a shot on target saved by Boruc and then Wilshere headed straight at the same 'keeper.
With half an hour to go Walcott was introduced, his first game for two months, at the expense of Cazorla. Needless to say it is brilliant to have him back, considering his form earlier this season! On a less positive note, Arteta appeared to pick up an injury and Rosicky came on to take his place for the remained of the game.
As Osvaldo produced a shot on target Szczesny had to make another save, but the next effort went wide into a corner. Ten minutes from the end Özil was replaced by Monreal and Walcott fired wide. Five minutes before the end we sealed the game, as Fonte pulled at Mertesacker's shirt during a corner and the referee awarded us with a penalty! Since first-choice penalty taker Arteta had gone off, a certain Frenchman stepped up to take the penalty. Olivier Giroud produced a powerful strike from the penalty spot to double his tally for the game and win it for us!
With these points we are now four points clear of second-placed Liverpool, meaning that we have some breathing space! Furthermore, it was important for the confidence of the team to return to winning ways, things are definitely still looking good! On Tuesday we face Marseille at the Emirates, a (more or less) must-win for us to ensure qualification for the next round in the Champions League!
Injury Update:
- Walcott returned to the squad for this game, starting on the bench.
Giroud 22, 86 (pen)
Having left off on a negative note before the international break, it was important to get back to our winning ways right away. Especially with the knowledge that Liverpool had dropped points earlier today, meaning that we had the chance to go four points clear at the top!
We started the game off in brilliant style, at least as brilliant as it can get without scoring, with two efforts hitting the post within the initial twenty minutes. First up was Wilshere, following a neat pass by Ramsey into the box, ending up at the Englishman's feet. The ball may have gone over Southampton 'keeper Boruc, but unfortunately it bounced off the post and stayed clear of the goal line. Next up was Ramsey's cheeky back-heel, he attempted to flick Özil's cross into the back of the net, what a goal it would have been had it not hit the post and then gone out.
Mere minutes later, however, we did find the back of the net. The fashion of the goal was quite unusual and very lucky, depending on whose side you view it. Olivier Giroud nicked the ball off the 'keeper, who got over-confident with his footwork and dribbled just a few times too many, and put it into the back of the net! Really poor play by Boruc, but one-nil nevertheless!
Before the end of the half Szczesny got the chance to show how proper goalkeeping should look like as he conjured a decent save to deny Lallana's shot access to the goal.
The second half started in similar fashion, with Szczesny making a save. This one was far more comfortable, though, as Lallana fired straight at him. Ten minutes later Özil had a shot on target saved by Boruc and then Wilshere headed straight at the same 'keeper.
With half an hour to go Walcott was introduced, his first game for two months, at the expense of Cazorla. Needless to say it is brilliant to have him back, considering his form earlier this season! On a less positive note, Arteta appeared to pick up an injury and Rosicky came on to take his place for the remained of the game.
As Osvaldo produced a shot on target Szczesny had to make another save, but the next effort went wide into a corner. Ten minutes from the end Özil was replaced by Monreal and Walcott fired wide. Five minutes before the end we sealed the game, as Fonte pulled at Mertesacker's shirt during a corner and the referee awarded us with a penalty! Since first-choice penalty taker Arteta had gone off, a certain Frenchman stepped up to take the penalty. Olivier Giroud produced a powerful strike from the penalty spot to double his tally for the game and win it for us!
With these points we are now four points clear of second-placed Liverpool, meaning that we have some breathing space! Furthermore, it was important for the confidence of the team to return to winning ways, things are definitely still looking good! On Tuesday we face Marseille at the Emirates, a (more or less) must-win for us to ensure qualification for the next round in the Champions League!
Injury Update:
- Walcott returned to the squad for this game, starting on the bench.
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.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Arsenal vs. Liverpool
2-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 02 November 2013
Cazorla 19,
Ramsey 59
Ahead of this game we knew that a win would see us five points clear at the top of the league, whereas a loss would send us down to second in the league. So, win or lose would have quite the impact on our position in the league...
Our first chance of the game was a shot by Rosicky that went into a corner via Liverpool 'keeper Mignolet. Not long after that chance we had our lead that we would hold onto for the rest of the game. Santi Cazorla initially headed Sagna's cross into the post, but when the rebound fell perfectly for him, the Spaniard made no mistake and fired past Mignolet into the back of the net! He had an overall brilliant game, and this was quite the goal for the occasion! Two minutes later he was at it again, only this time Mignolet caught his shot.
The Liverpool 'keeper would make another save not long after as Ramsey had a shot on target following some slick play. Before the end of the half Cazorla had another effort, but this time his shot from outside the 18-yard-box went just wide of the goal.
We began the second half not quite as sharp as we had looked for the majority of the first, fortunately we grew into the half and came out as we started it, on top!
Five minutes into the half Henderson had a shot over the bar for Liverpool and five minutes after that Giroud was one-on-one with Mignolet at the other end, unfortunately his chip went wide. He got another chance to score two minutes later after some neat play including Rosicky and Cazorla, but his shot on target was saved by Mignolet.
Then the final score was settled, and it was none other than Aaron Ramsey who finished the scoring of the evening. An incredible, curling shot from outside the 18-yard-box did the trick, it sure was a stunning strike from the Welshman!
Chances continued to be created, though, and full-back Gibbs had a shot inside the box blocked. At the other end Sturridge had a header going high and wide while Suarez's dangerous, low shot across the goal hit the post and then out. Özil had a shot saved by the 'keeper with fifteen minutes to go and a couple of minutes later Gibbs picked up some kind of calf problem and had to be replaced, skipper Vermaelen came on.
With approximately ten minutes to go Szczesny made a couple of decent saves, removing the ball from right underneath Suarez's feet and producing another save the following minute that caused a corner. The Polish 'keeper was brilliant overall this evening and deserves a lot of credit for this win.
For the final minutes Jenkinson came on for Cazorla (who, deservingly, got a standing ovation). Liverpool's final chance was a shot from Suarez that went wide and the very last chance of the game went to Özil whose shot on target was directly at Mignolet, who could make a fairly comfortable save.
This win means that we are now five points clear at the top of the table after ten games! It sure feels brilliant, considering the past seasons where we have had quite poor starts to the season. Next week we face Manchester United at Old Trafford, so it certainly feels good to have a bit of breathing space to second placed Chelsea and Liverpool. (Chelsea also lost today!)
Injury Update:
- Jack Wilshere had to sit this game out due to a minor ankle proble.
Cazorla 19,
Ramsey 59
Ahead of this game we knew that a win would see us five points clear at the top of the league, whereas a loss would send us down to second in the league. So, win or lose would have quite the impact on our position in the league...
Our first chance of the game was a shot by Rosicky that went into a corner via Liverpool 'keeper Mignolet. Not long after that chance we had our lead that we would hold onto for the rest of the game. Santi Cazorla initially headed Sagna's cross into the post, but when the rebound fell perfectly for him, the Spaniard made no mistake and fired past Mignolet into the back of the net! He had an overall brilliant game, and this was quite the goal for the occasion! Two minutes later he was at it again, only this time Mignolet caught his shot.
The Liverpool 'keeper would make another save not long after as Ramsey had a shot on target following some slick play. Before the end of the half Cazorla had another effort, but this time his shot from outside the 18-yard-box went just wide of the goal.
We began the second half not quite as sharp as we had looked for the majority of the first, fortunately we grew into the half and came out as we started it, on top!
Five minutes into the half Henderson had a shot over the bar for Liverpool and five minutes after that Giroud was one-on-one with Mignolet at the other end, unfortunately his chip went wide. He got another chance to score two minutes later after some neat play including Rosicky and Cazorla, but his shot on target was saved by Mignolet.
Then the final score was settled, and it was none other than Aaron Ramsey who finished the scoring of the evening. An incredible, curling shot from outside the 18-yard-box did the trick, it sure was a stunning strike from the Welshman!
Chances continued to be created, though, and full-back Gibbs had a shot inside the box blocked. At the other end Sturridge had a header going high and wide while Suarez's dangerous, low shot across the goal hit the post and then out. Özil had a shot saved by the 'keeper with fifteen minutes to go and a couple of minutes later Gibbs picked up some kind of calf problem and had to be replaced, skipper Vermaelen came on.
With approximately ten minutes to go Szczesny made a couple of decent saves, removing the ball from right underneath Suarez's feet and producing another save the following minute that caused a corner. The Polish 'keeper was brilliant overall this evening and deserves a lot of credit for this win.
For the final minutes Jenkinson came on for Cazorla (who, deservingly, got a standing ovation). Liverpool's final chance was a shot from Suarez that went wide and the very last chance of the game went to Özil whose shot on target was directly at Mignolet, who could make a fairly comfortable save.
This win means that we are now five points clear at the top of the table after ten games! It sure feels brilliant, considering the past seasons where we have had quite poor starts to the season. Next week we face Manchester United at Old Trafford, so it certainly feels good to have a bit of breathing space to second placed Chelsea and Liverpool. (Chelsea also lost today!)
Injury Update:
- Jack Wilshere had to sit this game out due to a minor ankle proble.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Arsenal vs. Chelsea
0-2, Capital One Cup, Emirates Stadium, 29 October 2013
A disappointing game consisting of few chances, we never looked likely to turn the game around after getting behind.
Miyaichi got close to scoring twenty minutes into the first half as he got the ball past the 'keeper, but defender Cahill cleared it before Ryo could get a shot away. Then, mere minutes later, Chelsea took the lead as Jenkinson made a poor header back to Fabianski that Azpilicueta could intercept. Last proper chance of the half went to Monreal who produced a shot that ended up inches wide of the far post.
The second half was no improvement, with more or less all of our shots ending up wide. Ramsey began the half with two shots going just wide before Chelsea scored again through Mata. Giroud had a shot on target saved by Schwarzer and Cazorla ended the game with another shot wide.
Overall the game was simply depressing, there were lots of changes in our squad from the previous game, and we can only hope that we will put on a better display against Liverpool this weekend.
Injury Update:
- Flamini will be out for a couple of weeks due to a groin injury.
A disappointing game consisting of few chances, we never looked likely to turn the game around after getting behind.
Miyaichi got close to scoring twenty minutes into the first half as he got the ball past the 'keeper, but defender Cahill cleared it before Ryo could get a shot away. Then, mere minutes later, Chelsea took the lead as Jenkinson made a poor header back to Fabianski that Azpilicueta could intercept. Last proper chance of the half went to Monreal who produced a shot that ended up inches wide of the far post.
The second half was no improvement, with more or less all of our shots ending up wide. Ramsey began the half with two shots going just wide before Chelsea scored again through Mata. Giroud had a shot on target saved by Schwarzer and Cazorla ended the game with another shot wide.
Overall the game was simply depressing, there were lots of changes in our squad from the previous game, and we can only hope that we will put on a better display against Liverpool this weekend.
Injury Update:
- Flamini will be out for a couple of weeks due to a groin injury.
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.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Arsenal vs. Borussia Dortmund
1-2, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 22 October 2013
Giroud 41
This is our first loss since the very first game of the season, and I cannot say that I have missed this bitter feeling... We did by no means deserve to lose this game, especially in the fashion of a late, second-half goal following a spell of where we completely dominated the play...
We started the game as we ended it, behind. Dortmund scored fifteen minutes into the game as Ramsey lost possession at the edge of the 18-yard-box and Mkhitaryan's shot was place out of Szczesny's reach, being buried by the post. Our response to this came quite late, and just before the actual equaliser Rosicky had a shot saved on the goal-line by a defender. Our only goal of the game came right at the end of the half as Ramsey got the ball to Sagna, whose cross created some confusion between 'keeper and defender, so Olivier Giroud intercepted and put the ball into the back of the net!
Overall, the game contained through decent chances to score. The second half was no exception, but we upped our game in it to be in brilliant control of the play to create some more chances. Cazorla hit the bar at one point in the half with a beautifully curved shot, and a while later he almost reached the ball in the box before the 'keeper got to it.
Then disaster struck in the last ten minutes as Lewandowski scored the winning goal for Dortmund. We lost track of him in the box, which proved costly and we certainly should not have lost this game considering how we played in the second half, it was sloppy.
Even though it is immensely disappointing to have lost this game, we have to acknowledge that we do still have a good chance of qualifying for the knock-out rounds. This group stage is by no means over.
Injury Update:
- Wilshere appeared to pick up some kind of problem in this game and had to be replaced.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Arsenal vs. Norwich City
4-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 19 October 2013
Wilshere 18,
Özil 58, 88
Ramsey 83
After a week of international football, the return of the league was anticipated. We left off before the break at the top of the league with a brilliant run unbeaten, and that's how we continue following this win and three important points, leaving us alone at the top of the league!
It took us almost twenty minutes to break the deadlock, but the relief it brought was well worth the wait! Giroud played a clever ball to a Jack Wilshere, whose finished ended up right where it should have, in the back of the net! This is the second league game running in which the English midfielder has scored, and the first goal scored by him at the Emirates!
Towards the end of the half we almost doubled the lead as Gibbs made a great interception, winning us the ball high up on the field and getting the ball to Giroud, but Norwich 'keeper Ruddy produced a stunning save to temporarily deny us a two-goal lead. Before the end of the half Flamini had to be replaced by Ramsey as he got a concussion and Sagna had a volley caught by Ruddy, with Szczesny being called into action in the final minutes, tipping the ball wide all the way to a Norwich throw.
Less than fifteen minutes into the second half we did get that two-goal lead, through none other than Mesut Özil! In a quick counter-attack Giroud and the German play-maker switched positions to link-up and create a goal as the French striker provided the cross that Özil headed into the back of the net!
Then Norwich enjoyed a decent spell where first Pilkington got a chance to score for Norwich as they were four against two defenders, fortunately his shot went wide. Almost ten minutes later, however, Norwich got one back when Mertesacker slightly miss-kicked a clearance, leading to a shot from Howson that went past Szczesny.
Instead of backing home and defending our lead we went for our trademark offensive approach, and it certainly paid off! Our stunning Welshman got back on the score-sheet today through a brilliant solo effort. Aaron Ramsey got the ball from Wilshere, then tricked his way past two defenders in the box before finishing the move off with a cracking shot past Ruddy! A simply brilliant move by a simply brilliant player!
Before the end of the game we would get one more goal, but first Mertesacker had a header gracing the post, sadly ending up wide. But our other German player on the field today would get his first brace for the Arsenal before the end of the game. Rosicky found Ramsey at the edge of the box, whose immensely clever "volley pass" to Mesut Özil was just perfect, and the German then doubled his tally for the game with a decent strike from close range! In the final minute Wilshere made an attempt at getting a brace of his own, but his sizzling shot from the edge of the box went just wide.
So, our stunning run continues with this great result. Not only did we score four goals, we scored four pieces of art! All the goals today included class and finesse, and will be remembered for quite some time ahead! Next up is a Champions League clash against Dortmund at the Emirates on Tuesday!
Injury Update:
- Cazorla was back in the starting XI for this game!
Wilshere 18,
Özil 58, 88
Ramsey 83
After a week of international football, the return of the league was anticipated. We left off before the break at the top of the league with a brilliant run unbeaten, and that's how we continue following this win and three important points, leaving us alone at the top of the league!
It took us almost twenty minutes to break the deadlock, but the relief it brought was well worth the wait! Giroud played a clever ball to a Jack Wilshere, whose finished ended up right where it should have, in the back of the net! This is the second league game running in which the English midfielder has scored, and the first goal scored by him at the Emirates!
Towards the end of the half we almost doubled the lead as Gibbs made a great interception, winning us the ball high up on the field and getting the ball to Giroud, but Norwich 'keeper Ruddy produced a stunning save to temporarily deny us a two-goal lead. Before the end of the half Flamini had to be replaced by Ramsey as he got a concussion and Sagna had a volley caught by Ruddy, with Szczesny being called into action in the final minutes, tipping the ball wide all the way to a Norwich throw.
Less than fifteen minutes into the second half we did get that two-goal lead, through none other than Mesut Özil! In a quick counter-attack Giroud and the German play-maker switched positions to link-up and create a goal as the French striker provided the cross that Özil headed into the back of the net!
Then Norwich enjoyed a decent spell where first Pilkington got a chance to score for Norwich as they were four against two defenders, fortunately his shot went wide. Almost ten minutes later, however, Norwich got one back when Mertesacker slightly miss-kicked a clearance, leading to a shot from Howson that went past Szczesny.
Instead of backing home and defending our lead we went for our trademark offensive approach, and it certainly paid off! Our stunning Welshman got back on the score-sheet today through a brilliant solo effort. Aaron Ramsey got the ball from Wilshere, then tricked his way past two defenders in the box before finishing the move off with a cracking shot past Ruddy! A simply brilliant move by a simply brilliant player!
Before the end of the game we would get one more goal, but first Mertesacker had a header gracing the post, sadly ending up wide. But our other German player on the field today would get his first brace for the Arsenal before the end of the game. Rosicky found Ramsey at the edge of the box, whose immensely clever "volley pass" to Mesut Özil was just perfect, and the German then doubled his tally for the game with a decent strike from close range! In the final minute Wilshere made an attempt at getting a brace of his own, but his sizzling shot from the edge of the box went just wide.
So, our stunning run continues with this great result. Not only did we score four goals, we scored four pieces of art! All the goals today included class and finesse, and will be remembered for quite some time ahead! Next up is a Champions League clash against Dortmund at the Emirates on Tuesday!
Injury Update:
- Cazorla was back in the starting XI for this game!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Arsenal vs. Napoli
2-0, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 01 October 2013
Özil 8,
Giroud 15
The first half was one of the best halves I've seen us play in a long time, and that's saying something considering our recent run! Within the first fifteen minutes we had completed 100 passes, compared to Napoli's 24 and had had 70% of the possession. Add to that two goals and you could say that we were the better team.
We went ahead eight minutes into the game, and stayed ahead for the rest of the game. Giroud made a cheeky back-heel to get the ball to Ramsey, who created the perfect pass to Mesut Özil. The German play-maker only needed one touch to place his shot out of Reina's reach and thus score his first goal for Arsenal! He has already had an amazing start to his time here, and now he can add a goal to all those assists! He continued providing assists in this game as well, though, as he got around the defence to cut the ball back for Olivier Giroud to tap into the back of the net from close range!
Napoli got quite close to scoring once this half as we had a lapse of focus in the box and Britos was left unmarked during a corner, fortunately his header went wide. Over-all, however, we were great at defending as a team, completely ruling the midfield by winning the ball back quickly whenever we lost it. Szczesny only had to make one save this half, the threat coming in the shape of a daisy-cutter.
Needless to say Ramsey created lots of chances in this game as well. Before the end of the half he had two shots blocked by defenders and, after showing some slick moves to shake off a defender with a quick turn, he had a shot deflected wide.
The second half was more or less all about maintaining the result and thus ensuring the three points. Rosicky almost made it 3-0, though, in the very first minute of the half as he got into a brilliant position right in front of the goal. Unfortunately he missed the ball as Giroud got it towards him. With fifteen minutes to go we had another decent chance of another goal as Özil's cross reached Arteta's head, who played it on to Koscielny, whose effort was saved by Reina.
This win means that we are currently top of the group! Needless to say there is plenty more points to play for and we will need more of them to ensure qualification, but we are off to a good start!
Injury Update:
- Rosicky returned back from injury to start in this game!
Özil 8,
Giroud 15
The first half was one of the best halves I've seen us play in a long time, and that's saying something considering our recent run! Within the first fifteen minutes we had completed 100 passes, compared to Napoli's 24 and had had 70% of the possession. Add to that two goals and you could say that we were the better team.
We went ahead eight minutes into the game, and stayed ahead for the rest of the game. Giroud made a cheeky back-heel to get the ball to Ramsey, who created the perfect pass to Mesut Özil. The German play-maker only needed one touch to place his shot out of Reina's reach and thus score his first goal for Arsenal! He has already had an amazing start to his time here, and now he can add a goal to all those assists! He continued providing assists in this game as well, though, as he got around the defence to cut the ball back for Olivier Giroud to tap into the back of the net from close range!
Napoli got quite close to scoring once this half as we had a lapse of focus in the box and Britos was left unmarked during a corner, fortunately his header went wide. Over-all, however, we were great at defending as a team, completely ruling the midfield by winning the ball back quickly whenever we lost it. Szczesny only had to make one save this half, the threat coming in the shape of a daisy-cutter.
Needless to say Ramsey created lots of chances in this game as well. Before the end of the half he had two shots blocked by defenders and, after showing some slick moves to shake off a defender with a quick turn, he had a shot deflected wide.
The second half was more or less all about maintaining the result and thus ensuring the three points. Rosicky almost made it 3-0, though, in the very first minute of the half as he got into a brilliant position right in front of the goal. Unfortunately he missed the ball as Giroud got it towards him. With fifteen minutes to go we had another decent chance of another goal as Özil's cross reached Arteta's head, who played it on to Koscielny, whose effort was saved by Reina.
This win means that we are currently top of the group! Needless to say there is plenty more points to play for and we will need more of them to ensure qualification, but we are off to a good start!
Injury Update:
- Rosicky returned back from injury to start in this game!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
West Bromwich Albion vs. Arsenal
1-1 (3-4 penalties), Capital One Cup, The Hawthorns, 25 September 2013
Eisfeld 62
Unfortunately Swedish television did not broadcast this Capital One Cup clash. Fortunately there are other ways of following a game, as well as ways of watching the highlights the following day!
The first half was quite uneventful, both teams created chances but failed to find the back of the net. It wasn't until about midway through the second half that things got truly interesting. Nicklas Bendtner (back in the Arsenal shirt) played a brilliant pass through to Thomas Eisfeld, and the young German midfielder fired into the back of the net! It did not take long, however, for West Brom to equalise through a header following a corner.
The game eventually reached extra-time, but since no one could find a winning goal it was penalties that had to settle this game, West Brom went first:
1-0 Reid
1-1 Bendtner
2-1 Rosenberg
2-1 Gnabry's effort is saved.
3-1 Morrison
3-2 Olsson
3-2 Dawson misses!
3-3 Akpom scores!
3-3 Amalfitano misses!
3-4 MONREAL SCORES!!
It got quite dramatic, but we made it through all right to the fourth round, where we will face Chelsea at the Emirates!
Injury Update:
- Arteta completed 95 minutes of this game, while Vermaelen played the entire game.
- Cazorla is expected to be back in approximately one week, hopefully in time for the next game against West Brom in the league.
Eisfeld 62
Unfortunately Swedish television did not broadcast this Capital One Cup clash. Fortunately there are other ways of following a game, as well as ways of watching the highlights the following day!
The first half was quite uneventful, both teams created chances but failed to find the back of the net. It wasn't until about midway through the second half that things got truly interesting. Nicklas Bendtner (back in the Arsenal shirt) played a brilliant pass through to Thomas Eisfeld, and the young German midfielder fired into the back of the net! It did not take long, however, for West Brom to equalise through a header following a corner.
The game eventually reached extra-time, but since no one could find a winning goal it was penalties that had to settle this game, West Brom went first:
1-0 Reid
1-1 Bendtner
2-1 Rosenberg
2-1 Gnabry's effort is saved.
3-1 Morrison
3-2 Olsson
3-2 Dawson misses!
3-3 Akpom scores!
3-3 Amalfitano misses!
3-4 MONREAL SCORES!!
It got quite dramatic, but we made it through all right to the fourth round, where we will face Chelsea at the Emirates!
Injury Update:
- Arteta completed 95 minutes of this game, while Vermaelen played the entire game.
- Cazorla is expected to be back in approximately one week, hopefully in time for the next game against West Brom in the league.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Arsenal vs. Stoke
3-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 22 September 2013
Ramsey 5,
Mertesacker 36,
Sagna 72
I travelled to London this weekend to watch this game live at the Emirates, and at last the curse has been lifted! Prior to this weekend I have watched the Arsenal live a total of six times and never have I seen a victory, or a game where we have scored more than one goal, in fact! One 1-2 defeat, three 0-0 and two 1-1 games is what I've had to settle with. But no more! Words can't describe the relief this win brings me, I was even considering not watching them live any more due to the poor results!
The first half began in splendid fashion as we took the lead within five minutes! And who scored if not red hot Aaron Ramsey! Stoke 'keeper Begovic punched Özil's free kick out, into the path of the Welshman who fired it into the back of the net from a fairly close range! His current form is just breathtaking and it definitely promises to be a good season for Ramsey!
Unfortunately we dropped our game slightly following the goal, allowing Stoke to equalise approximately twenty minutes after having taken the lead. However, that was a wake-up call for the team and it did not take long before we played some serious good football again, and with that we got back in front. Once again it was from a set-piece and once again it was Özil who provided the assist. The German's corner found the head of Per Mertesacker, our very own Big Fucking German, who put the ball into the back of the net! It was a relief to be back with a lead and it was certainly deserved!
We continued with the same spirit in the second half, and even though Stoke continuously searched for an equaliser we never allowed it. The game was more or less sealed when the third goal arrived, and from quite the unexpected chance! With the risk of sounding like a broken record, Özil provided with the assist through a set-piece. His free-kick was perfectly met by Bacary Sagna, the short full-back somehow got a header away crushed between two Stoke defenders, for him to score from that situation was quite unbelievable!
So another important victory with three more points, another game where Ramsey scored and another game where Özil shone, creating both goals and chances from his midfield position!
Injury Update:
- Walcott has developed a minor problem with his posterior abdominal wall, causing him to miss out on a couple of games, but is expected back after the upcoming international break.
- Arteta was back for this game! He came on for the final ten minutes and looked very well!
Ramsey 5,
Mertesacker 36,
Sagna 72
I travelled to London this weekend to watch this game live at the Emirates, and at last the curse has been lifted! Prior to this weekend I have watched the Arsenal live a total of six times and never have I seen a victory, or a game where we have scored more than one goal, in fact! One 1-2 defeat, three 0-0 and two 1-1 games is what I've had to settle with. But no more! Words can't describe the relief this win brings me, I was even considering not watching them live any more due to the poor results!
The first half began in splendid fashion as we took the lead within five minutes! And who scored if not red hot Aaron Ramsey! Stoke 'keeper Begovic punched Özil's free kick out, into the path of the Welshman who fired it into the back of the net from a fairly close range! His current form is just breathtaking and it definitely promises to be a good season for Ramsey!
Unfortunately we dropped our game slightly following the goal, allowing Stoke to equalise approximately twenty minutes after having taken the lead. However, that was a wake-up call for the team and it did not take long before we played some serious good football again, and with that we got back in front. Once again it was from a set-piece and once again it was Özil who provided the assist. The German's corner found the head of Per Mertesacker, our very own Big Fucking German, who put the ball into the back of the net! It was a relief to be back with a lead and it was certainly deserved!
We continued with the same spirit in the second half, and even though Stoke continuously searched for an equaliser we never allowed it. The game was more or less sealed when the third goal arrived, and from quite the unexpected chance! With the risk of sounding like a broken record, Özil provided with the assist through a set-piece. His free-kick was perfectly met by Bacary Sagna, the short full-back somehow got a header away crushed between two Stoke defenders, for him to score from that situation was quite unbelievable!
So another important victory with three more points, another game where Ramsey scored and another game where Özil shone, creating both goals and chances from his midfield position!
Injury Update:
- Walcott has developed a minor problem with his posterior abdominal wall, causing him to miss out on a couple of games, but is expected back after the upcoming international break.
- Arteta was back for this game! He came on for the final ten minutes and looked very well!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Marseille vs. Arsenal
1-2, Champions League, Stade Velodrome, 18.09.2013
Walcott 65,
Ramsey 84
At last the Champions League has kicked off well and truly with the first match of the group stage now completed! Getting an away win in the very first game certainly puts us in a brilliant position to qualify, but there is still many games to be played, meaning many points to play for.
Injury Update:
- Mertesacker was back in the starting XI this evening, recovering from a previous illness.
Walcott 65,
Ramsey 84
At last the Champions League has kicked off well and truly with the first match of the group stage now completed! Getting an away win in the very first game certainly puts us in a brilliant position to qualify, but there is still many games to be played, meaning many points to play for.
The game started with Walcott getting a couple of chances, his header was cleared by a defender and he had a shot saved by the Marseille 'keeper Mandanda. Marseille had a couple of chances themselves, Szczesny was called into action early, making a comfortable save, and later on in the game Ayew headed the ball wide for the home side.
In general, the first half was quite tight with no team creating particularly clear chances. Towards the end of the half Ramsey got a shot away, but it was cleared by a defender. The very last chance of the half, however, went to Marseille. Fortunately for us, Mertesacker was there to make the vital clearance right in front of the goal-line!
Right at the start of the second half Marseille got inches away from scoring again, this time through a slightly wide shot from Fanni. From that moment on, however, our domination became a fact. Özil's cross was cleared by a defender instead of reaching the intended target right in front of the goal, Walcott. The German midfielder would almost create another goal minutes later, as Gibbs passed the ball to him in the box, continued his run and received a clever back-heel back from Özil, only to have the shot saved by Mandanda.
On the other side of the pitch Szczesny had to remain vary, and did well to prevent a low, powerful shot from reaching the back of the net. Minutes later Gibbs headed the ball clear right on the goal-line as Mertesacker and Szczesny had a misunderstanding, the Polish 'keeper caught the header from Gibbs, though.
Nevertheless, one could tell that we were getting closer and closer to a goal. Sagna found Wilshere with a brilliant cross and the Englishman did get a decent shot away, but Mandanda made yet another save. We did find a way past the Marseille 'keeper eventually, and got the long over-due lead. Gibbs created a great cross that found its way to Theo Walcott, who fired on the volley with a brilliant strike past the 'keeper!
After the goal the game opened up considerably, with chances for both teams. Szczesny had to continue making good saves, one particularly dangerous shot came from outside the 18-yard-box with approximately twenty minutes to go. Then Giroud saw a powerful header go wide while Valbuena fired a shot over the bar the following minute. Özil also fired wide, from quite a steep angle.
The game was more or less over, though, when a certain Welsh midfielder scored yet another goal for us this season, granting us the 2-0 lead. Aaron Ramsey put on a brilliant solo effort, shrugging off Marseille players as he advanced towards the goal to fire into the back of the net! He has certainly been the centre of attention recently, and for good reason, proving to be the talent Wenger always saw in him!
However, right before the end of the game Marseille got a penalty as Ramsey brought a player down in the box. The replay showed that the midfielder got to the ball first, but this was not noticed by the ref and Ayew scored from the penalty spot.
Although the very last action of the game was a bit bitter, it does not remove the relief and importance of getting the three points away from home. We have a tough group and will need all the points we can get to qualify!
Injury Update:
- Mertesacker was back in the starting XI this evening, recovering from a previous illness.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Sunderland vs. Arsenal
1-3, Premier League, Stadium of Light, 14.09.2013
Giroud 11,
Ramsey 67, 76
There is no denying the fact that the main focus ahead of this game was on Mesut Özil, especially since he got to start the game despite having been sick earlier this week. It proved to be a good decision, and an even better decision to sign him in the first place, despite the price!
Five minutes into the game we got a corner, which was taken by none other than Özil. He created a fairly good chance with that corner kick, as it led to Walcott getting a powerful shot away, only to be saved by Sunderland 'keeper Westwood. Merely five minutes later, though, our German playmaker would get his first assist in the Arsenal shirt. He controlled the ball at the edge of the 18-yard-box and provided a brilliant pass to Olivier Giroud, who finished the move off with a classy strike into the back of the net! This obviously means that Giroud continues on his stunning goalscoring run, while the first (hopefully of many) assist for Özil came in his debut! Sunderland almost made a quick reply to our goal by scoring themselves, fortunately they hit the bar instead of the net with a header following a corner.
During this game we saw plenty of Özil passes leading to decent chances for Walcott. The first of these game after fifteen mintutes, when the Englishman found himself one-on-one with Westwood due to a great pass by Özil. Unfortunately Walcott could not find a way past the 'keeper, who made the save. Minutes later Szczesny was called back into action as a thumping long-distance shot headed his way, fortunately for us he made the important save.
We got a glimpse of what was to come as Ramsey had a shot deflected wide midway through the half. Westwood them made two decent saves to first deny Özil a goal on his debut from a free-kick and then to yet again deny Walcott a goal. The English winger would get two more chances before the end of the half, the first was a header wide following some great link-up play between Wilshere and Giroud, the former eventually getting the ball to Walcott. Then, in the very last minute of the half, a clever pass by Giroud led to yet another Walcott shot being saved by Westwood, and Özil's follow-up was deflected into a corner.
The beginning of the second half could not have gone much worse for us, in the end we were happy that the scoreline was not 1-3 after the initial fifteen minutes. Right at the start Sunderland got a penalty as Koscielny mistimed a tackle in the box, Gardner scored from the penalty spot. Ten minutes later they scored again, but it was ruled offside, and rightly so, by the ref. Mere minutes after that offside goal they hit the inside of the post with a free-kick, fortunately for us the ball never crossed the goal-line. Considering how we had dominated the first half, this was quite a shock. However, we stepped up our game and overcame the obstacle ahead.
We have recently been able to see the amazing growth within one of our younger midfield players, he has stepped up tremendously of late and he saved us in this game. Within ten minutes he turned the game around for us, ensuring our victory. Aaron Ramsey has truly become one of our more influential players! The first goal came with approximately twenty minutes of the game to go, Jenkinson provided a great pass to the Welshman and the strike produced was just magnificent, containing both power and precision! The second goal was created through some slick play, Özil got the ball to Giroud, who at once played it onwards so Aaron Ramsey could finish the move off with a superb shot!
This result, along with the fact that both Manchester City and Chelsea dropped points, means that we are at the top of the league (even if just for a day)!! Our recent winning streak has ensured a rapid rise in the table, let's just hope that it continues for as long as possible!
Injury Update:
- Vermaelen is back from his back injury! He was brought on towards the end of this game, bringing Özil's debut to a premature end.
- Mertesacker missed out on this game due to illness.
- Cazorla picked up an ankle injury while away, causing him to miss out on this game.
- Rosicky has picked up a hamstring problem and was not available for this game.
Giroud 11,
Ramsey 67, 76
There is no denying the fact that the main focus ahead of this game was on Mesut Özil, especially since he got to start the game despite having been sick earlier this week. It proved to be a good decision, and an even better decision to sign him in the first place, despite the price!
Five minutes into the game we got a corner, which was taken by none other than Özil. He created a fairly good chance with that corner kick, as it led to Walcott getting a powerful shot away, only to be saved by Sunderland 'keeper Westwood. Merely five minutes later, though, our German playmaker would get his first assist in the Arsenal shirt. He controlled the ball at the edge of the 18-yard-box and provided a brilliant pass to Olivier Giroud, who finished the move off with a classy strike into the back of the net! This obviously means that Giroud continues on his stunning goalscoring run, while the first (hopefully of many) assist for Özil came in his debut! Sunderland almost made a quick reply to our goal by scoring themselves, fortunately they hit the bar instead of the net with a header following a corner.
During this game we saw plenty of Özil passes leading to decent chances for Walcott. The first of these game after fifteen mintutes, when the Englishman found himself one-on-one with Westwood due to a great pass by Özil. Unfortunately Walcott could not find a way past the 'keeper, who made the save. Minutes later Szczesny was called back into action as a thumping long-distance shot headed his way, fortunately for us he made the important save.
We got a glimpse of what was to come as Ramsey had a shot deflected wide midway through the half. Westwood them made two decent saves to first deny Özil a goal on his debut from a free-kick and then to yet again deny Walcott a goal. The English winger would get two more chances before the end of the half, the first was a header wide following some great link-up play between Wilshere and Giroud, the former eventually getting the ball to Walcott. Then, in the very last minute of the half, a clever pass by Giroud led to yet another Walcott shot being saved by Westwood, and Özil's follow-up was deflected into a corner.
The beginning of the second half could not have gone much worse for us, in the end we were happy that the scoreline was not 1-3 after the initial fifteen minutes. Right at the start Sunderland got a penalty as Koscielny mistimed a tackle in the box, Gardner scored from the penalty spot. Ten minutes later they scored again, but it was ruled offside, and rightly so, by the ref. Mere minutes after that offside goal they hit the inside of the post with a free-kick, fortunately for us the ball never crossed the goal-line. Considering how we had dominated the first half, this was quite a shock. However, we stepped up our game and overcame the obstacle ahead.
We have recently been able to see the amazing growth within one of our younger midfield players, he has stepped up tremendously of late and he saved us in this game. Within ten minutes he turned the game around for us, ensuring our victory. Aaron Ramsey has truly become one of our more influential players! The first goal came with approximately twenty minutes of the game to go, Jenkinson provided a great pass to the Welshman and the strike produced was just magnificent, containing both power and precision! The second goal was created through some slick play, Özil got the ball to Giroud, who at once played it onwards so Aaron Ramsey could finish the move off with a superb shot!
This result, along with the fact that both Manchester City and Chelsea dropped points, means that we are at the top of the league (even if just for a day)!! Our recent winning streak has ensured a rapid rise in the table, let's just hope that it continues for as long as possible!
Injury Update:
- Vermaelen is back from his back injury! He was brought on towards the end of this game, bringing Özil's debut to a premature end.
- Mertesacker missed out on this game due to illness.
- Cazorla picked up an ankle injury while away, causing him to miss out on this game.
- Rosicky has picked up a hamstring problem and was not available for this game.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Arsenal vs. Tottenham
1-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 01.09.2013
Giroud 23
This season the first North London Derby came along early, and very much to our liking. We played circles around Tottenham, with all their new signings, for the better part of the game, emphasising the fact that their best player definitely was their 'keeper!
In the very first minute, however, Koscielny had to make an important block to prevent a disastrous start to the game. Two minutes later Cazorla saw his sizzling free-kick saved by Lloris ín the Tottenham goal and the resulting header was sent over the bar by Giroud. Merely three minutes later we got another free-kick in a decent position as Walcott was brought down just outside of the 18-yard-box. Once again Cazorla stepped up to take it and fired inches wide of the post!
Mertesacker was then called into action as he made the second important block in front of the goal for us following a shot from Soldado. Ten minutes then elapsed before what would become the winning goal was scored. Rosicky passed the ball to Walcott, who made a brilliant cross for Olivier Giroud to put into the back of the net! It was not the Frenchman's first goal in a North London Derby, but it could very well be the most important one so far! Needless to say he has had an amazing start to this season, much like Ramsey who shone in the midfield in this game, and this could very well prove to be his (and Ramsey's) season!
The just mentioned Welsh midfielder created our next decent chance to score as he advanced skillfully down the right-hand side and played a great ball to Walcott, whose shot was saved by Lloris. At the half-hour mark our own 'keeper (Szczesny, that is) had to make a save as Townsend fired a fairly long-distance shot away. In the Fenerbahce game earlier this week Ramsey proved to be quite the goalscorer, unfortunately that was not evident in this game as he fired high over the bar when Walcott found him with some space at the edge of the 18-yard-box.
Before the end of the half Szczesny made another decent save following a Townsend shot and for the first time in five years we got to see Flamini take to the pitch as an Arsenal player when Wilshere had to go off due to a stomach bug. The Frenchman provided plenty of experience and showcased great dedication and skill in the midfield, all in all I believe he will prove to be a very good signing!
There was plenty of pace right at the start of the second half, our first chance came along as Ramsey fired a shot wide from way outside the 18-yard-box. A while later, roughly twenty minutes into the half, Giroud finished a great counter-attack with a strike that was deflected wide. Two minutes later Tottenham fired wide as well through Paulinho.
With twenty minutes to go Walcott got in a position he usually scores from, but this time he did not manage to put the ball over the 'keeper, as the ball was just out of his reach. That could have proved costly, as approximately five minutes later Tottenham got ridiculously closed to scoring following a free-kick, the only thing in their way being one of Szczesny's hands! A truly stunning save by our Polish 'keeper!
As we approached eighty minutes played Monreal replaced Rosicky and immediately got close to scoring as Giroud played a wonderful ball to Walcott in the box, whose shot was saved by Lloris (again) and the rebound was placed just wide by the Spanish full-back!
The final minutes included tons of Tottenham pressure, luckily we brought on Sagna at the beginning of the added time to help out with the defensive work and in the end we held firm to grab the win!
There is hardly any need to express the fact that winning this game granted us more than the three points and I dare say that the Villa loss is well and truly behind us. Now there is a bit of a break from club football, our next game being away against Sunderland on the 14th of September.
Injury Update:
- Koscielny was back in action in the league in this game, doing a great job at the back!
- Podolski will be out for two to three months following a hamstring injury picked up in the Fenerbahce game, obviously a huge disappointment.
- The reason behind Sagna starting on the bench was due to a stomach bug (probably the same Wilshere has picked up), but it was nothing severe (which I dare say it won't be for Wilshere either).
Giroud 23
This season the first North London Derby came along early, and very much to our liking. We played circles around Tottenham, with all their new signings, for the better part of the game, emphasising the fact that their best player definitely was their 'keeper!
In the very first minute, however, Koscielny had to make an important block to prevent a disastrous start to the game. Two minutes later Cazorla saw his sizzling free-kick saved by Lloris ín the Tottenham goal and the resulting header was sent over the bar by Giroud. Merely three minutes later we got another free-kick in a decent position as Walcott was brought down just outside of the 18-yard-box. Once again Cazorla stepped up to take it and fired inches wide of the post!
Mertesacker was then called into action as he made the second important block in front of the goal for us following a shot from Soldado. Ten minutes then elapsed before what would become the winning goal was scored. Rosicky passed the ball to Walcott, who made a brilliant cross for Olivier Giroud to put into the back of the net! It was not the Frenchman's first goal in a North London Derby, but it could very well be the most important one so far! Needless to say he has had an amazing start to this season, much like Ramsey who shone in the midfield in this game, and this could very well prove to be his (and Ramsey's) season!
The just mentioned Welsh midfielder created our next decent chance to score as he advanced skillfully down the right-hand side and played a great ball to Walcott, whose shot was saved by Lloris. At the half-hour mark our own 'keeper (Szczesny, that is) had to make a save as Townsend fired a fairly long-distance shot away. In the Fenerbahce game earlier this week Ramsey proved to be quite the goalscorer, unfortunately that was not evident in this game as he fired high over the bar when Walcott found him with some space at the edge of the 18-yard-box.
Before the end of the half Szczesny made another decent save following a Townsend shot and for the first time in five years we got to see Flamini take to the pitch as an Arsenal player when Wilshere had to go off due to a stomach bug. The Frenchman provided plenty of experience and showcased great dedication and skill in the midfield, all in all I believe he will prove to be a very good signing!
There was plenty of pace right at the start of the second half, our first chance came along as Ramsey fired a shot wide from way outside the 18-yard-box. A while later, roughly twenty minutes into the half, Giroud finished a great counter-attack with a strike that was deflected wide. Two minutes later Tottenham fired wide as well through Paulinho.
With twenty minutes to go Walcott got in a position he usually scores from, but this time he did not manage to put the ball over the 'keeper, as the ball was just out of his reach. That could have proved costly, as approximately five minutes later Tottenham got ridiculously closed to scoring following a free-kick, the only thing in their way being one of Szczesny's hands! A truly stunning save by our Polish 'keeper!
As we approached eighty minutes played Monreal replaced Rosicky and immediately got close to scoring as Giroud played a wonderful ball to Walcott in the box, whose shot was saved by Lloris (again) and the rebound was placed just wide by the Spanish full-back!
The final minutes included tons of Tottenham pressure, luckily we brought on Sagna at the beginning of the added time to help out with the defensive work and in the end we held firm to grab the win!
There is hardly any need to express the fact that winning this game granted us more than the three points and I dare say that the Villa loss is well and truly behind us. Now there is a bit of a break from club football, our next game being away against Sunderland on the 14th of September.
Injury Update:
- Koscielny was back in action in the league in this game, doing a great job at the back!
- Podolski will be out for two to three months following a hamstring injury picked up in the Fenerbahce game, obviously a huge disappointment.
- The reason behind Sagna starting on the bench was due to a stomach bug (probably the same Wilshere has picked up), but it was nothing severe (which I dare say it won't be for Wilshere either).
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Arsenal vs. Fenerbahce
2-0, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 27.08.2013
Ramsey 25, 72
This was a fairly comfortable win, especially considering the fact that we had the 3-0 win from the previous game.
We took the lead almost half an hour into the game through Aaron Ramsey, who has been brilliant in recent games! Podolski produced a brilliant pass for the Welshman to fire past the 'keeper! Giroud had a couple of chances as well before the first half was over but we had to settle for a one goal lead going into half time.
Early on in the second half Podolski was stretchered off with a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for quite some time. Walcott fired a free-kick onto the crossbar before Aaron Ramsey was at it again, doubling our lead through a classy strike following a brilliant cross by Gibbs. Miyachi was introduced towards the end and showed some quick feet and good passes before the game was over!
So with this we made it into the group stage, as we have consistently for many years, of the Champions League!
Injury Update:
- Koscielny was fit enough to start on the bench for this game.
Ramsey 25, 72
This was a fairly comfortable win, especially considering the fact that we had the 3-0 win from the previous game.
We took the lead almost half an hour into the game through Aaron Ramsey, who has been brilliant in recent games! Podolski produced a brilliant pass for the Welshman to fire past the 'keeper! Giroud had a couple of chances as well before the first half was over but we had to settle for a one goal lead going into half time.
Early on in the second half Podolski was stretchered off with a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for quite some time. Walcott fired a free-kick onto the crossbar before Aaron Ramsey was at it again, doubling our lead through a classy strike following a brilliant cross by Gibbs. Miyachi was introduced towards the end and showed some quick feet and good passes before the game was over!
So with this we made it into the group stage, as we have consistently for many years, of the Champions League!
Injury Update:
- Koscielny was fit enough to start on the bench for this game.
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