Arsenal return to form with win over Villa

Arsenal ended their run of four games without a win in all competitions on Saturday by defeating Aston Villa 3-0. After 3 draws in the League it was important to finally show our true colours as the Gunners put in an assured performance against an in form Villa side. Welbeck scored his first for the club whilst Ozil grabbed a goal before an own goal sealed the points. It was extremely pleasing to see the side playing with such freedom after a few sloppy performances, particularly that of Dortmund in the week. Arsenal made a few changes from the game against City as the side was rotated. Chambers came in for the injured Debuchy whilst Oxlade-Chamberlain and Cazorla replaced Sanchez and Wilshere respectively.

Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil's link-up play was very much a positive

Arsenal's goals came within minutes of each other as all three goals came in the space of about four minutes. It was incredibly encouraging to see us be clinical in front of goal and kill a game off sooner rather than later. The first two goals were both very aesthetically pleasing. Mesut Ozil's form has dropped dramatically over the last couple of months being stuck on the wing. However, on Saturday he reverted back to his favoured central position and he repaid the manager with a goal. Welbeck played the ball through to the German who comfortably slotted the ball past Guzan. Ozil was to then turn provider as he put the ball on a plate for Welbeck who tucked home his first goal in Arsenal colours from a couple of yards out. The third goal was all Villa's undoing though as Gibbs fired a ball across goal and Cissokho found his own net.

Arsenal's quick fire goals were a big positive and showed that when we play the right way we can be extremely efficient. Wenger left behind the 4-1-4-1 formation in favour of the old 4-2-3-1 which saw us have a lot more freedom in the final third of the pitch. Ozil being back in the centre added something to our game that we haven't seen all season. A lot more space and time was created as a result of the German and he made our play look a lot more fluid, a performance that saw him earn the man of the match award. Ozil's been criticised a lot this season but back in the formation we used so often last campaign, everything seemed to click more than it has done in 2014/15 so far.

The performances of Welbeck have been a bit of a mixed bundle since he arrived from Manchester United. He's had some brilliant chances in his first two games but failed to find the net. Therefore, it was very pleasing to see him finally score against Villa. Hopefully now he can kick on and start scoring on a regular basis!

The 3-0 win meanwhile signified our first clean-sheet of the season. Kieran Gibbs adds an extra solidity to the back four whilst Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny look to be finding their feet after slow starts to the season by their standards. Wojciech Szczesny didn't have a lot to do but that was made easier by the defensive line in front of him who looked very solid. Compared to Dortmund in the week, the performance especially of the defence, was a vast improvement.

I mentioned the need for the players to get the Dortmund result out of their system in my last report and that's exactly what they did. Improvements still need to be made in the middle of the pitch you feel, as particularly the performances of Aaron Ramsey have been a little below par this season. Ramsey scored in the Community Shield and against Palace and Everton but since then he seems to perhaps be over complicating things too much. He needs to look to play a much simpler game or we could see Wilshere starting over him within the next couple of weeks. Many may be worried about the Welshman's form considering the amount of goals he scored last season but I have every confidence in him to get back to his best.

Spurs await us in the first North London derby of the season next week but before that we face Southampton in the League Cup. A chance to rest a few of the big names and bring in a couple of youngsters perhaps.

The team's line-ups:

Aston Villa: Guzan, Hutton, Clark, Senderos, Cissokho, Sanchez(86), Cleverley, Delph, Richardson(77), Weimann(45), Agbonlahor. 
Subs: Given, Okore, Lowton, Westwood, Grealish(45), Bacuna(86), N'Zogbia(77).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey(77), Cazorla, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain(78), Welbeck(77).
Subs: Ospina, Coquelin, Diaby, Wilshere(77), Rosicky(78), Sanchez, Podolski(77).

My man of the match: Mesut Ozil.

Referee: Mike Jones.
Attendance: 40,013.

Arsenal dominate Napoli as Ozil scores first goal

Arsenal put in one of their most convincing and best performances in a very long time as they defeated Napoli 2-0. It was a dominant display that sent out a message to the rest of Europe that Arsenal are certainly not to be taken lightly this season. Mesut Ozil opened the scoring with his first goal in the red and white. He then assisted the second, scored by Olivier Giroud. It was perhaps one of the best displays of football, excluding Barcelona, since we've moved to the Emirates. The game was a very different story to that of when they played each other in the Emirates Cup as they drew 2-2.

The stars of the show; Ozil celebrates his goal with Ramsey

The match marked the anniversary of 17 years in charge for Wenger - it was a perfect way to celebrate it. Top of the Premier League and now top of the supposed group of death in this season's Champions League. It could've not have gone much better considering we lost our very first game of the season, lets not go back to that though.

Both of Arsenal's goals came in the first fifteen minutes as Napoli didn't know what had hit them. Aaron Ramsey didn't get on the score sheet this time but he assisted the first goal. He got down the right hand side and then picked out Ozil in acres of space. The German then hit a sweet volley with his left foot into the corner of the net. It was great technique from a great player. Ramsey and Ozil himself had linked up brilliantly all game and it was as though they'd been playing together for years, let alone a single month!

The other goal was a welcomed one for Oliver Giroud as he grabbed his sixth of the season following going 4 games without one. It was the Frenchman who started the move off. Laying the ball to Ozil who got to the byline and then slid the ball into Giroud who couldn't miss. That was Ozil's fifth assist since joining the club, 2 of which were put away by Arsenal's main striker, Olivier Giroud. He certainly is looking a different man from last season.

Another man who put in a superb display in the middle of the park was Mathieu Flamini. Many had doubted as to why Wenger had brought him back but he's been committed, passionate and hard-working. He's exactly what we've been missing since he himself, had left 5 years ago. Rosicky made his comeback from injury as he played out on the left flank and played a solid 60 odd minutes. Mikel Arteta started as he continued his recovery from an injury that had kept him out of many of this season's early matches.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Flamini, Ramsey(88), Rosicky(63), Ozil, Giroud. 
Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Monreal(88), Jenkinson, Wilshere(63), Gnabry, Bendtner. 

Napoli: Reina, Albiol(83), Britos, Zuniga, Inler, Behrami, Hamsik, Insigne, Mesto, Pandev(61), Callejon(77).   
Subs: Cabral, Fernandez(83), Armero, Cannavaro, Mertens(61), Dzemali, Zapata(77).

My man of the match: Mesut Ozil

Referee: Milorad Mazic (SRB)
Attendance: 59,536

Ozil stars on home debut as Arsenal beat Stoke

Mesut Ozil put in his best Arsenal performance yet as he set up all three of Arsenal's goals in their win over Stoke on Sunday. All of the Gunners goals came from set-pieces as they seemed to beat Stoke at their own game. It was a fairly average performance in which Stoke had most of the ball in the second half. The match saw Aaron Ramsey, a man in the form of his life, come up against the side in which he broke his leg. It was the perfect game for the Welshman to score in and he did indeed do that. The other goals were scored by defenders as Mertesacker and Sagna netted rare goals. Despite Ozil setting up all three goals the unsung hero was Mathieu Flamini. He grabbed the man of the match award for a fine performance in the middle of the park. There was one change from the side that had beaten Marseille in the week. Theo Walcott missed out through injury as 18 year old Serge Gnabry started for the first time in a Premier League fixture. Nicklas Bendtner, a man back from a troublesome loan spell with Juventus, was on the bench. Meanwhile Mikel Arteta made his comeback from injury as he came on late in the second half.

All three of Ozil's assists came from set-pieces.

Within the first 4 minutes Arsenal were ahead. Jack Wilshere was fouled which resulted in a free-kick. Ozil swung it low towards the back post in which Begovic pushed it away. It fell only as far as Aaron Ramsey who slid home for his seventh of the campaign. The goal provided an eruption of noise around the Emirates as Ramsey silenced the Stoke fans.

Stoke's first opportunity came when Adam's cross was headed away by Giroud. It was then met by Cameron but Gibbs managed to clear it out for a corner.

Gibbs was then to turn defence into attack. Flamini fed him on the edge of the area but the left back tried an optimistic effort with his right foot which soared high and wide.

Minutes later Stoke found an equaliser. Artnautovich's effort hit the post and then it came back out to Geoff Cameron who slotted the ball past the despairing dive of Wojciech Szczesny.

Just after the half hour mark the Gunners were almost back in front. Ozil's corner was met by Mertesacker but Pieters managed to head the ball away.

The same corner routine then ended up in a goal. Ozil found Mertesacker again but this time, instead of finding a defender, it nestled in the corner of the net.

Giroud and Wilshere then played a nice one-two on the edge of the area but Begovic managed to come out and prevent the Frenchman from getting a shot away.

Ozil was looking for yet another assist as he cut inside from the right and found Gnabry but his first time shot went wide.

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

The first chance after the restart fell to Serge Gnabry. He drifted inside from the right and then struck a low shot with his weaker left foot but it was straight at Begovic.

Gnabry was then involved again as he was completely wiped out by Huth but managed to find Giroud just before that. Giroud then ignored Ozil to the left of him who was in acres of space and saw a shot tipped over the bar instead.

Oliver Giroud was looking to score in his fifth successive league game but he saw another shot go over the bar after great work in the middle from Ozil.

Just after the hour mark Ozil had a chance of his own as he drove the ball with his right foot but it resulted in an easy save for Begovic.

Stoke City then found space to work a shot as Wilson drove an effort from range which swerved but forced Szczesny into making a save down at his near post.

With Stoke looking the most likely to score after a period of pressure of their own Arsenal all but sealed the points. Ozil's free-kick was met by Sagna whose looping header made it 3-1.

With 2 minutes left Ramsey came close to adding a second but his fizzing shot was tipped over by Begovic.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-1 Stoke.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Ramsey, Wilshere(73), Ozil(80), Gnabry(73), Giroud.
Subs: Viviano, Vermaelen, Monreal(73), Jenkinson, Arteta(80), Ryo(73), Bendtner. 

Stoke: Begovic, Wilson, Huth, Shawcross, Pieters(67), Nzonzi, Adam(59), Cameron, Walters, Artnautovic, Jones(75).
Subs: Sorenson, Whelan, Palacios(67), Ireland(59), Etherington, Pennant(75), Crouch.  

My man of the match: Mathieu Flamini

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 60,002

Ozil makes debut as Arsenal beat Sunderland

Mesut Ozil made his highly anticipated debut on Saturday as Arsenal beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light to continue their run of form. Ozil stole the limelight as he grabbed an assist for Giroud who scored once more. However, the star of the show was in fact Aaron Ramsey who kept up his unbelievable start to the season scoring a volley before adding a second after great build up play. Ramsey's goals weren't before the hosts had levelled moments after the break after Koscielny committed a silly foul to give away a penalty. There were injury problems once more for the Gunners. Cazorla missed out with an ankle injury whilst Mertesacker didn't travel with the squad due to illness. Ozil was a doubt leading up to kick off as he also had illness but was made to play with Santi out injured. Giroud had to go off late on with a knee problem and was replaced by PL debutant Chuba Akpom. There was a positive in terms of injuries though, a rarity for the club at the moment as club captain Thomas Vermaelen returned from injury.

Mesut Ozil made a promising start to his Arsenal career with an assist

Just 10 minutes in to the game and Arsenal were ahead. Gibbs' long ball forward was plucked out of the air by Ozil who then found Giroud to sweep the ball home. That was the Frenchman's first league goal outside of London.

Minutes later Sunderland almost found an equaliser. Colback's corner was met by Diakite who's header came back off the bar.

It then should've been 2-0 Arsenal though. Ozil slipped in Walcott down the right but he wasted his chance as Westwood saved.

It was end to end in the opening quarter of the game as Altidore then tried a shot from range but Szczesny managed to beat it away.

Ozil and Walcott then linked up again as the German played an inch perfect ball into the winger but once against the shot was saved by Westwood.

Walcott could've had a first half hat-trick but he failed to hit the target again after being presented with another great opportunity. Wilshere picked him out at the back post but his header went wide.

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

Minutes after the restart Koscielny gave away his second penalty of the season after bringing down Johnson with a silly challenge. Gardner took the penalty and he smashed it into the back of the net for the equaliser.

Just before the hour mark Sunderland thought they'd got the goal to take them infront after Fletcher found the net from close range. However it was denied for offside.

The second half so far had been completely different from the first as it was the hosts that were now causing all the problems. Gardner's free-kick found Ki whose header hit the near post and then some how went wide of the far one.

However it was Arsenal who grabbed the next goal. Jenkinson picked out Ramsey on the edge of the box who then volleyed the ball past Westwood for 2-1.

Then came a moment of controversy. Altidore managed to wrestle Sagna to the ball and then find the back of the net. However the referee had already blown his whistle for a foul, denying Sunderland a goal when he should've played the advantage.

Arsenal took advantage of that disallowed goal to then seal all 3 points. Ozil found Giroud who then played in Ramsey and he finished comfortably for his second of the game.

Late on, the Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio was sent to the stands to cap off an all round poor day at the office for the hosts.

The final score finished Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Sunderland: Westwood, Celutska, Diakite, Roberge, Ki, Johnson, Colback, Vaughan(45), Mavrias(71), Fletcher(77), Altidore.
Subs: Mannone, Brown, Cuellar, Gardner(45), Larsson, Borini(71), Wickham(77).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Sagna, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Wilshere, Ramsey, Ozil(80), Walcott(88), Giroud(90).
Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen(80), Monreal(88), Frimpong, Miyaichi, Gnabry, Akpom(90). 

Man of the match: Aaron Ramsey

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 39,055

Arsenal break record transfer fee to sign Mesut Ozil

No you're not dreaming, Mesut Ozil is actually an Arsenal player. The best number 10 in the world according to numerous players and managers, agreed a 5 year deal with Arsenal on transfer deadline day as the Gunners smashed their transfer record and wage cap to sign the 24 year old. Aside from all that excitement we also signed a back up keeper, Emiliano Vivano on loan from Palermo for the season.

Arsenal pulled off one of the deals of the window to sign Ozil

Arsenal have spent £42.4m to make Ozil the most expensive German footballer. It finally signifies the Gunners intent to get world class players to join the club and help them win trophies again. Ozil reportedly turned down an offer from PSG in which he would have been given more money but chose to join the Premier League instead. Arsene Wenger was key in making him join, the German claimed that he was the missing piece, someone that had complete faith and trust in him. Ozil realised that with Isco at Real and with Bale now joining that his chances would be limited so he got out as soon as he could. Had we not got Champions League football then there was no way that this deal would've happened! Mesut Ozil is an assist machine, since 2010 he has 47 assists, no one has more than that in Europe's top leagues. Giroud will benefit hugely from this, with 4 goals already this season, surely he'll grab more with Ozil playing behind him. This transfer could also spark some major deals in the future. A world class striker could come in, I mean who wouldn't want to play infront of the German international? The tempatation would be huge. This is an incredible signing, we've signed a player who is already proven on the world stage and being young, he has his best years ahead of him. Why Real agreed to let him go is beyond me, but who cares, because he's ours now!

On to our other deal on deadline day. Over shadowed by the Ozil deal was the capture of Italian goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano from Palermo on a season long loan deal. The move includes an option to buy at the end of his loan should we chose we want to keep him at the club. He should provide good competition for Szczesny, having kept 12 clean sheets on loan at Fiorientina last season. One man who won't be as happy with the extra competition though is Lukasz Fabianski. He did very well when Szczesny was out of form last season and will be dissapointed that he will be shoved down the pecking order once more. Fabianski was the last senior keeper Wenger signed all the way back in 2007, the arrival of a keeper has been due for a very long time. Viviano is only second to Buffon in the Italian nation team so that shows his quality.

There were rumours that we were looking for a striker on deadline day. Abel Hernandez, also of Palermo, was linked but nothing seemed to happen. Demba Ba was also close after we enquired about the availability of him on loan. However Chelsea didn't want to give him to a rival club and the deal didn't happen. Di Maria was another player that could've arrived from Real Madrid but our interest cooled through out the day.

To see who left and joined Arsenal this summer click here.