0-1, Premier League, St James' Park, 19.05.2013
Koscielny 52
Ahead of the game we knew that a win was the only way to be 100% sure of a place in the Champions League, but is there ever a way for the last game of the season not to equal 90 minutes of nerve-wrecking helplessness?
We had a positive start to the game, but overall the game was quite even. Walcott had a shot over the bar after approximately five minutes, following a free-kick taken by Cazorla. In the following minutes Newcastle striker Cisse fired over the bar as well, as we lost track of him in our box. Before long Koscielny proved both his defensive and attacking qualities as he met a corner well but was unable to direct it towards the goal, so it merely went across the goal and wide. The minute after he was called into action again, making a vital clearance right in front of the feet of Cisse.
Bad news arrived right before the half-hour mark, as Arteta (who was doubtful ahead of the game) had to be replaced due to an injury. Oxlade-Chamberlain came on for the Spaniard. Before the end of the half both teams had more shots going over the bar, this time through Cazorla and Ben Arfa, whereas Szczesny got to make a comfortable as Cabaye got a long-range shot away.
To some up the first half in a few words, we did not seem quite at ease, possibly due to nerves, and we lacked sharpness, not having many (or any) attempts on target.
Whatever Wenger said during the break paid off, though, as we came out firing on all cylinders! In the very first minute of the half Walcott forced a great save out of Harper with a low shot, and then came the goal that sent us into the Champions League. Seven minutes into the half Walcott took a free-kick, which was headed on forward by Podolski and Laurent Koscielny made an acrobatic kick to take the ball past Harper and into the back of the net! As long as we held onto the lead now, the fourth place was assured.
But as one might have expected, holding onto the lead was not an easy thing to do. Mertesacker made an important block to deny Gouffran a chance to score and Newcastle had a penalty shout late on, fortunately for us the ref ignored it. Our final two substitutes came towards the end as well, Giroud being introduced at the expense of Podolski and Wilshere coming on for Cazorla.
So going into the final four minutes we had a 1-0 lead, but as Tottenham scored I found myself at the edge of my seat (or, rather, couch) as this meant that if we conceded one goal we were out. When Walcott ran past one defender and dribbled past the other to find himself free in the area to take a shot, I was sure that the victory was sealed, but his shot hit the post! How devastating would not that have been for us had Newcastle equalised in the last minute...? Fortunately, Cazorla created a corner for us in the very last minute, and relief and joy as the ref blew the whistle was indescribable! Personally, I would say that this win was largely due to our great collective defending, which has really improved of late.
So this means that another season has ended, and considering the circumstances we can be very pleased to have ensured the qualification place for the Champions League. However, next season the aim will hopefully be higher towards the end of the season (and one can only hope less dramatic). At the moment it feels as though a summer break will be necessary, but it won't be long before you start missing the games every weekend... Thankfully they will be back before we know it !
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Arsenal vs. Wigan
4-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 14.05.2013
Podolski 11, 68,
Walcott 63,
Ramsey 71
These two final games of the season are must-wins for us, and we are off to a good start with this win over Wigan!
Our first goal came quite early in the first half, but it was not our first chance as Walcott crossed the ball into the box that was met by Cazorla with a header that went wide. Minutes later we got the lead as Cazorla took a corner-kick that was headed into the back of the net by Lukas Podolski from close range! It was quite a relief to get that early goal, even though it would be cancelled out before the end of the half.
There was, however, much action before that. Our two full-backs linked up to create a dangerous chance as Sagna's shot was almost met by Gibbs, who was inches away from reaching the shot by the far post. The left-back was brilliant defensively as well, doing very well against the ever-dangerous McManaman. In the following minute both Walcott and Arteta saw shots blocked, within mere seconds. We may have produced lots of chances, but we had to remain vigilant at the back as well. Koscielny had to make a vital clearance as Wigan striker Kone got close to a one-on-one with Szczesny about midway through the half. The Ivorian striker would also see a shot going wide before the end of the half, and Arteta had to make an important block as Maloney got a shot away.
Before the end of the half we had another decent chance following a corner, once again it was Cazorla who took the corner but this time it was met by Koscielny, unfortunately it was not turned into the back of the net this time. Walcott scored from an offside position before Wigan equalised in the very last minute as Maloney scored from a (very cheap) free-kick.
It proved to be detrimental to our second half, as we were far from as fluid in our passing as we could have been. Wigan had a good start, Szczesny had to make a vital save as Kone got a shot away and the visitors had a goal disallowed due to an offside position within the first five minutes.
Fortunately we made our way back into the game and regained dominance of the play. Walcott provided a brilliant cross that lead to Cazorla getting two shots away, though both were saved by Wigan 'keeper Joel and Rosicky's follow-up effort went wide. The Wigan 'keeper made yet another two saves before we rattled the net again, Podolski had a header saved and Walcott a shot denied by Joel.
Then came the breakthrough, through none other than Theo Walcott. Cazorla sent a cross into the box and Walcott met it by using his lightning speed, which allowed him to put it over Joel from close range. Five minutes later we increased the lead as our German striker doubled his tally. Yet again Cazorla provided the assist, as he headed the ball to Lukas Podolski, who cheekily lifted the ball over a standing Joel! The last goal came mere minutes after the third goal, and no guesses as to who assisted the goal. Yet again Cazorla proved his brilliant passing, but the goal was a stunning solo effort by Aaron Ramsey! The Welshman advanced along the left-hand side and finished the move in quite some style as his shot came from a rather acute angle!
This game was won and sealed within less than ten minutes in the second half, but it felt as though some nerves got to us when the score-line was 1-1. However, it is the three points that matter and now there is just one win missing from completing this season on a high!
Podolski 11, 68,
Walcott 63,
Ramsey 71
These two final games of the season are must-wins for us, and we are off to a good start with this win over Wigan!
Our first goal came quite early in the first half, but it was not our first chance as Walcott crossed the ball into the box that was met by Cazorla with a header that went wide. Minutes later we got the lead as Cazorla took a corner-kick that was headed into the back of the net by Lukas Podolski from close range! It was quite a relief to get that early goal, even though it would be cancelled out before the end of the half.
There was, however, much action before that. Our two full-backs linked up to create a dangerous chance as Sagna's shot was almost met by Gibbs, who was inches away from reaching the shot by the far post. The left-back was brilliant defensively as well, doing very well against the ever-dangerous McManaman. In the following minute both Walcott and Arteta saw shots blocked, within mere seconds. We may have produced lots of chances, but we had to remain vigilant at the back as well. Koscielny had to make a vital clearance as Wigan striker Kone got close to a one-on-one with Szczesny about midway through the half. The Ivorian striker would also see a shot going wide before the end of the half, and Arteta had to make an important block as Maloney got a shot away.
Before the end of the half we had another decent chance following a corner, once again it was Cazorla who took the corner but this time it was met by Koscielny, unfortunately it was not turned into the back of the net this time. Walcott scored from an offside position before Wigan equalised in the very last minute as Maloney scored from a (very cheap) free-kick.
It proved to be detrimental to our second half, as we were far from as fluid in our passing as we could have been. Wigan had a good start, Szczesny had to make a vital save as Kone got a shot away and the visitors had a goal disallowed due to an offside position within the first five minutes.
Fortunately we made our way back into the game and regained dominance of the play. Walcott provided a brilliant cross that lead to Cazorla getting two shots away, though both were saved by Wigan 'keeper Joel and Rosicky's follow-up effort went wide. The Wigan 'keeper made yet another two saves before we rattled the net again, Podolski had a header saved and Walcott a shot denied by Joel.
Then came the breakthrough, through none other than Theo Walcott. Cazorla sent a cross into the box and Walcott met it by using his lightning speed, which allowed him to put it over Joel from close range. Five minutes later we increased the lead as our German striker doubled his tally. Yet again Cazorla provided the assist, as he headed the ball to Lukas Podolski, who cheekily lifted the ball over a standing Joel! The last goal came mere minutes after the third goal, and no guesses as to who assisted the goal. Yet again Cazorla proved his brilliant passing, but the goal was a stunning solo effort by Aaron Ramsey! The Welshman advanced along the left-hand side and finished the move in quite some style as his shot came from a rather acute angle!
This game was won and sealed within less than ten minutes in the second half, but it felt as though some nerves got to us when the score-line was 1-1. However, it is the three points that matter and now there is just one win missing from completing this season on a high!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Q.P.R. vs. Arsenal
0-1, Premier League, Loftus Road, 04.05.2013
Walcott 1
This was another difficult game as we approach the end of the season and it was definitely vital for us to get back on track with another three points following last week's drop against United.
As the game last week, Theo Walcott scored early on to give us the lead. However, this time around it was not in the second minute, but in the very first minute! Arteta found Walcott in the box, and the striker used his trademark quick feet to fire a powerful strike that found its way into the back of the net! After no more than 21 seconds! (Making it the fastest scored goal in the Premier League since 2006!)
We followed the goal with dominating the initial half of the first half, Cazorla and Walcott both had shots blocked. The latter of the two almost made his tally a brace as he made a quick turn following a pass from Rosicky, but Walcott's shot went via Q.P.R. 'keeper Green to hit the post and stay clear of the goal-line.
However, as the half progressed Q.P.R. gradually got back in the game and at the half-hour mark Ji Sung Park fired a shot above the crossbar. Apart from the goal, though, there were not very many decent chances to score in the first half.
At the start of the second half Q.P.R. continued their good run from the second half, Szczesny had to make several saves. He got his fingers to a cross, steering it clear of the goal, as well as making a good save as Townsend fired a powerful shot from outside the box.
Then we recovered and began dominating the second half as we had in the first. Koscielny forced a save out of Green as he put the ball into the box following a free-kick. The Q.P.R. 'keeper was called into action minutes later, as both Cazorla and Walcott had shots on-target.
Szczesny was called back into action with a brilliant save in the final ten minutes, as Remy fired a curling, goal-bound shot. Fortunately we held onto the lead from the very first minute and got those three, vital points.
This game was all hard work, but that is only to be expected in these final games of the season. To think, there are only two games remaining of the season for us now... Another six points are definitely needed, though!
Injury Update:
- Fabianski is still out with an injury problem.
Walcott 1
This was another difficult game as we approach the end of the season and it was definitely vital for us to get back on track with another three points following last week's drop against United.
As the game last week, Theo Walcott scored early on to give us the lead. However, this time around it was not in the second minute, but in the very first minute! Arteta found Walcott in the box, and the striker used his trademark quick feet to fire a powerful strike that found its way into the back of the net! After no more than 21 seconds! (Making it the fastest scored goal in the Premier League since 2006!)
We followed the goal with dominating the initial half of the first half, Cazorla and Walcott both had shots blocked. The latter of the two almost made his tally a brace as he made a quick turn following a pass from Rosicky, but Walcott's shot went via Q.P.R. 'keeper Green to hit the post and stay clear of the goal-line.
However, as the half progressed Q.P.R. gradually got back in the game and at the half-hour mark Ji Sung Park fired a shot above the crossbar. Apart from the goal, though, there were not very many decent chances to score in the first half.
At the start of the second half Q.P.R. continued their good run from the second half, Szczesny had to make several saves. He got his fingers to a cross, steering it clear of the goal, as well as making a good save as Townsend fired a powerful shot from outside the box.
Then we recovered and began dominating the second half as we had in the first. Koscielny forced a save out of Green as he put the ball into the box following a free-kick. The Q.P.R. 'keeper was called into action minutes later, as both Cazorla and Walcott had shots on-target.
Szczesny was called back into action with a brilliant save in the final ten minutes, as Remy fired a curling, goal-bound shot. Fortunately we held onto the lead from the very first minute and got those three, vital points.
This game was all hard work, but that is only to be expected in these final games of the season. To think, there are only two games remaining of the season for us now... Another six points are definitely needed, though!
Injury Update:
- Fabianski is still out with an injury problem.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Arsenal vs. Manchester United
1-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 28.04.2013
Walcott 2
We certainly cannot afford to lose any more points now, if we are to succeed in finishing at least fourth. Since I watched this game live, naturally I experienced it as intense and thrilling, where the first half was by far the best from us.
To take the lead after merely two minutes was quite astounding. Theo Walcott proved that he can well and truly fire some amazing shots as his effort found the back of the net. And as mentioned, we were great during the first half, creating lots of chances and dominating the play. Unfortunately Sagna did not have a very great game, and when he brought down van Persie in the box at the end of the half and the Dutchman could score from the penalty spot the disappointment was immense.
In the second half we were not quite the same team and suffered from it. Nothing seemed to go our way and we never looked very likely to score another goal. Fortunately neither did United, and if we win all of our remaining games we are likely to play in the Champions League next season.
Walcott 2
We certainly cannot afford to lose any more points now, if we are to succeed in finishing at least fourth. Since I watched this game live, naturally I experienced it as intense and thrilling, where the first half was by far the best from us.
To take the lead after merely two minutes was quite astounding. Theo Walcott proved that he can well and truly fire some amazing shots as his effort found the back of the net. And as mentioned, we were great during the first half, creating lots of chances and dominating the play. Unfortunately Sagna did not have a very great game, and when he brought down van Persie in the box at the end of the half and the Dutchman could score from the penalty spot the disappointment was immense.
In the second half we were not quite the same team and suffered from it. Nothing seemed to go our way and we never looked very likely to score another goal. Fortunately neither did United, and if we win all of our remaining games we are likely to play in the Champions League next season.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Fulham vs. Arsenal
0-1, Premier League, Craven Cottage, 2013-04-20
Mertesacker 43
Another important three points earned, considering the fact that we were one man more on the pitch for most of the game you would have thought that they would have come easier, but three points nevertheless!
Within the first two minutes Fulham created a pretty dangerous chance as they advanced into our box and Walcott scored. Unfortunately he was flagged offside, which was a correct decision. We had a good start for the initial 10 minutes, holding 75% of the possession and clearly dominating the game. After ten minutes Cazorla was awarded with a free-kick. Walcott took it and found Koscielny, whose header went well over the bar. Not long after that chance Steve Sidwell was shown a red card as he made a reckless tackle on Arteta. Ironically this was the first game back for the Fulham midfielder, following a three-match suspension. Fortunately the Spaniard was not severely injured and could continue the game.
Fifteen minutes into the game Walcott fired away another free-kick, this time it was on target but Schwarzer, the Fulham 'keeper, could make a comfortable save. Then it was Szczesny's turn to make the save as Berbatov unleashed a powerful shot. At the half-hour mark Walcott made a run and got a cross into the box, Schwarzer managed to reach it before any Arsenal player, though. Giroud had a decent effort toward the goal as well, he fired a low and powerful shot that went just wide of the target.
Before the end of the half Szczesny had to make yet another decent save as Fulham got a shot away, but we had the last say of the half as Per Mertesacker scored the only goal of the game! Following a free-kick Koscielny headed the ball across the goal to his partner in our central defence, and the Big Fucking German headed the ball into the back of the net with quite some force!
For the first time in a very long time, we did not improve our game for the second half. In fact, we were undeniably worse in the second half. We appeared content and complacent with the lead, which, in turn, led to some tension at the end.
Fulham fired a free-kick well over the bar as the half began, and just after their chance Rosicky provided a cross into the box towards Mertesacker, but a Fulham defender reached the ball first and cleared it. With twenty minutes to go Wilshere and Podolski was introduced at the expense of Walcott and Rosicky, but it made little or no difference.
With approximately ten minutes to go Fulham scored. Fortunately for us it was offside as Szczesny left a rebound from a free-kick for Manolev to run onto. However, we continued to more or less just defend for the rest of the game, even though we had a man more on the field. That is until the 90th minute, when Giroud received a red card as he went for the ball. It was not nearly as obvious a red card as Sidwell's and should definitely not have been more than a yellow. The last chance for us came as Ramsey fired a shot wide, following a decent pass from Wilshere.
We may not have played very well in this game, apart from parts of the first half, but it is the result that matters and these three points are much needed as the season is drawing to a close. Next weekend we will face Manchester United at the Emirates and I will be flying to London to see it live! Am obviously super-excited about it and can't wait for Sunday to arrive!
Injury Update:
- Rosicky returned to the starting XI for this game, having recovered from an injury to his hamstring.
- Fabianski is still out, having received a kick in the rib in the Norwich game a couple of weeks ago.
Mertesacker 43
Another important three points earned, considering the fact that we were one man more on the pitch for most of the game you would have thought that they would have come easier, but three points nevertheless!
Within the first two minutes Fulham created a pretty dangerous chance as they advanced into our box and Walcott scored. Unfortunately he was flagged offside, which was a correct decision. We had a good start for the initial 10 minutes, holding 75% of the possession and clearly dominating the game. After ten minutes Cazorla was awarded with a free-kick. Walcott took it and found Koscielny, whose header went well over the bar. Not long after that chance Steve Sidwell was shown a red card as he made a reckless tackle on Arteta. Ironically this was the first game back for the Fulham midfielder, following a three-match suspension. Fortunately the Spaniard was not severely injured and could continue the game.
Fifteen minutes into the game Walcott fired away another free-kick, this time it was on target but Schwarzer, the Fulham 'keeper, could make a comfortable save. Then it was Szczesny's turn to make the save as Berbatov unleashed a powerful shot. At the half-hour mark Walcott made a run and got a cross into the box, Schwarzer managed to reach it before any Arsenal player, though. Giroud had a decent effort toward the goal as well, he fired a low and powerful shot that went just wide of the target.
Before the end of the half Szczesny had to make yet another decent save as Fulham got a shot away, but we had the last say of the half as Per Mertesacker scored the only goal of the game! Following a free-kick Koscielny headed the ball across the goal to his partner in our central defence, and the Big Fucking German headed the ball into the back of the net with quite some force!
For the first time in a very long time, we did not improve our game for the second half. In fact, we were undeniably worse in the second half. We appeared content and complacent with the lead, which, in turn, led to some tension at the end.
Fulham fired a free-kick well over the bar as the half began, and just after their chance Rosicky provided a cross into the box towards Mertesacker, but a Fulham defender reached the ball first and cleared it. With twenty minutes to go Wilshere and Podolski was introduced at the expense of Walcott and Rosicky, but it made little or no difference.
With approximately ten minutes to go Fulham scored. Fortunately for us it was offside as Szczesny left a rebound from a free-kick for Manolev to run onto. However, we continued to more or less just defend for the rest of the game, even though we had a man more on the field. That is until the 90th minute, when Giroud received a red card as he went for the ball. It was not nearly as obvious a red card as Sidwell's and should definitely not have been more than a yellow. The last chance for us came as Ramsey fired a shot wide, following a decent pass from Wilshere.
We may not have played very well in this game, apart from parts of the first half, but it is the result that matters and these three points are much needed as the season is drawing to a close. Next weekend we will face Manchester United at the Emirates and I will be flying to London to see it live! Am obviously super-excited about it and can't wait for Sunday to arrive!
Injury Update:
- Rosicky returned to the starting XI for this game, having recovered from an injury to his hamstring.
- Fabianski is still out, having received a kick in the rib in the Norwich game a couple of weeks ago.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Arsenal vs. Everton
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.
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.
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.
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