Podolski and Cazorla goals give Arsenal first win of season

Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla scored their first Arsenal goals to give Arsenal their first win of the new Premier League season against Liverpool at Anfield. It was a brilliant display from the Gunners after questions had been asked over the clubs transfer policy two days ago on transfer deadline day. Arsenal had failed to buy a much needed defensive midfielder, and also maybe a striker having not scored in their first two games after Van Persie had left. However, all looked to be forgotten on Sunday afternoon as Arsenal came away with all three points as Podolski scored what hopes to be the first of many which was the first goal of the club's campaign. Santi Cazorla also scored a much deserved first goal of the season having played brilliantly in the first two games. Whilst also Abou Diaby, finally looking fit and back to his best, played one of the best games he's played for the club. The forgotten man himself made Alex Song look like a forgotten man as he put in a superb display in defensive midfield, knowing when to go forward and when to get back, he was the Gunners man of the match. The powerful Frenchman even earned the plaudits of comparisons to one, Patrick Vieira.

Vito Mannone once again started in goal as Arsenal kept a third cleansheet in a row, the work of new assistant manager, Steve Bould is clearly evident. Teenage star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain started his first game of the season in place of Gervinho, the only change to the squad.

Cazorla and Podolski scored their first goals in the win against Liverpool

The first chance of the game was from a free-kick after Mertesacker had brought down Suarez. It was Suarez who got up to take the free-kick but it sailed harmlessly into the crowd.

Liverpool then created another opportunity. Luis Suarez played the ball out wide to Borini who got into the penalty area before blazing the ball wide of the goal.

There was no surprise as to where Arsenal's first chance came from. Chamberlain found Podolski who tapped the ball to Giroud who layed the ball into Cazorla who struck a shot which was straight at Reina in the Liverpool goal.

Suarez then had another opportunity for Liverpool. Enrique played the ball over the top into the path of the Uruguayan who nodded the ball over the bar.

However, it was the Gunners who took the lead. Gerrard lost the ball to Vermaelen who fed Podolski. He then played the ball into Cazorla who broke away then played the ball back to the German who fired the ball beyond Reina and into the corner of the net.

Liverpool were continuing to press though. Confusion in the Arsenal defence allowed Sterling to get a shot away which luckily for Arsenal struck the post and then went out.

5 minutes before the break, Olivier Giroud had a great chance to double the lead. Diaby broke forward with the ball towards the edge of the area before feeding Giroud who put the ball wide, much to the disgust of Kieran Gibbs who was bombing down the left hand side.

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

The first good chance of the second half fell Arsenal's way. Podolski played in Gibbs down the left hand side who hit a shot from a tight angle which Reina kept out.

Mannone was then tested for the first real time in the game as Suarez smashed a shot from the right hand side of the area but the Italian goalkeeper was there to tip the ball over the bar.

Carl Jenkinson, a man who had had a shaky first season at Arsenal, was now full of confidence having put in good displays in the Gunners first two games. He was playing in place of the injured Sagna, and he was allowed to get forward for the first time in the game, as he cut inside before hitting a shot with his left foot which Reina had to get down well to keep out.

The away sides next chance fell to Cazorla as he hit a shot from the edge of the area but he dragged it wide.

The Spaniard, however then did get his goal and it was very much deserved. Podolski was the man to assist this time as he found Cazorla who then drilled a shot which came off Reina and found its way into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.

With 8 minutes left to play the Gunners almost found themselves 3 goals to the good. Cazorla's corner found Giroud but he headed over the bar.

Vito Mannone then had to be at his best to deny Shelvey on two occasions as first he drove a shot from the edge of the area which he got down well to, and then showed great agility in keeping out a shot hit from distance.

The final score finished Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Allen, Sahin(67), Gerrard, Borini(54), Suarez, Sterling.
Subs: Jones, Carragher, Kelly, Coates, Shelvey(67), Henderson, Downing(54).

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen(90), Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla, Chamberlain(73), Giroud, Podolski(82).
Subs: Martinez, Koscielny(90), Santos(82), Coquelin, Ramsey(73), Gervinho, Walcott.

Man of the match: Abou Diaby

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 44,932