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