Welcome

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!

Sunday 30 October 2011

Van Persie hat-trick helps Arsenal to suprise win over Chelsea

Arsenal proved their critics wrong as they managed to beat Chelsea 5-3 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. A Van Persie hat-trick and a goal each for Santos and Walcott proved that the Gunners can beat the big teams away from home as Arsenal picked up a surprise 3 points. In a very open game both sides were much better going forward than they were defensively and the Arsenal skipper once again showed why he is one of the best strikers in the world right now. It now meant that he had 28 goals in his last 27 Premier League games. For the match Carl Jenkinson and Thomas Vermaelen were back from injury and came off the bench whilst Chamakh missed out all together as Van Persie started and Park was on the bench.
Van Persie again helped Arsenal to 3 points in the league
The first chance came in the opening minute to Chelsea as Lampard played Cole down the left who then found Torres inside the box but Koscienly just managed to get ahead of him and put the ball out for a corner.

Arsenal's first chance was similar to Chelsea's as Walcott was set free down the right hand side. He then got the beating of Cole before playing the ball into Gervinho who looked set to score but slid his shot wide of the goal.

A few minutes later Van Persie also missed a great chance as Walcott played the ball into the skipper but he put his chance over the bar from close range. 

Then on fourteen minutes Chelsea took the lead. Mata cutting inside and crossing the ball into the box where Lampard was waiting and headed home from just outside the six yard box.

Chelsea then could and should have been 2-0 up. Lampard curling the ball over the Arsenal defence with another great through ball into the path of Sturridge who sliced his shot wide when he should have scored.

Nine minutes before half time Arsenal equalised through Van Persie. Ramsey finding Gervinho who  unselfishly slid the ball past the oncoming Cech in the Chelsea goal over to Van Persie who comfortably put the ball into the back of an empty net.

Shortly after the Arsenal equaliser the Blue's thought they had regained the lead as Ramires did well down the right hand side before finding Strurridge who put the ball into the back of the net but found himself offside and the goal was not given.

On the stroke of half time Chelsea did regain their lead. Lampard swinging in a corner towards Terry who got a foot to the ball and it crept beyond Szczesny and into the corner of the goal.

The score at half time was 2-1 to Chelsea.

Arsenal started the second half much livlier than their opponents as Gervinho beat Boswinga before creating a chance for Ramsey who from 6 yards out and a crowd of players around him put the ball over the bar.

Four minutes into the half Arsenal equalised once again. Song turning past his man and then finding Santos who had lots of space to run into before firing a shot past Cech for his first goal in the Premier League.

Szczesny then could have been sent off and Arsenal down to ten men as he raced out of his goal and then brought down Cole on the edge of the area but the referee only showed him a yellow card. Lampard took the free kick and tested Szczesny who dived across to his left to keep out the shot which looked to have been curling inside the far post.

The Gunners then found themselves in front for the first time in the match. Cole brought down Walcott but then managed to get up and wriggle his way past another challenge before getting past two Chelsea players and smashing a shot past Cech and into the back of the net for 2-3 to Arsenal.

With ten minutes left to play Chelsea found their way back into the match through Juan Mata. Santos giving the ball away to Meireles who then found Mata who drove a shot from distance which found its way into the goal and the score was level again.

Five minutes later Arsenal were ahead once more. Malouda attempting to play the ball back to Terry who slipped. Van Persie seized the opportunity and picked up the loose ball, he then rounded Cech in the Chelsea goal before once again slotting the ball into an empty net.

Into injury time and the Gunners sealed the win as Van Persie netted once more to pick up his hat-trick. Arsenal won the ball back on the edge of their own penalty area before breaking down the other end of the pitch. Arteta then picked up the ball in the middle of midfield and found Van Persie who smashed a swurving shot beyond the Chelsea keeper and the ball nestled in the back of the goal.

The final score finished Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal. 

The teams lineups: 

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Ivanovic, Cole, Mikel(76), Lampard, Ramires(73), Mata, Sturridge(62), Torres. 
Subs: Blackman, Bertrand, Luiz, Romeu, Meireles(76), Malouda(62), Lukaku(73).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou(76), Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott(79), Gervinho(88), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson(76), Vermaelen(88), Frimpong, Rosicky(79), Arshavin, Park.

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee: Andre Marriner

Attendance: 41,801    

Friday 28 October 2011

Arsenal come from behind to reach quarter finals of League Cup

Arsenal had to come from behind to reach the quarter finals of the Carling Cup. Goals from Arshavin and Park secured the Gunners passage to the next round of the cup after beating Bolton 2-1 at the Emirates on Tuesday night. Arsenal's most experienced players carried them over the line as Vermaelen returned from injury to captain the side; he was partnered by Squillaci who also returned from injury. Nico Yennaris who started and Daniel Boateng who came off the bench both made their first team debuts.
Ju Young Park (Middle) scored the winner for Arsenal
Arsenal managed to create the first chance of the game as Park cut inside from the left hand side and drove a shot from outside the box which tested Bogdan in the Bolton goal but it was kept out.

The Gunners were applying the early pressure and Yossi Benayoun managed to create a chance as he cut inside but curled his shot wide of the post.

Their next chance came from a freekick as Arshavin layed Vermaelen off on the edge of the area who struck a fierce effort towards goal which was parmed away by Bogdan.

Bogdan was then tested again as Arshavin found Park on the edge of the box. He then tried to pass the ball into the back of the net but he slipped in the attempt and he scuffed his shot but Bogdan was still forced to make a diving save to his left.

The score at half time was 0-0.

Ryo comes on for Oxlade-Chamblerlain
Two minutes into the second half Bolton took the lead through former Arsenal man, Fabrice Muamba. Muamba won the ball back off Frimpong who then found Prately who played the ball back to Muamba who slid his shot into the roof of the net for 1-0 to Bolton.

Bolton were only ahead for 6 minutes as Andrey Arshavin equalised for Arsenal. The Russian was allowed to run at the defence and then poked a shot past the goalkeeper and into the goal.

Just three minutes later the Gunners were ahead. Arshavin once again ran at the defence and then played Ju Young Park in on goal who curled his shot into the back of the net to seal Arsenal's passage into the next round of the cup.

Bolton almost managed to grab an equaliser as Eagles drove a shot from range which Fabianski could only parm the ball away but almost into the back of his own net. Luckily for the Arsenal keeper the ball went over the bar.

The Trotters were now creating the chances and Klasnic went through on goal but Fabianski came out of his goal to save the shot.

Bolton then created another chance as Eagles swung in a corner which was met by the head of Cahill who saw his shot saved on the line by Fabianski.

The final score finished Arsenal 2-1 Bolton.

The teams lineups: 

Arsenal: Fabianski, Yennaris, Squillaci, Vermaelen(84), Miguel, Frimpong(76), Coquelin, Benayoun, Arshavin, Oxlade-Chamberlain(73), Park.
Subs: Mannone, Meade, Boateng(84), Ozyakup(76), Aneke, Ryo(73), Watt.

Bolton: Bogdan, Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Gardner, Kakuta(71), Prately(61), Muamba, Davies, Klasnic, Tuncay(85). 
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Wheater, Reo-Coker, Riley, Eagles(71), Blake(85), Ngog(61).

My man of the match: Ju Young Park

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 56,628

  

Monday 24 October 2011

Van Persie comes off the bench to rescue Arsenal

Arsenal continued their good run of form with a 3-1 win over Stoke as Robin Van Persie came off the bench to score two goals to give the Gunners 3 points at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. The win pushed Arsenal up to seventh in the table.

Gervinho grabbed Arsenal's first goal as Crouch drew the visitors level 10 minutes from half time. Van Persie again saved Arsenal and continued his great goal scoring form with two goals from cutbacks from Gervinho, who played one of his best games in an Arsenal shirt so far.


Arsene Wenger was forced to make changes from last week's match as Djourou replaced Jenkinson at right back who was forced out with an injury which he sustained in midweek in the Champions League. Meanwhile Ramsey returned from injury after he missed last weeks match, he came in for Rosicky. Andre Santos also was forced into the squad as Gibbs is now also injured. Chamakh replaced Van Persie up front who was being rested. Alex Song captained the side in the absence of Robin Van Persie.

Gervinho and Van Persie - Arsenal's star performers
Arsenal almost took the lead on just fifteen minutes as Ramsey played the ball into Gervinho who got a touch to the ball but Begovic in the Stoke goal came out and claimed the ball.

Arsenal's next chance fell to Ramsey. Arteta drifting in a free kick which eventually found its way to Gervinho on the left hand side who layed the ball off to Ramsey who drove a shot from just outside the box which went just wide of the goal.

Just before the half hour mark Arsenal took the lead through Gervinho. Ramsey clipping the ball into Gervinho who took the ball down before firing past Begovic from close range and finding the back of the net.

However the Gunners were only ahead for 7 minutes as Stoke grabbed an equaliser after Crouch had won a free kick from Koscielny's challenge. Whelan took the freekick which found Shawcross who headed the ball back across the goal. The ball was then flicked on by the boot of Upson which found Walters who then found Crouch who tapped the ball in from two yards out.

The score at half time was 1-1.
Alex Song capained the side for the match

Arsenal again were the team creating the chances and Alex Song almost managed to get through the Stoek defence as he got forward but Whitehead managed to tackle him and poked the ball out for a corner.

Seven minutes after Van Persie had come on he scored to make it 2-1 with Arsenal's next chance. Arteta playing the ball out to the right hand side to Gervinho who got to the byline before cutting the ball back to Van Persie. He then got ahead of his man before poking the ball past Begovic for the Gunner's 200th league goal at the Emirates.

Eight minutes from the end of the match the Gunners made it 3-1 and it was Van Persie who got his second goal of the game. Arshavin finding Gervinho who this time ran down the left hand side before once again cutting the ball back to the Arsenal skipper. Van Persie got a right boot to the ball but Begovic looked to have saved it but instead fumbled the ball into the goal.

It was the dutchman's 25th goal in 26 Premier League games in 2011 and the first time in 11 months that Arsenal have won a League match after playing a Champions League match in midweek.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-1 Stoke.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott(71), Gervinho(90), Chamakh(66).
Subs: Fabianski, Frimpong(90), Benayoun, Rosicky, Arshavin(71), Park, Van Persie(66).

Stoke: Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Upson, Wilson, Whelan, Whitehead, Delap(60), Etherington(74), Walters, Crouch(74).
Subs: Sorensen, Huth, Shotton, Diao(60), Palacios, Jerome(74), Jones(74).

My man of the match: Gervinho

Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 59,671

Friday 21 October 2011

Late Ramsey goal grabs crucial victory

Aaron Ramsey scored in injury time to ensure that Arsenal grabbed a crucial 1-0 victory over french side Marseille at the Stade Velodrome. The win made sure that Arsenal are now top of group F with 7 points and 3 games remaining in the group. It was another tense night for the Gunners as Marseille created little chances which meant Arsenal did not get the freedom they would have wished for going forward but Arsenal still managed to dominate most of the game as Jenkinson and Koscielny had a great game in defence. In the Arsenal lineup Arshavin came in for Gervinho whilst Rosicky kept his place ahead of Ramsey who was on the bench. Andre Santos also came in at left back for the injured Kieran Gibbs.
Ramsey scored a late goal to send Arsenal top of Group F

The first chance of the game came to the French side as Cheyrou picked up the ball and drove a shot from distance which cleared the cross bar and flew into the crowd.

Marseille could have had a penalty early on as Morel's cross looked to have been blocked by the arm of Carl Jenkinson but nothing was given however on another night may well have been. Ayew was booked for protesting against the decision.

The first chance of the game came someway into the first half as from an Arteta corner, Van Persie saw his header cleared off the line by Diawara. However when the ball came into the box Arsenal now had a strong claim for a penalty as the ball hit the hand of one of Diarra but once again the ref did not give a penalty.

Loic Remy managed to create the french sides first chance of the match as he got to the byline before going past Mertesacker and hitting a deflected shot off Jenkinson just wide of the far post.

Despite Arsenal having more of the possession it was Marseille that were having the first half chances as Lucho Gonzalez had a good chance to give them the lead. Valbuena playing in an early cross towards Lucho who as he stretched could only put his shot wide and Szczesny was again untroubled.

Arsenal were supplying most of their pressure from corners as they created another chance from Arteta's ball in as Van Persie picked up the ball but smashed his shot wide.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first good chance of the second half fell to Arsenal and Theo Walcott. Walcott getting past N'Koulou before firing a shot but he slipped and Mandanda in the Marseille goal made an easy save from close range.

It was a second half of not many chances as the ball was contested mainly in midfield but when the ball went forward it was Arsenal on the attack. Their next chance fell to Van Persie as Gervinho played him but from a tight angle Mandanda saved the shot.

Then 2 minutes into stoppage time Arsenal took the lead through a goal from Aaron Ramsey. Djourou picking the ball up on the right hand side before delivering the ball. The ball then found its way over to Ramsey on the other side of the box who fired home past Mandanda and into the back of the net.

The final score ended Marseille 0-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Marseille: Mandanda, Azpilicueta, N'Koulou, Morel, Diawara, Diarra, Cheyrou(87), Lucho(73), Valbuena, Ayew, Remy(69).
Subs: Bracigliano, Traore, Sabo, Roland, Kabore(87), Amalfitano(73), Gignac(69).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson(62), Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos, Song, Rosicky, Arteta, Arshavin(78), Walcott(67), Van Persie. 
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou(62), Coquelin, Ramsey(78), Benayoun, Gervinho(67), Chamakh. 

My man of the match: Laurent Koscielny

Referee: Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Attendance: 24,534

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Captain Vantastic fires Arsenal to victory

Arsenal returned after the international break with a 2-1 win over Sunderland on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates. A fantastic performance from the skipper Robin Van Persie who scored a brace helped Arsenal to climb up the table and into the top half in 10th position. A goal after 29 seconds and a brilliant free kick from Van Persie which cancelled out one from Larsson saw the Gunners pick up a much needed victory as we started to show signs of our old selves. Carl Jenkinson started at right back in place of the injured Sagna whilst Koscielny was back from injury and started in the centre of defence with Mertesacker. However Ramsey had picked up a minor muscle strain so Rosicky took his place in the side. There was no place for the out of form Marouane Chamakh on the bench as Arsene Wenger opted for Park instead.

Captain Vantastic - Van Persie had another brilliant game
Just 29 seconds into the game Arsenal took the lead. Rosicky playing the ball into the path of Gervinho who got down the left before finding Van Persie who cut inside and unleashed a right footed shot which went past Mignolet in the Sunderland goal and into the back of the net.

Robin Van Persie then had a great chance to make it 2-0. Arteta finding the captain before turning past Richardson and chipping the ball over the goalkeeper but only for the post to deny the Arsenal skipper.

Van Persie was having a blinder and he again managed to get a shot off as he drove an effort from distance but it went just wide of the goal.

30 minutes into the game Sunderland equalised through former Gunner, Sebastian Larsson after Arteta gave away a free kick for a challenge on Cattermole. Larsson managed to curl his shot over the wall and away from Szczesny right into the top corner to make it 1-1.

Sunderland then should have taken the lead as Sessegnon chipped a ball to the back post and into the path of Cattermole who from 3 yards out somehow saw his header saved by a Szczesny who dived across the goal to make an amazing save.

Just before the break Sunderland had one more chance to try and take the lead as Larsson headed the ball down towards Colback who put his shot just over the bar.

The score at half time was 1-1.

 Rosicky had a good game in place of Ramsey
The first chance of the second half fell to the Gunners from a freekick after Brown had brought down Walcott on the edge of the box. Walcott took the free kick but could only manage to find the crowd with the shot.

The next chance fell to Van Persie as the ball was slipped through to him from Rosicky but the Arsenal skipper's shot was blocked at the near post by the Sunderland goalkeeper.

Andrey Arshavin managed to create the next chance all on his own as he got into the box and danced his way past 3 defenders before stabbing his shot wide of the goal.

With 7 minutes left Arsenal regained the lead from a freekick after Brown brought down Van Persie. Van Persie took the freekick and hit an unstoppable curling shot into the left hand side corner of the net to make it 2-1.

Sunderland then thought they had equalised as Wickham played Ji through who put the ball into the back of the net but was offside and the goal did not stand.

Arsenal had one more chance to try to make it 3-1 as Benayoun cut inside before finding Arshavin who drove a shot with his left foot from outside the box but the Sunderland goalkeeper was equal to it and made the save.


The final score ended Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs(51), Song, Arteta, Rosicky(77), Walcott, Gervinho(68), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos(51), Frimpong, Benayoun(77), Arshavin(68), Park.

Sunderland: Mignolet, O'Shea, Brown, Turner, Richardson, Cattermole(87), Colback, Larsson(67), Vaughan, Elmohamady, Sessegnon(78).
Subs: Westwood, Laing, Meyler, Gardner(87), Ji(67), Wickham(78), McClean.

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 60,078  

Friday 7 October 2011

Arsenal suffer defeat in derby match

Arsenal suffered yet another defeat as they suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of deadly rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon. Arsenal were poor again at the back as they conceded to goals from Van der Vaart and Walker. However Ramsey did score early in the second half but the Gunners once again failed to take their chances. Song once again started in the centre of defence with Mertesacker whilst Gibbs came back into the side in place of Santos who started on the bench. Coquelin was also prefered to Frimpong in midfield. However there was more bad news from the match as Sagna broke his leg after falling awkwardly during the match and will now be out for 3 months. This means 3 of Arsenal's key men are now out injured as Wilshere is out until February, Sagna until December and Vermaelen is also out.

The first chance of the game fell to Tottenham as Song gave the ball away and Spurs were suddenly in on goal but Parker stuck his shot straight at Szczesny who made the save.

Arsenal's first chance of the match fell to Walcott as he curled a shot from the edge of the box which just went wide of the post.

Tottenham and Van der Vaart then had two decent chances to take the lead. First Bale beat Ramsey for pace down the left hand side before playing the ball into Van der Vaart who put his shot over the bar. The second chance came after Defoe played the ball into the box and into the Dutchman but Szczesny made the save.

Man of the matches: Ramsey & Parker were both brilliant
Chances were being created at both ends and Gervinho had a great chance to give the Gunners the lead. Van Persie got down the left hand side before getting past Kaboul and to the byline. He then pulled the ball back into the path of Gervinho who somehow slid his effort wide from 12 yards out.

With 5 minutes until half time Spurs took the lead. Adebayor playing the ball into Van Der Vaart who controlled the ball before firing a low shot into the corner of the net for 1-0. However in the build up to the goal it looked as though Van Der Vaart had controlled the ball with his arm but the goal was given regardless of the handball.

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

Tottenham managed to create the first chance of the second half as Bale took on Sagna before smashing a shot which just went over the crossbar.

6 minutes into the half and Arsenal had an equaliser. They were applying good pressure until finally the ball was delivered into the box from Song where the ball found Ramsey who tapped the ball into the back of the net for 1-1.

The next chance fell to Spurs as Bale fed Adebayor inside the box who looked set to score but for the save from Szczesny to deny the former Arsenal man.
Walker's long range effort won the game for Spurs

73 minutes in and Tottenham regained the lead through a piledriver of a shot from Kyle Walker. Sandro managed to find space on the left hand side before finding Modric who saw his shot blocked by Song. The ball then came out to Walker who smashed a shot from 25 yards out which swerved in the air and beat Szczesny.

A few minutes later Tottenham could have extended their lead as a long ball forward bounced over the Arsenal defence before finding Bale who hit a first time shot just wide of the target.

Tottenham were dominant and Bale once again managed to get down the left hand side. He then pulled the ball back to Defoe who hit a shot which brought out a good save from Szczesny to deny Spurs extending their lead to 2 goals.

The final score ended Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, King, Assou-Ekotto, Parker(90), Modric, Bale, Van Der Vaart(64), Defoe, Adebayor(85).
Subs: Cudicini, Bassong, Corluka(90), Sandro(64), Livermore(85), Dos Santos, Pavlyuchenko.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna(68), Mertesacker, Song, Gibbs, Coquelin, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott(72), Gervinho(77), Van Persie. 
Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson(68), Santos, Frimpong, Benayoun(72), Arshavin(77), Park.  

My man of the match: Aaron Ramsey

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 36,274

Saturday 1 October 2011

Arsenal continue good form with nervy win in Europe

Arsenal picked up crucial 3 points in a 2-1 win over Greek side Olympiacos in a Champions League Group F match on Wednesday night at the Emirates. Andre Santos scored his first Arsenal goal whilst  Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gave the Gunners the lead on his European Debut. Arsenal dominated the early parts of the game and it looked as though they could have got way more than two goals in the game as chances once again went begging. A spirited fight back though from Olympiacos made life tough as Arsenal were on the back foot for much of the second half as they looked to hold on for the victory.  Arsenal made quite a few changes as they were looking to rest key men with Tottenham in mind for the weekend so Chamakh replaced Van Persie up front. Arshavin came in for Gervinho whilst Chamberlain was in the side for Walcott. Song started in defence and Rosicky was back to full fitness to captain the side.

Santos scored his first Arsenal goal
The first chance of the game fell to the visitors as Fesja got past Santos and then found Fuster but he could only pull his shot wide of the goal.

However, when Arsenal's first chance came they took it to take the lead just eight minutes into the game. Song playing the ball up to Oxlade-Chamberlain who got into the box and comfortably buried a left footed shot into the back of the net for a European debut goal.

Olympiacos then had a great chance to grab an equaliser, as a corner bounced off a few players before finding Djebbour 3 yards out but somehow saw Arteta block his shot on the line.

Just 20 minutes in and Arsenal made it 2-0. Rosicky playing the ball down the left hand side into the path of Santos who tried playing Chamakh in. However the defender got to the ball first but could only give the ball straight back to Santos who got past one man before firing a shot home from a tight angle.

Arsenal were dominating the early parts of the game and they should have made it 3 as Arshavin chipped the ball into Chamakh but he dragged his shot wide from inside the box.

However, despite the dominance the defence was still an issue as Olympiacos got back into the game on twenty seven minutes. Ibagaza finding himself in lots of space before playing the ball into the box and towards Fuster who got up and headed home for 2-1.

Olympiacos and Mirallas then had two decent chances to equalise. The first was put wide from a cross into the box and the second Mirallas got past Mertesacker before hitting a shot which was parmed away by Szczesny.

The score at half time was 2-1 to Arsenal.

Chamakh tried hard but just couldn't score
Oympiacos created the first chance of the second half as Fuster found Mirallas on the edge of the box. He tried to get past the man but the ball bounced off him but back to Mirallas who manged to hit a swerving shot which just went wide of the goal.

Arsenal's first real chance fell to Oxlade-Chamberlain who was found by Chamakh, but from a tight angle the teenager tried to chip Costanzo in the Olympiacos goal but he managed to keep the shot out.

Olympiacos then came close once again as Torosidis got past Santos before hitting a curling shot from the edge of the box which smacked the cross bar and came back out.

It was end to end football and The Gunners created a great chance to extend their lead back to two. Ramsey managed to play Arshavin who raced into the box before tricking his way past one defender and poking a shot towards goal but Costanzo manged to deny Arsenal again.


The final score ended Arsenal 2-1 Olympiacos.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Song, Santos, Frimpong, Arteta, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain(68), Arshavin(83), Chamakh(70).
Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Gibbs(83), Coquelin, Ramsey(68), Park, Van Persie(70).

Olympiacos: Costanzo, Torosidis, Mellberg, Marcano, Holesbas, Ibagaza, Fuster(80), Fesja, Djebbour, Orbaiz(75), Mirallas(75).
Subs: Megyeri, Modesto(75), Potouridis, Makoun, Abdoun(75), Papadopoulos, Pantelic(80).

My man of the match: Marouane Chamakh

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo
Attendance: 59,676