0-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 2013-04-16
Needless to say this was a disappointing drop of points, even though we had a tough opponent in Everton. We really need to win these home games, especially considering the chances we created throughout the game. However, to be fair, Everton did create chances as well and played really well.
The first couple of chances of the game went to Everton, around the five minute mark. They got close as Mirallas had a chance, but he failed to control the ball and Szczesny could catch it. Then Pienaar had a decent chance to score as he was played on-side, his effort went over the bar, though.
Cazorla, who has been absolutely superb in his first season at the club, provided a decent cross that was not met by anyone in the Everton box when we had our first chance. Later on the Spaniard would pass the ball to Gibbs, having received a poor clearance from Fellaini, and then get it to Gibbs as the defender had a shot over the bar.
Everton then had another couple of chances, starting with a shot on target by Barkley that was comfortably saved by Szczesny. Anichebe's shot almost found its way past our 'keeper, though, as it took some unfortunate touches on our defenders, fortunately Szczesny managed to grab hold of the ball eventually.
At the end of the half we had two decent chances, first when Giroud received a cross but put the ball wide and then as Wilshere kept a strong hold of the ball before playing it to Cazorla and the Spaniard had a great touch to take him past the defender but his shot was saved.
In general the first half was intense and physical, but lacking in decent goal-scoring opportunities.
Once again, we upped our game considerably for the second half. Unfortunately it was not enough for a win this time around.
Everton had a shot on target right at the start of the half, that was saved by Szczesny, and after some neat play in and around the Everton box Cazorla fired a powerful shot to force a save out of Howard, the Everton 'keeper. There was a quite surprisingly brilliant show of footwork by Gibbs before passing the ball to Giroud, whose shot went over the bar.
A counter-attack led by Walcott was put into the box by the Englishman, unfortunately Giroud got the ball behind him and Howard could make a comfortable save. Following a corner Giroud headed the ball down into the centre of the box, but it was cleared by an Everton defender. The resulting corner was almost back-heeled into the back of the net by Ramsey, but Howard made yet another save. A second decent counter-attack was almost turned into the back of the net as the second fast Englishman of the team, Oxlade-Chamberlain, put the ball in for Giroud. Unfortunately a defender got there first and cleared the ball for Howard to pick up.
We had a couple of last chances as Giroud fired over the bar, yet again, and Arteta almost got a shot away as he was released onto the goal, but the game ended 0-0, leaving both teams fairly disappointed.
It was never going to be an easy game, since Everton is very much in the race for the fourth spot, but it is nevertheless disappointing to drop points, especially at home. However, we do still have a good chance at playing in the Champions League next year, the important thing is just to move on and win the next game!
Injury Update:
- Fabianski picked up an injury ahead of this game, meaning that Szczesny was back in goal.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Arsenal vs. Norwich
3-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 2013-04-13
Arteta 85 (pen),
Bassong 88 (o.g.),
Podolski 92
What. A. Game! Unbelievable stuff from the Arsenal... Just amazing! To turn the game around and even create a one-goal cushion with five minutes to go... This, if anything, shows why we should grab that fourth place, or maybe even the third place, before the end of the season. It is all in our hands now, either way, as we have one point more than Tottenham, having played the same number of games!
We started this game brilliantly, the first half was completely dominated by us (apart from a short span of approximately five minutes towards the end of the game where Norwich kept some possession and created some free-kicks as well as corners). Five minutes into the game Gervinho made a brilliant run but failed at getting the ball to Wilshere, right in front of the goal. Some minutes later Gibbs received a pass from Wilshere, yet the cross was just out of Cazorla's reach. The roles were reversed ten minutes later as Gibbs played a great ball to Wilshere, whose flick towards Ramsey went just too far for the Welshman to reach before Norwich 'keeper, Bunn.
One of our greatest chances of the half came when Sagna provided a perfect cross into the box that was headed onto the crossbar by our towering striker Giroud! The next chance could easily have been a goal, but this time around Gervinho let the team and fans down as he collected the ball just outside of the Norwich box, but neither passed the ball nor got a shot away and Bunn could eventually take the ball from him. The Ivorian forward had another disappointing moment as he retrieved a stunning pass from Cazorla, the touch that would take the ball past the 'keeper was too rough, though, and the angle at which he was to score from got too tight and the ball went across the goal to end up wide of the target.
Before the end of the half Giroud would have two more chances to score, one came from yet another decent Sagna cross that forced a good save out of Bunn. The second chance came in the last minute of the half as the Frenchman had a header towards the goal, but a defender managed to clear it. Cazorla had a shot on target from quite a distance, it was comfortably saved by Bunn though.
It is no secret that we have had far better second halves this year compared to our first halves, and this game proved to be no exception, even though it seemed unlikely for the majority of the half. To be fair, Norwich started the half better than we did. Five minutes into the half they had a corner which caused some distress in our box, fortunately we managed to clear it eventually. Before things took a turn for the worse for us Gibbs provided a dangerous crossed into the box, which was blocked but bounced back out to Wilshere, whose shot was blocked as well.
With slightly more than thirty minutes left of the game, disaster struck as Turner headed the ball into the back of the net for Norwich, to no one's surprise it came through a set-piece. We were way to passive in defending the free-kick, no one covered Turner as he went for the header. This result meant that some changes had to be made, we needed to inject some speed into our game and the obvious player to introduce then is our top scorer, Walcott. He was accompanied from the bench by Podolski, another prolific goal-scorer this season.
The impact of the double-substitution was immediate. Walcott made his way forward, but as he got the last pass to Podolski the German forward turned out to be offside. The rapid Englishman followed this up with having a penalty appealed turned down by the referee after being pushed in the box by a defender. The feeling of urgency to our came became more and more evident as we stacked up chance upon chance, Cazorla had a shot blocked and from that Podolski merely managed to head the ball to a Norwich defender. The German international would make an even greater mistake as Sagna's cross went past Giroud but met Podolski's foot perfectly, unfortunately the German striker seemed as stunned by it as everyone else and the ball went wide. Naturally the pressure we were building up meant that we opened ourselves to some counter-attacks and Fabianski had to make a vital save from one of those as Norwich created a chance.
With approximately ten minutes to go Giroud and Podolski linked-up to almost create a goal, but Podolski did not reach the ball before Bunn. Then, within the same minute, the same pair linked-.up yet again, this time they were even closer to scoring as the Frenchman took the ball down with his chest for Podolski, whose powerful shot hit the crossbar with quite some force! Having hit the crossbar twice in one game began to feel as a curse when, at last, we got back in it! As Giroud's shirt was pulled when we took a corner the referee awarded us with a penalty! There was immense pressure on Mikel Arteta's shoulders as he stepped up to take the penalty, but take it he did and that absolutely vital penalty was converted by the Spaniard as the Emirates erupted into cheering!
Now all that remained was to win the game, with five minutes left to play of the 90 minutes! It would have been the shortest five minutes to remember, had we not scored again so fast! Merely three minutes later we got the winning goal! Oxlade-Chamberlain provided a brilliant cross that was turned into his own net by Bassong. Though to be fair to the defender Giroud did put quite some pressure on him and would certainly have scored had Bassong not done it himself. No matter the fashion of the goal, a goal it was and what an important goal as well! Before the end we did get some reminders that one should never relax for a second against these teams fighting for survival, Fabianski was called into action twice during the following two minutes. The Polish 'keeper made a brilliant save with his feet as Norwich created a decent chance and yet another amazing save, this time from a header, as Norwich took a corner. However, we did get the last save as Lukas Podolski sealed the game during the extra-time. A pass from Walcott led to a wonderful shot from the German that ensured the three points and vital win for us!
You often hear that these final games of the season are all like a cup final, this game did most certainly not prove that statement wrong. To turn the game around in the final five minutes is quite a feat, it truly shows that we are ready to fight in these final games for a spot in the Champions League next season. And now that we have it all in our own hands, I would not bet against us!
Injury Update:
- Rosicky missed this game through a minor injury problem, should be back before long.
- Both Wilshere and Walcott were back for this game, the former started the game whilst the latter started on the bench but came on to replace the former in the second half.
Arteta 85 (pen),
Bassong 88 (o.g.),
Podolski 92
What. A. Game! Unbelievable stuff from the Arsenal... Just amazing! To turn the game around and even create a one-goal cushion with five minutes to go... This, if anything, shows why we should grab that fourth place, or maybe even the third place, before the end of the season. It is all in our hands now, either way, as we have one point more than Tottenham, having played the same number of games!
We started this game brilliantly, the first half was completely dominated by us (apart from a short span of approximately five minutes towards the end of the game where Norwich kept some possession and created some free-kicks as well as corners). Five minutes into the game Gervinho made a brilliant run but failed at getting the ball to Wilshere, right in front of the goal. Some minutes later Gibbs received a pass from Wilshere, yet the cross was just out of Cazorla's reach. The roles were reversed ten minutes later as Gibbs played a great ball to Wilshere, whose flick towards Ramsey went just too far for the Welshman to reach before Norwich 'keeper, Bunn.
One of our greatest chances of the half came when Sagna provided a perfect cross into the box that was headed onto the crossbar by our towering striker Giroud! The next chance could easily have been a goal, but this time around Gervinho let the team and fans down as he collected the ball just outside of the Norwich box, but neither passed the ball nor got a shot away and Bunn could eventually take the ball from him. The Ivorian forward had another disappointing moment as he retrieved a stunning pass from Cazorla, the touch that would take the ball past the 'keeper was too rough, though, and the angle at which he was to score from got too tight and the ball went across the goal to end up wide of the target.
Before the end of the half Giroud would have two more chances to score, one came from yet another decent Sagna cross that forced a good save out of Bunn. The second chance came in the last minute of the half as the Frenchman had a header towards the goal, but a defender managed to clear it. Cazorla had a shot on target from quite a distance, it was comfortably saved by Bunn though.
It is no secret that we have had far better second halves this year compared to our first halves, and this game proved to be no exception, even though it seemed unlikely for the majority of the half. To be fair, Norwich started the half better than we did. Five minutes into the half they had a corner which caused some distress in our box, fortunately we managed to clear it eventually. Before things took a turn for the worse for us Gibbs provided a dangerous crossed into the box, which was blocked but bounced back out to Wilshere, whose shot was blocked as well.
With slightly more than thirty minutes left of the game, disaster struck as Turner headed the ball into the back of the net for Norwich, to no one's surprise it came through a set-piece. We were way to passive in defending the free-kick, no one covered Turner as he went for the header. This result meant that some changes had to be made, we needed to inject some speed into our game and the obvious player to introduce then is our top scorer, Walcott. He was accompanied from the bench by Podolski, another prolific goal-scorer this season.
The impact of the double-substitution was immediate. Walcott made his way forward, but as he got the last pass to Podolski the German forward turned out to be offside. The rapid Englishman followed this up with having a penalty appealed turned down by the referee after being pushed in the box by a defender. The feeling of urgency to our came became more and more evident as we stacked up chance upon chance, Cazorla had a shot blocked and from that Podolski merely managed to head the ball to a Norwich defender. The German international would make an even greater mistake as Sagna's cross went past Giroud but met Podolski's foot perfectly, unfortunately the German striker seemed as stunned by it as everyone else and the ball went wide. Naturally the pressure we were building up meant that we opened ourselves to some counter-attacks and Fabianski had to make a vital save from one of those as Norwich created a chance.
With approximately ten minutes to go Giroud and Podolski linked-up to almost create a goal, but Podolski did not reach the ball before Bunn. Then, within the same minute, the same pair linked-.up yet again, this time they were even closer to scoring as the Frenchman took the ball down with his chest for Podolski, whose powerful shot hit the crossbar with quite some force! Having hit the crossbar twice in one game began to feel as a curse when, at last, we got back in it! As Giroud's shirt was pulled when we took a corner the referee awarded us with a penalty! There was immense pressure on Mikel Arteta's shoulders as he stepped up to take the penalty, but take it he did and that absolutely vital penalty was converted by the Spaniard as the Emirates erupted into cheering!
Now all that remained was to win the game, with five minutes left to play of the 90 minutes! It would have been the shortest five minutes to remember, had we not scored again so fast! Merely three minutes later we got the winning goal! Oxlade-Chamberlain provided a brilliant cross that was turned into his own net by Bassong. Though to be fair to the defender Giroud did put quite some pressure on him and would certainly have scored had Bassong not done it himself. No matter the fashion of the goal, a goal it was and what an important goal as well! Before the end we did get some reminders that one should never relax for a second against these teams fighting for survival, Fabianski was called into action twice during the following two minutes. The Polish 'keeper made a brilliant save with his feet as Norwich created a decent chance and yet another amazing save, this time from a header, as Norwich took a corner. However, we did get the last save as Lukas Podolski sealed the game during the extra-time. A pass from Walcott led to a wonderful shot from the German that ensured the three points and vital win for us!
You often hear that these final games of the season are all like a cup final, this game did most certainly not prove that statement wrong. To turn the game around in the final five minutes is quite a feat, it truly shows that we are ready to fight in these final games for a spot in the Champions League next season. And now that we have it all in our own hands, I would not bet against us!
Injury Update:
- Rosicky missed this game through a minor injury problem, should be back before long.
- Both Wilshere and Walcott were back for this game, the former started the game whilst the latter started on the bench but came on to replace the former in the second half.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
W.B.A. vs. Arsenal
2-1, Premier League, The Hawthorns, 2013-04-06
Rosicky 20, 49
We had to show some real fighting spirit to get the win in this game, but win it we did and it is a good boost for us as we continue to reach for that fourth spot finish!
It was brilliant for Tomas Rosicky to score twice, he has been injured a lot and rarely scores, but he certainly won this game for us. The first goal came midway through the first half, when the Czech international headed (!) the ball into the back of the net. Then he scored from a brilliant strike at the beginning of the second half and it seemed as though we would take the three points with ease.
Yet that was not the case as Mertesacker misjudged a tackle in our box, the German was sent off and West Brom converted from the penalty spot. After that it was just a matter of enduring for us and showing some never-say-die attitude, which we did!
So these points mean that we continue to advance and we are certainly getting closer to playing in the Champions League next season!
Injury Update:
- Walcott and Wilshere both stand a chance of returning for the game next week
Rosicky 20, 49
We had to show some real fighting spirit to get the win in this game, but win it we did and it is a good boost for us as we continue to reach for that fourth spot finish!
It was brilliant for Tomas Rosicky to score twice, he has been injured a lot and rarely scores, but he certainly won this game for us. The first goal came midway through the first half, when the Czech international headed (!) the ball into the back of the net. Then he scored from a brilliant strike at the beginning of the second half and it seemed as though we would take the three points with ease.
Yet that was not the case as Mertesacker misjudged a tackle in our box, the German was sent off and West Brom converted from the penalty spot. After that it was just a matter of enduring for us and showing some never-say-die attitude, which we did!
So these points mean that we continue to advance and we are certainly getting closer to playing in the Champions League next season!
Injury Update:
- Walcott and Wilshere both stand a chance of returning for the game next week
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Arsenal vs. Reading
4-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 2013-03-30
Gervinho 11,
Cazorla 48,
Giroud 67,
Arteta 77
This was quite simply one of those games that you'd expect us to win, and win it we did. We looked comfortable in the lead from the moment we scored that first goal and there was no way that we were going to lose this game.
Four minutes into the first half Giroud had a header that was saved by the 'keeper, but approximately ten minutes into the game we had our lead. Cazorla provided something of a mix between a shot and a pass that was met by Gervinho, who put the ball into the back of the net with ease from close-range. Some minutes later Cazorla had a shot blocked and Sagna provided a cross that was met by Giroud, unfortunately the header went wide. We should have gotten a penalty as Giroud was harshly brought down by the 'keeper after having gotten the ball past him, but a defender cleared the ball before it reached the goal and no penalty was awarded. The final chances of the half came through a shot from Ramsey that was blocked and a Cazorla shot that went wide.
We seemed to have picked up some determination in the half-time, as the efficiency was greatly improved in the second half. Three minutes into it Santi Cazorla fired a sizzling shot at the edge of the box that went past the 'keeper to find its way into the goal! Then it did not take long before Olivier Giroud added a third goal. A counter-attack was converted into a goal as Gervinho passed the ball to the French striker, who managed to produce a fine shot that found the back of the net! It was slightly disappointing for us to concede just a minute after that third goal, due to a lapse of focus from our side. Reading had a cross into our box that was met by a header, which went past Fabianski in the goal. We did get the last say, though, as Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought down in the box and the (long overdue) penalty was fired past the 'keeper by Mikel Arteta!
As mentioned above, this was just one of those games that you are expected to win, but that does not mean that the satisfaction of actually winning those are lessened. We know from experience that Arsenal has struggled with these games occasionally in the past, so it was nice to see such a comfortable victory as this one.
I just have one last thing to mention before wrapping up this post, at the end of April I will be travelling to London for the Manchester United game! I've already got a ticket (thanks, membership card!), which I never though that I would be able to get (thanks, ticket exchange!). Needless to say I am super-excited for it!!
Injury Update:
- Walcott will be out for about a week with a groin problem.
- Wilshere is approximately two weeks away from returning to action.
- Diaby has picked up a new injury which will keep him out of action for 8-9 months, devastating news for the midfielder.
- Gibbs had to start this game on the bench due to a virus that he picked up earlier in the week.
Gervinho 11,
Cazorla 48,
Giroud 67,
Arteta 77
This was quite simply one of those games that you'd expect us to win, and win it we did. We looked comfortable in the lead from the moment we scored that first goal and there was no way that we were going to lose this game.
Four minutes into the first half Giroud had a header that was saved by the 'keeper, but approximately ten minutes into the game we had our lead. Cazorla provided something of a mix between a shot and a pass that was met by Gervinho, who put the ball into the back of the net with ease from close-range. Some minutes later Cazorla had a shot blocked and Sagna provided a cross that was met by Giroud, unfortunately the header went wide. We should have gotten a penalty as Giroud was harshly brought down by the 'keeper after having gotten the ball past him, but a defender cleared the ball before it reached the goal and no penalty was awarded. The final chances of the half came through a shot from Ramsey that was blocked and a Cazorla shot that went wide.
We seemed to have picked up some determination in the half-time, as the efficiency was greatly improved in the second half. Three minutes into it Santi Cazorla fired a sizzling shot at the edge of the box that went past the 'keeper to find its way into the goal! Then it did not take long before Olivier Giroud added a third goal. A counter-attack was converted into a goal as Gervinho passed the ball to the French striker, who managed to produce a fine shot that found the back of the net! It was slightly disappointing for us to concede just a minute after that third goal, due to a lapse of focus from our side. Reading had a cross into our box that was met by a header, which went past Fabianski in the goal. We did get the last say, though, as Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought down in the box and the (long overdue) penalty was fired past the 'keeper by Mikel Arteta!
As mentioned above, this was just one of those games that you are expected to win, but that does not mean that the satisfaction of actually winning those are lessened. We know from experience that Arsenal has struggled with these games occasionally in the past, so it was nice to see such a comfortable victory as this one.
I just have one last thing to mention before wrapping up this post, at the end of April I will be travelling to London for the Manchester United game! I've already got a ticket (thanks, membership card!), which I never though that I would be able to get (thanks, ticket exchange!). Needless to say I am super-excited for it!!
Injury Update:
- Walcott will be out for about a week with a groin problem.
- Wilshere is approximately two weeks away from returning to action.
- Diaby has picked up a new injury which will keep him out of action for 8-9 months, devastating news for the midfielder.
- Gibbs had to start this game on the bench due to a virus that he picked up earlier in the week.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Swansea vs. Arsenal
2-0, Premier League, Liberty Stadium, 2013-03-16
Monreal 74,
Gervinho 91
It was vital for us to win this game (as with all remaining games) if we are to maintain any hope of reaching the fourth spot, which makes the relief of these three points quite immense. It looked as though this would turn out to be one of those games where we just couldn't seem to get the ball into the back of the net, but luckily that was not the case!
Five minutes into the game Oxlade-Chamberlain made a brilliant solo effort as he advanced into the box and unleashed a sizzling shot that, unfortunately, hit the bar. After that the game slowed down remarkably and Swansea had a chance through Michu, who fired just wide. Then Cazorla had a powerful, curling shot from outside the box saved by the Swansea 'keeper, Vorm. The last decent chance to score came when Walcott almost got a shot away as he was played in brilliantly by Cazorla, but a defender managed to disarm the Englishman before he could fire.
Right at the start of the second half Cazorla had a shot on target saved by Vorm, before we finally managed to get a shot past that 'keeper! After some chaos in the box, with approximately fifteen minutes to go, where we just couldn't seem to get the ball into the back of the net Nacho Monreal showed up and fired a bouncing shot past Vorm in the Swansea goal! Cazorla then had a shot deflected wide right before we finally sealed the game in the 91st minute. Ramsey played a decent ball to Gervinho, who managed to fire past the 'keeper and seal those vital three points!
So we are definitely still in the race for the fourth place in the league, even though we'll not only need to win all of our games but also count on our opponents dropping some more points before the end of the season.
Injury Update:
- Gibbs was moved to the bench for this game, having returned against Bayern Munich earlier this week.
- Podolski and Wilshere were both still injured and missed out on this game.
- On a different note, Diaby made it back straight into the starting IX for this game.
Monreal 74,
Gervinho 91
It was vital for us to win this game (as with all remaining games) if we are to maintain any hope of reaching the fourth spot, which makes the relief of these three points quite immense. It looked as though this would turn out to be one of those games where we just couldn't seem to get the ball into the back of the net, but luckily that was not the case!
Five minutes into the game Oxlade-Chamberlain made a brilliant solo effort as he advanced into the box and unleashed a sizzling shot that, unfortunately, hit the bar. After that the game slowed down remarkably and Swansea had a chance through Michu, who fired just wide. Then Cazorla had a powerful, curling shot from outside the box saved by the Swansea 'keeper, Vorm. The last decent chance to score came when Walcott almost got a shot away as he was played in brilliantly by Cazorla, but a defender managed to disarm the Englishman before he could fire.
Right at the start of the second half Cazorla had a shot on target saved by Vorm, before we finally managed to get a shot past that 'keeper! After some chaos in the box, with approximately fifteen minutes to go, where we just couldn't seem to get the ball into the back of the net Nacho Monreal showed up and fired a bouncing shot past Vorm in the Swansea goal! Cazorla then had a shot deflected wide right before we finally sealed the game in the 91st minute. Ramsey played a decent ball to Gervinho, who managed to fire past the 'keeper and seal those vital three points!
So we are definitely still in the race for the fourth place in the league, even though we'll not only need to win all of our games but also count on our opponents dropping some more points before the end of the season.
Injury Update:
- Gibbs was moved to the bench for this game, having returned against Bayern Munich earlier this week.
- Podolski and Wilshere were both still injured and missed out on this game.
- On a different note, Diaby made it back straight into the starting IX for this game.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal
2-0, Champions League, Allianz Arena, 2013-03-13
Giroud 3,
Koscielny 86
A tie that was thought already settled turned out to be rather unsettled as we came immensely close to qualifying for the next round even though we'd lost quite severely at home. I have to admit that I did not think that we would manage to turn the game around, until about three minutes into the game, that is!
When we scored right at the start of the game I did not believe my eyes, it seemed as if it was a dream. Walcott was released down the right-hand side and provided a brilliant cross that was met by Olivier Giroud and the Frenchman smashed the ball into the back of the net from close range! And so it was that what had seemed unlikely had occurred, we were somehow back in the tie! However, after the goal Bayern Munich slowly took over the game and were a constant threat. Yet our defence held firm, even with the absence of both Vermaelen and Szczesny. It took approximately thirty minutes before we had another half-decent chance, as Walcott provided a cross similar to the one that Giroud had scored from, but this time there was no team-mate who managed to reach it.
Right at the start of the second half Bayern Munich put further pressure on us and we had to settle with some counter-attacks. Walcott was ruled offside when he was actually onside and what made the situation even more disappointing was that he had got himself a truly good chance to score.
As mentioned, Bayern Munich remained a constant threat and Fabianski made a brilliant save in a one-on-one situation with Robben with twenty minutes of the game to go. With ten minutes to go Gervinho put the ball just wide of the goal as Cazorla provided an amazing pass. Then chaos erupted as we put the goal into the back of the net for the second time, this time through Laurent Koscielny! There were some truly unbelievable scenes at the Allianz Arena as we only needed one more goal to knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League at their own turf!
Unfortunately the goal came too late for us and we found ourselves knocked out due to the away goal rule. However, we can be truly proud of our team, it is not every week that you beat Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Allianz Arena! We always seem to produce the best results when we've already been written off, sadly for two years in a row that has not been enough as we have been one goal away from qualifying for the next round in the Champions League. Now all that is left for us is that fourth place in the league, hopefully we can manage that at least!
Injury Update:
- Both Wilshere and Podolski missed out on this game, but they should not be away for a very long time.
- Szczesny did not feature in this game for some reason, he was replaced by Fabianski.
- Vermaelen was also mysteriously absent from this game.
Giroud 3,
Koscielny 86
A tie that was thought already settled turned out to be rather unsettled as we came immensely close to qualifying for the next round even though we'd lost quite severely at home. I have to admit that I did not think that we would manage to turn the game around, until about three minutes into the game, that is!
When we scored right at the start of the game I did not believe my eyes, it seemed as if it was a dream. Walcott was released down the right-hand side and provided a brilliant cross that was met by Olivier Giroud and the Frenchman smashed the ball into the back of the net from close range! And so it was that what had seemed unlikely had occurred, we were somehow back in the tie! However, after the goal Bayern Munich slowly took over the game and were a constant threat. Yet our defence held firm, even with the absence of both Vermaelen and Szczesny. It took approximately thirty minutes before we had another half-decent chance, as Walcott provided a cross similar to the one that Giroud had scored from, but this time there was no team-mate who managed to reach it.
Right at the start of the second half Bayern Munich put further pressure on us and we had to settle with some counter-attacks. Walcott was ruled offside when he was actually onside and what made the situation even more disappointing was that he had got himself a truly good chance to score.
As mentioned, Bayern Munich remained a constant threat and Fabianski made a brilliant save in a one-on-one situation with Robben with twenty minutes of the game to go. With ten minutes to go Gervinho put the ball just wide of the goal as Cazorla provided an amazing pass. Then chaos erupted as we put the goal into the back of the net for the second time, this time through Laurent Koscielny! There were some truly unbelievable scenes at the Allianz Arena as we only needed one more goal to knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League at their own turf!
Unfortunately the goal came too late for us and we found ourselves knocked out due to the away goal rule. However, we can be truly proud of our team, it is not every week that you beat Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Allianz Arena! We always seem to produce the best results when we've already been written off, sadly for two years in a row that has not been enough as we have been one goal away from qualifying for the next round in the Champions League. Now all that is left for us is that fourth place in the league, hopefully we can manage that at least!
Injury Update:
- Both Wilshere and Podolski missed out on this game, but they should not be away for a very long time.
- Szczesny did not feature in this game for some reason, he was replaced by Fabianski.
- Vermaelen was also mysteriously absent from this game.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Tottenham vs. Arsenal
1-2, Premier League, White Hart Lane, 2013-03-03
Mertesacker 51
The possibility of finishing fourth in the league grows ever smaller after this defeat in the North London Derby.
We started the first half as the better team, yet there weren't many goalscoring opportunities in the game. After approximately five minutes Jenkinson provided a great cross that was almost met by Walcott and from the following corner Giroud headed on target, but Lloris made the save. A couple of minutes later Giroud had another chance as he was released onto goal, but unfortunately he failed to get the shot away.
Through quite some aggressive play in the midfield the game looked to be headed in our favour, when two lapses of concentration meant that we found ourselves two goals down after the first half. In our attempt to play with a high back-four the defence made two fatal errors in trying to keep Bale and Lennon offside, which led to two goals for Tottenham within two minutes.
This was obviously a very harsh position for us to be in, but a situation proving how vital it is to be efficient, both going forward and defending. However, as the second half began we played even better and it did not take much more than five minutes for us to find a way back in the game! Walcott provided a free-kick that was met perfectly by the big fucking German, Per Mertesacker! It was a curling header that found its way past Lloris, through a deflection off Bale.
Two minutes later Monreal had a powerful shot that went just wide and Jenkinson's cross was almost turned into the back of the net, but the keeper managed to get his hands to it. Tottenham had a couple of decent chances themselves, Bale fired over the bar from a close range and Sigurdsson opted for a pass instead of a shot as the goal opened up for him.
Podolski was eventually introduced and had a chance immediately, unfortunately his poor touch meant that the ball got too far from him and too close to the keeper. Them Ramsey fired just wide as his shot took a deflection off a defender and Walcott fired wide himself from a free-kick in the final minutes.
This is one of those defeats that are especially hard to accept as we should have gotten more out of it, the way we played. But life is not always fair, and football is most certainly not always fair, so all we can do is keep fighting for that fourth place until the end of the season and see where that takes us.
Mertesacker 51
The possibility of finishing fourth in the league grows ever smaller after this defeat in the North London Derby.
We started the first half as the better team, yet there weren't many goalscoring opportunities in the game. After approximately five minutes Jenkinson provided a great cross that was almost met by Walcott and from the following corner Giroud headed on target, but Lloris made the save. A couple of minutes later Giroud had another chance as he was released onto goal, but unfortunately he failed to get the shot away.
Through quite some aggressive play in the midfield the game looked to be headed in our favour, when two lapses of concentration meant that we found ourselves two goals down after the first half. In our attempt to play with a high back-four the defence made two fatal errors in trying to keep Bale and Lennon offside, which led to two goals for Tottenham within two minutes.
This was obviously a very harsh position for us to be in, but a situation proving how vital it is to be efficient, both going forward and defending. However, as the second half began we played even better and it did not take much more than five minutes for us to find a way back in the game! Walcott provided a free-kick that was met perfectly by the big fucking German, Per Mertesacker! It was a curling header that found its way past Lloris, through a deflection off Bale.
Two minutes later Monreal had a powerful shot that went just wide and Jenkinson's cross was almost turned into the back of the net, but the keeper managed to get his hands to it. Tottenham had a couple of decent chances themselves, Bale fired over the bar from a close range and Sigurdsson opted for a pass instead of a shot as the goal opened up for him.
Podolski was eventually introduced and had a chance immediately, unfortunately his poor touch meant that the ball got too far from him and too close to the keeper. Them Ramsey fired just wide as his shot took a deflection off a defender and Walcott fired wide himself from a free-kick in the final minutes.
This is one of those defeats that are especially hard to accept as we should have gotten more out of it, the way we played. But life is not always fair, and football is most certainly not always fair, so all we can do is keep fighting for that fourth place until the end of the season and see where that takes us.
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