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