Gunners close gap to one point with 1-0 win

Arsenal closed the gap to just 1 point between themselves and Man Utd after a 1-0 win over Stoke at the Emirates on Wednesday night. A single goal from french man Squillaci sealed the win for the Gunners. However, the victory was overshadowed by the injuries to Fabregas and Walcott which meant they would be out of the Carling Cup final on Sunday. Arsenal had made two changes to their normal starting lineup with Squillaci and Bendtner coming in for the injured Koscielny and Van Persie.

Just a minute into the game Arsenal had a great chance to take the lead. Wilshere with a solo run and then finding Fabregas who put the ball into Walcott but his shot hit the post and fell back into the hands of the goalkeeper.

Arsenal were creating plenty of chances and another two fell to Walcott but he could not put either away.

Then Arsenal did take the lead through centre back Sebastian Squillaci. Wilshere's corner finding Bendtner at the back post who put the ball back into the area and Squillaci was there to head home from 3 yards out.

Arsenal were then forced into making a change as Arshavin came on for the injured Fabregas.

Stoke's first big effort of the game fell to John Carew who hit a shot from just outside the box but Szczesny dived to his right to make the save.

5 mintues from the break Arsenal got a free kick after Shawcross brought down Arshavin. Nasri took it and managed to get the ball over the wall but it went wide.

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

The first chance of the second half fell to Stoke. Pennant whipping in a ball onto the head of Shawcross which was deflected off of Djourou and out for a corner.

Stoke then had another chance. Rory Delap with a long throw into the box which landed onto the head of Huth but he could only put his effort over the bar.

In a second half which Stoke had dominated they almost got a deserved equaliser from a Pennant free kick. Pennant managed to bend the ball around the wall but the shot hit the side netting and it remained 1-0.

In the dying moments of the game Arsenal were playing keep ball and almost managed to extend their lead when Nasri fired in a cross but Arshavin couldn't quite reach it.

The final score ended Arsenal 1-0 Stoke.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Djourou, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Fabregas(14), Walcott(70), Nasri, Bendtner(80).
Subs: Almunia, Gibbs, Eboue, Denilson(70), Rosicky, Arshavin(14), Chamakh(80).

Stoke: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Pugh, Whelan, Wilson(88), Pennant, Whitehead, Walters(77), Carew, Delap.
Subs: Sorensen, Higginbotham, Collins, Jones, Fuller(77), Diao, Wilkinson(88).

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere

Referee: Peter Walton
Attendance: 60,041

Late Orient equaliser sets up replay at the Emirates

An 88th minute equaliser from French striker Jonathan Tehoue set up a replay at the Emirates as Arsenal drew 1-1 with League 1 side Leyton Orient in the FA Cup. Arsenal's goal came from the head of Tomas Rosicky as the game was far from comfortable at the Matchroom Stadium. Arsenal fielded a weakened side making 10 changes with Ignasi Miquel making his senior debut for the club at centre back. Chamakh, Bendtner, Rosicky and Denilson also came into the side with a few others. Orient's main threat would come from their 'Messi'; Scott McGleish who is a lifelong Gunners fan and the top goal scorer in this seasons FA Cup.

The first chance fell to Orient and Stephen Dawson who struck a shot from range straight to the goalkeeper Almunia but he spilt it and then managed to grab the ball on the second attempt.

Arsenal's first chance fell to Chamakh. Arshavin delivering the ball onto the head of Chamakh but it was a tame header and the keeper made the save.

Chamakh then had another chance from just inside the box but once again it was a tame effort and Jones made an easy save.

Leyton Orient were applying the pressure and they got another decent effort in. A corner was played out to Daniels on the edge of the box who struck a fearsome strike towards goal which only just went over the bar.

The next chance fell to Bendtner at the opposite end. Chamakh teeing the ball up for him but he put his shot wide of the target.

Then Arsenal really should have scored as Gibbs swung in a low cross towards Chamakh 5 yards from goal but he put his shot wide.

The score at half time was 0-0.

8 minutes into the second half Arsenal took the lead. Bendtner's shot hitting a defender and then coming back to him. He then put a ball into the box and onto the head of Rosicky to grab his first goal in over a year for the Gunners.

Rosicky then could have had his second of the game. Arshavin getting to the byline and then finding the Czech midfielder but it was saved by the goalkeeper, he then spilt it back to Rosicky but this time he made a more comfortable save.

Leyton Orient then almost had an equaliser. Tohoue running down the wing and then playing the ball into Revell who hit it first time but the ball went just wide.

Arsenal then could have certainly sealed a place in the next round when Arshavin broke with the ball and then fired it across the face of the goal but it hit the post and went out for a goal kick.

2 minutes from the end Orient grabbed an equaliser. Tehoue finding the ball at his feet and skipping past 2 players, before lashing a shot beyond Almunia and into the back of the net to set up a replay at the Emirates.

The final score ended Leyton Orient 1-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Leyton Orient: Jones, Whing, Chorley, Forbes, Daniels, Smith, Dawson, Crowe(46), Cox, McGleish(61), Revell(82).
Subs: Butcher, Omozusi, Tehoue(61), Cestor, Carroll(46), M'Poku(82), Kane.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Squillaci, Miquel, Gibbs, Song, Denilson, Arshavin, Bendtner, Rosicky, Chamakh.
Subs: Szczesny, Eboue, Clichy, Koscielny, Wilshere, Fabregas, Nasri.

My man of the match: Tomas Rosicky

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 9,136

Arshavin goal gives Arsenal hope for second leg

Arsenal grabbed a shock 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday night thanks to goals from Van Persie and Arshavin. Although Barcelona dominated possession, Arsenal took their chances and came away with a victory, which did not look possible at half time with Barca playing so well. Arsenal fielded their strongest team possible with Eboue coming in for the suspended Bacary Sagna, and the manager taking a risk with Nasri who was back from injury. In the Barcelona side it was the usual lineup but without the captain Puyol who was out with injury, Abidal came in for him in the centre of defence.

The first real chance of the game fell to Arsenal from a free kick. Nasri playing the ball into the box which was flicked on by an Arsenal head but straight into the hands of Valdes in the Barca goal.

Walcott then had his first chance to run at the Barcelona defence and through the heart of the midfield. He eventually played the ball through to Van Persie but the pass was a little too strong and the ball went out of play.

Arsenal were the more livelier side at the moment and they got another good chance through Van Persie. Walcott cutting inside and then finding Fabregas who chipped the ball through to Van Persie but Valdes was there to stop the effort on goal.

Barcelona then had a great chance to go 1-0 up. Villa feeding Messi who ran through on goal and then chipped Szczesny but it went wide.

Once again Walcott had a chance to run into space. He found Fabregas with his pass who crossed the ball over to a certain goal for Van Persie but Abidal got a cruical header in and it remained 0-0.

25 minutes into the game Barcelona took the lead through David Villa. Messi running through the midfield and then playing the ball into Villa who slotted the ball through the keepers legs for 1-0.

Arsenal were not doing much wrong and they got another chance through Van Persie. Wilshere breaking down the field and then playing the ball into Van Persie but who smashed his shot wide.

Barcelona then thought they had a 2 goal lead but it was disallowed as Pedro's shot came off the goalkeeper and then onto the head of Messi but he was offside.

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

Wilshere had the first decent chance of the second half as he played a neat one-two with Fabregas before striking a shot which was saved by Valdes.

Van Persie then could have equalised with a shot from just outside the box after Walcott's deflected cross found him but he blazed the shot over the bar.

Then Messi had a good opportunity to put the game to bed when Iniesta slotted the ball into him but he could only find the side netting with his shot.

12 minutes from time Arsenal equalised through Robin Van Persie. Clichy playing the ball to him inside the area and from a tight angle Van Persie beat Valdes at his near post to make it 1-1.

Then 7 minutes from the end of time the Gunners took the lead thanks to Andrey Arshavin. Fabregas playing the ball down the wing to Nasri who then cut the ball back into the path of Arshavin who with a first time shot found the back of the net to make it 2-1.

Barcelona then almost found an equaliser 2 times through Dani Alves but both times the young Arsenal goalkeeper Szczesny got down to make the save.

The final score ended Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Song(68), Wilshere, Walcott(77), Nasri, Fabregas, Van Persie.
Subs: Almunia, Gibbs, Squillaci, Denilson, Rosicky, Arshavin(68), Bendtner(77).

Barcelona: Valdes, Alves, Pique, Abidal, Maxwell, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta(89), Pedro, Messi, Villa(68).
Subs: Pinto, Milito, Keita(68), Mascherano, Afellay, Adriano(89), Bojan.

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)
Attendance: 59,927

Van Persie double keeps title race alive

Arsenal sealed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wolves at the Emirates on Saturday thanks to 2 goals from Robin Van Persie. However it could have been an even greater victory but for the missed opportunities. There was one change in the Arsenal side as Song came in for the suspended Abou Diaby. Wilshere and Walcott started despite being on international duty in midweek. In the Wolves lineup new signings O'Hara and Hammill started.

Just 16 minutes into the game Arsenal had the lead. Fabregas playing the ball into the box onto Van Persie who on the volley smashed the ball home to give the Gunners an early lead.

Then it could have been 2-0. Arshavin cutting the ball back to Walcott whose shot was parried away straight to Fabregas but Stearman was on the line to block the shot.

Just before the break Van Persie could have had his second of the game. Song playing the ball into him on the six yard box but Van Persie this time was denied by Hennessey.

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

Walcott then really should have made it 2-0. Wilshere running with the ball into the penalty area and then finding Walcott in space who had practically an open goal but he put his shot wide.

Hennessey was playing well and he then had to make a save from his own man as Wilshere's cross came off Stearman and nearly into his own net but for the goalkeeper.

Arshavin was looking more lively in this game than in recent matches and almost made it 2-0 but the ball slightly struck a Wolves defender and it went past the post.

Arsenal finally then did make it 2-0 thanks to Van Persie's second of the game. It was lovely build up play, as some brilliant one touch play completely split the wolves midfield and defence before the ball landed at the dutchman's feet who buried the ball beyond Hennessey.

Walcott then had another chance to beat Hennessey as he flew down the wing and then played a one-two with Chamakh. Walcott then tried to beat the goalkeeper at his near post but he got down well to keep out the effort.

In the last minute of the game Wolves had a chance to grab a consolation goal but Ebanks-Blake put his shot over the bar.

The final score ended Arsenal 2-0 Wolves.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Walcott, Wilshere(77), Fabregas, Song, Arshavin(72), Van Persie(71).
Subs: Almunia, Squillaci, Eboue, Gibbs, Denilson(77), Chamakh(71), Bendtner(72).

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Stearman, Berra, Elokobi, O'Hara(63), Milijas(63), Henry, Jarvis, Hammill, Doyle(80).
Subs: Hahnemann, Ward, Foley(63), Craddock, Jones, Fletcher(80), Ebanks-Blake(63).

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 60,050

Arsenal let four goal lead slip

On a day of goals galore in the Premiership Arsenal let a 4-0 half time lead slip as they had to settle for a draw at St James' Park. Walcott, Djourou and 2 from Van Persie thought they had secured the win but when Diaby was sent off it all went downhill as two penalty's from Barton and a goal each for Best and Tiote capped off an unbelievable comeback from Newcastle. There were two changes in the Arsenal side as Arshavin and Diaby came in for Rosicky and the injured Alex Song. Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell was on the bench for Newcastle.

45 seconds into the match Arsenal took the lead through Theo Walcott. Diaby finding Arshavin who flicked the ball onto Walcott who went through on goal and comfortably slotted the ball past Harper.

2 minutes later Arsenal went 2-0 up through Djourou. Arshavin delivering the free kick from the left right onto the head of Djourou who put the ball into the back of the net for his first Arsenal goal.

9 minutes into the game Van Persie made it 3 for the Gunners and they were looking unplayable. Walcott finding room on the right hand side and cutting the ball back to Van Persie who fired the ball home.

Van Persie then had his second and Arsenal's fourth. The ball played out to Sagna who had plenty of time to put in a cross and he did, finding the unmarked Van Persie to head Newcastle out of sight.

The dutchman then could have had a first half hat-trick. Fabregas playing the ball upfield to Van Persie but his attempt to lob Harper went over the bar.

The score at half time was 4-0 to Arsenal.

3 minutes into the second half Abou Diaby was sent off. Barton challenging him strongly and winning the ball but Diaby was clearly unhappy with the tackle and pushed Barton to the ground and then Nolan.

Then Newcastle were awarded with a penalty after Koscielny brought down Best. Barton stepped up to take the penalty and casually put the ball into the back of the net for 4-1.

Newcastle were then denied a second. Best putting the ball into the back of the net but the linesman flagged him offside. However, he was not, as Rosicky was playing him so the goal should have stood.

Best then did have a goal. Enrique putting a high ball into the area which bounced off Clichy and into the path of Best who side footed the ball into the back of the net to make it 4-2.

The Gunners were all over the place and Nile Ranger almost made it 4-3 with a well struck effort but Szczesny was there to keep the shot out.

Newcastle were then awarded another penalty which should not have been given. The free kick played up to Williamson who tussled with Koscielny and was brought down. Barton once again stepped up and scored his second despite the leg of the Arsenal goalkeeper.

3 minutes from time Newcastle did the impossible and levelled the game. Barton's free kick headed out to Tiote who on the volley struck a powerful effort into the corner of the net to make it 4-4.

Newcastle then almost won the game. The ball fired up field to Ranger who chested the ball down to Nolan who struck a shot which went just inches past the post.

The final score ended Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Newcastle: Harper, Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Enrique, Gutierrez, Nolan, Tiote, Barton, Lovenkrands(72), Best(89).
Subs: Krul, Campbell, Perch, Guthrie(89), Ferguson, Richardson, Ranger(72).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou(49), Clichy, Arshavin(71), Fabregas, Diaby, Wilshere, Walcott(77), Van Persie.
Subs: Almunia, Gibbs, Eboue(77), Squillaci(49), Rosicky(71), Chamakh, Bendtner.

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 51,561

Arsenal come from behind to grab important win

Arsenal came from a goal down to win 2-1 against Everton at the Emirates. Arshavin and Koscielny sealed the important win but the Gunners still remain 5 points behind Man United. The back four was back to its usual after the FA Cup on Sunday whilst Rosicky came in for the injured Samir Nasri. Van Persie, Walcott and Fabregas were all back in the starting lineup. Everton were just missing one key player; Tim Cahill who was still with Australia at the Asian Cup.

24 minutes into the game Everton took a controversial 1-0 lead. Louis Saha was the man to grab the goal but it should not have stood because as the ball was played through to him he was clearly standing in an offside position but the linesman's flag was not raised.

Arsenal then almost grabbed the equaliser. Van Persie's corner flicked on by Djourou almost finding Koscielny who surely would have scored but failed to make contact as the ball flashed across the box.

20 minutes into the second half Andrey Arshavin came on for Rosicky. 10 minutes later it turned out to be an inspired substitution as he scored Arsenal's equaliser. Fabregas lofting the ball through to the Russian who on the volley fired home to put the Gunners back into the game.

Arsenal were then awarded a free kick after Osman brought down Walcott who was charging towards goal. Van Persie took it and almost scored but for Howard who got to the top corner of the goal to only just keep the effort out.

From the resulting corner Arsenal took the lead. Van Persie delivering the corner right towards Koscielny who with a free header placed the ball into the back of the net for his second goal in 3 games.

The final score ended Arsenal 2-1 Everton.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Rosicky(62), Fabregas, Walcott, Wilshere(69), Song(45), Van Persie.
Subs: Almunia, Gibbs, Eboue, Arshavin(62), Diaby(45), Chamakh, Bendtner(69).

Everton: Howard, Neville(79), Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Coleman(79), Bilyaletdinov(65), Fellaini, Rodwell, Arteta, Saha.
Subs: Mucha, Jagielka(79), Osman(65), Anichebe(79), Gueye, Beckford, Baxter.

My man of the match: Laurent Koscielny

Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 60,014

Fabregas penalty sends Arsenal into last sixteen

A late penalty from skipper Cesc Fabregas put Arsenal into the last 16 of the FA Cup after a 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town at the Emirates. The other goal came from Bendtner as Huddersfield did not make it easy, especially near the end of the first half when Squillaci was sent off for being the last man. It also did not look as easy when Samir Nasri was brought off on just 32 minutes with an injury. The Arsenal lineup was of course changed and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia played in his first game since September because of injury. The likes of Arshavin, Nasri and Chamakh all started, with Fabregas, Walcott and Van Persie on the bench being rested.

The Gunners had an early chance to grab the lead through Bendtner after Arshavin found him with a deflected cross but the Dane could only manage to steer his shot wide.

Arshavin then managed to work a shot for himself after another good run down the left hand side. He shot inside the near post but Bennett in the Huddersfield goal got down well to keep the shot out.

Bendtner then really should have hit the target but he completely missed the ball after Nasri floated a ball into him.

Arsenal then took a deserved lead through Bendtner. Nasri playing the through ball for Bendtner to run on to and he got a shot out which would have probably been going miles wide but it took a huge deflection and went into the back of the net.

Huddersfield then should have got an equaliser as a lovely ball was fed across into the box but Lee flicked his shot wide.

They then had another decent chance to score as the ball was floated into the box and onto the head of Pilkington but once again the shot went wide.

Since the goal Arsenal had looked shaky and then a moment of lapse in concentration gifted Huddersfield a lifeline. Squillaci was sent off for bringing down Hunt after an amazing run from the youngster.

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

Arshavin was looking much livelier than in previous weeks and managed to almost grab a goal as Rosicky found him darting down the left but he could only find the side netting with his attempt.

Huddersfield then thought they had an equaliser but an amazing save from Almunia kept Lee's header from finding the bottom corner of the net.

The underdogs then did grab a goal. Lee's header this time proving too powerful for Almunia and Huddersfield were right back in the game.

4 minutes from time Arsenal were awarded a penalty after McCombe brought down Bendtner before he had even had a chance to get to the ball. Fabregas stepped up to take and slotted the ball home to send Arsenal into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Huddersfield were not going out without a fight and they came close to leveling the scores once again from Roberts' free kick but the ball only just sailed over the bar.

The final score ended Arsenal 2-1 Huddersfield.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Koscielny, Squillaci, Gibbs, Denilson, Diaby(69), Arshavin, Nasri(32), Bendtner, Chamakh(46).
Subs: Szczesny, Song(46), Wilshere, Fabregas(69), Rosicky(32), Walcott, Van Persie.

Huddersfield: Bennett, Peltier, Gudjonsson, Clarke, Roberts, Pilkington, Clarke(60), McCombe, Lee, Kilbane, Hunt.
Subs: Naysmith, Kay, Arfield(60), Novak, Colgan, Atkinson, Chippendale.

My man of the match: Cesc Fabregas

Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Attendance: 59,375