Late Aguero goal ends Arsenal's Carling Cup hopes

Arsenal were knocked out of the Carling Cup on Tuesday night through a late Sergio Aguero goal as the Gunners were beaten 1-0 at the hands of Manchester City. A dominant Arsenal side were caught out on the break as City's first shot on target resulted in a goal to end their hopes of reaching the Semi-Finals of a competition they reached the final of last year. Arsenal again played an understrength team as the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Frimpong, Coquelin and Miquel all played. Park and Chamakh got their chances in the team as Benayoun captained the squad on the night as Djourou was the only survivor from the draw against Fulham at the weekend. Squillaci was also given his chance at the heart of defence whilst Fabianski played in goal. Ex Gunners, Samir Nasri and Kolo Toure played against their former clubs for Man City.

Oxlade-Chamberlain shone throughout the game as he carried most of the threats going forward

The first good chance of the game fell to Manchester City. The ball was spread out wide to Johnson who beat Miquel and cut inside before unleashing a shot from outside the box which only just looped over the bar.

A minute later came Arsenal's first chance. Francis Coquelin managed to swing in a great low cross towards the back post and into Park who from 6 yards out, somehow saw his effort kept out brilliantly by Pantillimon.

Just before the half hour mark Pantillimon was forced into making another great save. Chamakh laying the ball back to Oxlade-Chamberlain who from outside the box struck a fierce left footed shot which was flying into the top corner but for the City goalkeeper.

Samir Nasri almost created an opportunity for the visitors as he tried playing in Johnson but Fabianski rushed out of his goal to beat him to the ball.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was then granted an opportunity to stretch his legs as he beat his man before being fouled by Savic. Chamberlain took the free kick but it was safely headed out of the danger area.

The score at half time was 0-0.

City created the first chance of the second half as Dzeko was found on the edge of the area before hitting a shot from just outside the box which went just wide of Fabianski's goal.

Arsenal's first opportunity of the half came to Chamakh as Benayoun played him through but from a tight angle the Moroccan put his shot high and wide of the goal.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was then given room to break as he got forward down the right before cutting inside and finding Gervinho. He got into the box but Toure got the challenge in to deny his Ivory Coast team mate from creating a chance to score.

The Gunner's next opportunity was provided by Gervinho as he slid a ball in towards Benayoun but the defender got there just ahead of the Isreali to put the ball out for a corner.

The resulting corner was headed out and Manchester City countered. Dzeko got down the left and played Johnson through the middle. He held the ball up and then found Aguero who got into the penalty area and buried a shot beyond Fabianski to give the visitors the lead with seven minutes still to play.

Arsenal hadn't given up yet though as Gervinho worked a chance after finding space but his shot ended up in the stands.

The Gunners then had a fantastic chance to equalise as Gervinho fired a ball in across the face of goal but neither Chamakh or Squillaci could get to the ball.

The final score finished Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City

Arsenal: Fabianski, Djourou, Koscielny, Squillaci, Miquel(80), Oxlade-Chamberlain(87), Frimpong, Coquelin, Benayoun, Chamakh, Park(67).
Subs: Mannone, Vermaelen(80), Yennaris, Eastmond, Ozyakup, Arshavin(87), Gervinho(67).

Manchester City: Pantillimon, Onuoha, Savic, Toure, Zabaleta, De Jong, Hargreaves(79), Kolarov(32), Johnson, Nasri, Dzeko.
Subs: Taylor, Richards, Bridge, Razak(79), Suarez, Rekik, Aguero(32).

My man of the match: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 60,028

Vermaelen scores at either end to see points shared

Thomas Vermaelen scored at both ends to see that the points were shared as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Fulham at the Emirates. The vice captain scored eight minutes from time to ensure Arsenal got no more than they deserved as a draw seemed to be a fair result at the end of the game despite both keepers being on top form. For the match Arsene Wenger rested both Laurent Koscielny and Gervinho as Djourou and Arshavin took their places in the starting lineup. Abou Diaby returned to league action for the first time this season. Ex Arsenal man Phillipe Senderos who played 64 league games for the Gunners started in defence for Fulham against his former club.

Vermaelen scored at both ends to see that the points were shared at the Emirates

 In the opening minutes of the game Arsenal thought they had scored as Van Persie played Arshavin through who scored but it was ruled out as the Russian was in an offside position.

Arsenal's first proper chance fell to Aaron Ramsey. Song playing the ball to Van Persie and then to Ramsey who got into the penalty area before hitting a shot which was clawed away by Mark Schwarzer.

Fulham's first chance came to Bobby Zamora who managed to turn Thomas Vermaelen before curling a shot just over the cross bar.

Aaron Ramsey was then presented with the Gunners next chance. Theo Walcott did brilliantly down the right hand side, beating two players before playing the ball to Ramsey who blasted his shot over the bar.

However Fulham continued to stay positive and Moussa Dembele forced a good save out of Szczesny as he saw his fierce drive kept out by the Polish international. From the resulting corner the visitors created another opportunity as Hangeland rose the highest in a crowded penalty area, however only to see his header go over the bar.

Despite good chances for both sides the score would remain 0-0 at half time.

The first chance of the second half came to Robin Van Persie. Arteta found him on the edge of the box, he then cut inside before curling a shot which looked to have been going in but for Baird who was on the line to stop a certain Arsenal goal.

Despite the Gunners slight dominance in the game Fulham took the lead just after the hour mark. Danny Murphy swinging in a ball into the box which found Riise but he lost control and the ball bounced towards the sliding Vermaelen who put the ball into his own net.

Schwarzer in the Fulham goal was then forced into making a brilliant save from the head of Djourou. Van Persie delivered a corner from the right hand side right onto the head of Johan Djourou who's header was going in but for the Australian goalkeeper who dived to his left to keep the effort out. 

The captain provided Arsenal's next chance as Santos swung in the ball which found Van Persie who brought the ball down but fired his shot way over the bar.

Eight minutes from time the Gunners finally managed to equalise as Walcott found Vermaelen's head from six yards out to give Arsenal no more than they deserved as the Belgian made up for his earlier error.

Arsenal continued to attack as substitute Gervinho did well down the right, beating two men before cutting inside and firing a shot which was straight at the Fulham keeper.

The final chance came to Van Persie who from Arteta's corner could only find the hands of Schwarzer as Arsenal dropped two points on a day they should have arguably won.

The final score finished Arsenal 1-1 Fulham.

The teams lineups: 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker(68), Vermaelen, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey(68), Walcott, Arshavin(76), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Koscielny, Frimpong, Diaby(68), Benayoun, Gervinho(68), Chamakh(76).

Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Dembele, Ruiz(75), Zamora(79).
Subs: Etheridge, Briggs, Hughes, Gecov, Frei, Kasami(75), Johnson(79).

My man of the match: Thomas Vermaelen

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance:  60,043

Van Persie double sends Arsenal into knockout stages

Robin Van Persie scored twice as Arsenal beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 on Wednesday night in the Champions League. The win ensured knockout football for the Gunners for the 12th successive time as they ensured top spot in group F with a game left to play. Arsenal are the only English side to qualify for the knockout round so far and were also the only English side to win this week in Europe. The team that played was unchanged from the weekend's side that faced Norwich, as the skipper, Van Persie continued his brilliant form leading the line and Koscielny once again played at right back. Meanwhile Abou Diaby made his comeback from a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he played the last four minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Van Persie was the difference as Arsenal reached the knockout stages

The first chance of the match found its way to Arsenal. Song played Walcott in on goal but as he went to take the ball around Weidenfeller in the Dortmund goal, he managed to intercept the ball.

Dortmund's first chance fell to Lewandowski who drove a shot from outside the box just wide of Szczesny's goal.

The German side's next chance came to Schmelzer who also hit a shot from outside the box but his effort was straight at the Arsenal goalkeeper.

Arsenal then almost managed to take the lead as Walcott swung in a cross which almost found its way to Van Persie but Weidenfeller came out and stopped the ball from reaching the Arsenal captain.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first chance of the second half came to Kagawa and Borussia Dortmund. The Japanese international got down the left hand side and then tried to beat Szczesny at his near post from a tight angle but his shot was tame and straight at Szczesny.

Arsenal were then ahead four minutes into the half. Alex Song did brilliantly in beating three players before crossing the ball onto the head of Van Persie to make it 1-0 to Arsenal.

Gervinho then had a great chance to make it 2-0 as the ball was poked through to him by Ramsey but as he tried to round the Dortmund keeper, Hummels came across and stopped Gervinho from what would have been a goal.

Arteta then tried a shot from outside the box from a freekick after Hummels had brought down Van Persie. Arteta struck the free kick but it hit the wall and went out for a corner.

Four minutes from the end Arsenal doubled their lead and Van Persie had his second of the night. Arteta swung in a corner which was flicked on by Vermaelen and into the path of Van Persie who tapped the ball in from close range.

However in the last minute Borussia Dortmund did managed to pull a goal back. Song gave the ball away to Perisic who then found Lowandowski. He then set the ball up for Kagawa who slotted the ball past Szczesny and into the back of the net.

The final score finished Arsenal 2-1 Borussia Dortmund. 

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Koscielny(83), Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott(86), Gervinho(74), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou(83), Frimpong, Benayoun(74), Arshavin, Diaby(86), Chamakh.

Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller, Hummels, Kruse, Schmelzer, Santana, Grosskreutz, Kehl(64), Kagawa, Gotze(29), Bender(25), Lewandowski.
Subs: Langerak, Blaszczykowski, Gundogan, Owomoyela, Perisic(29), Leitner(25), Barrios(64).

My man of the match: Alex Song

Referee: Frank De Bleeckere
Attendance: 59,531 

Arsenal come from behind as Van Persie grabs a brace

Arsenal had to come from behind against a brave Norwich side to win 2-1 on Saturday at Carrow Road, thanks to goals from Van Persie as he continued his fine run of form. Van Persie's two goals meant he has scored 31 goals this calendar year. The international break clearly hadn't upset the Gunners rhythm as Arsenal picked up their fifth successive win in the league, and Arsene Wenger's 200th away win in charge of his side. Arsenal made two changes from the side that played West Brom two weeks ago as Mertesacker came in at centre back and Koscielny played at right back due to the injuries of Sagna and Jenkinson. Marouane Chamakh and Coquelin were both on the bench.

Van Persie continued his terrific form to seal the points for Arsenal

The first chance of the match came early on and it fell to Arsenal. Walcott was set free down the right hand side before playing the ball into Van Persie who with his weaker foot slid his shot wide.

Arsenal's next chance came down the left hand side as Santos got forward from defence and played in Van Persie who fired his shot just wide of the goal.

Walcott then must have thought he had scored as he cut inside onto his left foot before hitting a shot which was somehow cleared off the line by Martin.

Norwich with their first chance of the match took the lead. A long ball was lofted over the defence which looked to be an easy ball for Mertesacker to deal with, however he failed to clear his lines and Morison outmuscled him and put the ball past Szczesny for 1-0.

Gervinho then had a great chance to score as Van Persie played him clean through on goal but the Ivorian saw his shot saved by the goalkeeper and then cleared off the line once more by Martin.

Arsenal then managed to equalise. Walcott beat his man with pace before firing in a low cross which found Van Persie who tapped the ball into the goal from close range to level the game up.

The score at half time was 1-1.

The first chance of the second half came to Arsenal. Vermaelen surged forward from centre back to pick out Gervinho inside the area but he could only manage to direct his header straight into the hands of Ruddy in the Norwich goal.

The Gunners' next chance was created by Walcott. A long ball was put over the top and into the path of the England winger who put in a cross to the near post where Ramsey was. However he could only glide his shot wide and into the side netting.

Gervinho then again had a great chance to give Arsenal the lead and should have scored but like in the first half saw his shot saved. Van Persie slipped the ball into Gervinho who rounded the goalkeeper but Ruddy managed to get back and block the effort on goal.

An hour into the game Arsenal finally managed to take the lead. Song won the ball back in midfield before playing the ball to Van Persie who got into the penalty box and chipped the ball over Ruddy for his second of the game.

Norwich hadn't created many chances but had still managed to keep the Gunners at bay and finally managed to create a chance. Bennett crossed the ball in towards Pilkington who got ahead of his marker but stabbed his effort wide.

Walcott then had a decent chance late on to seal the game for Arsenal as he drove a shot from a tight angle which struck the post and went out for a goal kick.

The final score finished Norwich 1-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Barnett, Tierney, Naughton, Crofts, Johnson, Hoolahan(69), Fox(46), Pilkington(82), Morison.
Subs: Rudd, Drury, Surman, Bennett(46), Holt(69), Jackson(82), Wilbraham.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott(90), Gervinho(77), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou(90), Coquelin, Benayoun(77), Rosicky, Arshavin, Chamakh.

My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 26,801 

Goals from Van Persie, Vermaelen and Arteta give Arsenal win

Arsenal proved they are not a one man team as they beat West Brom 3-0 at the Emirates. Van Persie was once again on the scoresheet but was not the main man, as Vermaelen got his first of the season whilst Arteta got his first goal in an Arsenal shirt at home. The Gunners also grabbed a clean sheet which means that they are getting much better defensively as Mertesacker was rested whilst Koscielny took his place and Vermaelen returned from injury. Jenkinson also returned at right back as Djourou missed out.

Arteta scored his first Arsenal goal at the Emirates

The first chance of the game brought a goal, 22 minutes in. Ramsey set Walcott free down the right hand side who got forward and hit a shot which was parmed away by Foster but straight at Van Persie who tapped the ball in.

Six minutes before the break Arsenal went 2-0 up. Song playing the ball into the box to Van Persie who pulled it back into the path of Vermaelen who then slotted his shot past Foster to extend the Gunners lead. 

It was a half of little chances as Arsenal dominated the possession. West Brom had no shots at the Arsenal goal so the score at half time remained 2-0.

The first chance of the second half came Arsenal's way. Jenkinson got forward from right back before delivering the ball into the box towards Gervinho on the edge of the six yard box. However McAuley got to the ball first and  put it out for a corner. From the resulting corner Vermaelen had a great chance to get his second of the game as Van Persie whipped in a corner but the Belgian defender put his header wide.

Gervinho then set up a chance for Ramsey. Gervinho received the ball and then found Ramsey who took a touch and stabbed his left footed shot across the face of goal but wide of the target.

The next opportunity for the Gunners fell to Gervinho as he got past his man and then played a one-two with Arteta before firing a shot from a tight angle which was saved comfortably by Foster in the West Brom goal.

Gervinho was creating lots of scoring opportunities for his team mates and next he was able to set up another one for Song who tried to curl his shot past Foster but he was equal to it and beat the ball away.

West Brom were not at their best, and Walcott was able to run at the defence. He cut inside and found Van Persie who skied his shot miles over the bar and for once the Dutchman failed to hit the target.

17 minutes from the end Arsenal went 3-0 up. Rosicky picked up the ball and then found Van Persie who layed the ball off to Arteta on the edge of the box who curled a shot past Foster for his second of the season.

Near to the end of the game West Brom eventually found some life as Jerome Thomas fired a shot at goal which was deflected and went out for a corner. From the corner they managed to get their first attempt on target. Brunt swung in the ball and picked out Steven Reid but his header was straight at Szczesny.

Albion then had another chance to get a consolation goal as Song brought down Thorne which resulted in a freekick. Morrison took the set piece but smashed his shot high and wide.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-0 West Brom.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Santos, Song, Ramsey(71), Arteta, Walcott(78), Gervinho(72), Van Persie. 
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Mertesacker, Benayoun(72), Rosicky(71), Arshavin(78), Park.

West Brom: Foster, Reid, Olsson, McAuley, Jones, Brunt, Morrison, Dorrans(81), Gera(63), Thomas, Cox(71).
Subs: Fulop, Shorey, Thorne(81), Dawson, Mulumbu(71), Fortune, Tchoyi(63).

My man of the match: Thomas Vermaelen

Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 60,091

Arsenal held to goalless draw by Marseille

Arsenal were held to a goalless draw against Marseille at the Emirates on Tuesday night. If Arsenal had won the game they would have qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, however they could only manage a draw but still sit at the top of Group F with 8 points. Neither side looked as though they wanted to score as plenty of chances went begging throughout the game. Carl Jenkinson returned from injury at right back whilst Vermaelen came in for Koscielny. Ju Young Park made his European debut for the Gunners as Van Persie was rested and started on the bench.

Ju Young Park was making his Champions League debut

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors, Marseille. Andre Ayew got to the byline before feeding his brother Jordan who flicked his shot just wide.

Arsenal had started slowly and Marseille managed to create another chance as Remy slid the ball into the box but Andre Ayew poked his shot wide.

The French side then created another chance. Santos giving the ball away to Valbuena who then found Remy who cut inside and fired his attempt over the bar. The shot, however, did take a deflection off an Arsenal man and the referee gave a corner.

Arsenal's first chance then finally came as Gervinho raced forward before finding Walcott who shot at goal but saw his shot saved by Manadanda in the Marseille goal. 

The Gunner's next chance fell to Gervinho who again ran at the defence before firing a shot at goal which was straight at Mandanda who made the easy save.

Aaron Ramsey then had a great chance to give Arsenal the lead. Santos got forward and played the ball to the back post where Ramsey was but he put his shot high and wide from not far out.

Loic Remy was causing the Arsenal defence plenty of problems throughout the night and was inches away from giving Marseille the lead. Remy cut inside from the right hand side and played a one-two with Cheyrou before curling a shot which went just past the post. Szczesny wouldn't have had a chance had the shot been on target.

Gervinho was Arsenal's main man on the night and he managed to create another chance for Arsenal as he stung the hands of Mandanda from a shot from outside the area. However the ball still couldn't find the net.

Arsenal were looking desperate to score and Ramsey should have done again as he found himself in space inside the box. Ramsey took too long with his shot though and the defender was allowed to come across and block the attempt.

The second half saw pretty much the same as neither side could again convert their chances. One of the best of the second half fell to substitute Van Persie. He went clean through on goal but tried to chip the goalkeeper, however he failed in his attempt and the ball was caught easily by the Marseille keeper.

Marseille wanted all three points and almost got it as Amalfitano broke into the penalty area before hitting a shot which went wide.

The final score finished Arsenal 0-0 Marseille.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey(66), Walcott, Gervinho(77), Park(62).
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Koscielny, Rosicky(66), Benayoun, Arshavin(77), Van Persie(62). 

Marseille: Mandanda, Fanni, N'Koulou, Diawara, Morel, Diarra, Cheyrou. Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew(84), Valbuena(74), Remy(68). 
Subs: Bracigliano, Azpilicueta, Traore, Kabore, Gonzalez(74), Amalfitano(68), Gignac(84).

My man of the match: Thomas Vermaelen


Referee: Paolo Tagliavento
Attendance: 59,961