Walcott double seals Arsenal win in thrilling derby

Arsenal came back from 2-0 down to win a thrilling North London derby 5-2 on Sunday afternoon to remain fourth place in the Premier League. Goals from Sagna, Van Persie, Rosicky and two from Walcott sealed a remarkable comeback against rivals Tottenham as the Gunners won their first game in three games. It was a perfect response from the team who on the back of defeats to Sunderland in the FA Cup and AC Milan in the Champions League. Arsene Wenger made quite a few key changes to the side that played in the Cup a week ago as Gibbs played his first league game since returning from injury, whilst Koscielny was also again fit after injury. Oxlade-Chamberlain rested as Yossi Benayoun took his place whilst Ramsey missed out with an injury. Carl Jenkinson came off the bench to play his first game in the first team since returning from injury. Ex Gunner, Emmanuel Adebayor play against his former side for Tottenham.

Rosicky was on the scoresheet as he played one of the best matches he has ever played in an Arsenal shirt

Just 4 minutes into the game,  Spurs were ahead through Louis Saha. Adebayor picked up the ball and fed Saha in who got into the penalty area and hit a shot which deflected off Vermaelen and looped over Szczesny into the back of the net.

Arsenal's first chance of the game fell to Van Persie as he hit a sweetely struck shot from the edge of the area which took a slight deflection and went wide of the goal. From the resulting corner Thomas Rosicky met the ball with his head but Friedel was there to turn the ball over the bar.

Just after the half hour mark Spurs were 2-0 ahead. Gareth Bale was put through and then seemed to go down under the challenge of Szczesny and a penalty was awarded. However it appeared that no contact was made with Bale and it was actually a dive. Emmanuel Adebayor took the penalty and comfortably slotted the ball past Szczesny.

Five minutes before the break, Arsenal were back into the game. The original chance came off the post from a Van Persie effort. It then found its way to Arteta who floated the ball into the box and into Sagna who headed the ball past Friedel for 2-1.

Arsenal then found an equaliser as Van Persie curled home his 29th goal of the season. Ekotto could only clear the ball as far as the Arsenal captain who turned two Spurs players before curling the ball beyond Friedel from the edge of the area.

The score at half time was 2-2.

Just five minutes into the second half the comeback was complete as Rosicky found the net to make it 3-2. Rosicky managed to break forward and then play the ball out wide to Sagna who then found Rosicky once more inside the box to stab the ball home for his first goal in a year.

Rosicky then became chance creator as he poked the ball through to Walcott who sprinted clear of the Spurs defence before firing a shot inches wide of the far post.

Walcott, coming off the back of heavy critisism made it 4-2 to Arsenal with a brilliant finish past Friedel. The ball was played over the top towards Van Persie who held the play up and then found Walcott who got into the penalty area before clipping the ball over Friedel to extend the Gunners' lead.

The rout was complete just three minutes later as Walcott grabbed his second of the season, to make it 5-2 to Arsenal. Song picked the ball up out wide and then chipped the ball over the Tottenham defence into the path of Walcott, who once again got clear and then buried the ball beyond the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

Rosicky was then given the chance to grab his second of the game as he played a one-two with Walcott before curling the ball past the post from just outside the penalty area.

The defeat was then made worse for Spurs as in the dying moments of the game Scott Parker recieved his second yellow card of the match for a challenge on Vermaelen and was sent off.

The final score finished Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham on a day in which it was a great day to be a Gooner as the Emirates crowd had never been heard louder all season.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs(75), Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Walcott(81), Benayoun(88), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Miquel, Jenkinson(75), Gervinho(88), Oxlade-Chamberlain(81), Park, Chamakh.

Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, King(82), Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto, Kranjcar(46), Parker, Modric, Bale, Saha(46), Adebayor.
Subs: Cudicini, Dawson(82), Rose, Sandro(46), Van der Vaart(46), Lennon, Defoe.

My man of the match: Thomas Rosicky

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 60,106

Arsenal continue poor week with FA Cup defeat

Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup in the same week as practically being knocked out of the Champions League after the Gunners were defeated 2-0 by Sunderland on Saturday evening. A Kieran Richardson striker five minutes before half time and an own goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain meant the Gunners were out of the cup. With the fans and the manager hoping for a positive response to the defeat against Milan in midweek, they were left heavily disappointed as Arsenal put in another frustrating performance, as the Gunners only ever looked to score on very few occasions. Arsenal named a very strong side for the cup tie as Djourou came in for the injured Koscielny and Coquelin replaced Gibbs who was rested. Szczesny was also rested as Fabianski took his place. Meanwhile Gervinho made his first appearence since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Marouane Chamakh was also back amongst the substitutes as he also returned from the Cup of Nations as Sebastian Squillaci came off the bench to make only his 6th appearence of the season.

Arsenal were knocked out of the Cup by Sunderland in a week of frustration for the Gunners

The first chance came from a freekick after Van Persie was brought down a few yards outside the box. Arteta stepped up to take the freekick and it floated just wide.

Just 10 minutes into the game, Arsenal were forced into making a substitute. Francis Coquelin pulled up with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Sebastian Squillaci.

Sunderland's first attempt on goal came from Stephane Sessegnon as he found space for a shot, but it went wide of Fabianski's goal.

Van Persie then set up a great chance for Gervinho as he raced into the penalty area before hitting a shot which Mignolet in the Sunderland goal had to turn around the post.

Arsenal then had a decent shout for a penalty, however it was turned down by Howard Webb. Song found Van Persie who went down under the challenge of O'Shea, but there was only the slightest of contact and no penalty was given.

With 5 minutes left until half time, Sunderland grabbed the lead. Larsson's freekick came out to Richardson who drove the ball into the back of the net via a slight but crucial deflection off of Squillaci.

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

The first real chance of the second half went the hosts' way after a Seb Larsson freekick curled over the wall and just over the crossbar.

Sunderland's next chance again came from a Larsson freekick. The former Arsenal man swung in the ball onto the head of Turner whose header untroubled Fabianski and went over the bar.

The majority of chances at both ends seemed to come from set pieces as the Gunners almost scored from a van Persie freekick which was deflected and put out for a corner.

The Gunners next chance fell to the head of Thomas Vermaelen from a free kick but it was comfortably saved by Mignolet.

13 minutes from the end of the game Sunderland went 2-0 up. The hosts broke away with Sessegnon who then played the ball out to Larsson who struck a shot which hit the post and then was fumbled over the line by Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The final score finished Sunderland 2-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Sunderland: Mignolet, Bardsley, Turner, O'Shea, Richardson, Larsson, Cattermole, Colback, Gardner, McClean, Sessegnon(88).
Subs: Westwood, Bridge, Kyriakos, Elmohamady, Meyler, Ji, Campbell(88).

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Vermaelen, Coquelin(10), Song, Arteta, Ramsey(53), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Van Persie.
Subs: Szczesny, Squillaci(10)(53), Benayoun, Rosicky(53), Arshavin, Walcott(53), Chamakh.

My man of the match: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 26,042

Arsenal bid farewell to Henry as they suffer heavy defeat to Milan

Arsenal will have to produce a miracle if they are to reach the next round of the Champions League after they were beaten 4-0 by AC Milan in the first leg at the San Siro on Wednesday night. It was an extremely poor performance from the Gunners as they suffered their heaviest European defeat on a pitch which was almost as bad as their performance. Former Spursman Boateng opened the scoring as Robinho scored either side of the break to make it 3-0. Zlatan Ibrahimovic finished the rout with a penalty late on in the game as Arsenal were beaten by a strong Milan side. The night was also made worse as Koscielny limped off with a knee injury. However the very few positives in the game were that Kieran Gibbs returned to the starting lineup after injury, whilst Oxlade-Chamberlain looked threatening when he came off the bench.

There were a few changes made to the side that beat Sunderland at the weekend as Gibbs came in for the injured Mertesacker which meant Vermaelen was able to take up his preferred position at centre half. The impressive teenager Oxlade-Chamberlain was rested as Ramsey came in for him meaning Rosicky played out wide. Meanwhile Thierry Henry bidded farewell to the club for the second time as he played in what would be his last game before he had to return to New York Red Bulls.

Thierry Henry was playing in his last game before returning to New York Red Bulls

The first chance of the game came to Arsenal. Thomas Rosicky got away from van Bommel before cutting inside and hitting a sliced shot wide of the target.

AC Milan's first chance fell to Dutch veteran Clarence Seedorf. Seedorf managed to find Boateng who then layed the ball back to the Dutchman who drove a shot into the side netting.

However just fifteen minutes into the game, Milan were ahead. Szczesny's clearence only went as far as Nocerino who chipped the ball into the path of Boateng who then lashed the ball off the underside of the bar and into the back of the net.

Milan's next chance fell to Nocerino. The ball came out to him on the edge of the area and then he drove a shot which was inches away from Szczesny's crossbar.

Laurent Koscielny then had a rare chance to score as his head met Van Persie's freekick, however the attempt was straight at Abbiati and was comfortably saved.

Seven minutes before the break, Milan went 2-0 up. Ibrahimovic was allowed to race down the left hand side, get to the byline and then pick out Robinho who headed the ball home from close range.

AC Milan were dominating and then Boateng came close to adding to his tally for the night. Ibrahimovic played the ball through the defence and into the Ghanian who got into the penalty area before hitting a shot wide and into the side netting.

The score at half time was 2-0 to AC Milan. Arsenal were to make a change at the break as Walcott was replaced by Thierry Henry

Four minutes into the second half AC Milan got a third. Ibrahimovic was once again the creator as he found Robinho who, thanks to Vermaelen slipping, found space in which to shoot, and find the bottom corner of the goal for his second of the game.

Arsenal were being carved open far too easily as the left back Antonini was allowed to get a shot away after Emanuelson had found him but he dragged his shot wide.

The Gunners then finally managed to create another chance. Song found Henry who flicked the ball into Van Persie who on the volley hit a shot in which Abbiati was forced into making a diving save down to his left hand side.

Vermaelen, who was now playing at left back because Gibbs had been substituted, then found room to pick out a cross and find Van Persie. The skipper tried another shot on the volley, however this time it was a more straight forward save from Abbiati.

Arsenal's night then got worse as Milan were awarded a penalty after Djourou had brought down Ibrahimovic. Ibrahimovic took the penalty and fired the ball past Szczesny to make it 4-0.

Van Persie was the man that was having all the chances for Arsenal as Abbiati then saved another one of the Dutchman's attempts on goal. This time it was a header that the Milan keeper had to deal with.

Alexandre Pato in the dying seconds of the game had a chance to make it five as the ball was played forward into him but Szczesny was able to beat the ball away to make sure Arsenal suffered no more further embarrasment.

The final score finished AC Milan 4-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

AC Milan: Abbiati, Abate, Mexes, Silva, Antonini, van Bommel, Seedorf(12), Nocerino, Boateng(70), Robinho(84), Ibrahimovic.
Subs: Amelia, Nesta, Bonera, Ambrosini(70), Emanuelson(12), Pato(84), El Shaarawi.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny(44), Vermaelen, Gibbs(66), Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Rosicky, Walcott(46), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou(44), Coquelin, Benayoun, Arshavin, Oxlade-Chamberlain(66), Henry(46).

My man of the match: Thomas Rosicky

Referee: V Kassai (Hungary)
Attendance: 68,257

Late winner from Henry sends Arsenal fourth

A last gasp winner from Thierry Henry meant he bowed out of Premier League football on a high as he sealed a 2-1 win for Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon. The win would send Arsenal fourth, leapfrogging Newcastle and Chelsea. Henry came off the bench to make his last appearence in England before ending his loan spell on Thursday to go back to New York Red Bulls. It was to be the Frenchman's 3rd goal since returning to the club and his 229th in total. However the Gunners had to do it after going a goal behind after McClean scored. Mertesacker who was injured in the build up to the goal was replaced by Ramsey who got Arsenal's equaliser 5 minutes later. Arsenal made one change to the side that thrashed Blackburn last week as Sagna returned to the starting lineup in place of Coquelin. Kieran Gibbs returned to the side after injury as he was on the bench. Meanwhile ex-Gunner Seb Larsson started for Sunderland. 

Thierry Henry scored for the second game in a row to win the game for Arsenal

The first chance fell to Arsenal. Alex Song managed to poke the ball through the Sunderland defence and into Van Persie who on the turn, hit a shot which was comfortably saved by Mignolet.

Sunderland's first chance of the game came from a Seb Larsson corner. Larsson swung in the ball to the near post and onto the head of McClean, but he saw his header go over the bar.

Arsenal then created a chance on the break away as Van Persie raced forward and then found Walcott who fired his attempt just wide of Mignolet's far post.

The main talking point of the half was when Mertesacker slipped in trying to clear the ball. The ball then hit the German's hand but the referee waved play on - much to the displeasure of the home fans.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first real period of threat in the second half came from Sunderland as they put pressure on Arsenal.

Mertesacker was forced to deal with 2 crosses that were put into the penalty area as he headed clear on both attempts. However it was Szczesny who made a key save to keep the score level as Gardner hit a shot on the volley from just outside the box which was saved by Szczesny.

It was a game in which not many opportunities were created but finally on 70 minutes a goal was scored and it came from the hosts - Sunderland. Sagna passed the ball back to Mertesacker who tripped and then allowed McClean to take advantage of the German's injury. McClean raced into the penalty area before driving a shot past Szczesny and into the corner of the net to give his side the lead.

However five minutes later, Arsenal equalised. Arteta's shot was blocked and then came out to Ramsey who drove a shot which beat Mignolet before hitting either post and finding the net. A perfect answer from the Welshman to hit out at his critics.

Van Persie then had a chance to add to his 22 league goals this season as Arshavin found the head of the skipper from the left hand side but his header was straight at Mignolet and was easily saved.

The game was then won as who else but Thierry Henry guided the ball home to give Arsenal all three points. Vermaelen played the ball out to Arshavin who found space between Bardsley and Larsson to pick out Henry inside the box to send Arsenal back into fourth place in the table.

It was a great way for English football to see off Thierry Henry as he played in what looked to be his last League game for the Gunners - unless, he was to return for the third time next season on loan again.

The final score finished Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Sunderland: Mignolet, Bardsley, Turner, O'Shea, Richardson, Larsson, Gardner, Colback, McClean, Sessegnon, Campbell(87).
Subs: Westwood, Bridge, Kyrgiakos, Elmohamady, Meyler, Ji(87), Wickham.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker(72), Koscielny, Vermaelen, Song, Rosicky, Arteta, Walcott(87), Oxlade-Chamberlain(66), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Gibbs, Coquelin, Benayoun, Ramsey(72), Arshavin(87), Henry(66).

My man of the match: Thierry Henry

Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Attendance: 40,312

Arsenal thrash ten men Blackburn as Van Persie scores hat-trick

Arsenal thrashed Blackburn 7-1 at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon as the Gunners proved way to strong for a side that were sent down to ten men midway through the first half. Goals from Van Persie who scored a hat-trick, Oxlade-Chamberalain who scored two whilst goals from Arteta and Henry finished off the rout. The impressive win was Arsenal's first win of 2012 as they returned to top form and looked to catch up with Chelsea in fourth place. Arsenal made two changes to the side that drew with Bolton in midweek as Coquelin came in for Sagna at right back whilst Rosicky came in for Ramsey who was rested.

Celebration of Oxlade-Chamberlain's first goal

One minute into the game, Arsenal were ahead. Coquelin found Walcott inside the penalty area who then slid the ball across the face of the goal for Van Persie to tap the ball home.

Rosicky then tried a shot from outside the box. He picked the ball up from a Chamberlain pass before hitting a shot which deflected just wide of the goal and out for a corner.

Van Persie then tried an exact same shot as he had done in the week, he managed to turn Givet before chipping the ball to the back post with his weaker foot. However, this shot bounced wide unlike a similar effort which hit the bar against Bolton.

Just after the half hour mark, Blackburn equalised through a free kick after Koscielny had brought down Modeste. Pedersen stepped up and curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner of the net. Szczesny managed to get a fingertip to the shot but it wasn't enough.

Six minutes later, Arsenal were back in front. Walcott was played through by Song who got into the penalty area before reaching the byline and cutting the ball back to Van Persie to finish for his second of the game.

Just two minutes later, The Gunners extended their lead to 3-1. Van Persie managed to find Oxlade-Chamberlain who ran clear of the defence before going round Robinson in the Blackburn goal and firing into an empty net for his first League goal for the club.

It then went from bad to worse for the visitors as they were sent down to 10 men after Givet had lunged in on Van Persie.

Arsenal then had one more great chance to get yet another goal before half time. Arteta's cross was flicked on towards the back post towards Vermaelen whose effort came off the post and out for a goalkick.

Just after Van Persie's first goal

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

Shortly after the break, Arsenal found themselves 4-1 up. Van Persie's corner was cleared, but only as far as Arteta who drove the shot from the edge of the box into the back of the net via a deflection.

Three minutes later, Oxlade-Chamberlain had his second of the game to make it 5-1. Walcott managed to get down the right flank before cutting inside and then finding Chamberlain. He then took a touch to take it away from the defender before poking the ball home.

Oxlade-Chamberlain's brilliant game then continued as he beat two Blackburn players before reaching the penalty area and finding Arteta at the back post who volleyed over the bar.

Just after the hour mark, Van Persie had his hat-trick. Coquelin beat his man before cutting the ball back to Van Persie to sweep the ball home from eight yards out to make it 6-1 to Arsenal.

Thierry Henry then completed the rout with the last kick of the game to make it 7-1. Henry stole the ball off of a defender before bearing in on goal and finding Van Persie. He then played the ball back to the Arsenal legend to fire home off a defender for his second goal since re-joining the club on loan.

The final score finished Arsenal 7-1 Blackburn.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Coquelin, Mertesacker, Koscielny(67), Vermaelen, Song(72), Arteta, Rosicky, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain(67), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Sagna(67), Benayoun(72), Ramsey, Arshavin, Park, Henry(67).

Blackburn: Robinson, Lowe(35), Givet, Dann, Olsson, Hoilett, Nzonzi, Petrovic, Dunn(45), Pedersen, Modeste.
Subs: Bunn, Orr(35), Hanley(45), Rochina, Vukcevic, Goodwillie, Formica.

My man of the match: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 59,643

Arsenal slip up again after goalless draw with Bolton

Arsenal grabbed their first point in the league in 2012 after another poor performance as they drew 0-0 with Bolton on Wednesday night. As usual Arsenal created great chances, but failed to take them as Van Persie struck the upright twice whilst Bodgan in the Bolton goal kept out the bombardment of chances that fell Arsenal's way. It was a game that saw the Gunners drop down to seventh in the table and 5 points off the Champions League places whilst also now being twelve points behind rivals Tottenham. Arsenal saw two key men return to the starting lineup for the trip to the Reebok Stadium as Sagna and Arteta returned from injuries whilst Oxlade-Chamberlain once again started. Szczesny, who was rested at the weekend in the FA Cup, returned to usual duties between the sticks.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was one of very few positives in the draw with Bolton

The first chance fell to Arsenal, Vermaelen got down the left hand side before crossing the ball onto the head of Van Persie. However his header was cleared off the line by Wheater.

The Gunners were then presented with another good opportunity as Van Persie split the defence with a ball through to Ramsey. He hit a first time shot on the stretch but the attempt was straight at Bogdan.

The Arsenal captain, Van Persie created another chance as he cut the ball back to Chamberlain. However the chance came to nothing as Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was leaning back, hit his shot wide of the goal.

Bolton's first chance of the game fell to Ngog as the ball was played over the top to him. He then out muscled Koscielny before testing Szczesny who was equal to it and kept out the shot.

Straight away from the hosts opportunity, Arsenal created one of their own as Chamberlain broke down the left hand side and then cut inside before getting to the edge of the penalty area and hitting a shot over the bar.

The Ex-Liverpool man, Ngog was then gifted another fantastic opportunity to give Bolton the lead. The ball was flicked into the path of Ngog who again got to the ball ahead of Koscielny before passing the ball just wide of the oncoming Szczesny and the goal.

It was then Arsenal's chance to squander a great chance. Oxlade-Chamberlain found Walcott who raced clear of the defence before finding himself one-on-one with Bogdan who managed to get a fingertip to the shot.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first good chance of the second period fell to Van Persie. Sagna managed to get forward and then whip in a cross to the near post towards Van Persie who got a touch to the ball, but it came off the post and bounced back out.

Oxlade-Chamberlain who was only making his second league start for the club wasn't short of confidence as he let fly from range again. The youngster cut inside and then drove forward before driving a shot just over the bar.

It was turning out to be one of those nights where nothing would go in for Arsenal as Van Persie once again hit the woodwork. The Gunners captain managed to turn his man before chipping the ball with his weaker foot onto the cross bar and back out.

Shortly after that chance Walcott had a great chance to fire home as the ball dropped to him but he sliced his volley wide.

In the dying minutes of the game, Bolton had some great chances to take all three points. Mark Davies had a strong claim for a penalty turned down after Szczesny had brought him down. The follow up eventually came to Reo-Coker who tried to place his shot, but it went inches past the post.

Davies then managed to create one final chance as he cut inside and got into the penalty area before driving a shot, just wide of the post again.

The final score finished Bolton 0-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Bolton: Bogdan, Knight, Wheater, Ricketts, Steinsson, Muamba, Reo-Coker(89), Petrov(81), Eagles, M.Davies, Ngog(75).
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Boyata, Riley, Pratley(89), Tuncay(81), K.Davies(75), Klasnic.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Song, Arteta, Ramsey(81), Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain(69), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Coquelin, Benayoun, Rosicky(81), Arshavin, Park, Henry(69).

My man of the match: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 24,371

Arsenal come from behind to reach next round of FA Cup

Arsenal had to come from two goals down to ensure they were still in with a shout of winning the FA Cup. Two penalties from Van Persie and a lucky goal from Walcott completed a remarkable comeback against Aston Villa at the Emirates on Sunday evening. With Richard Dunne and Darren Bent giving Villa a two goal advantage going into the break, the task of reaching the next round of the FA Cup looked out of sight for the Gunners. However it was three goals in seven minutes which took Arsenal into the fifth round to play either Sunderland or Middlesborough away from home. For the cup tie, Fabianski and Coquelin returned from injury to replace Szczesny and Djourou whilst Sagna and Arteta were on the bench also returning from injury, long and short term injuries respectively. 

Van Persie scored two penalties as Arsenal reached the 5th Round of the FA Cup

The first chance of the match came to Arsenal from a free kick after Keane had handled the ball. Van Persie layed the ball off to Vermaelen who hit a ferocious shot which Given had to be at full stretch to keep the ball out.

Arsenal's next chance fell to Walcott, who after Rosicky's ball through to him, raced clear of the Villa defence but only to slice his shot wide of the goal.

However it was Aston Villa who took the lead, as on the half hour mark, Richard Dunne headed home. Robbie Keane was allowed to get to the byline and then chip the ball to the back post and onto the head of Dunne who put Villa ahead.

Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rosicky then tested Given in quick succession. The first came from Rosicky who from the edge of the area tried to place the ball into the back of the net,however, proving unsuccesful. Chamberlain's attempt was from further out but Given was once again there to stop Arsenal from equalising.

Despite Arsenal having the majority of the ball, it was Villa who doubled their lead. Agbonlahor was allowed to find Bent who then after seeing his first shot saved by Fabianski got to the rebound to find the net from a tight angle.

The score at half time was 2-0 to Aston Villa.

The first chance of the second half came to Mertesacker as from Van Persie's corner, the German's header, which was going in, was cleared off the line by Ireland.

Nine minutes into the second half, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after Ramsey was brought down by Dunne. Van Persie stepped up and sent Given the wrong way to put Arsenal back into the game at 2-1.

Two minutes later, Arsenal had their equaliser. Walcott was allowed to get to the byline and then hit a shot which came off the post.The ball then found its way to Hutton who smashed the ball off Walcott and into the back of the net.

The Gunners comeback was then completed just after the hour mark as Van Persie scored another penalty. Koscielny raced forward from defence and was then brought down by Bent. The Arsenal skipper once again stepped up to take the penalty and comfortably converted it to make the score 3-2 to Arsenal.

Walcott was then allowed to beat his man again as he fired in another shot, which this time, was saved by Given.

Aston Villa were then given a decent chance to equalise as Ireland's ball found Clark with a free header, but it was straight at Fabianski who made a comfortable save.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-2 Aston Villa.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Coquelin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky(71), Walcott(89), Oxlade-Chamberlain(89), Van Persie.
Subs: Szczesny, Sagna(89), Arteta(71), Benayoun, Arshavin, Park, Henry(89).

Aston Villa: Given, Hutton, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock, Clark, Petrov(82), Ireland, Agbonlahor(72), Keane, Bent.
Subs: Guzan, Lichaj, Baker, Gardner(72), Bannan(82), Heskey, Weimann.

My man of the match: Thomas Rosicky

Referee: Michael Jones
Attendance: 60,019