Giroud scores first goal as youngsters shine in Cup

Olivier Giroud scored his first Arsenal goal as a mix of youth and experience thrashed Coventry in the third round of the League Cup at the Emirates on Wednesday night. The Frenchman later went on to miss a penalty but set up Andrey Arshavin for his goal. Oxlade-Chamberlain was Arsenal's brightest player going forward in the first half and then scored a brilliant goal outside the box in the second half. On the other wing, Theo Walcott was fairly quiet until the second half when he slid home two confident finishes. Meanwhile the youngsters played very well. Francis Coquelin held the midfield together with Nico Yennaris. Ignasi Miquel was brilliant at centre back, was confident with bringing the ball out of defence and even scored a well placed header late on in the game. 17 year old German, Serge Gnabry, came off the bench and looked very lively whilst Emmanuel Frimpong also returned from injury and got a standing ovation when he came on. Gnabry was one of three teenagers who got their first team debuts as Martin Angha started at right back and was fairly solid whilst Damian Martinez was in goal but didn't have that much to do.


Arsenal easily saw off Coventry in the third round of the cup

The first chance of the game fell Coventry's way as Angha was beaten easily before a cross was played onto the head of Barton but the ball bounced wide of the goal.

Just after the half hour mark Martin Angha had a decent chance as the ball bobbled out to him just inside the box but he sliced his shot wide.

Giroud then came close as Coquelin found him on the edge of the penalty area before striking a shot with his weaker foot which found the arms of Murphy in the Coventry goal.

5 minutes before the break Arsenal took the lead. Coquelin was once again the provider as he poked
the ball through to Giroud who got into the penalty box before dinking the ball over the keeper for his first goal in Arsenal colours.

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

Just after the break, Arsenal immediately had the chance to go 2-0 up as Arshavin was brought down in the box and a penalty was given. Olivier Giroud stepped up to take the penalty and he slotted the ball towards the right hand corner but Murphy made a great save to deny Giroud.

From the resulting corner the miss was almost forgotten as Miquel saw his header hit the crossbar.

Arsenal then did manage to find a second as Arshavin layed the ball off to Oxlade-Chamberlain who smashed a strike from range which swerved before beating Murphy and finding the back of the net.

A few minutes after the hour mark, Arsenal went 3-0 up. Giroud was played through and then he found Arshavin who took one touch before poking the ball past the goalkeeper to extend the lead.

Johan Djourou, skipper for the night, almost got in on the act as he got onto the end of Arshavin's corner but Murphy kept him out from close range.

It wasn't long before the Gunners added a fourth. Nico Yennaris played in Walcott down the right who got into the penalty area before firing the ball into the far corner of the goal.

Coventry then finally got themselves on the scoresheet. Baker swung in a great delivery from the right hand side into the path of Ball who tapped home 8 yards out.

It was a game full of chances and there was no surprise that Arsenal added yet another goal. Arshavin crossed the ball in which found Ignasi Miquel who headed the ball into the back of the net.

A minute from the end of the game there was a sixth goal for Arsenal and a second for Theo Walcott. Walcott managed to take the ball past one man before galloping down the left hand side and then into the penalty area before finding the net.

The final score finished Arsenal 6-1 Coventry.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Martinez, Angha, Djourou, Miquel, Santos, Yennaris, Coquelin(73), Arshavin, Walcott, Giroud(73), Oxlade-Chamberlain(73).
Subs: Shea, Squillaci, Bellerin, Frimpong(73), Eisfeld, Gnabry(73), Chamakh(73).

Coventry: Murphy, Clarke, Wood, Reckford, Brown, Baker, McSheffrey, Barton, Moussa(60), Bailey, Elliot(70).
Subs: Dunn, Hussey, Daniels, Ball(70), Edjenguele, McDonald, Fleck(60).

My man of the match: Ignasi Miquel

Referee: Michael Jones
Attendance: 58,351

Arsenal come from behind to snatch a point at City

A dominant Arsenal side came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday evening. Jolean Lescott opened the scoring with a header 5 minutes before half time but Laurent Koscielny smashed home an effort at the death to seal the draw. Arsenal dominated the game possession wise and could have easily taken away all 3 points if the likes of Gervinho had finished off some great opportunities to score. The Gunners were at their very best as they carved Man City open a number of times in the first half as they dominated the midfield. A key reason to that was in Aaron Ramsey who was starting his first game of the season as he came in for Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Welshman had played one of the best games he's played in an Arsenal shirt whilst Cazorla was as ever involved in most of the Gunners build up play. Arteta and Diaby were the men that held the team together deeper in midfield. It was also a very good defensive display as Mertesacker was a rock at the back whilst Jenkinson and Gibbs were good going forward from fullback.

Laurent Koscielny equalised with eight minutes left to rescue Arsenal

The first shot on goal came eight minutes in as Cazorla found space to fire an effort on goal from range but it was easily saved by Hart down to his left hand side.

Manchester City's first chance on goal came from Aguero as he drifted inside and hit a shot which dipped but Mannone was equal to it and managed to beat it away.

A quarter of an hour into the game and Gervinho had a fantastic chance to make it 1-0. Ramsey played the ball through to him and he would have been clean through on goal but he took a very poor touch which found its way greatfully into the hands of Joe Hart. With the Ivorian in form this season you would have backed him to score it.

Aaron Ramsey was then the orchestrator of another move as he played the ball out wide to Jenkinson who did brilliantly to get past Lescott before pulling the ball back to Podolski who blazed the shot over the bar.

Santi Cazorla then tested Hart from range again. This time it was a free-kick which he drove from far out but Hart got down well to it to keep the Spaniard out again.

5 minutes before the break, the hosts took the lead. David Silva's corner found the head of Jolean Lescott who headed home in a crowded penalty area just inside the post.

A minute later Man City went close to doubling their lead as Dzeko hit a curling shot from the edge of the area which forced Mannone into making a brilliant finger tip save to put the ball over the bar.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Manchester City.

The first chance of the second half fell City's way as a free-kick found its way out to Aguero at the back post who fired the ball wildly over the bar when he really should have hit the target.

The second half was not as open as the first but late on Sergio Aguero had another decent chance to extend the lead for City. Yaya Toure powered his way through the heart of the pitch and then found Aguero inside the penalty area before hitting a shot which found the side netting thanks to a Mannone save.

Into the last ten minutes and Santi Cazorla once again tested Joe Hart, this time the shot was hit with more conviction and Hart made a fantastic dive to his right hand side to keep City ahead.

From the resulting corner Arsenal equalised. Cazorla's corner was flicked on by Garcia and then it bounced into the path of Koscielny who lashed the ball home in his first game of the season. Cue the celebrations as every outfield player on the pitch bundled on Koscielny, a sign of the great unity and spirit in this seasons team.

The game was far from over as Tevez's corner was headed back into the box by Silva to Kompany who acrobatically found a shot on goal which was saved by Mannone. The ball then fell to Aguero from Koscielny's mistake but he missed from 6 yards out.

In the last minute of the match Gervinho had a great chance to win the game for Arsenal as he got into the penalty area before smashing the ball into the crowd.

The final score finished Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups: 

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Toure, Garcia, Silva, Sinclair(46), Dzeko(68), Aguero(85).
Subs: Pantilimon, Nastasic, Kolarov, Barry, Rodwell(46), Tevez(68), Balotelli(85).

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Diaby(71), Cazorla, Ramsey, Podolski(71), Gervinho(90). 
Subs: Martinez, Djourou, Santos, Coquelin(90), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott(71), Giroud(71).

Man of the match: Per Mertesacker

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 47,318

Podolski and Gervinho seal win against Montpellier

Arsenal won in their first Champions League group game of the season on Tuesday night as they beat French champions Montpellier 2-1 thanks to goals from Podolski and Gervinho. However it was a very hard fought victory for Arsenal against the French side who aren't doing too well domestically this season. The Gunners went behind early but then came back with 2 goals in 2 minutes. Arsenal put out a very strong team which saw just two changes from the weekends victory against Southampton. Vito Mannone came in for the once again injured Wojciech Szczesny whilst Olivier Giroud came in for Oxlade-Chamberlain to play against his former club. Due to the injuries of two of Arsenal's goalkeepers James Shea was on the bench. Steve Bould took charge of the team instead of Arsene Wenger as he began his 3 match touchline ban sanctioned by UEFA.

Lukas Podolski found the net for the third game running for Arsenal

On just 8 minutes, Arsenal were behind and Montpellier had their first Champions League goal. Thomas Vermaelen made contact with Younes Belhanda just inside the area and a penalty was given. It looked to be a very harsh one though as Belhanda was going away from goal and Vermaelen looked to have got the ball. It was Belhanda himself who got up to take the penalty and he dinked the ball down the middle which completely fooled Mannone.

Montpellier then had another chance as Podolski failed to clear the ball and it came out to Cabella but he drove his shot over the bar.

Arsenal's best chance of the match so far resulted in a goal from Lukas Podolski. Cazorla played the ball into Giroud who flicked the ball through to Podolski who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net for the equaliser.

Two minutes later Arsenal found themselves in front. Carl Jenkinson found space on the right hand side to deliver a ball across the goal and into Gervinho who tapped the ball home.

Cabella was proving to be dangerous for the French Champions though as he cut inside past Gibbs and then fired a shot with his left foot which went just wide of the goal.

Olivier Giroud then had a chance to score against his old club as Kieran Gibbs crossed the ball into him but he fired wide.

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

Montpellier almost found an equaliser just after the break as Abou Diaby was robbed of possession inside the box by Carbella but he blazed his attempt high and wide.

Cabella was then once again at the heart of an attack as he crossed the ball deep into the path of Bocaly but the shot was once again high and wide of Mannone and the goal.

Arsenal were up against it in the second half and were then once again tested as Cabella chipped a shot which lobbed Mannone and then came back off the cross-bar.

The Gunners however did finally find themselves a chance as Diaby powered his way towards the penalty area before feeding Cazorla whose driven shot was kept out by Jourden.

Younes Belhanda, scorer of the first goal, then had a brilliant chance to take all three points off of Arsenal as he fainted past Mertesacker and then smashed his shot straight at Mannone from close range.

The final score finished Montpellier 1-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Montpellier: Jourden, Bocaly, Yanga-Mbiwa, Hilton, Bedimo, Mounier(67), Saihi, Cabella, Estrada(77), Belhanda, Camara(78).
Subs: Pionnier, Congre, Stambouli(78), Jeunechamp, Marveaux, Herrera(77), Ait-Fana(67).

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla(90), Gervinho, Podolski(90), Giroud(75).
Subs: Shea, Koscielny, Santos, Coquelin(90), Ramsey(75), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott(90).

Man of the match: Lukas Podolski(Arsenal), Remy Cabella(Montpellier).

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo(ESP)
Attendance: 30,000

Arsenal thrash newly promoted Southampton

Arsenal convincingly beat Premiership new boys Southampton on Saturday afternoon at the Emirates. The Gunners won 6-1 in a game which they dominated from start to finish thanks to two own goals, two from Gervinho and one each for Podolski and substitute Theo Walcott. It was a perfect game to return to following the International break for Arsenal who showed no signs of rustiness as they were soon into full flow.

The game was of course full of positives. Francis Coquelin came in for the injured Abou Diaby and played well, whilst Gervinho and Podolski were at their best. Many would have thought this would have been the perfect game for Olivier Giroud to score his first goal in Arsenal colours. However he was dropped to the bench for the game but later came on and failed to find the net. Perhaps saving his first goal for against his old club Montpellier? The Gunners meet the French side in the Champions League on Tuesday. There was a negative though. Southampton's goal, the first one that Arsene Wenger's men had conceded this season. Szczesny returned from injury and made a mistake as he came in for Mannone. It was a mistake which new assistant manager Steve Bould would probably have been tearing his hair out at having improved the Gunners defence.

Gerinvho was at his best as he scored 2 goals in the thrashing of Southampton

The first chance of the match fell Arsenal's way. Arteta found Chamberlain out wide who drove the ball into the area and into the path of Cazorla who fired over the bar.

Just 10 minutes into the game Arsenal were ahead. Podolski slipped the ball into the path of Gibbs who fired the ball across goal and it was bundled into his own net by Hooiveld.

The Gunners then almost found the net through Per Mertesacker as the ball was clipped into the German but Davis made an easy save.

Kieran Gibbs then had another chance to set up a goal. He got the ball out wide on the left and delivered a ball onto the head of Gervinho but he headed wide.

Half an hour into the game and Arsenal were 2-0 up through a brilliant free-kick from Lukas Podolski. The German managed to curl the ball over the wall and past Davis into the back of the net for his second goal in Arsenal colours.

Four minutes later, it was 3-0. Arteta played the ball in behind the Southampton defence and Gervinho got into the penalty area before smashing the ball inside the near post to extend the lead.

It was now turning into a riot as Kieran Gibbs hit a shot which was going wide but the ball hit Clyne and then flew into the net for yet another Arsenal goal.

Just before the break the visitors grabbed themselves a goal. Puncheon's ball in was spilt by Szczesny straight into the path of Fox who smashed the ball home.

The score at half time was 4-1 to Arsenal.

Ten minutes into the second half Southampton had a great chance to get their second of the game. Ramirez managed to find Lambert who from 8 yards out slid the ball wide.

The game had quietened down in the second half but that didn't stop Arsenal from grabbing a fifth. Aaron Ramsey got past Clyne before getting into the area and hitting a shot which came back off the post and fell to Gervinho who tapped the ball home for his second of the game.

Ex-Southampton player Oxlade-Chamberlain then tested Davis with a powerful shot from
just inside the area but the keeper managed to parm the ball away.

Three minutes from time Arsenal finished the rout and added a sixth goal. Vermaelen's shot was beaten away straight to Cazorla who found Walcott who slotted the ball home for a goal against his old club.

Southampton then almost did find a second consolation goal as Puncheon did well to get the better of Gibbs before hitting a shot which Szczesny kept out well.

The final score finished Arsenal 6-1 Southampton

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin(67), Arteta, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski(75), Gervinho(74).
Subs: Mannone, Koscielny, Santos, Ramsey(67), Arshavin, Walcott(74), Giroud(75).

Southampton: Davies, Clyne, Hooiveld(29), Fonte, Fox, Schneiderlin, Ward-Prowse, Davis((46), Puncheon, Lallana, Lambert(76).
Subs: Gazzaniga, Yoshida(29), Richardson, Chaplow, Ramirez(46), Mayuka, Rodriguez(76).

Man of the match: Gervinho

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 60,097

Podolski and Cazorla goals give Arsenal first win of season

Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla scored their first Arsenal goals to give Arsenal their first win of the new Premier League season against Liverpool at Anfield. It was a brilliant display from the Gunners after questions had been asked over the clubs transfer policy two days ago on transfer deadline day. Arsenal had failed to buy a much needed defensive midfielder, and also maybe a striker having not scored in their first two games after Van Persie had left. However, all looked to be forgotten on Sunday afternoon as Arsenal came away with all three points as Podolski scored what hopes to be the first of many which was the first goal of the club's campaign. Santi Cazorla also scored a much deserved first goal of the season having played brilliantly in the first two games. Whilst also Abou Diaby, finally looking fit and back to his best, played one of the best games he's played for the club. The forgotten man himself made Alex Song look like a forgotten man as he put in a superb display in defensive midfield, knowing when to go forward and when to get back, he was the Gunners man of the match. The powerful Frenchman even earned the plaudits of comparisons to one, Patrick Vieira.

Vito Mannone once again started in goal as Arsenal kept a third cleansheet in a row, the work of new assistant manager, Steve Bould is clearly evident. Teenage star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain started his first game of the season in place of Gervinho, the only change to the squad.

Cazorla and Podolski scored their first goals in the win against Liverpool

The first chance of the game was from a free-kick after Mertesacker had brought down Suarez. It was Suarez who got up to take the free-kick but it sailed harmlessly into the crowd.

Liverpool then created another opportunity. Luis Suarez played the ball out wide to Borini who got into the penalty area before blazing the ball wide of the goal.

There was no surprise as to where Arsenal's first chance came from. Chamberlain found Podolski who tapped the ball to Giroud who layed the ball into Cazorla who struck a shot which was straight at Reina in the Liverpool goal.

Suarez then had another opportunity for Liverpool. Enrique played the ball over the top into the path of the Uruguayan who nodded the ball over the bar.

However, it was the Gunners who took the lead. Gerrard lost the ball to Vermaelen who fed Podolski. He then played the ball into Cazorla who broke away then played the ball back to the German who fired the ball beyond Reina and into the corner of the net.

Liverpool were continuing to press though. Confusion in the Arsenal defence allowed Sterling to get a shot away which luckily for Arsenal struck the post and then went out.

5 minutes before the break, Olivier Giroud had a great chance to double the lead. Diaby broke forward with the ball towards the edge of the area before feeding Giroud who put the ball wide, much to the disgust of Kieran Gibbs who was bombing down the left hand side.

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

The first good chance of the second half fell Arsenal's way. Podolski played in Gibbs down the left hand side who hit a shot from a tight angle which Reina kept out.

Mannone was then tested for the first real time in the game as Suarez smashed a shot from the right hand side of the area but the Italian goalkeeper was there to tip the ball over the bar.

Carl Jenkinson, a man who had had a shaky first season at Arsenal, was now full of confidence having put in good displays in the Gunners first two games. He was playing in place of the injured Sagna, and he was allowed to get forward for the first time in the game, as he cut inside before hitting a shot with his left foot which Reina had to get down well to keep out.

The away sides next chance fell to Cazorla as he hit a shot from the edge of the area but he dragged it wide.

The Spaniard, however then did get his goal and it was very much deserved. Podolski was the man to assist this time as he found Cazorla who then drilled a shot which came off Reina and found its way into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.

With 8 minutes left to play the Gunners almost found themselves 3 goals to the good. Cazorla's corner found Giroud but he headed over the bar.

Vito Mannone then had to be at his best to deny Shelvey on two occasions as first he drove a shot from the edge of the area which he got down well to, and then showed great agility in keeping out a shot hit from distance.

The final score finished Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Allen, Sahin(67), Gerrard, Borini(54), Suarez, Sterling.
Subs: Jones, Carragher, Kelly, Coates, Shelvey(67), Henderson, Downing(54).

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen(90), Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla, Chamberlain(73), Giroud, Podolski(82).
Subs: Martinez, Koscielny(90), Santos(82), Coquelin, Ramsey(73), Gervinho, Walcott.

Man of the match: Abou Diaby

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 44,932