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Welcome to my Arsenal blog for the 2015/16 season; here you can check out my thoughts on the current goings on at the club.
Latest News: Arsenal draw 3-3 with Liverpool, goals came from Ramsey and Giroud (x2) - match thoughts to come!

Saturday 29 January 2011

Arsenal through to final of Carling Cup

Arsenal are through to the final of the League Cup with a 3-1 aggregate win and 3-0 on the night victory against Championship side Ipswich. All the goals were scored in the second half and they came from Bendtner, Koscielny and Fabregas. In the previous leg Ipswich had pulled off a shock 1-0 win but a much stronger Arsenal side overcome them this time with a much better performance than a fortnight ago. The likes of Van Persie, Fabregas and Wilshere all started with the normal back four and Szczesny continuing in goal. However Sagna had to be substituted in the 18th minute after a clash of heads with his own goal keeper.

Straight from the kick off Ipswich had their first opportunity of the game as the ball was layed back to Leadbitter who went for goal in an attempt to lob Szczesny but the ball went over.

Then Arsenal had their first chance of the game as Sagna floated a ball into Van Persie but on the volley he drilled his chance wide.

Fabregas then almost gave the Gunners the lead as Bendtner fed him inside the area but he fired his shot straight at Fulop in the Ipswich goal.

Van Persie then should have scored. Bendtner again the creator from the right hand side but Van Persie planted his free header against the bar.

Arsenal were pressuring for the lead on the night and Fabregas got another great chance to give them that. Wilshere playing the ball forward to the skipper but he smashed his shot across the goal and wide of the target.

The score at half time was 0-0.

15 minutes into the second half Arsenal made it 1-0 on the night and 1-1 on aggregate through Bendtner. Wilshere playing the ball up to Bendtner who the flicked the ball around the defender before firing past Fulop for a deserved lead.

3 minutes later Arsenal were ahead through centre back Laurent Koscielny. Arshavin delivering a corner straight onto the head of the defender who planted his header into the back of the net for 2-1 on aggregate.

Ipswich then had a decent chance to get back into the tie as Scotland tried to shoot from a tight angle but Szczesny was there to keep the shot out.

Arsenal then sealed the victory 13 minutes from time. Arshavin and Fabregas combining before the skipper slotted the ball through the legs of Fulop and into the back of the net.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-0 Ipswich on the night and 3-1 to Arsenal on aggregate.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna(18), Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Wilshere, Denilson, Fabregas, Bendtner, Arshavin(84), Van Persie(84).
Subs: Shea, Gibbs, Eboue(18), Song, Nasri(84), Walcott(84), Chamakh.

Ipswich:
Fulop, McAuley, Delaney, Leadbitter, O'Dea, Edwards, Norris, Healy(74), Kennedy, Wickham, Priskin(63).
Subs:
Peters, O'Connor(74), Scotland(63), Lee-Barrett, Hyam, Smith, Civelli.

My man of the match: Cesc Fabregas

Referee:
Mark Halsey
Attendance: 59,387

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Van Persie hat-trick puts Arsenal second

Robin Van Persie registered his first hat-trick in English football as Arsenal comfortably beat Wigan 3-0 at the Emirates. However it could have been many more as Van Persie skyed a penalty and hit the post. However Wigan had had a player sent off which did not help their cause. Arsenal were way better than they had been in the trip to Wigan when they drew 2-2. Arsene Wengar had changed half of the side since the trip to Leeds as Van Persie, Fabregas, Walcott and Clichy all came in. Brother Gary and Steve Caldwell lined up together for the first time together in the Wigan side.

Van Persie had a good chance to give the Gunners the lead early on as Walcott got to the byline and then found Van Persie but Al Habsi was there to keep it from going in.

Walcott was then allowed to get to the byline again and pick out Fabregas this time but Gary Caldwell threw himself in the way to stop the shot.

On 21 minutes Arsenal took a deserved lead. Song slipping the ball through to the dutchman who smashed his shot past Al Habsi to make it 1-0.

Fabregas then had a good chance to make it 2 as a Sagna cross was set up for him by Nasri but Al Habsi was once again there to keep the Gunners at bay.

Walcott was having plenty of chances to run at the defence and should have scored. The ball was slipped through to him but clean through on goal he made the wrong decision and decided to pass the ball instead of shoot and the chance was gone.

Al Habsi once again kept the Gunners at bay, this time from a Nasri shot just tipping the ball over the bar.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Arsenal.

Arsenal then took a 2-0 lead, once again through Van Persie. Fabregas floating the ball over to him inside the area onto his left foot and he rifled the ball into the back of the net on the volley.

Arsenal were then awarded a penalty after Gary Caldwell brought down Fabregas. It resulted in a red card for the Wigan defender. Robin Van Persie stepped up to grab his hat-trick but he blazed the penalty over the bar.

Van Persie desperatley wanted a third and he almost got the hat-trick but this time the post denied him from making it 3-0.

With 5 minutes to play Van Persie finally grabbed his hat-trick and make it 3-0. Fabregas playing the ball through to Walcott who held the ball up and Van Persie came along and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

The final score ended Arsenal 3-0 Wigan.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Nasri(75), Fabregas(87), Walcott, Wilshere, Song, Van Persie(86).
Subs: Shea, Gibbs, Eboue, Arshavin(75), Denilson(87), Chamakh(86), Bendtner.

Wigan:
Al Habsi, Gohouri, G. Caldwell, S. Caldwell, Figueroa, Stam(46), N'Zogbia(78), Watson, Diame(46), Thomas, Rodallega.
Subs: Pollitt, Boyce(78), McCarthy, Gomez, McArthur(46), Di Santo(46), McManaman.

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 59,552

Saturday 22 January 2011

Arsenal through to fourth round

Arsenal progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup after beating Leeds 3-1 in their replay at Elland Road. A much more strengthened Arsenal side beat Leeds comfortably with goals coming from Nasri, Sagna and Robin Van Persie. For the replay Nasri and Koscielny came back into the side along with Sagna who was suspended the last time the two sides met. Fabregas and Walcott were once again on the bench along with Van Persie. For Leeds Sanchez Watt once again played against his parent club but Luciano Becchio was out with injury.

5 minutes into the game the Gunners were ahead through the skipper for the night; Samir Nasri. Chamakh finding Arshavin who slipped a ball through to Nasri who comfortably slotted the ball past Schmeichel to make it 1-0.

Then it could have been two but for an amazing save by Kasper Schmeichel. Nasri delivering a free kick into Chamakh who headed the ball towards goal but Schmeichel got down and stopped the effort.

The Gunners were dominating the game and another chance went begging. Sagna raced down the line and fed the ball into the box but the sliding Bendtner could not make contact with the ball and the chance was gone.

The Gunners then did make it two through Sagna. The ball bouncing off the defender and into the path of the right back who drilled the ball home for his third for the club.

3 minutes later Leeds were right back in it and made it 2-1 with a thunderous strike from Johnson. Howson setting him up from 30 yards out, he then let fly and there was no stopping it from being a goal.

Early in the second half Arsenal could have gone 3-1 up. Nasri feeding Song inside the area but Schmeichel was there and kept it out.

The Gunners were pressuring for the insurance goal that would wrap up the victory and they almost got it from a Nasri free kick but once again the Leeds goalkeeper kept the shot out.

Then with 15 minutes to play Arsenal got that goal and went 3-1 up thanks to substitute Robin Van Persie. Bendtner floating a lovely ball over to Van Persie who leapt high and headed the Gunners into the next round of the cup.

The final score ended Leeds 1-3 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Leeds:
Schmeichel, Connolly, Bruce, Parker, O'Brien(64), Gradel, Howson, Johnson, Paynter(67), Watt(77), Snodgrass.
Subs: Higgs, Collins, Bromby(64), Sam(77), Hughes, Somma(67), McCormack.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Gibbs, Song, Denilson Nasri(83), Arshavin(71), Bendtner, Chamakh(71).
Subs: Shea, Eboue, Clichy(83), Wilshere, Fabregas(71), Walcott, Van Persie(71).

My man of the match: Samir Nasri

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 38,232

Tuesday 18 January 2011

Van Persie double seals comfortable win

Arsenal sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over bottom club West Ham on Saturday evening. Two Van Persie strikes and a Walcott goal sealed the win for the Gunners as they dominated the game at Upton Park. Szczesny once again started in goal for the injured Fabianski whilst Nasri and Van Persie returned to the side after the League Cup and FA Cup games. Meanwhile in what looked to be Avram Grant's last game as manager of West Ham, Wayne Bridge made his debut after signing on loan from Manchester City. West Ham were without their best player so far this season; Scott Parker was out with an ankle injury.

Thirteen minutes into the game Arsenal took the lead with the first real chance of the game. Walcott delivering the ball from the right towards Nasri who dummied the ball. It then came to Van Persie who fired the ball with his right foot into the back of the net.

It then could have been 2-0 as Fabregas lofted a ball through to Walcott but he could only find the goalkeeper with his shot.

West Ham then had a glorious opportunity for an equaliser. Djourou's sloppy back pass finding Cole who had his shot saved by Szczesny. The ball then found its way to Hines but he blazed his shot over the bar.

The Gunners were pressuring for a second and they nearly got it through Van Persie. Nasri slipping the ball through to Van Persie who struck the upright with his shot.

Just before the break Arsenal finally extended their lead to 2. Van Persie getting to the byline and then finding Walcott who got ahead of the defender and then smashing his shot into the roof of the net.

West Ham then almost got a goal back. Sears supplying the cross onto the head of Cole but he but the effort wide.

Not much had happened in the second half until Wayne Bridge who had been at fault for all the goals so far conceded a penalty after bringing down Walcott. Van Persie stepped up to take it and fired it beyond Green to make it 3-0.

The final score ended West Ham 0-3 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

West Ham: Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Bridge(88), Spector, Kovac, Noble(20), Hines, Cole, Sears(63).
Subs: Boffin, Reid, Gabbidon, Barrera(63), Boa Morte(20), McCarthy, Nouble(88).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Nasri(88), Fabregas(79), Walcott(88), Wilshere, Song, Van Persie.
Subs: Shea, Gibbs(88), Arshavin(88), Denilson(79), Vela, Chamakh, Bendtner.

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee:
Andre Marriner
Attendance: 32,687

Saturday 15 January 2011

Ipswich grab shock victory in first leg

Arsenal were at the hands of a shock loss to Ipswich 1-0 in the Carling Cup semi final first leg. A loan goal from Tamas Priskin sealed the victory for the Tractor boys on Wednesday night as Arsenal were miles from their best. Ipswich having lost to Chelsea 7-0 in the FA Cup at the weekend they were dreading a visit from another of the Premiership's big boys. Arsene Wengar obviously wants to win this trophy for the fans and fielded a strong side with Fabregas, Walcott and Wilshere all starting. Eboue once again started in place of the suspended Sagna. Reserves Shea and Miquel were on the bench.

Arsenal could have had some good chances to score in the first minutes of the game but sloppy passes meant the Gunners could not even get a shot in.

Ipswich then had their first good opportunity of the game as Priskin cut in from the left and worked a shot but it was just driven wide.

Arsenal's first chance of the game dropped to Walcott who from just outside the area hit a shot but it was tame and straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.

5 minutes before the break Ipswich were awarded a free kick. Kennedy found Delaney who tried to head the ball back across goal but Koscielny cleared it away and the danger was over.

Ipswich were playing really well and they thought they had a goal just before half time. The ball being played through to Priskin who bicycle kicked the ball into the back of the net but it was disallowed as the Hungarian was standing in an offside position.

They then had another chance as Wickham got past two players but he smashed his shot high and wide.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first chance of the second half fell to Arshavin. Fabregas from deep finding Arshavin who took one touch and then wildely smashed his shot high and wide of the target.

Fabregas then gave the ball straight to Kennedy who saw Szczesny off his line and went for the shot from long range but Szczesny back peddled and stopped the shot.

Priskin then once again had another good oportunity to put Ipswich ahead. The ball being punted down field towards him but Djourou got back to the striker to make the tackle just as he was about to pull the trigger.

Arsenal were playing better than in the first half and Gibbs managed to get a shot off but once again it went wide.

The Gunners were pressuring to go 1 up and a nice exchange of passes between Fabregas and Walcott led to a shot from the English Winger but Fulop kept it out.

Fabregas then had a brilliant opportunity as Gibbs delivered the ball from the left into the skipper but from 5 yards he hit it over with his thigh.

It was end to end football but with 12 minutes to play the deadlock was broken and it was Ipswich the suprise goal scorers. Norris with the through ball into Priskin who raced towards goal and then tucked his shot past Szczesny and into the back of the net.

Ipswich then almost made it 2-0. Fulop the goalkeeper smashing the ball downfield to Edwards who managed to get a shot out as he raced to the byline but Szczesny was there to keep him out.

The final score ended Ipswich 1-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Ipswich: Fulop, Peters, McAuley, Delaney, O'Dea, Edwards, Norris, Healy, Kennedy, Wickham, Priskin(89).
Subs:
Lee-Barrett, Smith, Eastman, Civelli, Lambe, Hourihane, Murray(89).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Koscielny, Djourou, Gibbs, Walcott, Fabregas, Denilson, Arshavin(79), Wilshere(67), Bendtner(68).
Subs: Shea, Miquel, Eastmond, Ramsey, Song(67), Chamakh(68), Vela(79).

My man of the match: Wojciech Szczesny

Referee:
Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 29,146

Sunday 9 January 2011

Late Fabregas penalty keeps Arsenal in the Cup

A last gasp penalty from substitute Cesc Fabregas prevented Leeds creating a shock at the Emirates and sending Arsenal out of the FA Cup. It was a very tense second half after Leeds converted a spot kick of their own 9 minutes into the second half. Arsene Wengar as expected made changes to the side that drew with Man City in midweek as only Djourou and Song survived. Szczesny came in for Fabianski in goal while Eboue was in for the suspended Sagna. Rosicky came in as captain for Fabregas. Aaron Ramsey was back from injury and back from a loan spell with Nottingham Forest as he started on the bench, and reserve team captain Ignasi Miquel came in and also started on the bench. Meanwhile on the Leeds team sheet was Sanchez Watt who was allowed to play against his parent club as he was on loan from the Gunners. He was looking to put his own team out of the FA Cup.

Leeds had an early chance to put themselves 1 up when Song gifted the ball to Becchio. He decided to go for a shot but it went harmlessly wide as Snodgrass was screaming at him for the ball to played to him.

10 minutes into the game Arshavin had a brilliant chance to give the Gunners the advantage. Rosicky looping the ball over to him who ran through on goal but took too many touches and Schmeichel made an easy save.

Leeds were not making it easy for Arsenal as Becchio had another chance but Szczesny got down well and got a hand to the ball to keep it out.

Arshavin then had another decent opportunity as Rosicky's ball was knocked down by Chamakh. The ball dropped to the Russian on the half volley but Schmeichel again kept the left footed strike out.

Arsenal then had a series of chances from a corner. Arshavin's ball flicked onto Squillaci who had two attempts cleared off the line by Jonny Howson. The ball was not properly cleared away though as the ball fell to Denilson who struck a shot from outside the box. Again the Danish keeper was at full stretch to keep the score at 0-0.

Arsenal were causing problems from corners for once. Arshavin's delivery finding the head of Chamakh who got in a massive leap but it was straight at Schmeichel again. A yard either side of the goalkeeper and it was 1-0.

The score at half time was 0-0.

9 minutes into the second half Leeds got a penalty after Denilson stupidly brought down Gradel. Snodgrass took the penalty and fired it home despite Szczesny getting a hand to it.

Walcott and Fabregas were brought on soon after.

Snodgrass then almost had another from a free kick. He bent it around the wall and just inches past the post, Szczesny was beaten. Luckily for the Arsenal goalkeeper it remained only at 1-0.

Arsenal were desperately trying to get back in the game and Bendtner had a chance at the near post. Walcott running down the wing and then supplying a low cross but the Dane could not get enough power on the shot and it was an easy save for the Leeds keeper.

With 4 minutes left Walcott got a chance for himself. Arshavin playing the ball through to him but he stuck his shot straight at the goal keeper and you wondered if the Gunners would ever get a goal.

Then Arsenal had an appeal for a penalty turned down. Walcott looked as though he had been caught by Alex Bruce but the referee said no and blew the whistle for offside on Bendtner.

Then with 1 minute remaining in the match Arsenal did get a penalty. Walcott again the man that was brought down but this time by Parker who had his arm around the England international. Fabregas stepped up and slotted the ball home comfortably past Schmeichel.

Arsenal then had two chances to win the game. The first one fell to Bendtner who put the ball wide. The next fell to Denilson just inside the box on the half volley but once again Kasper Schmeichel kept the Gunners out.

The final score ended Arsenal 1-1 Leeds.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Djourou, Squillaci, Gibbs, Song(59), Denilson, Arshavin, Rosicky(79), Bendtner, Chamakh(68).
Subs: Fabianski, Clichy, Miquel, Ramsey, Fabregas(59), Walcott(68), Vela(79).

Leeds:
Schmeichel, Connolly, Bruce, O'Brien, Gradel(90), Howson, Johnson, Parker, Snodgrass Becchio(85), Watt(76).
Subs:
Collins, Paynter, Higgs, Hughes(90), Bromby(76), Somma(85), McCormack.

My man of the match:
Johan Djourou


Referee:
Phil Dowd
Attendance: 59,520‎




Saturday 8 January 2011

Goalless draw keeps Arsenal in third

Arsenal drew 0-0 with Manchester City on Wednesday night as the Gunners looked to overtake City. Arsenal created plenty of chances, hitting the post 3 times but Joe Hart was at his best as the Gunners failed to take use of the chances they had. However the game ended on a sour note as Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta were shown straight red cards for head butting each other. The Gunners named an unchanged side as Walcott and Djourou were once again preferred to Arshavin and Squillaci. Man City had one notable change as Jo came in for the injured Spanish international David Silva. Kolo Toure played in the centre of defence against his old team and Vieira was an unused sub as he returned to the Gunners.

In the first opening minutes of the game Arsenal had a glorious chance to take the lead. Nasri finding Wilshere who fired the ball across the box towards Van Persie. The Dutch man could not get contact to the ball as he slid across the six yard box to try and put the Gunners ahead.

At the end of that attack Man City broke forward with Yaya Toure. He found Milner to his right who found time to shoot but he fired harmlessly wide.

Wilshere then had an opportunity to put the hosts in front. He dribbled past De Jong with ease before smashing an effort straight at Hart which was too hot to handle. He spilt it but managed to pounce on the ball before Van Persie could get to it.

Van Persie was the next man to fire a shot at Hart's goal. He managed to turn Toure and then hit an effort towards goal. Hart was nowhere near the shot as the post came to the rescue and the score somehow remained 0-0.

Arsenal were creating lots of chances and the latest one fell to Wilshere. Fabregas finding Wilshere in a scramble who hit the shot first time but again the England number one kept the Gunners at bay.

Arsenal then hit the post for the second and then a third time. Nasri finding Fabregas on the edge of the box who thundered an effort which crashed onto the post. The ball came back out to Walcott who sent another shot against the post.

As the first half closed in Man City managed to work themselves a chance. Jo looping a ball over the defence and into the path of Tevez who couldn't control his shot and the ball went over the bar.

The score at half time was somehow still 0-0.

The second half didn't mean Arsenal stopped creating chances. Van Persie almost beat Hart at his near post after Fabregas chipped the ball through to him but he fired his shot into the side netting.

Hart then had to make a fantastic save from Van Persie. The England goal keeper was at full stretch to keep Van Persie's effort out which was let fly from outside the box.

In the last minute of the game there were two sending offs. Zabaleta pushing Sagna out of play who immediately got up and the two defenders locked heads. The inevitable happened and both of them were sent off.

The final score ended Arsenal 0-0 Manchester City.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Walcott(69), Nasri, Fabregas, Wilshere(81), Song, Van Persie.
Subs: Szczesny, Squillaci, Arshavin(69), Denilson, Rosicky, Chamakh, Bendtner(81).

Manchester City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Kolo Toure, Zabaleta, Milner, Yaya Toure, Barry, De Jong, Jo(64), Tevez(90).
Subs: Given, Bridge, Boateng(90), Lescott, Wright-Phillps, Johnson(64), Vieira.

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee:
Mike Jones
Attendance: 60,085

Tuesday 4 January 2011

Arsenal win to put pressure on leaders

Arsenal got a much deserved 3-0 victory over Birmingham on Saturday evening. Strikes from Van Persie, Nasri and an own goal ensured they kept pressure on Man City and Man Utd in 2nd and 1st places. Arsene Wengar named 8 changes to the side that drew with Wigan by naming the same side that beat Chelsea 3-1. Fabregas returned from suspension and Djourou was once again prefered to Squillaci. Wilshere came back into the side aswell to play on his 19th birthday. Birmingham named a side with former Gunners in it. Bowyer once an Arsenal school boy, Seb Larsson once an Arsenal reserve pushing to be in the first XI and Hleb on the bench all played against their former club. Arsenal had now collected 7 points from a possible 9 over the Christmas period so far but 3 points are much needed as Man City travel to play the Gunners on Wednesday night.

There were early worries for the Gunners as Johnson went clattering into Fabregas, a very similar tackle to the one that Eduardo broke his leg at the same ground a few years ago. Luckily Fabregas came away unscathed. A shake of the head from Wengar thought it should have been a red card.

On 13 minutes Arsenal took the lead. Scott Dann bringing down Van Persie on the edge of the area resulted in a free kick. Van Persie took the freekick and it took a deflection off Bowyer and past Foster into the back of the net.

Then Birmingham were awarded with a free kick. Larsson hit the shot and Fabianski had to make a brilliant save to his right as the ball was curling away from him.

Birmingham were pressuring for an equaliser and should have had a penalty when Van Persie clearly handled in the area.

Van Persie then had a glorious opportunity to put the Gunners 2 up. Nasri finding the dutchman who was in space but fired his effort straight at Foster in the Birmingham goal from 6 yards out.

Before the break Johnson really should have got the equaliser for Birmingham. Jerome flicking on a free kick to him but from just in front of the goal he put the ball over.

The score at half time was Birmingham 0-1 Arsenal.

Wilshere had a good opportunity to bag a birthday goal. Walcott flying down the wing and then finding Nasri who knocked the ball down to Wilshere on the volley but the ball flew just over the bar.

Then finally Arsenal got a second from Nasri. Fabregas running into the box and then finding the frenchman who curled his shot beyond Foster and into the near side of the goal.

Eight minutes later Arsenal secured the victory and made it 3-0. Nasri exchanging passes with Fabregas who then fired a shot at Foster. The ball came off the goalkeeper and then off Dann onto Johnson and into the back of the net for an own goal.

The final score ended Birmingham 0-3 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Birmingham: Foster, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Beausejour(60), Bowyer(69), Gardner, Ferguson, Larsson, Jerome(79).
Subs:
Taylor, Jiranek, Fahey, Hleb(60), Phillips(79), Zigic(69), Derbyshire.

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Fabregas, Nasri, Wilshere(78), Song, Walcott(78), Van Persie.
Subs: Szczesny, Eboue, Squillaci, Arshavin(78), Denilson(78), Rosicky, Bendtner.

My man of the match: Cesc Fabregas

Referee:
Peter Walton
Attendance:24,341