2-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 18 January 2014
Cazorla 57, 62
This was a game that had quite the slow start, only to explode in the second half with a quick successions of goals, ensuring yet another win and three points!
The first half was fairly even, with no team getting the advantage. Right at the beginning of the half we had to decent chances, the first being a Sagna cross that was almost met by Giroud in the box and the second being an Özil shot/pass where he got past Fulham 'keeper Stockdale only to see a defender clear the effort. The 'keeper made a decent save, though, as Sagna had a rebound towards goal. On the other end, Szczesny was called into action a couple of times, first saving a Sidwell shot and then making a timely intervention to deny Kacaniklic a chance to score.
The start of the second half would prove to settle the tone for the remainder of the game, with a quick successions of chances and goals! The minute prior to the first goal we came extremely close to scoring as Gnabry fired a shot away after some scramble in the box, but his effort was saved by Stockdale.
Then came the two goals from the one goalscorer that essentially won us the game. Santi Cazorla started the attack, and via Giroud and Wilshere the Spaniard, who popped up in the box, got the ball back and fired past the 'keeper! Mere minutes later he was at it again, Monreal provided the cross that reached Santi Cazorla a couple of yards outside of the 18-yard-box, and the Spaniard fired another shot into the back of the net!
Podolski was brought on with approximately twenty minutes to go, and at once came close to scoring, twice! His first shot was blocked by a defender, and the second powerful strike hit the post! Then in the very final minutes Bent got past Szczesny and found the goal completely open, but Koscielny showed up to disturb the striker enough for him to fire wide! In the very last minute Oxlade-Chamberlain almost headed the ball into the back of the net, unfortunately it went just over the bar.
So, the final score-line of this game was to be 2-0, and I can definitely say that it was to my liking! Now we are going on a short break from the league, and prepare to face Coventry in the FA Cup on Friday evening.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
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.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Arsenal vs. Cardiff
2-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 1 January 2014
Bendtner 88,
Walcott 92
On paper, this was one of those home games against a side on the other end of the table that is an essential, 'must-win' type of game. However, that is rarely the case in this league and this game turned out to be quite the struggle, fortunately it had an happy ending this time around.
The first half was rather uneventful, Sagna had a free-kick hitting the wall and Walcott fired both over the bar and into the side netting. The latter being a result of some brilliant dribbling from Cazorla that got him past a defender to cut it back to Walcott.
In the second half the need for a goal became more and more urgent and so the pressure we put on Cardiff increased as the game drew closer to the end. Wilshere saw a brilliant solo effort hitting the bar while Mertesacker had a double chance, ending with a header going just wide of the goal. Then both Wilshere and Walcott had efforts going wide and Bendtner came close to reaching crosses in the box twice, the first from Walcott and the second from Rosicky.
Two minutes before added time we got the much-needed goal. Monreal provided a cross into the box that was met by Sagna, whose header was saved by the 'keeper, only for Nicklas Bendtner to show up and slam the rebound into the back of the net!! Unfortunately the Danish striker injured himself in the process and had to be replaced, but that goal was vital for us to remain in the fight for the league title! Minutes later we sealed the game as Wilshere provided a pass through the defence, perfect for one of Theo Walcott's trademark runs and the Englishman chipped it over the 'keeper!
Szczesny had to make a great save in the very final minute as Cardiff tried to get a consolation goal.
These three points were absolutely vital and we have now started the new year as we ended it, with a win and the top spot in the league!
Bendtner 88,
Walcott 92
On paper, this was one of those home games against a side on the other end of the table that is an essential, 'must-win' type of game. However, that is rarely the case in this league and this game turned out to be quite the struggle, fortunately it had an happy ending this time around.
The first half was rather uneventful, Sagna had a free-kick hitting the wall and Walcott fired both over the bar and into the side netting. The latter being a result of some brilliant dribbling from Cazorla that got him past a defender to cut it back to Walcott.
In the second half the need for a goal became more and more urgent and so the pressure we put on Cardiff increased as the game drew closer to the end. Wilshere saw a brilliant solo effort hitting the bar while Mertesacker had a double chance, ending with a header going just wide of the goal. Then both Wilshere and Walcott had efforts going wide and Bendtner came close to reaching crosses in the box twice, the first from Walcott and the second from Rosicky.
Two minutes before added time we got the much-needed goal. Monreal provided a cross into the box that was met by Sagna, whose header was saved by the 'keeper, only for Nicklas Bendtner to show up and slam the rebound into the back of the net!! Unfortunately the Danish striker injured himself in the process and had to be replaced, but that goal was vital for us to remain in the fight for the league title! Minutes later we sealed the game as Wilshere provided a pass through the defence, perfect for one of Theo Walcott's trademark runs and the Englishman chipped it over the 'keeper!
Szczesny had to make a great save in the very final minute as Cardiff tried to get a consolation goal.
These three points were absolutely vital and we have now started the new year as we ended it, with a win and the top spot in the league!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Newcastle vs. Arsenal
0-1, Premier League, St James' Park, 29 December 2013
Giroud 65
This game marked the midway point of the season, and claiming the top spot at the midway point is usually a good sign for whoever is to be champions at the end of the season. Nothing but a win would be good enough as both Manchester City and Chelsea won their games, meaning that a win would take us one point ahead of City and two points ahead of Chelsea.
The game had a rather slow start, it took twenty minutes until the first corner of the game was awarded, and it was Sagna who arranged it with a surge forward. Before the end of the first half Newcastle fired wide and Cazorla had a shot on target saved by 'keeper Krul. In the very last minute we were in trouble as Szczesny made a great save from a shot and Wilshere made a save on the goal line in the following corner.
We started the second half a bit better, with a Flamini shot over the bar before getting the winning goal. Walcott took the free-kick that was met by Olivier Giroud, who headed it past Krul to return to the score sheet after some time absent! A few minutes later we came close to doubling the lead, as Walcott got the ball past Krul, only for a defender to head it clear. But only as far as to Giroud, who unfortunately did not get a clean hit and the effort went wide.
During the final minutes we let Newcastle dominate completely and merely defended our lead, which is quite unlike us. Szczesny almost made a huge blunder as he kicked the ball in Remy's face, and the ball bounced inches wide of the post! He then made a comfortable save from a shot on target. During the added time Ben Arfa hit the side netting and in the very final kick of the game Newcastle had a corner. Newcastle 'keeper Krul went up, but fortunately Szczesny beat him to the ball and the win was sealed!
We can now celebrate New Year top of the league, which is quite the relief since we could not do so over Christmas. Nevertheless, it is time to prepare for the clash against Cardiff on the very first day of the year!
Injury Update:
- Ramsey missed out due to the thigh injury he picked up against West Ham.
- Özil was unable to feature in this game due to a shoulder injury.
Giroud 65
This game marked the midway point of the season, and claiming the top spot at the midway point is usually a good sign for whoever is to be champions at the end of the season. Nothing but a win would be good enough as both Manchester City and Chelsea won their games, meaning that a win would take us one point ahead of City and two points ahead of Chelsea.
The game had a rather slow start, it took twenty minutes until the first corner of the game was awarded, and it was Sagna who arranged it with a surge forward. Before the end of the first half Newcastle fired wide and Cazorla had a shot on target saved by 'keeper Krul. In the very last minute we were in trouble as Szczesny made a great save from a shot and Wilshere made a save on the goal line in the following corner.
We started the second half a bit better, with a Flamini shot over the bar before getting the winning goal. Walcott took the free-kick that was met by Olivier Giroud, who headed it past Krul to return to the score sheet after some time absent! A few minutes later we came close to doubling the lead, as Walcott got the ball past Krul, only for a defender to head it clear. But only as far as to Giroud, who unfortunately did not get a clean hit and the effort went wide.
During the final minutes we let Newcastle dominate completely and merely defended our lead, which is quite unlike us. Szczesny almost made a huge blunder as he kicked the ball in Remy's face, and the ball bounced inches wide of the post! He then made a comfortable save from a shot on target. During the added time Ben Arfa hit the side netting and in the very final kick of the game Newcastle had a corner. Newcastle 'keeper Krul went up, but fortunately Szczesny beat him to the ball and the win was sealed!
We can now celebrate New Year top of the league, which is quite the relief since we could not do so over Christmas. Nevertheless, it is time to prepare for the clash against Cardiff on the very first day of the year!
Injury Update:
- Ramsey missed out due to the thigh injury he picked up against West Ham.
- Özil was unable to feature in this game due to a shoulder injury.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
West Ham vs. Arsenal
1-3, Premier League, Boleyn Ground, 26 December 2013
Walcott 68, 71,
Podolski 79
Since we had not won for three league games in a row prior to this game, a win was long overdue. Having lost the first place for the first time in months might have proven motivation enough to take the three points and retake the top spot, if only for a few hours.
In the third minute we got an indication of what was to come when Walcott was played through by Cazorla, sadly the Englishman was offside on that occasion. On the other side of the pitch Jarvis posed a bit of a threat in the shape of a dangerous cross that was cleared by Szczesny. Minutes later he was at it again, this time with a free-kick that was taken towards the top corner, where Szczesny made yet another save.
Giroud came close to reaching a great cross by Sagna with a header, and fifteen minutes into the game we had a double chance of header where, following a corner, a header was cleared in front of the goal and then Cazorla reached the rebound with a header that was saved near the top corner by the 'keeper.
We wrapped the half up with a few more chances, but never got quite close enough. Walcott had an effort going wide as he got close to the goal from a steep angle and Cazorla had a shot inches over the bar. Ramsey managed to hit the target, but it was a comfortable save for the 'keeper and to conclude Arteta fired inches wide following a Cazorla free-kick.
In the very first minute of the second half we found ourselves behind. Cole scored for West Ham from close range as Szczesny let a rebound loose right in front of the striker. It was a bit hard to take, but we kept on going and in the end it paid off.
As Cazorla had a shot saved, Ramsey fired from the rebound, only to see the 'keeper make yet another save. The Welshman then picked up an injury to his thigh and was unable to continue the game. Needless to say this is a huge blow for us, we can only hope that it was nothing too serious. However, there was some joy to be seen in this as Podolski was brought on to replace Ramsey. This was the first game for the German for many months, and he looked like he had never been away! Just a minute after being brought on, Podolski got a chance as Walcott got the ball to him in the box, unfortunately Poldi was unable to get a proper shot away and the 'keeper could make the save.
Mere minutes later we finally grabbed the equaliser, and it was none other than an in-form Englishman. Cazorla found the lightning fast Theo Walcott on the edge of the box, and the striker fired a shot that somehow found its way through the box and into the back of the net! Due to the extensive amount of defenders in the box, the 'keeper was unable to see the shot coming until it was too late, and we were back in it! Just three minutes later we took the lead, and once again it was a certain fast paced Englishman who made it happen. Podolski fired a cross into the box, that was headed on by a defender and ended up to be of perfect height for Theo Walcott to head into the back of the net as he ran into an excellent position right in front of the goal!
Podolski would get a perfect comeback before the end of the game, but first he had a one-on-one with the 'keeper where he got too close so the 'keeper could make the save. Then, however, he showed his accuracy. Giroud played the ball back to Lukas Podolski, who scored with a powerful! A brilliant comeback by Podolski!
Writing this ahead of the Man City - Liverpool game, we are once again top of the league (with the hope of remaining there!). On Sunday we face Newcastle away, which will be anything but easy. However, should we play as we did during the later part of this game, I have feeling that we will do quite all right!
Walcott 68, 71,
Podolski 79
Since we had not won for three league games in a row prior to this game, a win was long overdue. Having lost the first place for the first time in months might have proven motivation enough to take the three points and retake the top spot, if only for a few hours.
In the third minute we got an indication of what was to come when Walcott was played through by Cazorla, sadly the Englishman was offside on that occasion. On the other side of the pitch Jarvis posed a bit of a threat in the shape of a dangerous cross that was cleared by Szczesny. Minutes later he was at it again, this time with a free-kick that was taken towards the top corner, where Szczesny made yet another save.
Giroud came close to reaching a great cross by Sagna with a header, and fifteen minutes into the game we had a double chance of header where, following a corner, a header was cleared in front of the goal and then Cazorla reached the rebound with a header that was saved near the top corner by the 'keeper.
We wrapped the half up with a few more chances, but never got quite close enough. Walcott had an effort going wide as he got close to the goal from a steep angle and Cazorla had a shot inches over the bar. Ramsey managed to hit the target, but it was a comfortable save for the 'keeper and to conclude Arteta fired inches wide following a Cazorla free-kick.
In the very first minute of the second half we found ourselves behind. Cole scored for West Ham from close range as Szczesny let a rebound loose right in front of the striker. It was a bit hard to take, but we kept on going and in the end it paid off.
As Cazorla had a shot saved, Ramsey fired from the rebound, only to see the 'keeper make yet another save. The Welshman then picked up an injury to his thigh and was unable to continue the game. Needless to say this is a huge blow for us, we can only hope that it was nothing too serious. However, there was some joy to be seen in this as Podolski was brought on to replace Ramsey. This was the first game for the German for many months, and he looked like he had never been away! Just a minute after being brought on, Podolski got a chance as Walcott got the ball to him in the box, unfortunately Poldi was unable to get a proper shot away and the 'keeper could make the save.
Mere minutes later we finally grabbed the equaliser, and it was none other than an in-form Englishman. Cazorla found the lightning fast Theo Walcott on the edge of the box, and the striker fired a shot that somehow found its way through the box and into the back of the net! Due to the extensive amount of defenders in the box, the 'keeper was unable to see the shot coming until it was too late, and we were back in it! Just three minutes later we took the lead, and once again it was a certain fast paced Englishman who made it happen. Podolski fired a cross into the box, that was headed on by a defender and ended up to be of perfect height for Theo Walcott to head into the back of the net as he ran into an excellent position right in front of the goal!
Podolski would get a perfect comeback before the end of the game, but first he had a one-on-one with the 'keeper where he got too close so the 'keeper could make the save. Then, however, he showed his accuracy. Giroud played the ball back to Lukas Podolski, who scored with a powerful! A brilliant comeback by Podolski!
Writing this ahead of the Man City - Liverpool game, we are once again top of the league (with the hope of remaining there!). On Sunday we face Newcastle away, which will be anything but easy. However, should we play as we did during the later part of this game, I have feeling that we will do quite all right!
Monday, December 23, 2013
Arsenal vs. Chelsea
0-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 23 December 2013
Considering last weekend's game and the fact that Liverpool, having won their game of the round, had moved us to a runners-up position prior to our game, a win felt like a necessity. However, we proved to be slightly short up-front and had to settle for just the one point and a Christmas spent on the second place.
Considering last weekend's game and the fact that Liverpool, having won their game of the round, had moved us to a runners-up position prior to our game, a win felt like a necessity. However, we proved to be slightly short up-front and had to settle for just the one point and a Christmas spent on the second place.
We started the game quite well with lots of possession but sadly too few chances. Nearly half an hour into the game we got our first real chance of the game as Sagna provided a brilliant cross into the box that was cleared right in front of the goal and Giroud by Cahill. Next up was arguably the best chance of the game, and we got extremely lucky to remain on equal terms. Lampard had a shot hitting the bar and then going out. Two minutes later Chelsea had two more chances as Torres had a shot on target saved by Szczesny and Mertesacker made a vital block as a second shot was fired at the goal.
We wrapped up the game with a couple of decent chances. The first was a penalty shout as Walcott was brought down in the 18-yard-box, it was a clear penalty but unfortunately the ref did not see that. In the very last minute Özil had a shot blocked and Rosicky's follow-up went wide.
The second half was much alike to the first one, with chances going both ways to both teams. Lampard had a shot on target saved by Szczesny while, on the other end, Özil had another shot blocked. Terry headed wide following a Chelsea free-kick, then we dominated through the remaining twenty minutes. Giroud fired wide as Cech came out to cover his goal and the Frenchman had another effort as Gibbs provided a great cross, it was somehow but over the bar right in front of the goal due to some decent goalkeeping by Cech.
The second half was much alike to the first one, with chances going both ways to both teams. Lampard had a shot on target saved by Szczesny while, on the other end, Özil had another shot blocked. Terry headed wide following a Chelsea free-kick, then we dominated through the remaining twenty minutes. Giroud fired wide as Cech came out to cover his goal and the Frenchman had another effort as Gibbs provided a great cross, it was somehow but over the bar right in front of the goal due to some decent goalkeeping by Cech.
The last chance of the game came during the added time when we had a header saved on the line by a defender.
While it is very disappointing to have lost the top spot in the table, there is hope of having it returned before long, as Liverpool have a rather tough schedule coming up. For now we shall just have to prepare for the next game coming up on the 26th.
While it is very disappointing to have lost the top spot in the table, there is hope of having it returned before long, as Liverpool have a rather tough schedule coming up. For now we shall just have to prepare for the next game coming up on the 26th.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)