Walcott hat-trick helps Arsenal to thrilling win

"Just give him the money Arsene" were the words of many fans after Theo Walcott scored a scintillating hat-trick as Arsenal won 7-3 in a thrilling match with Newcastle on Saturday. It was a quite brilliant performance from Walcott as he started up front for the third game in a row and he repaid the manager as he also assisted two goals as Giroud came off the bench to seal the win. Meanwhile there were goals for Lukas Podolski who looked to be finally finding his feet in English football and a first in the League this season for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Gunners made only one change to the side that had beaten Wigan as Koscielny came in for Mertesacker who was suffering from illness. Meanwhile there were places on the bench for well enough again Tomas Rosicky and Olivier Giroud. Newcastle, however, weren't helped by the huge amount of injuries they had and the fact that Arsenal's players were fresher due to not playing on Boxing day like most other Premier League clubs.

Theo Walcott scored a brilliant hat-trick as Arsenal beat Newcastle

The first chance of the match came in the first minute as Tiote's shot was closed down by Wilshere who was then allowed to break and find Oxlade-Chamberlain but he dragged his shot wide of the goal.

Arsenal had had good possession in the opening moments of the match and that was shown 20 minutes in as they took the lead. Cazorla's ball found Podolski on the left hand side who then picked out Walcott in acres of space. He then beared down on goal and finished from a tight angle.

Newcastle's first real chance came five minutes before the break as Tiote let fly from outside the box but it was well saved by Szczesny.

Moments before the break Newcastle did indeed find themselves a goal as Demba Ba's free-kick deflected off Wilshere, wrong footing Szczesny and finding the back of the net.

The visitors then had another sight of goal as Marveaux drove towards the area before hitting a shot which was beaten away by Szczesny.

The score at half time was 1-1.

Five minutes after the break the Gunners found themselves back in front. Cazorla picked the ball up on the edge of the area and then found Oxlade-Chamberlain who set himself before firing the ball into the corner of the net.

Moments later it was all level again as Obertain got to the byline before sliding the ball across goal to Marveaux who was left with a simple tap in to equalise for Newcastle.

Arsenal then went pressing for a goal that would give them the lead as Cazorla spun on the edge of the area before hitting a shot which Krul managed to put out for a corner.

They then did find the goal that would give them the lead as Wilshere drove to the byline before dinking the ball towards goal. The ball was cleared off the line by Coloccini but straight to Podolski who headed home from close range.

Newcastle then found another equaliser though as Marveaux was allowed to drive forward once again, then cut back and find Demba Ba at the back post who was left with a simple finish.

The goals didn't stop there though as Arsenal scored again. Podolski played in Gibbs down the left who then cut the ball back to Walcott who was able to turn and then find the roof of the net.

Into the last ten minutes of the game and Walcott almost got his hat-trick as he skipped past one challenge before seeing his deflected shot bounce just wide of the goal.

That didn't stop Theo Walcott from assisting a goal though as he picked the ball up on the right hand side and then delivered the ball on a plate for Giroud who headed past Krul for Arsenal's fifth.

The Gunners then found themselves a sixth and a second for Giroud as Walcott attacked the box and was then tackled. However the ball fell kindly to Giroud who got into the box before finishing emphatically with his right foot.

Into injury time and Theo Walcott got his hat-trick. He managed to get to the byline, get through three Newcastle defenders, which in the process he was fouled but then managed to get back up, before dinking the ball over Krul and into the back of the net.

There was one final chance though as Giroud almost got his hat-trick. Ramsey got the ball on the left hand side then drilled in the cross which Giroud met on the run but his shot cannoned back off the cross bar.

The final score finished Arsenal 7-3 Newcastle.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla(86), Oxlade-Chamberlain(74), Podolski(82), Walcott.
Subs: Mannone, Djourou, Coquelin(86), Ramsey(82), Rosicky, Gervinho, Giroud(74).

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson(82), Perch, Coloccini, Santon, Tiote, Bigirimana(82), Marveaux(88), Obertan, Cisse, Ba.
Subs: Harper, Tavernier(88), Streete, Abeid, Ferguson(82), Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi(82).

My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 60,087

Arsenal enter top four thanks to Arteta penalty

Arsenal will be in the top four come Christmas thanks to a Mikel Arteta penalty as the Gunners beat Wigan 1-0 at the DW on Saturday afternoon. It was a far from convincing performance but it was good defensively as Arsenal had to withstand constant pressure from their opponents in the second half. However, Arteta cooly slotted home his third penalty this season to take home all 3 points in this crucial period of the season. The Gunners were unchanged from last Monday's win at Reading as Theo Walcott once again played in his preferred role as a central striker. The only changes were on the bench as Jenkinson and Arshavin came in for Giroud and Rosicky who had fallen ill.

Arteta fired home from the spot to give Arsenal all 3 points

The first chance of the game came on 8 minutes as Arteta fed Oxlade-Chamberlain who stung the hands of Al Habsi at the near post.

Wigan's first chance came moments later as Kone managed to run through the middle of the pitch and then rather selfishly hit a shot from far out. The ball took a deflection and fell slowly into the arms of Szczesny.

Podolski was the next Arsenal player to test Al Habsi as he got to the edge of the area before letting fly and seeing his effort saved.

Midway through the first half Kone had another chance as Di Santo played him and he raced past Mertesacker but from 6 yards out he somehow missed the goal completely.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first chance of the second half fell to Walcott as Oxlade-Chamberlain managed to pull the ball back into the path of him but Al Habsi was there once more to keep the scores level.

Just before the hour mark Arsenal were awarded with a penalty after Walcott was bundled over by Beausejour. Arteta took the penalty and he sent Al Habsi the wrong way to give the Gunners the lead.

Beausejour immediately tried to make up for giving away the penalty as he got the ball on the left but his shot flashed wide of the goal.

Wigan's period of dominance started now though as Figueroa managed to work a shot off from outside the box but it took a slight deflection and ended up as an easy save for Szczesny.

Shortly after, Kone had another great chance as he got inbetween Sagna and Mertesacker before firing straight at Szczesny.

The hosts then came the closest that they'd come in the match as Jones drove a shot from outside the box which flew inches past the post.

Theo Walcott then tried his luck from a free-kick as he curled it over the wall, but also over the crossbar.

The final score finished Wigan 0-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Wigan: Al Habsi, Stam, Figueroa, Boyce, Beausejour, Maloney(89), McArthur, McCarthy, Jones, Di Santo(77), Kone.
Subs: Pollitt, Caldwell, Fyvie, Golobart, Gomez(89), McManaman(77), Boselli.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla(90), Oxlade-Chamberlain(75), Walcott, Podolski(79).
Subs: Mannone, Koscielny(90), Jenkinson, Coquelin(79), Ramsey(75), Arshavin, Gervinho.

My man of the match: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Referee: Jonathan Moss
Attendance: 21,754

Cazorla hat-trick seals win against Reading

Arsenal bounced back from their League Cup exit in some style as they featured in another entertaining match with Reading at the Majeski Stadium. The Gunners were rampant and were quite brilliant going forward as Cazorla grabbed a hat-trick whilst Podolski and Walcott, who was playing upfront scored one each. The defence was overall very solid throughout the night however a few sloppy passes lead to the two Reading goals and made us think that we were going to throw it all away. Luckily that wasn't the case though as Arsenal were more or less at full strength as Walcott started upfront with Podolski and Oxlade-Chamberlain either side of him whilst Gervinho and Giroud were both on the bench.

Santi Cazorla scored his first hat-trick in English football

 The first chance came in the first minute as Arsenal broke away with Oxlade-Chamberlain who played a one-two with Cazorla before letting fly from outside the box. The shot was saved well by  Federici though.

The next chance came from a free-kick as Walcott hit a shot from far out but the ball bounced wide of the goal.

Reading then had a great opportunity to take the lead as Pogrebnyak got down the right hand side and then cut the ball back to McAnuff but he placed his effort wide of Szczesny and the ball hit Pogrebnyak who was standing in an offside position.

The hosts were now finding their feat in the match and their next effort came from a corner as Shorey's delivery found Hunt but he headed over.

However it was the visitors who took the lead as Kieran Gibbs managed to get down the left flank and pick out Podolski who took a touch before finding the back of the net from close range.

With 20 minutes played Theo Walcott had a great chance to show why he should be playing as a striker as the ball was played over the top into him but Federici came out and saved well.

Just after the half hour mark Arsenal found themselves two goals in front. Podolski delivered from the left hand side and picked out Cazorla who found the net with a diving header.

Shortly after, the Gunners were 3-0 up. Walcott's cross found Gibbs at the back post who then knocked the ball into Cazorla who was allowed to turn and bury his shot beyond Federici.

Moments before the break Arsenal could've been 4-0 up as Sagna's cross found the head of Oxlade-Chamberlain but Federici sprung across his goal to make a brilliant save.

The score at half time was 3-0 to Arsenal.

With the first chance of the second half Walcott almost added a fourth. Jack Wilshere was allowed to run through the middle of the pitch and then slip the ball through to Walcott but his shot was cleared off the line by Mariappa.

Theo Walcott then had another chance as he turned outside the box but curled his shot just wide.

On the hour mark Arsenal did indeed find themselves a fourth. Jack Wilshere fed Podolski on the left who then slid the ball across goal for Cazorla to tap the ball home for his first hat-trick in Arsenal colours.

Five minutes later Reading finally scored. Kieran Gibbs' misplaced pass found Tabb who got past Wilshere before feeding Le Fondre who rounded Szczesny and tapped the ball into an empty net.

The hosts then grabbed another goal as Robson-Kanu did brilliantly to beat 2 or 3 Arsenal players before finding Kebe who fired past Szczesny for 2-4.

However the Gunners got themselves a fifth and sealed all three points as Cazorla found Walcott who got past a Reading man before slotting the ball into the corner of the net with his left foot.

The final score finished Reading 2-5 Arsenal

The teams lineups:

Reading: Federici, Cummings, Gorkss, Mariappa, Shorey, Leigtertwood, Tabb, Kebe(72), McAnuff, Hunt(61), Pogrebnyak(61).
Subs: Taylor, Gunter, Harte, Pearce, McCleary(72), Robson-Kanu(61), Le Fondre(61).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla(82), Oxlade-Chamberlain(74), Walcott(85), Podolski.
Subs: Mannone, Koscielny, Coquelin(82), Ramsey(74), Rosicky, Gervinho, Giroud(85).

My man of the match: Santi Cazorla

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 24,125

Arsenal crash out of cup on penalties

Arsenal got knocked out of the Capital One Cup last Tuesday as the Gunners slipped to a 3-2 defeat on penalties to league 2 opposition Bradford City. It was an extremely embarrasing and disappointing loss for Arsenal as despite fielding their strongest lineup with a few exceptions it was enough as Vermaelen equalised late on but the Gunners were no match for the lower league side as they won their ninth penalty shoot out in a row this season.

Arsenal were knocked out of the League cup on penalties

The first chance of the game fell Bradford's way as Wells beat Vermaelen to the ball and ran towards the edge of the penalty area before hitting a shot which Szczesny kept out.

Arsenal's first chance came from a set-piece as Cazorla's corner found Vermaelen but he headed over the bar.

Lukas Podolski then had a brilliant opportunity to break the dead lock as Wilshere found him on the penalty spot but once again the header went over.

Bradford then had a set-piece of their own and they took full advantage of it as the ball was flicked on from the free-kick into Thompson who volleyed the ball past Szczesny for an unexpected lead.

Just after the half hour mark Kieran Gibbs got forward from left back and hit a fizzing volley which went just past the post.

Arsenal were having plenty of chances and they then struck the upright as Coquelin managed to weave his way past two players before hitting a shot which hit the post and came back out. The ball was then played back in by Sagna but Cazorla's effort was driven over the bar.

Four minutes before the break the best chance of the match was wasted by Gervinho. Podolski found Gibbs who then fired the ball across goal and into the Ivorian but somehow he missed from 3 yards out.

Moments before half time Wells had a great chance to extend Bradford's lead as he managed to turn past Vermaelen before sending the ball inches wide of the post.

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

The first good chance of the second half fell to Oxlade-Chamberlain as the ball was layed off to him on the edge of the area but the ball was beaten away by the goalkeeper.

Jack Wilshere was proving to be the Gunners most influential player and then managed to work a shot off from the edge of the penalty box having just glided past two Bradford players but the ball was once again kept out.

With 3 minutes left to play Arsenal finally found the goal they had been looking for. Cazorla's cross found Vermaelen at the back post and he headed home for the equaliser.

In the dying moments of the second half Cazorla had two great efforts saved as first his free-kick was beaten away and then from Rosicky's cleared cross Duke kept the Spaniard out once more.

The score after 90 minutes was 1-1.

At the start of extra-time Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had two efforts on goal but they were both heroically blocked by Bradford defenders as the Gunners desperately looked for that winning goal.

Just as Gibbs had done in the first half he was once allowed to get down the left hand side. This time the shot troubled the goalkeeper more though as Duke had to put the ball out for a corner.

Arsenal then provided a good chance from a corner as Cazorla found Chamakh at the near post but his glancing header went wide.

Cazorla then created a chance for himself as he cut inside and then hit a swerving shot with his left foot which crashed against the crossbar.

The game was to go into penalties as the score finished level after extra time. Bradford were to win the shootout 3-2 following missed Arsenal penalties from Cazorla, Chamakh and Vermaelen.

The teams lineups:

Bradford: Duke, Darby, Meredith, McHugh, McArdle, Thompson(72), Atkinson(92), Doyle, Jones, Hanson, Wells(74).
Subs: McLaughlin, Turgott(92), Good, Ravenhill, Jones(72), Connell(74), Hines.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin(60), Wilshere, Cazorla, Ramsey(69), Podolski(69), Gervinho.
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Squillaci, Arteta, Rosicky(69), Oxlade-Chamberlain(69), Chamakh(60).

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 23,971

Arteta penalties seal important victory

Mikel Arteta fired home two penalties as Arsenal returned to winning ways on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners played so much better than they had in recent weeks and that was evident after 3 games without a win in the League. However Arsenal were quite lucky in the awarding of their two penalties as they put in a dominant display to beat West Brom 2-0. It was a huge relief for everyone associated with Arsenal as the Emirates crowd was back singing. A few changes were made to the side that lost to Swansea as Giroud and Sagna were back in the starting XI in place of Podolski and Jenkinson who were both on the bench. Meanwhile Oxlade-Chamberlain came in for the injured Theo Walcott.

Mikel Arteta fired home two penalties to win the game for Arsenal

The first shot on goal came from Gervinho as Vermaelen's scuffed header found the Ivorian but he put his effort wide.

Santi Cazorla was then able to try his luck from range as Wilshere layed the ball off to him but his attempt flew wide.

West Brom's first attempt on goal came from Brunt as he let fly from just inside the penalty area and the ball curled just past the post.

Shortly after, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after Santi Cazorla looked to have gone down under the challenge of Reid. However Reid had made no contact with the Spaniard but the spot kick was given anyway. It was Arteta who stepped up to take the penalty and he cooly slotted the ball down the middle to give the Gunners the lead. 

Arsenal then missed a great chance to go two in front as Gervinho got to the byline and passed the ball across goal and into the sliding Wilshere but the ball went wide.

Four minutes before the break Gervinho could've doubled the lead as the ball was played through to him but Myhill got down well to stop the shot.

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

The first chance of the second half was a great one for Gervinho as Giroud knocked the ball down into him but he completely missed the ball and Myhill collected.

The Gunners then had another penalty and once again in controversial fashion. This time it was Oxlade-Chamberlain as he pushed over Popov but continued playing and then went down under the challenge of Brunt to set up Arteta with his second penalty of the afternoon. The Spaniard once again put the ball down the middle and it was 2-0 Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta then almost had his hat-trick as he tried his luck with a free-kick but the ball bounced just wide of the goal.

In the last minute of the game it should've been 3-0. Wilshere cut the ball back to Podolski who then took a few touches before somehow putting the ball over from six yards out.

The final score finished Arsenal  2-0 West Brom.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Wilshere, Arteta, Cazorla(88), Oxlade-Chamberlain(78), Gervinho(81), Giroud.
Subs: Martinez, Squillaci, Jenkinson, Coquelin(78), Ramsey, Rosicky(81), Podolski(88). 

West Brom: Myhill, Reid, Olsson, McAuley, Ridgewell(6), Mulumbu, Brunt, Morrison, Gera(76), Odemwingie(63), Long. 
Subs: Daniels, Popov(6), Tamas, Dorrans, Rosenberg(76), Fortune, Lukaku(63). 

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 60,083

Arsenal through despite loss in Greece

Arsenal lost their final group match of this seasons Champions League however still went through as group runners up. The Gunners had taken a more or less second string team to face Olympiacos and that was shown as they suffered a 2-1 defeat despite Rosicky's first half goal. There were some impressive performances from the likes of Meade who was starting his first senior game whilst Thomas Rosicky was at the heart of most things before he came off. However some players were far from their best. Ramsey was at fault for one of the goals and also missed a great chance whilst Chamakh was non-existent, as was Gervinho in the second half. There were lots of changes as mentioned above as Squillaci played in his first match this season whilst the substitutes included teenagers like Akpom, Ansah and Angha.

 Rosicky was Arsenal's star man as he started following his injury

The first shot of the match came from Gervinho as he worked the ball well down the left hand side before blazing the ball wide.

Olympiacos' first chance came from Djebbour as he managed to get to the byline and then hit a shot but Szczesny and an Arsenal defender were in the way to deny him.

Arsenal then had a brilliant chance to take the lead as Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross was knocked down by Chamakh and into the path of Ramsey. However he failed to make any real contact with the ball and the chance went begging.

The Greek side next saw a header from a corner cleared off the line as Vermaelen managed to stop his side from going behind.

Szczesny then had to be at his best as Abdoun got into the penalty area before striking a shot which was beaten away well by the Arsenal goalkeeper.

The hosts were dominating and shortly after had another chance as Djebbour got his head to an inswinging corner but it was straight at Szczesny.

Despite Olympiacos having all the early chances it was Arsenal who took the lead. Gervinho did well to get down the right hand side before cutting the ball back to Rosicky who fired the ball past Carroll and into the back of the net.

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

The first chance of the second half was a tough one as Chamakh was played down the wing and then put in a lofted ball over to Arshavin but his header went over the bar.

Olympiacos' first chance of the half came to Fejsa as the ball broke to him 8 yards out but he stuck his shot in the side netting.

Arshavin was to have the Gunners next chance aswell as Gervinho played it to the Russian but Carroll made a good save to deny Arsenal extending their lead.

The Greeks then finally took the lead though as a downward header bounced off of Ramsey and into the path of Maniatis who found the net for the equaliser.

Shortly after Arsenal really should've been behind as the ball was swung in by Machado but Djebbour some how headed wide from seven yards out.

The Gunners then did indeed find themselves behind as Mitrgolou was allowed to turn on the edge of the area before curling the ball home past Szczesny.

The final score finished Olympiacos 2-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Olympiacos: Carroll, Torosidis, Contreras, Manolas, Diakite, Fejsa(60), Maniatis, Machado, Abdoun(72), Djebbour(81), Greco. 
Subs: Megyeri, Ibagaza(81), Pantelic, Mitroglou(72), Fetfatzidis, Fuster(60), Slovas. 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Squillaci, Vermaelen, Meade(83), Coquelin, Rosicky(45), Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Chamakh.
Subs: Shea, Monteiro, Hajrovic, Angha(83), Arshavin(45), Angha, Akpom.

My man of the match: Thomas Rosicky

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco(ESP)
Attendance: 30,000

Arsenal dominated by Swansea as Michu bags brace

Arsenal were completely outplayed on Saturday afternoon as they lost 2-0 to Swansea thanks to late goals from Michu. The mass booing at the final whistle summed up the Gunners current form as they never really looked like scoring in a match in which the visitors dominated from start to finish. Arsenal were not used to this, their style of football was being played by the Welsh side as they tasted a piece of their own medicine. Arsene Wenger made three changes to the side that drew with Everton in midweek as Podolski came back in for Ramsey whilst Jenkinson came in for Sagna. Meanwhile Gervinho was prefered to Giroud as the lead striker.

Szczesny was on top form but couldn't deny the Swans all 3 points

The first chance of the game fell Swansea's way as De Guzman's shot came to Williams but he scuffed it and Jenkinson was allowed to get the block in.

Wojciech Szczesny then had to be at his best to keep the Swans out twice in quick succession. Angel Rangel got the ball out on the right hand side before firing the ball straight at the goalkeeper, however the ball came back to him but found Szczesny once more.

Arsenal's first chance came from the head of Santi Cazorla as Jenkinson crossed from the right but the Spaniard's header was straight at Tremmel.

Swansea were dominating and then almost found the net through Nathan Dyer as he ran clear of the Arsenal defence but Vermaelen got back and slid in to deny a shot on goal.

Eight minutes before the break De Guzman almost opened the scoring from a free-kick as he let fly from just outside the box but the ball hit the top of the net.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first chance of the second half went Arsenal's way as Jack Wilshere did well to set up a chance for Cazorla but Tremmel got down well and kept the Spaniard's shot out.

On the hour mark, Santi Cazorla then tested Tremmel again as he shot from outside the box but it ended up as an easy save.

Swansea's first good chance of the second half came shortly after as Rangel was allowed to get into the penalty box before forcing Szczesny into making an important save.

Cazorla seemed to be the only Arsenal player having shots on goal in this game as he then drove a volley from the edge of the box but the Swansea keeper was once again equal to it.

Into the last ten minutes and Swansea were still throwing bodies forward. This time the shot came from Tiendalli but Szczesny kept it out from close range. 

With five minutes to play the Gunners almost broke the deadlock as Oxlade-Chamberlain's deflected cross found Vermaelen but his header could only find the goalkeeper.

The game then did finally have a goal as Michu was played through and made no mistake about the finish as he cooly fired the ball into the back of the net

Swansea then had their second as Dyer forced Jenkinson into making a mistake and then Michu raced clear and slotted the ball past Szczesny to wrap up the points.

The final score finished Arsenal 0-2 Swansea.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere(80), Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski(67), Gervinho(67).
Subs: Mannone, Squillaci, Coquelin, Ramsey, Rosicky(80), Oxlade-Chamberlain(67), Giroud(67).

Swansea:  Tremmel, Rangel, Williams, Chico, Davies, Ki, De Guzman(75), Britton, Dyer, Michy, Shechter(67).
Subs: Cornell, Monk, Richards, Tiendalli(75), Donnelly, Agustien, Moore(67).

My man of the match: Wojciech Szczesny

Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Attendance: 60,098

Arsenal held again in draw to Everton

Arsenal drew for the second time in a week as they picked up just one point from their midweek trip to Goodison Park. It was a hard fought point as Theo Walcott, back from injury, proved once more why it's vital he stays, as he opened the scoring early on. However after some sloppy play in the midfield, Walcott's goal was cancelled out by in form Marouane Fellaini midway through the first half. It was an improved performance from the draw against Villa last Saturday but there is still much work ahead after failing to create many clear cut opportunities. Wenger once more ringed the changes as Vermaelen, Sagna and Wilshere all came back after being benched at the weekend, whilst Tomas Rosicky was back from injury and was named amongst the substitutes.

Theo Walcott returned from injury to open the scoring for Arsenal

The first chance of the match brought a goal from Arsenal. Theo Walcott ran through the midfield and then gave the ball to Ramsey. He then played it back to Walcott, who curled the ball home via a deflection from the left hand side of the penalty area and into the far corner of the net. 

Arsenal's bright start then suffered a set back as Koscielny had to go off injured with Gibbs replacing him.

Everton's first shot on target came from a corner as Baines' delivery met the head of Fellaini but it ended up as a comfortable save for Szczesny.

The hosts were now starting to dominate and almost found themselves a second as Pienaar tried to slip in Jelavic but Szczesny was out quickly to deny the Croatian from getting on the end of the pass.

However Everton then finally managed to find the net after sloppy play from Arteta and Sagna. Sagna's clearance went straight to Fellaini who with his left foot curled the ball past Szczesny for the equaliser.

Seven minutes before the break Jelavic had a fantastic opportunity to put his side ahead as he turned Mertesacker easily before blasting the ball over the bar and into the crowd.

The score at half time was 1-1.

The first shot on goal in the second half fell Everton's way as Mertesacker gifted the ball to Pienaar but Szczesny got down well to keep the ball out at his near post.

From the resulting corner Baines' cross met the head of Distin but Szczesny made a fantastic save to palm the ball away.

Ten minutes later Arsenal had a good chance to put themselves back in front as Walcott's cross found Giroud but his header bounced inches wide of the post.

Tim Howard hadn't really been tested in the match but then Santi Cazorla found room to hit a left footed shot but the American keeper was unfazed and managed to beat the ball away.

Arsenal then really should have taken the lead as Walcott played Giroud down the left and then attempted to pick out Gervinho but instead of rolling the ball across to him, the pass was a lofted one and it went over his head.

The final score finished Everton 1-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Gibson(73), Pienaar, Osman, Fellaini, Naismith(62), Jelavic.
Subs: Mucha, Heitinga, Oviedo(62), Hitzlsperger(73), Barkley, Gueye, Vellios.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny(4), Vermaelen, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla(90), Ramsey(80), Walcott, Giroud. 
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Gibbs(4), Coquelin(90), Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho(80). 

My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 37,141

Gunners settle for a point in bore draw with Villa

Arsenal had to settle for a single point after Aston Villa held them to a 0-0 draw on Saturday evening at Villa Park. It was a poor performance going forward from the Gunners and they didn't really deserve to pick up 3 points anyway as Wenger rested key names. The key names missing were perhaps the downfall in performance as Walcott missed out through injury whilst Vermaelen, Sagna and Wilshere were all dropped to the bench. However there was a welcome return to action for Kieran Gibbs who started for the first time since returning from yet another injury.

Oxlade-Chamberlain got given a chance to impress with Walcott out injured

The first sight of goal went Villa's way as Weimann struck a shot from a tight angle on the left handside but Szczesny was equal to it and the ball went out for a corner.

Villa were to have the next chance aswell. Westwood's corner found Benteke but his looping header bounced wide.

Arsenal then finally had their first shot on goal and it came in the 20th minute. Oxlade-Chamberlain cut inside and hit a shot but Guzan wasn't troubled and it went wide.

The Gunners were begining to find possession now and after Podolski's shot was blocked, Chamberlain gave it to Ramsey who turned Bannan before drilling a shot which was kept out by Guzan.

Aston Villa then thought they'd broken the deadlock but unfortunately for them it was disallowed. The ball was layed off to Clark whose shot fell to Weimann and he put the ball in the back of the net but his celebration was cut short as it was ruled out for offside.

Two minutes before the break Arsenal were presented with the best chance of the match. Giroud did well down the left hand side before putting in a low cross which found Koscielny but from six yards out he put the ball over.

The first chance of the second half fell to Arsenal. Chamberlain found Cazorla who then played a nice one-two with Giroud before firing wide.

Ramsey was having one of the best games that he'd played in so far this season and he created the next chance as he found Podolski inside the penalty area but the German's shot was blocked.

The resulting corner ended up as a chance for Aaron Ramsey as Cazorla's corner was flicked to the back post by Giroud but Ramsey skyed his shot.

Villa then had their best chance of the half as Benteke linked up well with Holman before finding Agbonlahor but he stuck his shot straight at Szczesny.

The hosts then came the closest to scoring in the match as Holman drove a fierce effort from range which Szczesny got a hand to, and the ball then thundered back off the bar.

Andrey Arshavin looked lively when he came on and then almost set up a goal with a trademark cross but Clark got ahead of Gervinho to deny what would have been a certain goal.

The final score finished Villa 0-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar(51), Clark, Stevens, El Ahmadi(63), Westwood, Bannan, Weimann(90), Agbonlahor, Benteke.
Subs: Given, Lichaj(51), Bowery, Holman(63), Delph, Ireland, Albrighton(90).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain(77), Podolski(70), Giroud(86). 
Subs: Mannone, Sagna, Vermaelen, Coquelin(86), Wilshere, Arshavin(77), Gervinho(70). 

My man of the match: Per Mertesacker

Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 34,607

Wilshere and Podolski goals see Gunners through group

Jack Wilshere and Lukas Podolski sealed a 2-0 win for Arsenal on Wednesday night against French Champions Montpellier. The victory ensured the Gunners a place in the knock out stages of the Champions League for the thirteenth successive season thanks to Schalke beating Olympiacos in the other group B tie of the round. Arsenal took a while to find their rhythm in the game and it was once more a pretty poor first half. However they turned things round in the second thanks to Wilshere's comeback goal and a sumptuous volley from Lukas Podolski. The Gunners made one change from the victory over Spurs as Oxlade-Chamberlain came in for the injured Theo Walcott. Meanwhile Gibbs and Gervinho returned to the bench following injuries.

Jack Wilshere scored his first goal since returning from injury

The first chance of the game came on 10 minutes as Vermaelen's cross found Koscielny but his header thundered back off the crossbar.

Montpellier's first opening came a few minutes later as M'Biwa split the defence with a pass through to Mounier but Szczesny came out to stop the player going any further with the ball.

Arsenal's next chance came from Jack Wilshere's corner. The ball wasn't cleared properly and it fell to Oxlade-Chamberlain on the edge of the box but he struck a tame effort which was easily saved.

On the half hour mark Podolski had a good chance to put the Gunners ahead. Koscielny surged forward from the back and then lost the ball. However Podolski picked it up, got into the penalty area and slid his shot wide of the goal.

Podolski then had another opportunity to score as Cazorla slid the ball through to him but the German put his effort wide once more.

Montpellier hadn't created much but just before the break Belhanda tried his luck from range but the ball flew over the crossbar.

The score at half time was 0-0.

Just 4 minutes after the break, Arsenal were ahead. Vermaelen's cross was knocked down by Giroud into the path of Wilshere who dinked the ball past the goalkeeper for his first goal in almost 2 years.

The Gunners then found themselves 2-0 up shortly after the hour mark. Podolski played a one-two with Giroud before letting fly with a thumping volley from 12 yards out which flew past Jourden in the Montpellier goal.

Cazorla then almost found the net in a rather fortuatous manner as Giroud found him in space but the Spaniard sliced his shot and Jourden managed to turn it behind for a corner.

Olivier Giroud hadn't created much for himself in the game but almost found the net against his old club but for the goalkeeper who saved well from almost point blank range with 10 minutes to go.

Montpellier then fired in their best shot of the game in injury time as Herrara let fly from outside the area but the ball bounced wide of the goal.

It was job done at the Emirates as the final score finished Arsenal 2-0 Montpellier.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla(84), Oxlade-Chamberlain(69), Podolski, Giroud(84).
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Coquelin(84), Ramsey(69), Arshavin, Gervinho(84).

Montpellier: Jourden, Deplagne, Congre, El Kaoutari, Bedimo, Yanba-M'Biwa, Estrada(79), Belhanda, Mounier, Cabella(68), Charbonnier(68). 
Subs: Pionnier, Hilton, Marveaux(79), Martin(68), Herrera(68), Jeunechamp, Pitau. 

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere

Referee: Firat Aydinus(TUR)
Attendance: 59,760. 

Arsenal clinch win in North London Derby

Arsenal came from behind to beat rivals Tottenham in thrilling fashion as the Gunners won by the same scoreline in the same fixture at the Emirates last season. Goals from Mertesacker, Podolski, Giroud, Cazorla and Walcott sealed a 5-2 victory on Saturday afternoon. However that wasn't before former Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor had opened the scoring and then got himself sent off for a high challenge on Cazorla. It was a great encounter, as matches between the two sides always are but this had an extra incentive as both sides looked to really kick start their seasons. Arsenal were devastating in attack as Podolski and Giroud scored once more as they look to be finally finding their form. The Gunners welcomed Wojciech Szczesny back from injury as he started in goal whilst Jack Wilshere returned from suspension.

Santi Cazorla was on fine form as Arsenal thrashed rivals Spurs

The first chance of the match came from a Tottenham free-kick as the ball was delivered in from Bale but the ball come out to Huddlestone. He drove a shot in which found it's way to Gallas and he put the ball in the back of the net but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Just 10 minutes into the game and Spurs were ahead. Vertonghen played the ball over the top into Defoe whose shot was saved by Szczesny. However the ball fell straight into the path of Adebayor who tapped the ball home.

Moments later Tottenham almost made it 2-0. Lennon received the ball just inside the penalty area and hit a shot which curled inches wide of the post.

Adebayor was then to go from hero to zero as he was shown the red card for a high tackle on Santi Cazorla.

Arsenal then began to find plenty of space and they made that count as they equalised. Walcott got to the byline and crossed the ball into the box and into Mertesacker who headed home for his first ever Arsenal goal.

The Gunners were now starting to find their feet in the game and almost made it 2-1. Wilshere's free-kick found Giroud but his header was tipped over by Lloris.

Santi Cazorla then drove a fierce effort towards goal from outside the area which swerved before going just over the bar.

With 4 minutes to go until the break the Gunners took the lead. The ball bobbled around just outside the area before falling to Podolski who hit a shot which deflected off former Arsenal player William Gallas and rolled into the net.

Arsenal then found themselves another goal after brilliant work from both referee and Santi Cazorla. Cazorla was tripped but then got back up allowing an advantage to be played by Howard Webb. The Spaniard got into the area before finding Giroud who fired the ball past his French compatriot Hugo Lloris to extend the lead.

The score at half time was 3-1 to Arsenal.

Right on the hour mark Santi Cazorla made it 4-1. Walcott played in Podolski down the left who then picked out Cazorla at the back post who slid the ball home for his first goal at the Emirates.

10 minutes later Spurs responded as Mertesacker allowed Bale to keep running towards the area. As a result Bale managed to get a shot off from 20 yards out which went past Szczesny and found the net.

Arsenal then almost made it 5 goals as Santos played in Vermaelen but he poked the ball wide under pressure from the on coming goalkeeper.

Into injury time and the Gunners did indeed find themselves a fifth. Oxlade-Chamberlain intercepted possession and got past his man before racing towards the area and picking out Walcott who finished his chance.

The final score finished Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham

The team lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Arteta, Wilshere(72), Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski(80), Giroud(86).
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Santos(80), Coquelin, Ramsey(72), Arshavin, Oxlade-Chamberlain(86).

Tottenham: Lloris, Walker(45), Gallas, Vertonghen, Naughton(45), Huddlestone(72), Sandro, Lennon, Bale, Defoe, Adebayor.
Subs: Friedel, Dawson(45), Livermore, Townsend, Dempsey(45), Sigurdsson, Carroll(72).

My man of the match: Santi Cazorla

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 60,111

Giroud double not enough as Gunners draw to Fulham

Olivier Giroud played his best game in Arsenal colours as the Gunners played out a dramatic 3-3 against Fulham on Saturday afternoon in which Giroud grabbed 2 goals. The other Arsenal goalscorer in a thriller at the Emirates was Lukas Podolski who was due a goal having not scored in the league since September. Meanwhile Giroud's first goal of the game was the first he'd scored in the league at home. It was a tougher match than expected but it was no surprise judging by how Arsenal had played in recent weeks. However, the fans were left angry and frustrated after the Gunner's lost a 2 goal lead for the second time in 4 days. One encouraging sign was the play going forward, as Podolski, Walcott and Giroud looked much more of a threat, but the defence was once more not at it's best as Berbatov had a field day. Meanwhile Mannone hadn't done greatly for the away sides second goal. Arsenal made two changes to the side that lost to United last weekend as Koscielny came in for Santos meaning Vermaelen went to left back and Coquelin came in for the suspended Jack Wilshere.

Olivier Giroud looks to be finally finding his feet in English football

The first chance of the game went Fulham's way as the ball fell to Ruiz on the edge of the box but his shot was deflected wide by Mertesacker.

Arsenal's first shot of the match was taken on by Giroud as he drove a shot from distance but it went miles over and the chance was wasted.

On just 10 minutes the Gunners were ahead. Theo Walcott's corner found Giroud who smashed a thumping header past Schwarzer and into the back of the net. It was a perfect start for Arsenal.

Arsenal were soon two goals to the good. It was brilliant build up play down the right hand side as Arteta got to the byline before pulling the ball back to Podolski who fired the ball past Schwarzer from six yards out.

Moments after the second goal Fulham got themselves back in it. Ruiz delievered the ball into the box from the corner and into Berbatov who got away from his marker to head the ball home.

Berbatov then tried his luck from range as he picked up the ball outside the area but his shot bounced wide.

Five minutes before the break Fulham got an equaliser. Berbatov got down the right hand side and then picked out Kacaniklic whose header somehow beat Mannone and found the net.

Arsenal then had a good chance to regain the lead just before half time as Arteta's floated free-kick found Giroud but he headed over the bar.

The score at half time was 2-2.

The first chance of the second half fell to Ruiz, just as it had done at the begining of the match. It was once again an opportunity from outside the box but he drilled the ball wide.

Arsenal's first chance of the half was created by Walcott as he played a one-two with Giroud before driving towards the penalty area and curling the ball just wide with his weaker foot.

The away side though then found themselves in front as they were awarded a penalty after Arteta bundled down Ruiz. Berbatov took it and converted it comfortably for his second of the afternoon.

The Gunners immediately hit back though as Cazorla played the ball through to Giroud who then hit the post. However the ball came out to Walcott on the right who put the ball on a plate for Giroud to head home at the second attempt.

With 15 minutes left to play Berbatov had a good chance to get his hat-trick as Dejagah played the ball through to him but Koscielny slid in to deny Fulham a fourth goal.

Olivier Giroud was also looking for a hat-trick and he did well to shrug off two defenders before getting to the edge of the area and smashing a shot which Schwarzer did well to get to and tip around the post.

The Frenchman then had another fantastic opportunity to win the game for Arsenal as Sagna swung the ball in but Giroud could only direct the header wide.

However there was a better chance to come as in the dying seconds Arshavin got into the area and then crossed but only for it to be stopped by the hand of Reither which resulted in a penalty. Mikel Arteta stepped up to take it but then saw it brilliantly saved by Schwarzer and the points were shared.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-3 Fulham.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Coquelin(56), Arteta, Cazorla, Walcott(84), Podolski(77), Giroud.
Subs: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Santos, Ramsey(56), Arshavin(84), Oxlade-Chamberlain(77), Chamakh. 

Fulham: Schwarzer, Reither, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Baird, Sidwell, Richardson(24), Dejagah(84), Ruiz, Berbatov. 
Subs: Stockdale, Senderos, Karagounis, Duff(84), Kacaniklic(24), Rodallega, Petric. 

My man of the match: Olivier Giroud

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 60,093

Arsenal forced to settle for a point despite Walcott and Giroud goals

Arsenal had to settle for a point in Germany on Tuesday night as they drew 2-2 with Schalke. Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud had struck first half goals but the German side were allowed back into the game and Arsenal will be disappointed that they conceded two goals meaning they stayed second in the group behind yesterday nights opponents. The Gunners had looked like more of a threat going forward which was encouraging as Theo Walcott started for the first time, excluding League Cup games, since the opening day of the season. Meanwhile they still looked a little shaky at the back despite Andre Santos being dropped and Vermaelen pushing out to the left. Arsenal would have settled for a point at the Vetlins Arena before the game, however in these circumstances they wouldn't have. Jack Wilshere started his first European game since his injury as he looked to be ever improving. Italian goalkeeper Vito Mannone was also improving having really come into his own this season after some impressive performances so far in which last nights one was up there.

Theo Walcott continued his good form with a goal against Schalke

The first chance of the game fell to Schalke as Afellay raced down the left hand side before firing a shot towards the near post from the left hand side but Mannone kept the shot out.

A few mintues later Schalke had another chance as Howedes met Farfan's corner but the header went over the bar.

However it was the Gunner's who took the lead despite Schalke's bright start. Giroud managed to capitalise on a mistake from Neustadter as the Frenchman ran in on goal only to be tackled at the vital moment. The ball fell straight to Walcott though who dinked the ball past goalkeeper and defender before tapping the ball into an empty net.

Almost 10 minutes after Arsenal's first goal they grabbed another. Podolski did well down the left hand side to turn his man, and then fire in a great ball to Olivier Giroud who with a diving header from six yards out scored his first ever Champions League goal.

Six minutes before the break the German side had their best chance of the game so far as Farfan drove towards the area before smashing the ball wide.

Moments after, Giroud could have had his second of the night. Cazorla curled in a freekick from the right hand side into Giroud but his header was straight at Unnerstall in the Schalke goal.

Arsenal had looked fairly comfortable all night but on the stroke of half time Schalke pulled a goal back. Santi Cazorla lost the ball and it was then picked up by a Schalke player who chipped the ball into Holtby and then into Huntelaar who fired the ball beyond Mannone and into the back of the net.

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

Arsenal were the team to have the first chance of the second half as Cazorla fed Podolski down the left who then picked out Giroud at the back post but he smashed his shot into the ground and over the bar.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar then had a great opportunity to grab his and Schalke's second of the night as the ball was clipped into him but Mannone stood big and made a good save to deny the Dutchman when he should have scored.

Schalke then had two corners in quick succession and almost scored both of them. The first found its way out to Hoger but his shot was blocked on the line by Arteta and the next was headed wide by Neustadter.

The hosts were now dominating and Holtby then tested out Mannone as he drove a shot from distance but the Italian goalkeeper was equal to it and parmed the ball away.

Mannone was then tested once more as this time Afellay hit a shot from distance but again it was kept out.

Schalke then finally found themselves an equaliser. The ball was delivered into the box and then flicked on by Holtby into the path of Farfan who drilled a shot goalwards and in off Vermaelen.

With 10 minutes left the group leaders Schalke then tested Arsenal's keeper out again as Jones fired in a shot from outside the box but it was straight at Mannone.

In the dying seconds of the game Theo Walcott was gifted a great chance to win the game as he raced clear of the defence but with players around him, he could only find the goalkeeper.

The final score finished Schalke 2-2 Arsenal. 

The teams lineups:

Schalke: Unnerstall, Uchida((25), Howedes, Matip, Fuchs, Holtby, Jones, Neustadter, Afellay, Farfan, Huntelaar.
Subs: Hildebrand, Papadopoulos(66), Kolasinac, Hoger(25)(66), Moritz, Draxler, Marica.

Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla(90), Walcott, Podolski(90), Giroud.
Subs: Shea, Djourou, Jenkinson, Santos(90), Coquelin(90), Arshavin, Chamakh. 

My man of the match: Vito Mannone

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli(ITA)
Attendance: 50,000

Ten man Arsenal slip up again in defeat to United

Arsenal lost their second Premier League away game on the trot as the Gunners slid to a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. It was a first return to the ground since the 8-2 thrashing last season. However the game was much closer this time, although United did dominate. The game was effectively crushed within the opening minutes as with his first touch against his old club, Robin Van Persie gave the hosts the lead. Patrice Evra then scored a rare goal to extend the Red Devils lead before Cazorla brought a goal back with the last kick of the game. Arsenal were lacking once more in attack, something which I've written continuously about over the season and will probably come to no surprise to you now. Meanwhile Andre Santos was once again poor at left back whilst Vermaelen who is probably having his worst season in English football gifted the ball to his former team mate for the goal. Arsenal had seen the opposition get a red card last week but this time it was their own turn as midway through the second half Jack Wilshere was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Robin Van Persie came back to haunt his former club on Saturday

Just 2 minutes into the game, Manchester United took the lead. Rafael managed to get down the right hand side before crossing the ball into the box. However a mistake from Vermaelen meant the ball fell to Robin Van Persie who fired home the opening goal of the game from just inside the penalty area.

Man United had instantly found their rhythm but Arsenal were struggling to find theirs as Van Persie then had another chance to score as Rooney slipped the ball into him but Mannone made the save.

A few minutes later Arsenal finally opened up their oppenents for the first time in the game as Ramsey got to the byline before putting in a cross which couldn't find Podolski but it did find De Gea who parmed the ball away.

United were dominating and Rooney had the next chance as he got the ball on his left foot before smashing the ball goalwards but Mannone made a strong save to keep it out.

Just before the break Arsenal gave away a penalty after Ashley Young's cross was blocked by the hands of Santi Cazorla. Wayne Rooney took the penalty but slammed his shot wide and into the advertising hoardings.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Man United.

Right at the begining of the second half the Red Devils had a fantastic opportunity to extend their lead. Van Persie once again capitalised on a Vermaelen mistake as he then managed to pick out Valencia but he scuffed his shot wide from six yards out.

Just after the hour mark the hosts once again had a great chance to score. Young picked out Van Persie with a floating ball into the penalty area but the shot was tame but Mannone still did well to tip it wide.

From the resulting corner, Manchester United went 2-0 up. The ball was played short out to Rooney who delivered a curling ball onto the head of Evra and into the back of the net.

The Gunner's just couldn't get near United and they had another chance as Valencia pulled the ball back to Anderson but from the edge of the area he put the ball wide.

Arsenal's afternoon then went from bad to worse as Jack Wilshere was shown his second yellow card after catching Evra on the ankle.

In the very last minute of the game and with the last kick, Arsenal finally had something to cheer about. Arshavin headed the ball to Cazorla on the edge of the area whose first shot was blocked but then with the second effort curled home a brilliant goal.

The final score on a frustrating afternoon at Old Trafford was Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Valencia(81), Cleverley(61), Carrick, Young, Rooney, Van Persie.
Subs: Lindegaard, Wootton, Scholes, Anderson(61), Nani(81), Powell, Hernandez.

Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Ramsey(52), Podolski(81), Giroud:
Subs: Martinez, Koscielny, Jenkinson, Coquelin, Arshavin(81), Walcott(52), Chamakh.

My man of the match: Per Mertesacker

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 75,492

Remarkable comeback sees Arsenal beat Reading in Cup

Arsenal pulled off a remarkable comeback in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night. The Gunners were 4-0 down to Reading but a spirited fightback from the team saw them pull 4 goals back to take the game into extra-time. Extra-time brought more goals though as Arsenal finally went on to win an incredible 7-5 at the Madejski stadium. It was an extroadinary night of football as Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick whilst Giroud and Koscielny bagged a goal each and Marouane Chamakh who was starting for the first time since January grabbed a brace. Arsenal were absolutely awful at the back and didn't cover themselves in too much glory in the first half but the attacking performance was simply brilliant as the likes of Andrey Arshavin ran the Reading defence ragged all night long.

Arsene Wenger made 11 changes to the starting lineup from Saturdays victory over QPR. Damian Martinez started in goal as Djourou and Koscielny partnered each other at the back. Meanwhile Frimpong started for the first time since returning from injury whilst Serge Gnabry started a competitive game for the first time.

Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick as Arsenal came from behind to win an incredible game

The first chance of the game came from a Reading corner as the ball was delivered onto the head of Morrison who hit the post.

Just 11 minutes into the game and Reading were ahead. Robson-Kanu got the ball out wide before finding Roberts at the back post who tapped the ball home.

Five minutes later and the Royals were 2-0 up. Chris Gunter managed to fire in a cross from the right hand side which came off Koscielny and beat Martinez at his near post.

Moments later Reading found themselves 3 goals to the good. Leigertwood struck a shot from just inside the area which Martinez got a palm to but couldn't prevent the ball bouncing into the net.

The hosts were dominating the game and then got themselves a fourth. McCleary whipped in a cross and managed to pick out Noel Hunt inside the penalty area who headed the ball home.

Arsenal's best chance of the match came four minutes from the break as Coquelin played in Chamakh but his left footed shot was straight at the goalkeeper.

At the end of the first half the Gunners were finally finding their feet in the match and then finally got themselves a goal. Andrey Arshavin found Walcott who raced in on goal before dinking the ball over the goalkeeper for 4-1.

The first chance of the second half fell to Leigertwood who once again found space just inside the penalty area to find a shot but this time the ball flew over the bar.

Arsenal's first chance of the second half fell to Gnabry as he weaved his way past a Reading player before firing a shot across goal and just past the far post.

Just after the hour mark Arsenal pulled a second goal back and it came from Olivier Giroud who had only just come on. Theo Walcott's corner found the head of the Frenchman who then found the back of the Reading net.

Two minutes from the end of the game it was 4-3 and Arsenal suddenly felt as though they could level the game up. The goal came from another corner as Walcott delivered the ball in again and this time it found Koscielny who headed past the goalkeeper.

Then with effectively the last kick of normal time and in the fifth minute of injury time, Arsenal equalised! Coquelin found Chamakh who knocked the ball down to Walcott, he then took a shot which looked to be cleared off the line but Jenkinson followed up to find the net. A goal which was later to be confirmed as Walcott's second of the night.

The score at the end of 90 minutes was 4-4 and the game went into extra-time.

Towards the end of the first period of extra time Arsenal found themselves in front for the first time in the game. Giroud found Arshavin who then played the ball to Chamakh and he struck a low shot from outside the box which beat Federici to give the Gunners the lead.

It wasn't over as there was more drama as Reading equalised. Church's shot was deflected into the path of Pogrebnyak who headed the ball past Martinez for yet another goal in this tie.

However, there was another twist as in the last minute of extra-time Andrey Arshavin ran at the Reading defence and then fired in a shot which was cleared away but only as far as Walcott who smashed the ball home for the winner.

The Gunners then found themselves another goal as Theo Walcott smashed the ball down the pitch, the defender misjudged the ball and it came to Chamakh who chipped the keeper from 25 yards for his second of the night and to seal the victory.

The final score on a simply incredible night finished Reading 5-7 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Reading: Federici, Gunter, Gorkss, Morrison, Shorey, Tabb, Leigertwood, McCleary(74), Robson-Kanu, Hunt(74), Roberts(90).
Subs: Taylor, Harte, Pearce, McAnuff(74), Church(90), Le Fondre, Pogrebnyak(74).

Arsenal: Martinez, Jenkinson, Djourou, Koscielny, Miquel(105), Coquelin, Frimpong(62), Arshavin, Gnabry(62), Walcott, Chamakh.
Subs: Shea, Squillaci, Meade(105), Bellerin, Yennaris, Eisfeld(62), Giroud(62).

Man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 23,980

Wilshere returns as Arteta grabs late winner

Jack Wilshere returned to first team action as he started for the first time in 14 months, as Arsenal beat QPR 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at the Emirates thanks to a late goal from Mikel Arteta. Arsenal showed glimpses of being back to their old selves as they got 3 vital points having lost their last Premier League game but still struggled in front of goal. The Gunners cause was helped by a sending off to Mbia which meant Arsenal found room to grab that all important goal. It had been a tough week for Arsenal but a far from convincing win against bottom of the table QPR rose spirits a tiny bit. Aswell as the returning Jack Wilshere who came in for Gervinho who was dropped to the bench, Bacary Sagna returned from injury and played for the first time this season as he came in for Jenkinson.

Arteta bundled the ball into the net late on to win the game for Arsenal

The first chance of the game was created by Andre Santos as he got down the left hand side before trying to pick out Giroud but the ball deflected off a defender and Cesar made the save.

Arsenal's first clear cut opportunity fell to Ramsey as Sagna crossed the ball into the box and the Welshman's header struck the cross bar.

Giroud then did have a chance to test Cesar as he turned and then tried to pick out a cross. The ball was blocked though and at the second time Giroud shot from a tight angle but it was an easy save for the goalkeeper.

Gunners fans then got to see signs of what they'd been missing from a certain Jack Wilshere, as he combined with Cazorla before hitting a shot from the edge of the area, which was spilled by Cesar but then gobbled up at the second attempt.

Arsenal were having all the play and Giroud was allowed to test Cesar again as he let fly from the left hand side but the QPR goalkeeper got down well to it.

Just before the break Santos found space on the left hand side after Wilshere had played the ball out to him. The Brazilian then brought the ball onto his weaker foot but Cesar was once again in the way of the shot.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first opportunity of the second half went Arsenal's way. Arteta delivered a ball in from the free-kick and Mertesacker managed to glance a header towards goal but was denied by an inspired Julio Cesar.

It was a second half of few chances but with more or less 15 minutes to play Santi Cazorla had a great chance to put the Gunners ahead. The ball fell to him 12 yards from goal but he skied the shot over the bar.

A few minutes later, QPR found themselves in trouble as Vermaelen went shoulder to shoulder with Mbia and then brought him down, but the Cameroonion then kicked out at the Arsenal skipper and was sent off.

With 7 minutes left to play Arsenal finally got the goal they deserved and had finally put one past Cesar. Andrey Arshavin did well on the left to beat his man and then pick out Giroud, whose header was clawed away by Cesar, and then after hitting the bar with his first effort, Mikel Arteta tapped home for the winner.

However, the game wasn't finished there and the Gunners kept plugging away as Cesar denied a driven effort from Ramsey shortly after the goal and then a curling effort from Cazorla.

In the last minute of the game QPR had their best chance of the afternoon as the ball was played into Granero but he dragged his shot wide.

Into injury time and Jamie Mackie almost scored a brilliant goal as he took the ball past 3 Arsenal players before breaking into the penalty area and firing straight at Mannone. 

The final score finished Arsenal 1-0 QPR.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Arteta, Wilshere(67), Cazorla, Ramsey, Podolski(71), Giroud.
Subs: Martinez, Koscielny, Jenkinson, Coquelin, Arshavin(82), Walcott(67), Gervinho(71)(82).

QPR: Cesar, Bosingwa, Nelsen, Mbia, Traore(73), Diakite, Granero, Wright-Phillips(79), Taarabt, Hoilett, Zamora(73).
Subs: Green, Ferdinand, Onuoha(73), Faurlin, Ephraim, Mackie(79), Cisse(73). 

My man of the match: Mikel Arteta

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 60,103

Gunners slip up in midweek thanks to late goals

Arsenal slid to their second defeat in a row as goals from Klass-Jan Huntelaar and Ibrahim Afellay sealed a 2-0 win for Schalke at the Emirates on Wednesday in the Champions League. The defeat meant that Arsenal's long unbeaten run at home in Europe had now come to an end. Arsenal were very poor, as they had been against Norwich at the weekend and once more failed to create many clear cut opportunities. The only shot on target came from the boot of 17 year old Serge Gnabry, that tells you all you need to know about how poor the Gunners were on the night. The midfield once again lived up to expectation, as did Per Mertsacker. However Andre Santos was ripped apart by Farfan all night whilst the attack failed to create much up top. Arsenal made just one change to the starting lineup as Francis Coquelin replaced Olivier Giroud as Ramsey pushed out wide with Gervinho down the middle. Meanwhile Marouane Chamakh returned to the substitutes bench.

Arsenal could do with the fire power of opening scorer Huntelaar after failing to score for 2 games in a row

The first chance of the game came 9 minutes in as Podolski found Gervinho at the near post but he steered his shot wide.

Arsenal had dominated the first 10 minutes and Schalke then tried to claim for a penalty as it looked like Mannone had brought down Afellay when in fact the Dutch winger had dived, and was subsequently booked.

Santi Cazorla then let fly from range as he got into a shooting position before seeing his effort deflected wide.

Schalke then had their first real chance as Uchida got to the byline before cutting the ball back to Farfan who stepped inside one man but Mertesacker slid in to block the attempt.

Just before the break the German side almost took the lead. Uchida was once more allowed to get beyond the Arsenal defence before sliding the ball to Huntelaar who put the ball wide when he should have scored.

The score at half time was 0-0.

Arsenal almost immediately had a chance to score as Cazorla wriggled out of the challenges before feeding Santos. His ball into the box found Coquelin who then found Ramsey but his flick fell into the hands of the goalkeeper.

Schalke then had a great opportunity to put themselves in front as Farfan skipped past Santos before finding Howedes who put the ball over from 12 yards out.

It was then the Gunners turn to appeal for a penalty as Gervinho got past Jones but then as the ball got away from the Ivorian he dived and the referee once again showed the yellow card and waved away the Arsenal protests.

With just 15 minutes left, Schalke took the lead. The ball was headed back into the box towards Huntelaar who beat the offside trap to smash the ball beyond Mannone and into the back of the net.

10 minutes later Schalke were 2 goals to the good. Farfan managed to get down the right hand side before sliding the ball across the box into Afellay who fired home at the back post.

In the last minute of the match, Arsenal finally had their first shot on target. Serge Gnabry cut inside from the right before seeing his shot beaten away. The ball went only as far as Cazorla but he put the shot over.

The final score finished Arsenal 0-2 Schalke.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson(83), Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Coquelin, Arteta, Cazorla, Ramsey, Podolski(83), Gervinho(75).
Subs: Shea, Djourou, Koscielny, Arshavin(83), Gnabry(83), Chamakh, Giroud(75).

Schalke: Unnerstall, Uchida, Howedes, Matip, Fuchs, Neustadter, Hoger(45), Holtby(65), Afellay, Farfan, Huntelaar(88).
Subs: Hildebrand, Kolasinac, Moritz, Jones(45), Barnetta(65), Draxler, Marica(88).

My man of the match: Francis Coquelin

Referee: Jonas Eriksson(SWE)
Attendance: 60,049

Arsenal fall to disappointing defeat at Norwich

Arsenal missed the chance to overtake rivals Tottenham on Saturday evening, as the Gunners suffered a very disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of winless Norwich. It was a game in which Arsenal were expected to coast to victory but that wasn't to be as Grant Holt's first half goal proved crucial. The Gunners didn't really look like scoring at any point in the game. Podolski only had one real sight of goal and Giroud didn't show any signs of troubling the hosts. Meanwhile the midfield was once again Arsenal's best aspect as Arteta and Cazorla had good games but Gervinho was once again quiet out wide. Arsenal made one change to the starting lineup that faced West Ham as Santos came in for the injured Kieran Gibbs. Meanwhile 17 year old Serge Gnabry was included on the bench for the first time in a Premier League game. The match also signalled Jack Wilshere's return after 14 months out injured, as he also made the bench.

Arsenal were left frustrated as they failed to open up Norwich on Saturday

The first chance of the match fell to Norwich as Pilkington cut inside from the left before firing a shot wide.

Lukas Podolski then almost had a brilliant chance to give the Gunners the lead but Martin slid in to deny the German.

Podolski then had another chance as he hit a speculative effort from just inside the box but the ball flashed passed Ruddy and out for a goalkick.

However on 18 minutes it was Norwich who took a surprise lead. Tettey was allowed to find space and fire in a shot from distance which was palmed away by Mannone but straight into the path of Holt who slid the ball home.

Just after the half hour mark Norwich had a great opportunity to double their lead as Pilkington picked out the unmarked Turner from a corner but he headed wide.

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

Arsenal had the first chance of the second half as Jenkinson whipped in a ball from the right hand side which Ruddy came out to and punched the ball into Cazorla, however the ball then fell to Giroud but he scuffed the shot wide.

Giroud then turned provider as he knocked the ball down and it fell to Gervinho but Ruddy easily kept the Ivorian's header out.

Grant Holt had Norwich's first chance in a while as he ran through the midfield and took a shot from outside the box which bounced wide.

Holt was then the man who had another chance as he stole possession off of Vermaelen and went clean through on goal. However he tried to cheekily dink the ball over Mannone but it didn't work and it fell greatfully into the hands of the Italian goalkeeper.

Five minutes from the end of the game Mikel Arteta hit a left footed strike from outside the area but Ruddy was equal to it.

Gervinho then had Arsenal's best chance of the game as Gnabry slipped the ball through to him but he didn't shoot straight away which allowed Bassong to slide in and make the challenge.

Arsenal's final chance came in injury time as Santos pumped the ball forward towards Giroud who knocked it back to Gnabry but he sliced the ball wide.

The final score finished Norwich 1-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Bassong, Turner, Garrido, Johnson, Hoolahan(90), Bennett(79), Tettey, Holt(90), Pilkington.
Subs: Rudd, Bennett(90), Howson, Snodgrass(79), Surman, Jackson, Morison(90).

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Arteta, Ramsey(83), Cazorla, Gervinho, Giroud, Podolski(65). 
Subs: Martinez, Djourou, Coquelin, Wilshere, Arshavin(74), Oxlade-Chamberlain(65)(74), Gnabry(83).

My man of the match: Mikel Arteta

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 26,825