Arsenal back to winning ways as Van Persie grabs 100th goal

Arsenal got back to winning ways as they picked up their second win of the campaign as they beat Bolton 3-0 on Saturday afternoon. Two goals from the captain, Van Persie meant he scored his 100th goal for the club whilst Song grabbed a third late on. However Bolton were down to ten men for part of the game as Wheater was sent off. Van Persie has now become only the 17th player in history to score a century of goals for Arsenal. For the game there were changes to the side that lost to Blackburn last weekend as Gibbs came in for Santos and Walcott came in for Arshavin.

Robin Van Persie - Now a Century of goals for the club

The first chance of the game fell to the hosts, Bolton. Arsenal were caught out as they were momentarily down to ten men due to Koscielny having a head injury. A free kick was aimed in at Wheater who headed across goal to Pratley who hit a volley towards the goal but Sczesny did what he had been doing all season by making a brilliant save to deny the ex-Arsenal youth player, Pratley.



Arsenal's first chance also came from a free kick after Walcott was brought down on the edge of the box. Arteta then layed the ball off to Van Persie from the freekick who curled a shot around the wall but just wide of the goal.

In a half with not many chances Gervinho had a rare sight of goal but he drove his shot over the bar from distance.

The score at half time was 0-0.

Just seconds into the second half Arsenal took the lead. Song playing Ramsey down the middle who  found Van Persie who got past one player before firing a shot just inside Jaaskelainen's near post and into the back of the net.

The skipper, Van Persie then had a great chance to extend their lead as Walcott played the ball through to the dutchman but this time Jaaskelainen kept the shot out.

Ten minutes into the second half Bolton had a man sent off. A ball was slipped through to Walcott but Wheater brought him down, and because it was a clear goal scoring opportunity he was sent off. Van Persie took the free kick but put his effort straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.

It was then Bolton's turn to attack and they had a great chance to equalise as Petrov played Eagles in who ran clear of the defence and hit a shot goalwards but Szczesny easily kept out the attempt.

Straight away Arsenal went up the other end and almost made it 2-0 as Gervinho found Van Persie who once again hit a shot towards the goal but the ball curled just wide of the post. Van Persie had another good chance as Walcott chipped the ball into him but he saw his header brilliantly kept out by Jaaskelainen.

Then Arsenal did make it 2-0 and Van Persie finally grabbed his second of the game and his 100th goal for the Gunners. Walcott again supplying the ball from the right into Van Persie who got ahead of his man to steer the ball home with 18 minutes left.

A rare goal from Alex Song sealed the win

Arsenal were dominating the game against the side which find themselves in the relegation zone. They then managed to find another chance as Song split the defence with a ball through to Walcott. He raced clear of the defence only for him to hit a tame shot which was easily saved by the Bolton goalkeeper.

With a minute left on the clock Arsenal scored again. Sagna playing the ball from the right into the path of Alex Song who turned Pratley before firing the ball past Jaaskelainen and into the back of the net.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-0 Bolton. 
  
The teams lineups: 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta(81), Song, Ramsey, Walcott, Van Persie(86), Gervinho(78).
Subs: Fabianski, Santos, Frimpong, Rosicky(81), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arshavin(78), Chamakh(86).

Bolton: Jaaskelainen,Wheater, Robinson, Knight, Steinsson, Petrov, Pratley, Muamba(56), Reo-Coker, Eagles, Ngog(20).
Subs: Bogdan, Boyata(56), Gardner, M.Davies, Kakuta, Tuncay, K.Davies(20).

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Attendance: 59,727

Young guns shine in Carling Cup

Arsenal put their problems in the league behind them as a young side beat Shrewsbury Town 3-1 on Tuesday night in the Carling Cup Round 3 at the Emirates. A shock could have been on the cards as Shrewsbury took the lead in a period which they dominated. First Arsenal goals for Kieran Gibbs and new boys 0xlade-Chamberlain and Benayoun were enough to see the Gunners through to round 4 of the cup which they got to the final of last season. Ju Young Park made his first Arsenal appearence whilst Igansi Miquel and Francis Coquelin returned to first team duty. Arsenal fielded a very young bench with Ryo, Aneke and Ozyakup all coming on for their first team debuts along with Martinez, Boateng and Yennaris who were unused subs but had been called up to the first team for the first time.

The teams shaking hands before kick off

The first chance of the game fell to Arsenal as Park found Gibbs who had advanced forward before delivering a cross onto the head of Chamakh but Smith managed to tip his header over the bar.

Chamakh then once again had a brilliant chance to give the Gunners the lead as Coquelin tricked his way past the full back before finding Chamakh inside the box but Smith dived across the goal to once again keep the Moroccan out.

Shrewsbury's first chance of the game came from Wright as Goldson found him running forward. Wright then managed to get a shot away which hit the post and came back out only for the follow up to be put straight into the side netting.

The Shrews then took a surprise lead as a throw in found Morgan who put the ball into the box and onto the head of Collins who powered home a header from 6 yards out to make it 1-0 on just 15 minutes.

Arsenal then started to dominate as Jenkinson found Coquelin on the edge of the area who drove a shot from distance but Smith was equal to it to keep out the shot.

From the Gunners next chance they equalised. Carl Jenkinson crossing the ball in which came off a defender and into the path of Gibbs who headed the ball towards the near post and into the back of the net.

The final chance of the half fell to Park as Coquelin played a ball down field to the Korean who cut inside and curled a shot just wide of the goal.

The score at half time was 1-1.

Arsenal fielded a young and inexperienced side

From the first shot of the second half Arsenal took the lead. Frimpong playing the ball to Oxlade-Chamberlain who sent the ball from distance beyond the goalkeeper and into the net.

Chamberlain then went close again to scoring, this time from just outside the area but the goalkeeper managed to save the effort and parm away the shot.

With 11 minutes still to play Arsenal grabbed a third goal as Ozyakup did well down the right hand side by beating his man before feeding Benayoun who fired home to send the Gunners into round 4.

Arsenal were still creating chances and Benayoun had a chance to grab a second as Chamakh found him on the edge of the box. Benayoun then flicked the ball up and unleashed a shot which just went wide.

The final score ended Arsenal 3-1 Shrewsbury.


The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Miquel, Djourou, Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain(90), Coquelin, Frimpong(77), Benayoun, Park(72), Chamakh.
Subs: Martinez, Yennaris, Boateng, Ozyakup(77), Watt, Ryo(72), Aneke(90).

Shrewsbury: Smith, Grandison, Jacobson, McAllister(72), Goldson, Wright, Hazell, Wroe, Ainsworth(78), Collins(72), Morgan.
Subs: Neal, Leslie, Richards(72), Bradshaw(72), Male, Taylor(78). 

My man of the match: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain


Referee: Tony Bates
Attendance: 46,539

Arsenal continue poor start to the season

 Arsenal continued their worst start to a Premier League campaign under Arsene Wenger with a 4-3 loss to Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon. Despite having the majority of possession and shots and also taking the lead twice the Gunners poor defence was the reason for their downfall. There was some good news however as Gervinho and Song were back from suspension while Santos made his full debut at left back. Arteta scored his first goal for the Gunners whilst Gervinho scored his first competitive goal and Chamakh also opened his account for the season.

Just 10 minutes into the game and Arsenal had the lead. Song playing the ball into Gervinho who fired his shot underneath a defender and into the far corner of the net for 1-0.

Blackburn's first chance of the game came from a free kick, as the ball was floated in towards Samba but from 4 yards he put his header wide.

Arteta celebrates his goal

Arsenal then had a decent chance kept out as a corner was cleared but only as far as Arshavin who from distance struck a volley which tested Robinson in the Blackburn goal but he did well to parm the ball away.

Arsenal were looking dangerous and they then created another good opportunity as Sagna got forward down the right hand side before playing the ball back to Gervinho on the edge of the box but he blazed his shot over the bar.

A few minutes later out of nothing Blackburn equalised through Yakubu. Hoilett slipping the ball through to the debutant Yakubu who took his shot early past the oncoming Szczesny and into the back of the net for his first goal for the club.

Samba then had another great heading opportunity as a corner was put into the box and onto the head of Samba but again he could not direct his opportunity on target.

11 minutes before the break Arsenal regained the lead. Ramsey being set free down the right hand side and getting the space to find Arteta inside the box who smashed a shot past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net for his first goal in Arsenal colours.

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

5 minutes into the second half Blackburn were level again through an own goal from Alex Song. A free kick was chipped into the box where the ball came through a crowd of bodies before bouncing off Song and into his own net to make it 2-2.

Blackburn then had a great chance to take the lead as Formica went clear of the defence and through on goal but was denied by a great save from Szczesny.

The next chance Rovers got they did take the lead. A Hoilett corner found its way to Nzonzi at the back post who then fired a ball back across the face of the goal straight into the path of Yakubu who could not miss from 3 yards out as he scored his second of the game.

10 minutes later Blackburn extended their lead to 2 goals as they made it 4-2. Hoilett playing a ball out wide to Yakubu who on the break found Olsson down the right hand side who skipped past the challenge of Djourou before racing into the box and crossing but the ball hit Koscielny and fell into his own net for Arsenal's second own goal of the game.

Arshavin advances with the ball

Arsenal's next attempt on goal was a golden opportunity to get them back into the game as a corner found its way onto the head of Van Persie but Robinson managed to get a hand to the header to keep the attempt on goal out.

With 5 minutes left to play Arsenal grabbed a lifeline as they made it 4-3. Santos finding Van Persie on the left wing who then crossed the ball into the box and onto the head of Chamakh who powered home a header from 8 yards out.

Into injury time and Arsenal should have had a point but for Mertesacker's miss. As the ball came into the box the giant German defender put his header over the bar from 3 yards out.

The Gunners then had one final chance to get the equaliser as Gervinho played Van Persie in who struck a shot from a tight angle but once again Robinson was in the way to keep the Arsenal skipper at bay.

The final score ended Blackburn 4-3 Arsenal. 

The teams lineups:

Blackburn: Robinson, Salgado(15), Samba, Dann, Givet, Nzonzi, Lowe, Rochina(55), Hoilett, Formica(65), Yakubu.
Subs: Bunn, Hanley, Olsson(55), Grella, Petrovic(15), Vukcevic(65), Roberts.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna(52), Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos, Song(76), Arteta, Ramsey, Gervinho, Arshavin(64), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou(52), Gibbs, Coquelin, Benayoun, Walcott(64), Chamakh(76).

My man of the match: Gervinho

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 22,637

Arsenal earn draw in tough away fixture

Arsenal managed to earn a 1-1 draw in their opening Champions League group stage game against German champions Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park. Robin Van Persie gave the Gunners the lead but a late goal from Persic ensured both teams came away with a point in a tough group F encounter. In the group are also French side Marseille and Greek team Olympiacos. In the match, loan signing Yossi Benayoun was making his first start for the club whilst Andre Santos came off the bench to make his first appearance for Arsenal.

Van Persie celebrates his goal

The first chance of the game fell to Arsenal and Gervinho as the ball bounced off a defender and into the path of the Ivorian but Weidenfeller in the Dortmund goal kept the shot out.

Borussia Dortmund's first chance came moments later as they broke forward and then Grosskreutz manged to work a shot but he fired the ball miles over the bar. Their next chance fell to Kagawa as the ball was put down field but once again the ball was seen sailing over the cross bar.

The German side were dominating. They then had a brilliant chance to take the lead as young midfielder Mario Gotze found Lewandowski who rounded the keeper but then saw his shot cleared off the line by Sagna.

Arsenal finally managed to work a chance as Benayoun found Van Persie in space. He then drove forward and hit a shot which was just tipped wide by the Dortmund keeper.

3 minutes before the break Arsenal against the run of play took the lead. Van Persie winning the ball back in midfield before finding Walcott who then slipped a ball back through to the Gunner's skipper; Van Persie who smashed a right footed effort past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

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

Dortmunds wonderkid - Mario Gotze

The first chance of the second half came to Gervinho of Arsenal as he got past one man before seeing his shot saved by Weidenfeller.

The first really good chance of the second half fell to the German side as Gotze's corner found Subotic who hit a shot which was somehow saved by Szczesny.

2 minutes from the end of time Borussia Dortmund equalised as Schmelzer's free kick was headed out by Gibbs but straight to Perisic who unleashed a looping volley which beat Szczesny and went into the back of the net.

The final score ended Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller, Subotic, Hummels, Piszczek, Schmelzer, Kehl(67), Gotze, Grosskreutz(68). Bender, Lewandowski, Kagawa(83).
Subs: Langerak, Santana, Da Silva, Blaszczykowski(67), Gundogan, Perisic(68), Zidan(83).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Arteta, Benayoun, Walcott(76), Gervinho(84), Van Persie(84).   
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos(84), Frimpong(76), Arshavin, Park, Chamakh(84).

My man of the match: Alex Song

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Attendance: 75,000

Arshavin goal gives Arsenal first league win

Mikel Arteta was making his Arsenal debut

Arsenal picked up their first 3 points of the season on Saturday as they beat Premier League new boys Swansea 1-0 at the Emirates. A rare error from goalkeeper Michael Vorm was enough for Arsenal. Arshavin gave them the only goal of the match, as the Gunners won for the first time in the league this season. There were many changes to the side that got smashed 8-2 by Manchester United in the last game. Arteta and Mertesacker made their debuts whilst Frimpong was back from suspension. Sagna was back from illness and Gibbs returned at left back after recovering from an injury. Other new boys Park, Benayoun and Santos were amongst the substitutes for the game.

In the very first minute of the game Arsenal created the first chance as Arteta got forward and fed Ramsey inside the penalty area but he smashed his shot wide of the goal.

Swansea's first chance of the game fell to Danny Graham. Aguestien delivering the ball into the path of Graham who got his foot to the ball but Szczesny was forced to make an outstanding save to keep out the ex-Watford man.

Then Walcott must have thought he had scored as Arshavin found him just inside the penalty area. Walcott got the shot away which came off the goalkeeper and was then cleared off the line by Cualker.

Then 5 minutes before the break Arsenal were gifted the lead in bizarre fashion as Theo Walcott hit a shot which looped off a defender into Vorms hands. He then rolled the ball out straight to his own defender who was facing the wrong way, Arshavin was alert to the loose ball and then curled the ball into the back of the net from a tight angle.

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

Sinclair was one of Swansea's best players in the defeat

The first chance of the second half fell to Swansea from a freekick after Koscielny had brought down Sinclair on the edge of the box. Sinclair took the free kick and the ball curled over the wall and onto the cross bar and behind.

Arsenal's first chance fell to Van Persie but they were also denied by the woodwork as the dutchman cut inside and hit a shot which struck the post and bounced out of play.

Into the last ten minutes and Arsenal had a great chance to seal the game. Gibbs was set free down the left hand side before putting the ball onto the head of Chamakh but the header was straight at Vorm.

In the final moments of the game Swansea had a great chance to equalise as Szczesny missed the ball in a crowd of players from the corner which left Graham with an open goal but struck his shot over the crossbar.

The final score finished Arsenal 1-0 Swansea.

The teams lineups: 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Frimpong(73), Ramsey, Arteta, Walcott, Arshavin(62), Van Persie(80).
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos, Coquelin(73), Benayoun(62), Park, Chamakh.

Swansea: Vorm, Williams, Taylor, Caulker, Britton, Allen(74), Rangel, Agustien(63), Dyer(83), Sinclair, Graham. 
Subs: Richards, Gower(63), Tremmel, Bessone, Moore(83), Lita, Dobbie(74).

My man of the match: Andrey Arshavin

Referee: Stuart Attwell

Attendance: 60,087

Arsenal submit their squad for Premier League campaign

Arsenal have released their 22 man squad list along with all of the other Premier League clubs for the  2011/12 Barclays Premier League campaign. Most clubs have chosen 25 players to be in their original squad, however Arsenal as we know have a very young squad and have chosen 22 players. Each club had a deadline of 5pm on 2nd September to name a squad containing no more than 17 players who do not fulfil the Home Grown Player criteria. The remainder of their squad must be Home Grown. The home grown rule is simple, it means that if the player has been at the club for a period of 3 years or more up until his 21st birthday they can be selected in the squad. Arsenal's home grown players are Alex Song, Johan Djourou, Kieran Gibbs, Theo Walcott and Vito Mannone. All of Arsenal's new summer signings over the age of 21 are in the squad.

Here is the 22 man squad in full:

1. Manuel Almunia
2. Andrey Arshavin
3. Mikel Arteta
4. Yossi Benayoun
5. Marouane Chamakh
6. Abou Diaby
7. Johan Djourou
8. Lukasz Fabianski
9. Gervinho
10. Kieran Gibbs
11. Laurent Koscielny
12. Vito Mannone
13. Per Mertesacker
14. Park Chu Young
15. Tomas Rosicky
16. Bacary Sagna
17. Andre Santos
18. Alex Song
19. Sebastian Squillaci
20. Robin Van Persie
21. Thomas Vermaelen
22.  Theo Walcott

    

    Theo Walcott - One of Arsenal's homegrown players

    Of course players under the age of 21 can also play but do not have to be part of that 22 men squad which means players such as Szczesny, Wilshere, Ramsey, Frimpong, Jenkinson, Coquelin, Miyaichi, Miquel and others may also play in Barclays Premier League matches for the 2011/12 season.

Review of Summer Signings

As we got closer to 'Transfer Deadline Day' we thought that the Arsenal board would not be investing much more to try and strengthen the squad after selling key figures such as Fabregas, Nasri and Clichy. However as we reached the transfer deadline Arsenal had managed to bag 3 players and then just as the clock struck 11pm last night which meant the transfers had to have been completed, Arsenal finalised a deal for Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta, much to the relief of Arsenal fans around the world, as we made 4 signings on the day of the window closing. Not forgetting that we also signed 5 players before all the fuss started. Could this spray of quality signings for little money come because of the 8-2 loss to United at the weekend? Yes partly and because we desperately needed to strengthen our defence and midfield. It is also rumoured that the Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger got involved with the transfers to make sure they went ahead before the deadline.

Here is a list of all our summer signings and the fee which we bought them for:

Ryo Miyaichi: The Japenese wideman was officially welcomed to the club in the summer, after spending half the season on loan at Feyenoord last season after he had signed for Arsenal in January. Playing 12 times and scoring 3 goals in the Dutch league for Feyenood meant Ryo went straight into Arsene Wenger's first XI. He featured in every away pre season game but did not feature in the Emirates cup due to not being given a work permit to play in England yet. The work permit was soon granted and Miyaichi has been a sub in every Arsenal game so far this season. Ryo will wear the number 31 shirt.
Fee: Free Transfer from Chukyodai Chukyo High School 


Carl Jenkinson: The English born Finnish full back came to the club as Arsenals first proper signing of the transfer window. Jenkinson was playing on loan from Charlton at non league club Welling United last season for half of last season. However the young defender has not had the greatest of starts at the club scoring an own goal in the friendly win over Cologne and being sent off in the Gunners 8-2 loss to Manchester United. Jenkinson will wear the shirt formally worn by Emmanuel Adebayor, number 25.
Fee: £1million from Charlton Athletic

Gervinho: Gervinho became Arsenal's first big signing of the summer as the Ivorian forward signed from french league champions Lille. Gervinho who is a major part of the Ivory Coast nation team has had a decent start for Arsenal scoring 2 on his debut in a friendly against German side Cologne and being one of Arsenal's star men in the 2-1 win over Udinese in Italy to qualify for the Champions League. However the Ivorian's first game saw him seeing red for a slap on Newcastle's Joey Barton. Gervinho will wear the number left by Eboue following his departure to Galatasaray, number 27.
Fee: £10.5million from Lille

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: The young Englishman was Arsenal's most expensive signing of the summer and joining the club from newly promoted Southampton. Alex was a key part of that Southampton side last season playing 36 times and scoring 9 goals for the Saints as they won promotion to the Championship. Oxlade-Chamberlain has played only once so far coming on as a substitute against Manchester United at Old Trafford. He will wear the number 15 shirt.
Fee: £12million from Southampton

Joel Campbell: The young Costa Rican striker was signed from Saprissa in his home-land where he featured just 3 times at senior level. However he has played for the Costa Rican U20's 13 times having scored 10 goals. He has played only 6 times for the full national side which meant Campbell was not granted a work permit to play in England yet. Therefore he was loaned out to French club Lorient.
Fee: Undiscloed from Saprissa.

Park Chu Young: The Gunners new number 9 was signed up as cover for Marouane Chamakh who will be playing the Africa Cup of Nations in January and for Bendtner as he has gone out on loan. Park is thought to feature more than Chamakh. The Korean striker is experienced and is the captain of the South Korea side. However Park will only be able to play for 2 and a half years at the club due to him having to go back to Korea to do military service, unless he is excused from it by doing well with the national side or Arsenal.
Fee: £5million from Monaco

Andre Santos: The first signing of transfer deadline day Andre Santos who is a full back has come into the side as a much needed replacement for Gael Clichy. Santos is known for having some tricks in his locker and can also produce the odd goal from distance scoring a goal nearly every 5 games for his ex club Fenerbahce. The Turkish club which he signed from has been in trouble recently after being thrown out of the Champions League for match fixing and are also facing relegation to the Turkish fourth division so it was no suprise that the player was looking for a move away. Santos has played 22 times for Brazil and will wear the number 11 shirt.
Fee: £6.5million from Fenerbahce

Per Mertesacker: The giant German defender has been brought into the side to strengthen a shaky defence with Vermaelen being the only decent centre half in recent years. Per has played a key part in the national side recently having 75 caps to his name and 147 appearances for previous club Werder Bremen. At 6ft 6 Mertesacker is now one of the tallest players in the Premier League and is to bring experience to an unexperienced back four as being the captain of Werder Bremen. Per will wear the number 4 shirt, previously left behind by fan favourite Cesc Fabregas.
Fee: £9million from Werder Bremen. 

Yossi Benayoun: The Israelian attacking midfielder has signed on a season long loan deal from London rivals Chelsea. Yossi will bring much needed Premier League experience to Arsenal having played for West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea in the English top flight. Benayoun has played 83 times for his national side Isreal, but has only started 8 times for his parent club Chelsea after signing from Liverpool in 2010. Benayoun will wear the number 30 shirt.
Fee: Season Long loan from Chelsea

Mikel Arteta: The Spanish playmaker was snapped up by Arsenal at the very last minute on transfer deadline day as he joined the Gunners looking for Champions League football. Along with Benayoun, Arteta will bring Premier League experience to the club having played 161 times in the league for Everton. On a crazy day for Arsenal Arteta handed in a transfer request to help him seal the deal to go to the Emirates and even took a pay cut to join the North London club. Arteta has choosen his squad number and it will be Samir Nasri's old number of 8.
Fee: £10million from Everton

Arsenal's summer spending has come to a huge total compared to recent years as we splashed out £54million to bring in players to strengthen the squad which signals an intention to get the club back up and running again. For Arsenal the season starts again after the international break in a weeks time as we face newly promoted Swansea looking for our first Premier League win of the season.