Squillaci own goal gifts Wigan a point

After managing to get an amazing win at Chelsea on Monday night you would have thought they should have beaten Wigan. That was not the case as Arsenal drew 2-2 with Wigan as defensive errors flew all over the place. Time for another new centre back? With Vermaelen still out injured is Wengar on the hunt for another new centre back in the January transfer market or to keep faith in Koscielny, Squillaci and Djourou. Arsenal did manage to get to their best on a few occasions as Arshavin and Bendtner grabbed the goals for the Gunners. However with Wigan going down to ten men with 12 minutes to play Arsenal should have wrapped up the game.Wigan though got a deserved equaliser as the points were shared at the DW Stadium. Arsenal made 8 changes to the side that had beaten Chelsea with Nasri, Wilshere and Clichy all rested. Fabregas sat out through suspension after picking up 5 yellow cards this season.

The first error came in the opening minutes of the match when Rodallega dispossed Koscielny. He then gave the ball to Cleverley who put in a brilliant cross towards Rodallega who flew across the six yard box but failed to get a proper connection with the ball as it struck his hand.

The Gunners first chance fell to Andrey Arshavin. Rosicky floating the ball over to the Russian on the left hand side who raced towards goal but was forced into a rushed shot by Caldwell and the effort flew over the bar.

Another error occured on 16 minutes as Wigan were gifted a penalty when N'Zogbia was brought down by Koscielny. Watson stepped up to take the penalty and powered the ball past Fabianski to give Wigan the lead.

The Gunners were pressuring for an equaliser and Rosicky drove a shot in from outside the box which was spilled right in front of Koscielny but Caldwell got there to make the challenge and the danger was over.

Then on 38 minutes Arsenal got the equaliser through Arshavin. Chamakh finding Bendtner who smashed the ball goalbound but Al Habsi could only parry. It fell to Arshavin, who on the volley fired past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

5 minutes later the game was turned on its head as the Gunners took the lead. Arshavin running at the defence before finding Bendtner who powered his way past 2 defenders and then slotted the ball home to make it 2-1.

Wigan had a chance just before the break to get an equaliser as Rodallega tried to beat Fabianski at his near post but he kept the effort out.

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

Arsenal came close to extending their lead from an Arshavin corner. He delivered the ball onto the head of Chamakh who managed to shrug off a defender and send his header inches wide.

The Gunners were pressuring for another goal and almost got that. Wilshere looping the ball into Arshavin inside the area but he could only manage to find the keeper with his effort.

Wigan then had a chance to equalise. McArthur finding N'Zogbia down the right who then fired a shot towards the goal but Fabianski was set and managed to keep the shot out.

With 12 minutes to play Wigan went down to ten men. N'Zogbia stupidly headbutting Wilshere off the ball, the referee had no choice but to send him off.

Then with 10 minutes to go Wigan finally equalised. Watson's corner headed back across goal towards Caldwell but Squillaci got their ahead of him and under pressure put the ball into the back of his own net.

In the dieing moments of the game Arsenal had a claim for a penalty when Nasri's free kick was blocked in the wall by McArthur but the referee said no.

The final score ended Wigan 2-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Wigan: Al Habsi, Stam(75), Caldwell, Alcaraz, Gohouri, N'Zogbia, Watson, Cleverley, Diame(72), Thomas, Rodallega.
Subs: Pollitt, Figueroa(75), Caldwell, Gomez, McArthur(72), Boselli, McManaman.

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Eboue, Diaby(27), Rosicky, Denilson, Arshavin(82), Chamakh, Bendtner.
Subs: Szczesny, Djourou, Clichy, Nasri(82), Walcott(83), Wilshere(27)(83), Vela.

My man of the match: Andrey Arshavin

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 17,014

Arsenal grab crucial victory

Arsenal grabbed an important 3-1 win against rivals Chelsea at the Emirates on Monday night. The Gunners had proved the critics wrong by proving they can challenge for the title after beating last years Premiership champions. Arsenal made 5 changes to the side that lost to Man Utd. Fabregas and Fabianski were back from injury and Djourou was preferred to Squillaci in the centre of defence. Walcott and Van Persie started in place of Arshavin and Chamakh. Chelsea had made one considerable change as Lampard came back from injury.

5 minutes into the game Van Persie could have almost had a certain goal. Song chipping the ball into the dutch man but under pressure from Ivanovic he completely missed the ball and kicked the air.

Then Chelsea had their first opportunity of the game as Drogba was in on goal but he drilled his shot harmlessly wide.


Nothing much in the way of chances had happened in the first half but Arsenal had had more of the possession and were looking the most likely to grab the opener. Nasri almost got the goal the Gunners deserved as he looped his shot towards goal but Cech made a brilliant save to keep the frenchman out.

Then on the stroke of half time Arsenal took the lead. Wilshere finding Fabregas inside the area but with a lot of Chelsea players around him. He then managed to poke the ball to Song who from 5 yards out tucked the ball past Cech.

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

5 minutes into the second half Arsenal made the score 2-0. Van Persie turning in the middle of the park and then picking out Walcott. He raced towards the oncoming Cech before sliding the ball to Fabregas who tapped the ball into an empty net.

Then 3 minutes later the Gunners grabbed a third. Walcott dispossessing Malouda and finding Fabregas. Fabregas then poked the ball through to Walcott who fired the ball across goal and into the back of the net. It was a perfect start to the second half for Arsenal.

Then Chelsea grabbed a goal back. Drogba floating in a free kick from the left on to the head of Ivanovic who put the ball past Fabianski to make it 3-1.

Arsenal were playing brilliant football and they almost made it 4-1 when Fabregas played Walcott down the wing. He then looped the ball over to Nasri but he put his shot straight at the arm of Cech.

Chelsea were desperately trying to find a way back into the game and they got a decent opportunity with 10 minutes to go but Ramires put his effort high and wide.

With a minute of normal time to play Drogba had a powerful shot blocked which then came out to Kakuta. He played the ball back into the box which came off Kalou and then off Fabianski into the back of the net but the goal did not stand because Kalou was offside.

The final score ended Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Wilshere, Song, Fabregas(88), Walcott(73), Nasri, Van Persie(76).
Subs: Szczesny, Squillaci, Diaby(73), Rosicky(88), Arshavin, Chamakh(76), Bendtner.

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira(62), Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Essien, Mikel(45), Lampard, Kalou, Drogba, Malouda(56).
Subs: Turnbull, Ramires(45), Bosingwa(62), Van Aanholt, Bruma, Kakuta(56), McEachran.

My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Attendance: 60,112

Park goal puts Arsenal back into second

Arsenal slipped to second place in the table with a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United who now regain top place. A single goal from Park was the difference. Young Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny started his first league game for the Gunners in place of Fabianski who was deemed not fit to start but was on the bench. Fabregas came back from injury as a substitute but could not have an impact on the game. Arsenal had lots of the possession but yet again failed to score their chances. Even Samir Nasri didn't look the player he looked against Fulham.

Szczesny's first real save that he had to make was on 8 minutes when Rooney turned and shot from outside the area but the youngster held onto the attempt.
The Young Pole then had to make another save minutes later from a Nani free kick, they were good first touches for the goalkeeper to build his confidence up.

Arsenal's first real efforts came from Chamakh with a diving header across Vidic but was held onto easily by the keeper and then Arshavin who scuffed a shot wide.

Man Utd were creating some good chances and Nani came really close to giving them the lead. Fletcher's cross headed straight to Nani by Squillaci who drilled his shot inches past the post.

United then had an appeal for a penalty waved away by the referee Howard Webb as a cross from Nani looked to have hit Chamakh's hand in the area.

5 minutes from half time Man Utd broke the deadlock and took the lead. Nani's deflected cross picking out Park who got his head to the ball which looped over Szczesny and into the back of the net.

The score at half time was Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal.

Arsenal had a decent chance early in the second half to grab an equaliser after Clichy's cross found Rosicky but he put his effort wide.

United were pressuring for a second and they almost did extend their lead. Rooney finding Anderson inside the area who hit his attempt straight at Szczesny who kept the effort out.

Chamakh then had a good chance to score after Nasri's shot was palmed straight into the path of the Moroccan but Vidic slid in to to block the shot.

Nani was creating a lot of chances and this time got to have a shot after he dispossessed Clichy on the edge of the area but only managed to fire his effort over the bar.

United then had the golden opportunity to go 2 up when they were awarded with a penalty for a hand ball on Clichy. Rooney took the penalty and completely skied it over the bar to keep the score at 1-0. Arsenal were still in it.

5 minutes from time Rooney nearly redeemed himself for missing the penalty. He raced through on goal and attempted to chip Szczesny. The goalkeeper managed to back pedal and stop the shot.

In the last minute Walcott nearly scored from a Van Persie cross to get the equaliser but he volleyed his shot high and wide.

The final score ended Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Manchester United:Van der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Anderson(84), Carrick, Fletcher, Park, Rooney.
Subs: Kuszczak, Brown, Smalling, Giggs(84), Berbatov, Hernandez, Obertan.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Nasri, Wilshere(62), Rosicky(62), Song, Arshavin(76), Chamakh.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Fabregas(62), Walcott(76), Denilson, Van Persie(62), Bendtner.

My man of the match: Wojciech Szczesny

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 75,227

Arsenal through to knockout stage

Arsenal are through to the knock out stages of the Champions League after a 3-1 win over Partizan Belgrade at the Emirates. The Gunner's goals came from Van Persie, Walcott and Nasri. Despite this win they finished second behind group winners Shakhtar Donetsk who also won on the night. Arsenal will now have to play a harder team in the round of 16 with a possible tie against Barcelona again. Wenger put out a stronger lineup than in the last two Champions League games knowing that they had to get a result to qualify. Van Persie started in place of Tomas Rosicky and Denilson came in for Wilshere. However Gibbs' chance to impress in place of Clichy was cut short with injury as Eboue came on for him on just 24 minutes. Sagna was sent off late on but too late for Partizan to get anything from the game. Partizan's main threat would come from the Brazilian Cleo who got the Serbian teams goal in both of their matches against the Gunners.

Arsenal got an early chance when Sagna delivered a cross from the right onto the head of Chamakh but his header looped harmlessly over and on to the top of the goal.

The Gunners were playing some nice football and Sagna found Nasri free in the penalty area who then found Van Persie but he was under pressure from a defender and put his shot wide.

Before that chance Gibbs had twisted his ankle so he had to come off and be replaced by Emmanuel Eboue.

Arsenal were then awarded with a penalty after Jovanovic brought down Van Persie. Van Persie stepped up to take the penalty and smashed it home to give the Gunners an important lead. It was Van Persie's first goal for Arsenal since May.

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

Nasri had a good opportunity to put the Gunners two up as Arshavin found Denilson racing down the left who crossed the ball into the box. The ball bounced off a defender into the path of Nasri but he lashed his shot over the bar.

Then on 52 minutes Partizan grabbed an equaliser and sent the travelling fans crazy. Cleo with a deflected shot off Squillaci which looped over Fabianski and into the back of the net. Arsenal were stunned.

Theo Walcott then came on for Andrey Arshavin who had not had one of his better nights.

5 minutes after the substitution Theo Walcott scored to put Arsenal ahead. Sagna's cross was headed straight into Walcott who chested the ball down and then volleyed his shot into the roof of the net to put Arsenal back in contention for qualifying to the knock out stage.

4 minutes later Nasri sealed the victory and qualification for Arsenal with a superb goal. Song played a one two with Bendtner before beating his man and finding Nasri. No Belgrade defenders got tight enough to him and he was allowed to turn and then fire his effort past Stojkovic in the Partizan goal.

Then 5 minutes from the end of the game Sagna was sent off for a challenge on Lazevski just outside the box. Although the card was a little harsh he had to go for being the last man. Petrovic took the free kick but it was well saved by Fabianski as he pushed the ball away to his left hand side.

The final score ended Arsenal 3-1 Partizan Belgrade.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Gibbs(24), Song, Nasri, Denilson, Arshavin(67), Van Persie, Chamakh(76).
Subs: Szczesny, Eboue(24) , Rosicky, Vela, Walcott(67), Wilshere, Bendtner(76).

Partizan Belgrade: Stojkovic, Medo, Petrovic, Jovanovic, Savic, Lazevski, Krstajic, Babovic(81), Cleo, Moreira, S.Ilic.
Subs: R. Ilic, Stankovic, Brasanac, Davidov(81), Kizito, Iliev, Smiljanic.

My man of the match: Samir Nasri

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento (Italy)
Attendance: 58,845

Arsenal go top thanks to Nasri double

Arsenal went top of the Premiership table with a 2-1 win over Fulham at the Emirates. Two Nasri goals ensured Arsenal all 3 points although they were far from their best in the first half with Koscielny going off injured. Arsenal kept their usual lineup as Rosicky kept his place in the side as captain for the injured Fabregas. Djourou came on earlier than he thought he would have after Koscielny was stretchered off half way through the second half. In the Fulham lineup youngster Matthew Briggs came in for the injured Mexican international Salcido but his game did not last long as Baird came on for him on only 28 minutes to deal with the posing threats that Samir Nasri was causing. Schwarzer who was heavily linked with Arsenal during the summer started in goal. Fulham's goal came from Kamara but Wengar thought it should not have stood because of Koscielny's head injury.

Arshavin had a fantastic early chance to give the Gunners the lead as Wilshere's freekick was nodded on into the path of the Russian but Schwarzer made a brilliant point blank save to keep him out.

Arsenal had made a lively start to the game and Nasri had a chance after Arshavin poked the ball through to him but he stabbed his shot wide of the oncoming Fulham goalkeeper and the post.

Then Arsenal took a deserved lead with a moment of brilliance from Samir Nasri, who is showing fantastic form for the Gunners, scored again. Arshavin the man again supplying the ball into the Frenchman who dummied his way past two defenders before smashing the ball home.

Nasri was playing brilliantly and got the beating of Briggs down the right hand side. He got to the byline where he supplied a cross into the box. The ball came off Etuhu and nearly into his own net but for Schwarzer who saved the ball on the line.

Arsenal were playing some brilliant football and Rosicky was put down the line by Nasri who put in a cross to Song. Despite him having no defenders around him he somehow put his effort wide.

Then against the run of play Fulham grabbed an equaliser through Diomansy Kamara. Arsenal were light at the back as Squillaci had clashed heads with Koscielny who was dazed and Fulham took advantage of that. Dempsey slotting the ball through to Kamara who fired the ball past Fabianski.

Kamara could then have had his second of the game and put Fulham infront. He beat the offside trap and raced away from Squillaci and Djourou towards the goal but Fabianski made the save to keep the score at 1-1.

The score at half time was 1-1.

The first decent chance of the second half fell to Rosicky after Song chipped the ball into him on the volley but he drilled his shot wide and remains searching for his first goal in 11 months.

Arsenal were now pressuring for the lead and Arshavin came close when he attempted to do a Nasri, dancing past two players before smashing an effort towards goal but it was kept out by Schwarzer.

Fulham were now getting forward and a deep free kick was headed towards Gera by Hangeland who tried the spectacular over head kick but it unsurprisingly went wide of the goal.

Then Arsenal took the lead as another piece of magic from Samir Nasri gave him his second goal of the game. He tricked his way past two defenders again and then rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the back of the net to give Arsenal control of the game.

Fulham were desperately trying to get another equaliser but it would not come. First Etuhu fired wide in a scrambled attempt and then Fabianski made a good save from Gera's looping effort.

The final scored ended Arsenal 2-1 Fulham.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny(33), Squillaci, Clichy, Arshavin, Rosicky(63), Nasri, Wilshere, Song, Chamakh.
Subs: Szczesny, Gibbs, Djourou(33), Denilson, Walcott, Van Persie(63), Bendtner.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs(28), Gera, Dempsey, Etuhu, Murphy(88), Davies, Kamara(73).
Subs: Stockdale, Baird(28), Kelly, Duff, Greening, A. Johnson(73),E. Johnson(88).

My man of the match: Samir Nasri

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 60,049

Arsenal through to semi finals after win over Wigan

Arsenal now face a tie against Ipswich in the semi finals of the Carling Cup after a 2-0 win over Wigan in the quarter finals. An own goal and a Nicklas Bendtner strike secured Arsenal's path to the next round. Arsene Wenger made a considerable amount of changes for the tie as Robin Van Persie made his first start since injury and took on the captaincy for the night. Meanwhile on the subs bench reserves team goalkeeper James Shea earned his first call up to the senior team after impressing for the reserves. Usual replacements for the League cup Eboue, Gibbs, Bendtner and Vela all started ahead of Sagna, Clichy, Arshavin and Chamakh.

Early on Arsenal got a great opportunity to take the lead when Van Persie floated in a free kick towards the unmarked Bendtner but he couldn't manage to get his head to the ball and it went out for a goalkick.

Then Wigan could have taken the lead when Moses ran into the box and then cut inside past Eboue but put his effort wide and into the side netting.

Vela really should have give the hosts the lead though when Wilshere fed Van Persie who back heeled the ball into Vela. He then chipped the ball over Al Habsi in the Wigan goal but the ball somehow would not find its way into the back of the net and went wide.

Then Arsenal deservedly took the lead 4 minutes from the break when Walcott delivered the ball in from the corner towards a crowd of bodies and bounced off the Wigan player Alcaraz and into the back of his own net.

Wigan then had a chance from a corner to get the equaliser. Alcaraz who moments later had scored in his own net almost scored at the right end this time but Szczesny kept the shot out. He then fumbled it and an Arsenal player bundled the ball over the cross bar for another Wigan corner.

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

20 minutes from time the Gunners went 2-0 up through Nicklas Bendtner. Van Persie put Vela down the left hand side who put a first time cross into the box across the face of goal towards the back post were Bendtner slid in to double Arsenal's advantage.

Vela was having continuous good chances throughout the night and another one fell to him. Walcott picked him out free inside the area but put his effort straight at Al Habsi from a tight angle.

Arsenal were having numerous chances to finish the game off but failed to convert them. That was the same case when Walcott raced down the left hand side into the area but bent his shot just the wrong side of the goal.

The Gunners then had a strong claim for a penalty turned down when Walcott was set up for a shot which looked to have been blocked by a hand but the officials said no penalty.

Nasri then looked to have finally added a third for Arsenal on the night when Vela fed him in. He rounded the goalkeeper and shot but his effort was cleared off the line. The third goal would not come but it was job done anyway and Arsenal were into the semi finals.

The final score ended Arsenal 2-0 Wigan.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Koscielny, Djourou, Gibbs, Wilshere(73), Denilson, Van Persie(73), Walcott, Vela, Bendtner(85).
Subs: Shea, Nordtveit, Sagna, Eastmond(73), Nasri(73), Arshavin, Emmanuel-Thomas(85).

Wigan: Al Habsi, Gohouri, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Caldwell, McArthur, Thomas, Watson, Stam(79), Boselli(82), Victor Moses(36).
Subs: Di Santo, N'Zogbia(36), Pollitt, Gomez(82), Diame, McManaman(79), Mustoe.

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 59,525

Arsenal return to form with victory over Villa

Arsenal recovered from a grim week well as they got a crucial 3 points by beating Aston Villa 4-2 on Saturday at Villa Park as The Gunners went top for part of the afternoon. Arsenal now lie in third after Man Utd beat Blackburn 7-1 and Chelsea drew 1-1 with Newcastle. Arshavin, Nasri, Chamakh and Wilshere grabbed the goals for Arsenal as Clark grabbed both of Villa's.
Arsene Wengar put out a more familiar lineup to the side that lost to Braga in mid week making 7 changes, the most significant was the forceful change of Rosicky taking Fabregas' place because he suffered an injury against Braga. Meanwhile in the Aston Villa lineup Robert Pires made his first start for the Villa against his old club which he did so well for and was awarded as Arsenal's sixth greatest player in history.

Arsenal had an immediate opportunity when Arshavin was gifted the ball after a sloppy pass from Warnock. He then found Chamakh who had Friedel quickly upon him but he managed to get the shot away but the ball was cleared off the line by Collins.

It was all Arsenal in the opening moments of the game and Rosicky had a pretty decent chance when Wilshere fed the ball to him inside the area but he drilled his effort just wide of the target.

Aston Villa then had their first chance of the game. It was an amazing chance which they should have scored from when Downing delivered a ball from the right to the back post where Ashley Young was waiting but he put his effort over. Aston Villa should have been ahead despite all of Arsenal's early possession.

Then on 38 minutes the Gunners hard work paid off when they took the lead through Andrey Arshavin. Fabianski lofted the ball forward and it split two defenders and through to Arshavin who raced down the left hand side and then cut inside and smashed his shot beyond Friedal to give Arsenal a deserved lead.

Nasri should have then doubled Arsenal's lead when Arshavin played a throughball to him, he managed to round the keeper only to see his shot hit the side netting.

Arsenal were playing brilliant football and Chamakh had a great chance to extend the Gunner's lead. Sagna delivering from the right straight onto the head of Chamakh who headed goalwards but Friedel was in the way to keep him out brilliantly.
From the resulting corner Arsenal finally did extend their lead. Arshavin sending the ball out to Nasri on the edge of the box who volleyed through a crowd of bodies and into the back of the net.

The score at half time was 2-0 to Arsenal.

6 minutes into the second half Aston Villa scored and were right back in the game. Squillaci headed a cross away from the box but straight to Ciaran Clark on the edge of the box who controlled the ball with his chest and then volleyed the ball past Fabianski to make it 2-1. Arsenal claimed that the goal should not have stood though as Carew was standing in an offside position and was clearly blocking Fabianski's vision therefore was playing an active role in Clark's goal.

It was now a question of would Arsenal be able to hold on or would they drop more points as they did against Spurs.
Four minutes later Arsenal restored their 2 goal cushion after Rosicky slipped in a ball to Chamakh who beat his man and then poked the ball past the oncoming Brad Friedel to make the score 3-1.

Clark could then have had his second of the game to make the score the 3-2 and put Villa back within touching distance of Arsenal as Sagna scuffed a clearence straight to the young midfielder who fired his shot wide.

Clark then did have a second goal of the game. Young delivering a corner from the right onto the head of Dunne who found Clark who put his header off the underside of the bar and in, to put Aston Villa back in the game once again.

Aston Villa were pressing for an equaliser but it would not come and Arsenal won the ball back and broke and the inevitable happened as Arsenal made it 4-2 and sealed all three points. Denilson's shot deflected off the defender into the path of Chamakh who lobbed the ball to the back post to find Wilshere who headed home for his first goal of the season.

The final score ended Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Aston Villa: Friedel, Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Clark, Pires(46), Downing, Bannan(85), Young, Carew(65).
Subs: Guzan, Lichaj, Beye, Hogg, Herd(85), Ireland(65), Delfouneso(46).

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Nasri(84), Wilshere, Song, Rosicky(89), Arshavin(84), Chamakh.
Subs: Szczesny, Djourou(89), Gibbs(84), Walcott, Denilson(84), Van Persie, Bendtner.

My man of the match: Andrey Arshavin

Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Attendance: 38,544

Braga 2-0 Arsenal - Champions League

Arsenal were defeated for the second time this Champions league campaign as Braga beat them 2-0 last Tuesday night. The Gunners were now overtaken by Shakhtar Donetsk and now need a win against Partizan Belgrade to assure their path to the knockout phase of the competition.

Arsene Wengar named a weakened side as Bendtner, Walcott, Djourou, Eboue and Gibbs replaced Chamakh, Nasri, Koscielny, Sagna and Clichy who were all being rested ahead of the weekends game against Aston Villa.

Matheus scored both of Braga's goals late on in the 83rd and last minute of the game. Arsenal were denied a clear claim for a penalty during the game when Vela was brought down and that looked to be the decisive moment of the game. Walcott had a few chances for Arsenal but could not convert them.

The teams lineups:

Braga: Felipe, Rodriguez, Moises, Garcia, Lima(80), Elderson, Aguir(80), Salino, Alan, Vandinho(89), Matheus.
Subs: Artur, Mossoro, Silvio, Viana(89), Capela, Elton(80), Madrid(80).

Arsenal: Fabianski, Eboue, Squillaci, Djourou, Gibbs, Fabregas(68), Walcott(76), Rosicky, Wilshere, Denilson, Bendtner(73).
Subs: Szczesny, Sagna, Nasri(68), Vela(76), Chamakh(73), Song, Koscielny.

My man of the match: Kieran Gibbs

Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
Attendance: 25,000

Arsenal suffer 3-2 defeat to rivals

Arsenal suffered a 3-2 defeat against deadly rivals Tottenham on Saturday at the Emirates. Arsenal were 2 goals up at half time thanks to Nasri and Chamakh but let that lead slip as Bale, Van Der Vaart and Kaboul scored in the second half to give Spurs victory. Koscielny was back from suspension for Arsenal and Van Persie back from injury came on as a sub again. William Gallas returned to the Emirates for the first time since joining the Gunners rivals in the summer and as expected got plenty of boos. Spurs had recorded their first victory on Arsenal territory in 17 years as the Gunners slipped back into 3rd, 2 points behind Chelsea and Man Utd and the top of the table.

Arsenal could have been 1-0 up in a matter of minutes when Nasri was through on goal but Gallas stuck out a leg brilliantly to keep Arsenal at bay.

Bale then had a good opportunity when Van Der Vaart delivered a corner into the path of Bale but he directed his shot straight at Fabianski.

Then on 9 minutes the Emirates stadium erupted when Arsenal took the lead. Fabregas played a lovely ball through to Nasri who then rounded the keeper and then slotted the ball into the back of the net from a tight angle to give The Gunners a deserved early lead.

Fabregas could have then given Arsenal a 2-0 lead when he knocked the ball past Kaboul and into the penalty area but could only manage to drag his shot wide.

Arsenal then did extended their lead to 2-0 when Fabregas played Arshavin down the left who delivered into the box and found Chamakh. He managed to get ahead of Hutton to get a touch and send the ball past Gomes. It already looked like a huge mountain to climb for Tottenham.

The score at half time was 2-0 to Arsenal.

5 minutes into the second half Spurs were right back in it when Defoe beat Koscielny in the air. The header found Van Der Vaart who passed to Bale who raced through on goal and dispatched his effort past Fabianski in front of the Spurs fans to make the score 2-1.

Tottenham now had a huge burst of life and Defoe set up Modric who almost made it 2-2, just drilling his effort over the bar from just outside the area.

Tottenham were then awarded with a free kick after Song brought down Modric. Van Der Vaart hit the shot but was blocked by a hand in the Arsenal wall and Spurs were awarded with a penalty. Van Der Vaart took and got the equaliser slotting the ball past Fabianski to turn the game completely around. It was now 2-2.

Arsenal then thought they had taken the lead again when Koscielny flicked on a Van Persie free kick to Fabregas who then found Squillaci but Fabregas was offside as Koscielny flicked the ball on so the goal was disallowed.

Fabregas then had two great opportunities to put the Gunners back in front but the first one he put over and the second was saved brilliantly by Gomes as the Gunners skipper looked to bend the ball just inside the post.

Koscielny then should have given Arsenal the lead when Van Persie beat a Tottenham defender and delivered to the french man at the back post who had a free header but he put his chance over the bar.

Spurs then got a free kick when Koscielny was booked for showing the only way to stop Bale by completely taking him out. Van Der Vaart delivered the ball into the box, Kaboul got his head on it and sent the ball past Fabianski to complete the Spurs comeback and give them the lead.

Walcott then got a great chance to get Arsenal's equaliser when Sagna found him in tons of space inside the area but he smashed his effort over the bar.

Rosicky then had one more effort to try and rescue a point from the game that Arsenal should have won but Gomes kept the shot out comfortably.

The final score ended Arsenal 2-3 Tottenham.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Arshavin(76), Fabregas, Nasri(76), Denilson, Song, Chamakh(68).
Subs: Szczesny, Djourou, Eboue, Walcott(76), Wilshere, Rosicky(76), Van Persie(68).

Tottenham: Gomes, Hutton, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto, Bale, Van Der Vaart(88), Modric, Jenas, Lennon(45), Pavlyuchenko(74).
Subs: Cudicini, Bassong, Corluka, Bentley, Palacios(88), Crouch(74), Defoe(45).

My man of the match: Samir Nasri

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 60,102

Arsenal move within two points of Chelsea

Arsenal moved to within 2 points of Chelsea on Sunday after the Gunners beat Everton at
Goodison Park 2-1 and Chelsea suffered just their second defeat of the season as they lost to Sunderland 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal's goals came from Sagna and Fabregas, Tim Cahill scored Everton's goal. Arsenal had not lost in Merseyside since 2007 and continued their dominance in that part of the country. Djourou kept his place in defence as Koscielny finished the last of his 2 game ban. Nasri returned to the side in place of Thomas Rosicky who played last Wednesday night in the trip to Wolves.

Nasri got a good opportunity to grab the opener when he ran at the Everton defence and shot but Distin threw himself in the way of the shot and the ball went out for a corner. Nasri took the corner but it was cleared away easily and given to Coleman on the right hand side who managed to out run Fabregas and then put a cross in for Cahill but he could only manage to put his free header over the bar.

Arshavin then grabbed an opportunity to put the Gunners ahead but he skyed his shot miles over the bar. The Everton backline were defending well and Wilshere's effort was then blocked by Jagielka as his shot was heading goalbound.

Arsenal then grabbed the lead on 35 minutes when Nasri cut inside and worked a shot which Howard kept out but Arshavin picked up the ball on the byline and found Sagna who smashed his effort past Tim Howard at the near post. That was only Sagna's second goal for the club and his first for Arsenal in over 2 and a half years.

Everton then got a corner which Arteta delivered into the area and onto the head of Saha right on the byline but Fabianski kept the shot out. If it had gone in it would not have counted anyway as the linesman thought the ball had already gone out of play.

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

Fabregas then got an early chance in the second half as Arsenal looked to double their advantage but the American Tim Howard kept the score at 1-0.
Arsenal then did double their advantage 3 minutes into the second half when Fabregas played a nice one-two with Chamakh inside the area before fireing home past Howard to give the Gunners a 2-0 lead.

Everton then had a claim that Squillaci should have been sent off meaning Arsenal would go down to 10 men. The frenchman brought down Saha as he was racing through on goal but Howard Webb said he was not the last man as Clichy was coming across so the referee only gave Squillaci a yellow card.

Everton were pressing for a way back into the game when Coleman fed Pienaar inside the area who crossed into the path of Rodwell but he put his shot high and wide.

Samir Nasri then should have confirmed all 3 points for the Gunners when he ran from inside his own half. He raced past Jagielka easily and then into the penalty area but he stuck his shot straight at the on coming Everton goalkeeper.

Marouane Chamakh then really should have sealed the victory for the Gunners when Fabregas drove in a low cross towards the Moroccan but he smashed his shot over the bar from 4 yards out.

Beckford then almost gave the hosts a way back into the game when he hit a shot on the turn but Fabianski made a smart save down to his left to prevent the former Leeds player from scoring 2 in 2 games.

Fabianski then made another good save when the ball fell to Pienaar just outside the box who drove a shot towards goal but straight at the Polish goalkeeper.
Then Fabianski had to make another save when the ball fell into the path of Saha who sent a curling shot towards the top corner but Fabianski was at full stretch to palm the ball away.

Everton then finally got the goal they deserved when Pienaar delivered the ball in from the left onto the head of Saha who knocked the ball down to Cahill who then put the ball past Fabianski to put Everton back into the game. It was too little too late though.

The final score ended Everton 1-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Everton: Howard, Neville(68), Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Heitinga(46), Cahill, Pienaar Arteta(68), Saha.
Subs: Mucha, Hibbert, Bilyaletdinov, Rodwell(46), Beckford(68), Gueye, Yakubu(68).

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Squillaci, Clichy, Fabregas, Arshavin(65), Wilshere(46), Song, Nasri, Chamakh(90).
Subs: Szczesny, Eboue(90), Gibbs, Walcott, Denilson(46), Rosicky(65), Van Persie.

My man of the match: Lukasz Fabianski

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 36,279

Chamakh first and last minute goals seal victory for the Gunners

Arsenal grabbed an important away victory against struggling Wolves on Wednesday night. First and last minute goals scored by Marouane Chamakh confirmed all three points but the Gunners would not have done it without the help of Fabianski in the Arsenal goal stopping Wolves from scoring several times throughout the match. Laurent Koscielny was absent from the Arsenal lineup as he was starting the two match ban he enforced on himself after getting sent off against Newcastle. Johan Djourou replaced him. Matt Jarvis was making his 100th appearance in the league for Wolves and was pushing himself towards a possible England call-up.

From the first attack of the game Arsenal scored. Rosicky was allowed to run through the heart of the Wolves midfield and then find Song on the right hand side who delivered the ball on to the head of Chamakh who placed his shot in the bottom left hand corner to give the Gunners an early lead.

Then in the sixth minute it could have been 2-0 when Arshavin disposed Mancienne just outside the box and managed to get a shot away but Hahnemann made himself big and kept out the shot.

Wolves were very much on the back foot and looked a shadow of the team who almost grabbed a point out of Manchester United at the weekend. Fabregas worked another save out of Hahnemann when Arshavin pulled the ball back into the box from the left and the ball bounced off a Wolves player and into the path of the Gunners skipper. The ball then found its way to Rosicky but his shot was blocked.

Wolves then had their first good opportunity when Hunt whipped in a freekick from the right hand side onto the head of Doyle but he headed just over.
Wolves were now having more of the ball and the ball got put in from the left but the cross hit Song and almost straight into the path of Hunt but Fabianski was aware of the threat and tipped the ball away from him just in time.

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

Wolves got a great early chance in the second half when Wilshere slipped inside his own penalty area. Jarvis picked the ball up and delivered into the six yard box but Sagna made a brilliant block from Fletcher's effort to keep Arsenal ahead.

Arsenal then should have had a 2 goal advantage when the Wolves defence gifted the ball to Rosicky who fed Fabregas but he just slipped his shot wide of the on coming Hahnemann and the post.

Doyle then forced a great save out of Fabianski when he was allowed to turn on the edge of the box and then strike a fiersome left footed shot towards the top corner. Fabianski managed to get one hand to it and tip the ball over.
From the resulting corner Stearman found the ball at his feet and struck his shot goalbound but the ball was cleared off the line by Rosicky.

Arsenal then hit the woodwork from their best chance of the second half so far when Arshavin drove down the left hand side and then cut inside onto his right foot and struck an effort towards the goal. The shot had Hahnemann beaten but the woodwork saved Wolves from going 2 down.

Arsenal were pressing for a second and they got a freekick. Fabregas took but the ball hit the wall and went out for a corner. From the corner Arsenal had a great chance once again but Djourou put his shot at Hahnemann and the danger was over.

Fabregas was then lucky not to have been sent off when he went in late on Ward after the ball had gone. The foul was right near the referee's asssistant but Fabregas only came away with a yellow card.

Wolves were having much more of the ball this half and Doyle once again came close to grabbing an equaliser but he dragged his attempt just wide. Berra then had another great chance to grab an equaliser but again Fabianski made the save to keep the Gunners in front.

Arsenal then finally sealed all 3 points in the last minute when Wolves were light at the back Fabregas found Chamakh unmarked who raced through on goal and poked his shot past Hahnemann for his second of the game.

The final score ended Arsenal 2-0 Wolves.

The teams lineups:


Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Squillaci, Djourou, Clichy, Arshavin(90), Fabregas, Rosicky, Wilshere(67), Song, Chamakh(90).
Subs: Szczesny, Eboue, Walcott, Denilson(67), Nasri(90), Bendtner(90), Van Persie.

Wolves: Hahnemann, Foley, Stearman, Berra, Ward(87), Mancienne(78), Jarvis, Milijas, Henry, Edwards(7), Doyle.
Subs: Hennessey, Van Damme, Mouyokolo, Elokobi, Hunt(7), Ebanks-Blake(78), Fletcher(87).

My man of the match: Lukasz Fabianski

Referee: Mark Halsey
Attendance: 27,329

Below par Arsenal beaten by Newcastle

Arsenal were not at their best on Sunday as they slipped to third in the table as they lost to Newcastle 1-0. Andy Carroll scored the only goal of the game as he continued to stake his claim for a place in the England squad with Fabio Capello watching on. Lauren Koscielny was sent off late on for the second time since joining the club and has been banned for 2 games for his challenge on Nile Ranger. Robin Van Persie was back for the Gunners and played just over 30 minutes after coming on for Marouane Chamakh. Many big names for Arsenal were definitely not at their best.

Arsenal got the first good chance of the game 11 minutes in when they were awarded with a free kick after Coloccini had clipped Wilshere. Fabregas took the kick and it took a deflection off the ball and onto the bar.

Fabregas then had another chance to break the deadlock when Nasri slipped a ball through to the captain who tried to find the net from a tight angle but Krul in the Newcastle goal just managed to divert the ball into the side netting.
Fabregas took the corner but the ball was cleared out, only as far as Wilshere though. He then gave the ball back to Fabregas again, who then found Nasri on the edge of the box who smashed a shot towards goal but Krul dived to his left hand side to keep the ball out brilliantly one handed.

Then just before half time Newcastle grabbed a surprise lead when Joey Barton floated in a free kick from outside the box. The ball found its way onto the head of Andy Carroll who couldn't miss and found the back of the net to break the deadlock.

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

Early into the second half Arsenal should have had their equaliser when Wilshere found Walcott inside the box only to see his shot smash against the bar and back out.

Arsenal were creating a lot of chances and Song managed to squeeze a cross into the box but the defender just got in the way of Chamakh to prevent what might have been an easy tap in for the Moroccan.

Andy Carroll then got a chance for Newcastle. He smashed a speculative left footed effort from outside the box but the shot did not trouble Fabianski and went wide for a goal kick.

Arsenal in recent weeks had failed to convert the huge amounts of chances they had had and today seemed to be the same case. Arsenal got another chance and Arshavin was allowed to get to the byline and then find a cross onto the head of Fabregas but his header was straight at Krul.

Newcastle then had a chance to kill the game off when Nile Ranger went to attempt to score with a bicycle kick but the ball went harmlessly over Fabianski's cross bar.

Then in the dying minutes of the game Laurent Koscielny was shown a straight red card when he brought down Ranger as he was charging towards goal.

The final scored ended Arsenal 0-1 Newcastle.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas, Wilshere(72), Song, Nasri(55), Chamakh(57).
Subs: Szczesny, Djourou, Eboue, Rosicky, Arshavin(55), Van Persie(57), Bendtner(72).

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Nolan, Tiote, Barton, Ameobi(82), Carroll.
Subs: Soderberg, Campbell, Taylor, Routledge, Smith, Lovenkrands, Ranger(82).

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 60,059

Arsenal slip up in Ukraine

Arsenal's 100% record in this seasons Champions League has now come to an end after the Gunners lost 2-1 against Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine last Wednesday. Walcott gave the Gunners the early lead but the Ukrainian side fought back with an own goal courtesy of Eastmond and former Arsenal striker Eduardo. Arsenal played a weakened side mainly because of injury. If Arsenal had won on the night they would have been garanteed a place in the knock out phase. Arsenal should still be able to confirm their place as long as they beat Braga and Partizan Belgrade. The Ukranian side are now level on points with Arsenal and remain unbeaten at their new stadium ''Donbass Arena''.

Shakhtar Donetsk got an early chance from a free kick. Srna took the free kick from outside the box but Fabianski got down well to his left hand side and kept the shot out easily.

Arsenal then got their first chance of the game when Nasri managed to work a shot from outside the box but he saw his effort hit the post and go out for a goal kick.

Then on 10 minutes Arsenal broke the deadlock when a Shakhtar corner was cleared out to Walcott who ran the ball down the wing and then buried his shot from outside the box beyond Pyatov in the Donetsk goal.

The Ukranian side then started to pressure Arsenal and Jadson hit the post after a cross was delivered from the left. They then got a corner and the ball bounced to Chygrynskiy who hit a shot towards goal but Fabianski kept the shot out brilliantly.

Then finally Shakhtar got the equaliser and the goal they deserved when Jadson delivered a free kick from the left hand side. Chygrynskiy got his head to the ball but it then hit Eastmond and flashed past Fabianski into his own net.

It then went from bad to worse as Shakhtar then took the lead after Srna disposed Clichy on the left flank and then delivered the ball into Eduardo who slotted the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the competition.

The score at half time was 2-1 to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Jack Wilshere got the first chance of the second half when the ball bounced to him inside the area but put his shot wide when he should have scored.
Arsenal had started the second half lively and Walcott got a good chance to grab the equaliser aswell but his shot was tame and Pyatov kept him out.

Shakhtar then had a strong claim for a penalty waved away rightly when Jadson looked to have stumbled under the challenge of Squillaci but there was hardly any contact.

Arsenal were now playing better than in the first half and applying the pressure well when a long ball was sent forward. Squillaci should have scored from a free header to make the score 2-2 but the header was straight at the goalkeeper.
Walcott was having his own head to head battle with Pyatov in the Shakhtar goal and Walcott managed to work another effort but Pyatov kept the shot out comfortably.

Theo Walcott then managed to fire another shot towards goal, this time from outside the area but Pyatov kept the in form stiker out once again.
Arsenal were fashioning chances left, right and centre and Vela now had a chance to grab the equaliser but again the shot was poor and Shakhtar remained in front.

Shakhtar then had a rare chance in the second half late on to kill the game off but Fabianski kept Moreno's shot from adding a 3rd.

The final score ended Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Hubschman, Gai(61), Rat, Chygrynskiy, Srna, Jadson(74), Willian, Rakitskiy, Adriano(87), Eduardo.
Subs: Khudzhamov, Kucher, Kobin, Stepanenko, Costa(74), Teixeira(61), Moreno(87).

Arsenal: Fabianski, Eboue, Djourou, Squillaci, Clichy, Rosicky, Walcott(81), Wilshere, Eastmond(58), Bendtner(73).
Subs: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vela(58), Chamakh(73), Emmanuel-Thomas(81), Lansbury.

My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Massimo Busacca (SUI)
Attendance: 48,765

Last gasp header from Song rescues Arsenal

Alex Song rescued Arsenal from a 0-0 draw against bottom of the table West Ham on Saturday when with two minutes to play, Song headed home from a Clichy cross to win the game for Arsenal and ensure all 3 points for the Gunners. It was a very frustrating afternoon for the Arsenal as they had a feast of chances but failed to convert them, hitting the woodwork twice in the second half. Rob Green in the West Ham goal kept it at that score for the majority of the game and seemed to now have his confidence back after his dreadful error for England at the World Cup. West Ham had times to remember though as they thought of their win at the Emirates a few seasons back being the first team to beat Arsenal on their new ground.

The resistance from Rob Green started early on when Sagna found Fabregas inside the box but Green managed to spring to the other end of the goal to keep the Arsenal skipper from scoring the first goal of the game.

West Ham then had a decent chance to break the deadlock when Mark Noble ran at the defence and then drove a shot towards goal but the effort was straight at Fabianski and he kept it out comfortably.

Both sides were pressuring each other well and Song had a great chance to make it 1-0 but Green kept the shot out well, diving down to his right hand side to get hands to it. The ball then came out to Nasri but he scuffed his shot and the ball went out of play. Arsenal were having all the play and they were awarded with a corner which was taken by Nasri onto the head of Squillaci. The ball was dipping underneath the bar and Green had to tip the ball over to make a brilliant save once again.

The score at half time was 0-0.

Arsenal early in the second half were awarded with a free kick a long way outside the box after Boa Morte was booked for bringing down Denilson. Nasri took it and he surprisingly went for goal. He smashed the shot towards goal and instead of Green saving his team the ball thundered past him and onto the cross bar. It would have been a spectacular goal.

Arsenal then had a feast of chances in quick succession. The first one from Cesc Fabregas was blocked by the face of Scott Parker. The second chance almost fell to Chamakh but Gabbidon managed to get in the way of him. The third then fell to Fabregas again but his shot was then blocked again. The ball then came to Denilson outside the box who struck a crisp volley towards goal but once again it was kept out by the West Ham defence. Heroic defending from the Hammers defence to keep the score deadlocked.

Arsenal then brought on some fresh legs in the shape of Theo Walcott who scored twice on his return from injury in midweek against Newcastle in the League Cup.

Before the sub Arsenal had got a free kick. Arshavin delivered from the dead ball to the head of the person you would most want the ball to fall on to the head of, Marouane Chamakh but he planted his header straight into the hands of Robert Green from 6 yards out.

Arsenal then came even closer to scoring when Theo Walcott raced clear of the defence down the right hand side and fired his shot across the face of goal but only to see his first shot of the game strike the post.

West Ham then got a rare opportunity to maybe snatch all 3 points but Da Costa headed his effort straight into the hands of Fabianski.

Walcott then had another great chance to win the game when he cut inside onto his left foot and struck the ball towards goal but his deflected shot was saved well by Green. Arsenal could still not brake the resistance of Green when Fabregas saw another of his shots saved well and away from danger.

It was looking as though it was just going to be one of those days but Arsenal finally got the breakthrough and broke West Ham's resistance grabbing the goal they much deserved from the game two minutes from time. Gael Clichy cutting inside onto his unfamiliar right foot down the left hand side and delivering the ball beyond Green onto the head of Song who could not miss from a yard out to give the Gunners the all important 3 points.

The final score ended Arsenal 1-0 West Ham

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Arshavin(79), Fabregas, Nasri, Denilson(67), Song, Chamakh(90).
Subs: Szczesny, Eboue(90), Djourou, Rosicky, Walcott(67), Vela, Bendtner(79).

West Ham: Green, Jacobson, Da Costa, Gabbidon, Ilunga, Boa Morte, Behrami(90), Parker, Piquionne(73), Obina(87).
Subs: Stech, Reid, Tomkins, Faubert(87), Barrera(90), Kovac, Cole(73).

My man of the match: Overall: Rob Green(West Ham) Arsenal: Alex Song

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 60,086

Arsenal hammer a weakened Newcastle side

Arsenal beat Newcastle 4-0 on Wednesday night at St James' Park to reach the quarter finals of the Carling Cup. Walcott grabbed 2 goals, Bendtner got one and an own goal sealed the victory. Both teams fielded weakened sides but Arsenal put a stronger lineup out than in recent years in this competition. Wojciech Szczesny was playing in goal for the Gunners, making only his second Arsenal appearence. Meanwhile in midfield young Craig Eastmond was only making his sixth start for Arsenal.

Arsenal should have taken the lead only 20 seconds into the game when Williamson gifted the ball to Rosicky who fed the ball through to Vela but his shot was kept out and went for a corner. Walcott took the corner and delivered it towards Bendtner who had 3 bites at the ball but failed to convert his chances. It was all Arsenal and Bendtner had another great chance to make it 1-0 moments later but he dragged his shot wide.

Then Newcastle had their first chance of the game when Ranger was sent through and went round the oncoming Szczesny but failed to score as his shot was blocked by Koscielny. From the resulting throw in, Denilson gave the ball straight to Smith who smashed a thundering shot towards goal. Szczesny managed to get fingertips to it to tip the ball onto the bar to make a great save.

Arsenal were then forced into making an unfortunate substitution on only 18 minutes as Kieran Gibbs hobbled off to be replaced by Bacary Sagna.

Eboue got a great chance when he raced down the left hand side, he opted to shoot from a tight angle but wasted the opportunity when the ball hit the side netting and there were plenty of Arsenal bodies in the box which he should have found.

Then just before half time Arsenal finally took the lead through an own goal. Walcott delivered a corner and it was then headed towards Bendtner who flicked it towards goal. The ball was cleared off the line but straight on to the head of the Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul and in.

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



8 minutes into the second half the Gunners doubled their lead through Theo Walcott. Johan Djourou with a massive defensive clearence to Walcott who raced clear and dinked the ball over Krul to make it 2-0 to Arsenal.

Newcastle were now begining to create chances and Szczesny saved brilliantly from close range from Taylor after an inswinging corner from Guthrie.

But 8 minutes from time the Gunners sealed the victory through Nicklas Bendtner. Guthrie had gifted the ball to Fabregas who then found Bendtner who fired the ball beyond Tim Krul to make it 3-0.

Szczesny then stopped Newcastle again from grabbing a consolation goal when he made a brilliant save from Ryan Taylor's free kick, diving to his left hand side to keep the score at 3-0.

Arsenal then completed the win 2 minutes from time when Koscielny found Walcott who raced clear again and slotted the ball past Krul for his second and Arsenal's fourth of the night.

The final score ended Newcastle 0-4 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Newcastle: Krul, Williamson, Perch, Taylor, Kadar, Guthrie, Routledge(56), Smith(70), Vuckic, Lovenkrands(56), Ranger.
Subs: Coloccini, Gutierrez(56), Tiote, Carroll(56), Soderberg, Enrique, Barton(70).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Djourou, Koscielny, Gibbs(18), Denilson, Eastmond, Rosicky, Walcott, Bendtner(83), Vela(69).
Subs: Fabianski, Sagna(18), Nordtveit, Fabregas(69), Arshavin, Emmauel-Thomas(83), Lansbury.


My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 33,157