4-2, Premier League, Villa Park, 27/11 -10
Arshavin 38,
Nasri 44,
Chamakh 55,
Wilshere 90
Three vital points, not just to remain in the title race, but as well to get back on track, as we've had a pretty poor week.
And I believe that the goal right at the end to seal the game was Wilshere's first Premier League strike for Arsenal, the first of many to come we hope.
We completely dominated the first half and had tons of chances, but it took quite some time for us to break the deadlock, but when we did, we did it with style, Andrey got some space on the left, and for Villa, that proved fatal, he managed to get a shot away, even though he had three defending players ahead of him, and even though Friedel got a hand on the ball, it wasn't enough.
Just before half time we extended the lead through Nasri, and his volley from a corner went straight for goal! He really has been top this season.
The second half started just as last weekend, only this time just after the score went to 2-1, we made it 3-1! Chamakh managed to squeeze the ball past Friedel after a great pass from Rosicky.
Then Villa got back once again to 3-2, but this time we held on great and in the last minute Wilshere scored a low header, though the thanks goes to Chamakh, who was really unselfish when deciding to pass the ball to Wilshere instead of going for it himself.
Injury Update;
-Cesc looks to be out for at least two weeks & Eboue looks to be out for four weeks
-No other news really, van Persie, Bendtner and Walcott are all working hard to get into top shape.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Braga vs. Arsenal
0-2, Champions League, 23/11 -10
There have been better times to support the Arsenal, but unfortunately you can't pick when you want to support and when you just don't.
After a tough weekend we were looking to bounce back by securing the qualification to the knock-out stages in the Champions League, but courtesy of the ref that proved impossible.
We were dominant throughout the game, but didn't have too many chances, with 22 minutes to go Cesc got a recurrence of the hamstring problem that's been haunting him lately, and when we had made all three substitutions Eboue had to be carried off on a stretcher after a bad tackle from behind.
So when Carlos Vela got brought down in the box with fifteen minutes to go, it surely was defining for the game, but not in our favor, no, even though they have two extra referees watching the box in the CL, they couldn't tell when Vela was brought down, they decided that it was a dive and booked him! It really is a disgrace, they have put in extra referees just to avoid these kind of situations!!
And then things went straight down for us, again....
There have been better times to support the Arsenal, but unfortunately you can't pick when you want to support and when you just don't.
After a tough weekend we were looking to bounce back by securing the qualification to the knock-out stages in the Champions League, but courtesy of the ref that proved impossible.
We were dominant throughout the game, but didn't have too many chances, with 22 minutes to go Cesc got a recurrence of the hamstring problem that's been haunting him lately, and when we had made all three substitutions Eboue had to be carried off on a stretcher after a bad tackle from behind.
So when Carlos Vela got brought down in the box with fifteen minutes to go, it surely was defining for the game, but not in our favor, no, even though they have two extra referees watching the box in the CL, they couldn't tell when Vela was brought down, they decided that it was a dive and booked him! It really is a disgrace, they have put in extra referees just to avoid these kind of situations!!
And then things went straight down for us, again....
Monday, November 15, 2010
Everton vs. Arsenal
2-1, Premier League, Goodison Park, 14/11 -10
Sagna 35,
Fabregas 47
Three very big points gained in this game, three big points gained in midweek, as well as Chelsea losing and both Manchester United and Manchester City dropping points too, it's been a good week after an extremely bad week for us.
As mentioned I have been away, and it seems the squad was a bit away as well, but now we're back on track after two vital wins!
Marouane Chamakh scored in the first and last minute against Wolves to win the game for us, but credit to Lukasz Fabianski for keeping us in in both of the games!
The first half was even, but looking at the chances that both teams created, ours were slightly better, so we deserved to go into the second half being 1-0 up.
The goal was very well taken, from the one person you probably wouldn't expect to score, Sagna pops up in the box and beautifully scores from a tight angle! His second goal in 147 appearances for the club, with Andrey setting up the goal nicely.
We got exactly what we needed immediately after the break, some quick passes at the edge of the box suddenly gave captain Cesc Fabregas enough space to get a shot away, and it went straight for the far post.
After that we looked quite comfortable, until the last five minutes, then Everton started to build up pressure and eventually (naturally) got a goal, but we dug in and managed to get away with the three points, and as both Chelsea and United dropped points, we are not only two points away from Chelsea, but also in 2nd place!
Injury Update;
-Gibbs returned to the bench for this game, and he, Wilshere and Walcott have all been called up to the England squad for the France game.
-Still no news about the Vermaelen situation.
-Diaby is getting closer to a comeback, the same goes for Almunia.
Sagna 35,
Fabregas 47
Three very big points gained in this game, three big points gained in midweek, as well as Chelsea losing and both Manchester United and Manchester City dropping points too, it's been a good week after an extremely bad week for us.
As mentioned I have been away, and it seems the squad was a bit away as well, but now we're back on track after two vital wins!
Marouane Chamakh scored in the first and last minute against Wolves to win the game for us, but credit to Lukasz Fabianski for keeping us in in both of the games!
The first half was even, but looking at the chances that both teams created, ours were slightly better, so we deserved to go into the second half being 1-0 up.
The goal was very well taken, from the one person you probably wouldn't expect to score, Sagna pops up in the box and beautifully scores from a tight angle! His second goal in 147 appearances for the club, with Andrey setting up the goal nicely.
We got exactly what we needed immediately after the break, some quick passes at the edge of the box suddenly gave captain Cesc Fabregas enough space to get a shot away, and it went straight for the far post.
After that we looked quite comfortable, until the last five minutes, then Everton started to build up pressure and eventually (naturally) got a goal, but we dug in and managed to get away with the three points, and as both Chelsea and United dropped points, we are not only two points away from Chelsea, but also in 2nd place!
Injury Update;
-Gibbs returned to the bench for this game, and he, Wilshere and Walcott have all been called up to the England squad for the France game.
-Still no news about the Vermaelen situation.
-Diaby is getting closer to a comeback, the same goes for Almunia.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Arsenal vs. West Ham
1-0, Premier League, Emirates, 30/10 -10
Song 88
Frustrating, frustrating and a bit more frustrating, but in the end Song came to the rescue! But it wasn't like we played bad, it was West Ham that played extremely well, basically always in position and barely giving us time to breathe.
There really isn't much else to mention, we had all the possession, they had a couple of chances on the break, but we were the ones who deserved to win, considering the number of goal-scoring chances and possession.
The first half was the most even one, in the second half we were a lot faster and creating more and more chances, one of Nasri's freekicks hit the bar, and Walcott got past the entire defense, only to see his shot bounce off the post into the hands of Robert Green.
But in the end our patience paid off and a lot of credit for the goal should go to Clichy, who came in from the left to provide with an amazing pass for Song to head home!
After that all we had to do was see the game out, which we did and another three valuable points have been earned.
Injury Update;
-for once I have no real news on this department,
I'll be going for a trip to Malaysia and Thailand tomorrow, so won't be able to write about the next couple of games, think that the next game I will be able to write about is the one against Wolves in about two weeks time.
Song 88
Frustrating, frustrating and a bit more frustrating, but in the end Song came to the rescue! But it wasn't like we played bad, it was West Ham that played extremely well, basically always in position and barely giving us time to breathe.
There really isn't much else to mention, we had all the possession, they had a couple of chances on the break, but we were the ones who deserved to win, considering the number of goal-scoring chances and possession.
The first half was the most even one, in the second half we were a lot faster and creating more and more chances, one of Nasri's freekicks hit the bar, and Walcott got past the entire defense, only to see his shot bounce off the post into the hands of Robert Green.
But in the end our patience paid off and a lot of credit for the goal should go to Clichy, who came in from the left to provide with an amazing pass for Song to head home!
After that all we had to do was see the game out, which we did and another three valuable points have been earned.
Injury Update;
-for once I have no real news on this department,
I'll be going for a trip to Malaysia and Thailand tomorrow, so won't be able to write about the next couple of games, think that the next game I will be able to write about is the one against Wolves in about two weeks time.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Newcastle vs. Arsenal
4-0, Premier League, St James' Park, 27/10 -10
Krul 45 (og),
Walcott 53, 88,
Bendtner 82
Really tough game, but thanks to a Newcastle own goal at the end of the first half gave us the upper hand ahead of the second half, which sealed the game in a way, as Newcastle found themselves exposed at the back when pushing forward.
Poor Gibbs picked up another injury after a couple of minutes, and it is likely to keep him out for a few weeks.
The game was very even for long periods of the game, we had a lot of possession, but Newcastle created as many chances as us, it provided with an interesting game that went pretty much backwards and forwards all the time, with plenty of chances for both sides.
And that really sums up the first half, with us having quite some luck to go into halftime as 1-0 leaders.
In the second half we were the better team and everything Newcastle threw at us, either Szczesny or the defense dealt with, and it really must be mentioned that the young Polish 'keeper was outstanding in this game, and sure looks like something for the future.
It didn't take too long for us to take the lead, when Krul kicked the ball across the field, the ball was then nodded back across the field, and there Theo picked up the ball, just ran away from everyone and finished the move off with a cheeky finish!
The game was sealed with eight minutes left, Fabregas (who entered the game in the second half) gave the ball to Bendtner out on the left, he moved to a more central position before unleashing a fierce shot that went straight for the top corner! Surely one of his best goals yet.
And to finish the evening off in fine style Walcott got his brace, when Cesc Fabregas spotted the young Englishman on the move he provided with another breath-taking assist, and Theo did not let us down with the finish!
Injury Update;
-Gibbs looks to be out for a few weeks as a result of the knee injury he picked up in the game
-Both van Persie and Ramsey will return to full training next week, though some fitness training is still necessary
-Almunia is still one or two weeks away, though it is not sure whether he will take the no 1 spot at once when he returns, as Fabianski has done extremely well in his absence, and Szczesny is looking promising.
Krul 45 (og),
Walcott 53, 88,
Bendtner 82
Really tough game, but thanks to a Newcastle own goal at the end of the first half gave us the upper hand ahead of the second half, which sealed the game in a way, as Newcastle found themselves exposed at the back when pushing forward.
Poor Gibbs picked up another injury after a couple of minutes, and it is likely to keep him out for a few weeks.
The game was very even for long periods of the game, we had a lot of possession, but Newcastle created as many chances as us, it provided with an interesting game that went pretty much backwards and forwards all the time, with plenty of chances for both sides.
And that really sums up the first half, with us having quite some luck to go into halftime as 1-0 leaders.
In the second half we were the better team and everything Newcastle threw at us, either Szczesny or the defense dealt with, and it really must be mentioned that the young Polish 'keeper was outstanding in this game, and sure looks like something for the future.
It didn't take too long for us to take the lead, when Krul kicked the ball across the field, the ball was then nodded back across the field, and there Theo picked up the ball, just ran away from everyone and finished the move off with a cheeky finish!
The game was sealed with eight minutes left, Fabregas (who entered the game in the second half) gave the ball to Bendtner out on the left, he moved to a more central position before unleashing a fierce shot that went straight for the top corner! Surely one of his best goals yet.
And to finish the evening off in fine style Walcott got his brace, when Cesc Fabregas spotted the young Englishman on the move he provided with another breath-taking assist, and Theo did not let us down with the finish!
Injury Update;
-Gibbs looks to be out for a few weeks as a result of the knee injury he picked up in the game
-Both van Persie and Ramsey will return to full training next week, though some fitness training is still necessary
-Almunia is still one or two weeks away, though it is not sure whether he will take the no 1 spot at once when he returns, as Fabianski has done extremely well in his absence, and Szczesny is looking promising.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Manchester City vs. Arsenal
3-0, Premier League, City of Manchester Stadium, 24/10 -10
Nasri 20,
Song 65,
Bendtner 88
Great game, for the neutral watcher that is, if it would have stayed at one or two nil any longer I think I would have gotten a heart attack.
It would seem as though the game was an easy win, considering the 3-0 as well as the fact that it was 11 vs. 10 in our favor from the fifth minute, but those three points were most certainly hard fought for! But an amazing win for us that keeps us in the title race and currently on second place (with both United and City at the same amount of points, but our goal difference is slightly better).
After just a minute or so Silva had a great chance to score, but Fabianski pulled out a great save, to keep us in it.
Then Boyata was shown red when he brought down Chamakh just outside the box, preventing the moroccan to be clean through.
The game stayed very even, with both teams creating chances, but we had the cutting edge, after some great work between Arshavin and Nasri, the latter got enough space to get a shot from a tight angle, and it went in!
Before the first half was over we were awarded a penalty when Fabregas was harshly brought down at the edge of the box, though for once he didn't manage to convert it, inevitably raising Man City's spirits, but we held out and came back stronger after the break.
Though it started out even as well, but we were sharper on the day and just about midway through the second half Song fired away an amazingly well taken goal, it went straight for the top corner!
It felt as though City more or less gave up after that and we could play the ball around for pretty much the rest of the game, but City did have some dangerous counters, so we couldn't exactly sit back.
Two minutes from time Bendtner finished off a great move in style, as Nasri balanced the ball on the line, he managed to get past the defender and provide with an amazing through ball to Bendtner, who cooly slotted home his first goal of the season, and we got an excellent win over Manchester City.
Injury Update;
-Diaby was intended to start todays game, but he got injured just before kick off, don't know how bad it is though.
-Fabregas was substituted towards the end of the game, but most probably just due to tiredness.
Just spotted this on Mirror Football;
It seems Cesc Fabregas was not as impressed by his own performance as everyone else. The Arsenal skipper was handed the Man of the Match champagne after the game but was not convinced he deserved it. "How can I be the Man of the Match?" he asked, "I missed a penalty." He's his own harshest critic you know.
And don't we all love him for it?
Anyway, here is a link for the entire interview at skysports;
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6467581,00.html
Nasri 20,
Song 65,
Bendtner 88
Great game, for the neutral watcher that is, if it would have stayed at one or two nil any longer I think I would have gotten a heart attack.
It would seem as though the game was an easy win, considering the 3-0 as well as the fact that it was 11 vs. 10 in our favor from the fifth minute, but those three points were most certainly hard fought for! But an amazing win for us that keeps us in the title race and currently on second place (with both United and City at the same amount of points, but our goal difference is slightly better).
After just a minute or so Silva had a great chance to score, but Fabianski pulled out a great save, to keep us in it.
Then Boyata was shown red when he brought down Chamakh just outside the box, preventing the moroccan to be clean through.
The game stayed very even, with both teams creating chances, but we had the cutting edge, after some great work between Arshavin and Nasri, the latter got enough space to get a shot from a tight angle, and it went in!
Before the first half was over we were awarded a penalty when Fabregas was harshly brought down at the edge of the box, though for once he didn't manage to convert it, inevitably raising Man City's spirits, but we held out and came back stronger after the break.
Though it started out even as well, but we were sharper on the day and just about midway through the second half Song fired away an amazingly well taken goal, it went straight for the top corner!
It felt as though City more or less gave up after that and we could play the ball around for pretty much the rest of the game, but City did have some dangerous counters, so we couldn't exactly sit back.
Two minutes from time Bendtner finished off a great move in style, as Nasri balanced the ball on the line, he managed to get past the defender and provide with an amazing through ball to Bendtner, who cooly slotted home his first goal of the season, and we got an excellent win over Manchester City.
Injury Update;
-Diaby was intended to start todays game, but he got injured just before kick off, don't know how bad it is though.
-Fabregas was substituted towards the end of the game, but most probably just due to tiredness.
Just spotted this on Mirror Football;
It seems Cesc Fabregas was not as impressed by his own performance as everyone else. The Arsenal skipper was handed the Man of the Match champagne after the game but was not convinced he deserved it. "How can I be the Man of the Match?" he asked, "I missed a penalty." He's his own harshest critic you know.
And don't we all love him for it?
Anyway, here is a link for the entire interview at skysports;
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6467581,00.html
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Arsenal vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
5-1, Champions League, Emirates, 19/10 -10
Song 19,
Nasri 42,
Fabregas 59 (pen),
Wilshere 66,
Chamakh 69
(Eduardo 82)
Amazing stuff yet again from us in the Champions League, and an emotional return for Eduardo, and he grabbed a goal at the end that was celebrated by the entire Emirates! Just adore the way the Arsenal fans can give him such support, which Eduardo fully deserves.
Fabregas returned for this game, another reason to celebrate as well as the return of our captain was that Walcott came in at the end, and looked quite fresh actually.
The beginning of the first half was really tight, with both teams passing the ball around nicely, though we were invited into the game when the Shakhtar 'keeper dropped the ball when collecting it from a corner, Djourou quickly got it to Song, who scored from close-range!
The second came just before the break, and this time Song provided the goal, his brilliant cross reached Nasri, who got past a defender and fired a great shot at goal.
At the start of the second half Fabianski kept the Ukrainians out when one of their players got a bit too much space in our box, but a brilliant save from Fabianski kept our two-goal cushion.
Fabregas added to the tally 14 minutes into the second half, after Djourou was brought down in the box the captain smashed another penalty home, he sure is getting good at it! He took the opportunity to congratulate his mother, most probably for her birthday or something.
Then the rest of the goals came rather quickly, within ten minutes we were 5-0 up, first Wilshere scored his first Champions League game (he was also voted man of the match by the fans, me included), Chamakh opened up some space for him and after an exchange of passes with Rosicky he delicately chipped the ball over the 'keeper.
Three minutes later Chamakh finished the Arsenal goals with one that I seriously think is one of my favorite goals for a long time, Nasri played the ball in towards Chamakh who, along with everyone else, thought that he was offside, so when he received the ball he took a long look out towards the linesman but when the flag didn't come up, he quickly forced the ball past the 'keeper and scored another goal for us, he really has been a brilliant signing.
Eduardo rounded things up in the 82nd minute, and it really felt great to hear all the fans celebrating for him, though I never like it when we concede.
Injury Update;
-Things are looking on the up, as we now can remove players such as Fabregas, Walcott, Gibbs and Bendtner from the injury list.
-Van Persie still has quite some time on the sidelines to go, while returns for Vermaelen, Sagna, Koscielny and Almunia doesn't seem too far away!
PS. are watching the evening's Champions league matches, and Tottenham are 4-0 down against Inter! And the first half isn't even over yet!
Song 19,
Nasri 42,
Fabregas 59 (pen),
Wilshere 66,
Chamakh 69
(Eduardo 82)
Amazing stuff yet again from us in the Champions League, and an emotional return for Eduardo, and he grabbed a goal at the end that was celebrated by the entire Emirates! Just adore the way the Arsenal fans can give him such support, which Eduardo fully deserves.
Fabregas returned for this game, another reason to celebrate as well as the return of our captain was that Walcott came in at the end, and looked quite fresh actually.
The beginning of the first half was really tight, with both teams passing the ball around nicely, though we were invited into the game when the Shakhtar 'keeper dropped the ball when collecting it from a corner, Djourou quickly got it to Song, who scored from close-range!
The second came just before the break, and this time Song provided the goal, his brilliant cross reached Nasri, who got past a defender and fired a great shot at goal.
At the start of the second half Fabianski kept the Ukrainians out when one of their players got a bit too much space in our box, but a brilliant save from Fabianski kept our two-goal cushion.
Fabregas added to the tally 14 minutes into the second half, after Djourou was brought down in the box the captain smashed another penalty home, he sure is getting good at it! He took the opportunity to congratulate his mother, most probably for her birthday or something.
Then the rest of the goals came rather quickly, within ten minutes we were 5-0 up, first Wilshere scored his first Champions League game (he was also voted man of the match by the fans, me included), Chamakh opened up some space for him and after an exchange of passes with Rosicky he delicately chipped the ball over the 'keeper.
Three minutes later Chamakh finished the Arsenal goals with one that I seriously think is one of my favorite goals for a long time, Nasri played the ball in towards Chamakh who, along with everyone else, thought that he was offside, so when he received the ball he took a long look out towards the linesman but when the flag didn't come up, he quickly forced the ball past the 'keeper and scored another goal for us, he really has been a brilliant signing.
Eduardo rounded things up in the 82nd minute, and it really felt great to hear all the fans celebrating for him, though I never like it when we concede.
Injury Update;
-Things are looking on the up, as we now can remove players such as Fabregas, Walcott, Gibbs and Bendtner from the injury list.
-Van Persie still has quite some time on the sidelines to go, while returns for Vermaelen, Sagna, Koscielny and Almunia doesn't seem too far away!
PS. are watching the evening's Champions league matches, and Tottenham are 4-0 down against Inter! And the first half isn't even over yet!
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