Giroud double helps Arsenal into next round of Cup

A brace from Olivier Giroud and a strike from Theo Walcott helped Arsenal reach the fifth round of the FA Cup thanks to a 3-2 win over Brighton on Saturday afternoon at the Amex. It was a far from convincing performance but Giroud put in one of his best displays in an Arsenal shirt as the hosts twice came from behind to draw level. However it was the Gunners that ran out victors and were through to the next round to play Blackburn. Wenger made a few changes from the mid-weeks win over West Ham in the League. Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rosicky came in for Cazorla and Walcott whilst Diaby returned to the starting line-up in place of Wilshere. There were also changes at the back as Jenkinson, Santos and Koscielny all started as Mertesacker captained the side.

Olivier Giroud scored two great goals as Arsenal reached round 5

The first chance came on 14 minutes and it went Brighton's way. The ball was flicked into Barnes who was one on one with Szczesny but he stood his ground and made the save.

Arsenal were to take the lead though as a minute later they countered with Rosicky down the right hand side. He then found Podolski who layed it to Giroud and he curled the ball round the defender and into the back of the net from outside the box.

Brighton then thought they had grabbed an equaliser, however it was ruled out for offside. Santos lost the ball and then Buckley slid the ball across goal. It found Ulloa via the palms of Szczesny who was then left with a simple tap in but for the linesman who disallowed it.

However the hosts then did get their goal and it was more poor defending. Lopez received the ball from a short corner and then swung the ball onto the head of Barnes who got ahead of Szczesny unmarked to nod the ball home.

The score at half time was 1-1.

The first chance of the half came from an unfamiliar source as Jenkinson picked up the loose ball and then drove it towards goal but it was saved well by Ankergren.

Arsenal were then awarded with a free-kick after El-Abd brought down Oxlade-Chamberlain. It was Podolski who took it and he curled the ball over the wall and then against the bar.

Moments later it was indeed 2-1 to the Gunners. Abou Diaby played a brilliant ball over the defence and into Giroud who took a touch before firing past the keeper.

Giroud then had a chance to grab his hat-trick as Rosicky played the ball into him but this time Ankergren was there to make the save.

It was an end to end game and Brighton then got an equaliser. Barnes got the ball on the right and then picked out Ulloa inside the box who headed past Szczesny for 2-2.

The Gunners once more came close with a free-kick, this time through Giroud as he lifted the ball over the wall but just over the bar.

Giroud was in great form but then he wasted another chance, scuffing his shot into the ground after Podolski had pulled the ball back to him.

With 5 minutes left, Arsenal were ahead once more. The ball came out to Walcott following a corner and he struck a shot which came off Ankergren and found its way into the goal.

Walcott could have had another soon after as he raced to get the ball and was then fouled by El-Abd. However he got back up and managed to find a shot but it was saved. 

Brighton then had a claim for a penalty in the dying minutes as Jenkinson looked to have brought down Mackail-Smith but the referee waved away the protests.

The final score finished Brighton 2-3 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Brighton: Ankergren, Calderon, Greer(37), El-Abd, Bridge, Bridcutt, Hammond, Lopez, Buckley(45), Barnes, Ulloa(74).
Subs: Kuszczak, Painter, Dicker(37), Orlandi, LuaLua(45), Vicente, Mackail-Smith(74).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos(79), Diaby, Ramsey, Rosicky(69), Oxlade-Chamberlain(69), Podolski, Giroud. 
Subs: Mannone, Sagna, Gibbs(79), Wilshere(69), Cazorla, Arshavin, Walcott(69). 

My man of the match: Olivier Giroud

Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 27,113

Arsenal come from behind to thrash West Ham

Arsenal returned to form and put in a breath taking second half display to overcome London rivals West Ham on Wednesday night as the Gunners ran out 5-1 victors. It was a vitally important game as it was one that Arsenal had in hand over their top 4 rivals and they got the all important victory through two goals from Giroud, and one each for Podolski, Walcott and Cazorla. The game had struggled to get going in the first half despite two goals but the Gunners came out all guns blazing putting 4 goals past the Hammers in ten minutes. Arsene Wenger made a few changes from the defeat to Chelsea as Podolski returned from illness and started in place of Diaby who wasn't in the squad. Meanwhile Ramsey replaced the injured Coquelin and Oxlade-Chamberlain also returned from illness but he only made the bench.

Lukas Podolski played his best game in Arsenal colours

The first shot on goal came 11 minutes in as Cazorla opened up the chance to have an effort on goal but his strike went high and wide.

West Ham's first chance came through Taylor as his scuffed shot bounced up off Vermaelen and onto the top of the net.

From the resulting corner, the visitors took the lead. Giroud's clearing header could only find Jack Collison who smashed the ball beyond Szczesny and into the back of the net from just outside the box.

Minutes later, Arsenal equalised through a brilliant strike from Lukas Podolski. Cazorla fed Wilshere who then dinked the ball into Podolski. He looked up and then hammered the ball into the far corner.

West Ham came back once more though and had a chance from a corner as Noble picked out Vaz Te but his header cleared the bar.

Just after the half hour mark, Podolski had a great chance to grab his second as Gibbs pulled the ball back into the path of him but he struggled to make good contact with the ball.

Carlton Cole then had a great chance to put West Ham ahead once more. Taylor's deflected shot fell kindly for him but he was to be denied by Ramsey who cleared the ball off the line.

The final opportunity of the half came from a free-kick as Cazorla curled the ball over the wall but Jaaskelainen was there to make the save.

The score at half time was 1-1.

A minute after the break and Arsenal were ahead. Walcott's corner was met at the near post by Giroud who flicked the ball home via the goalkeeper.

Arsenal then made it 3-1 through Santi Cazorla. Giroud flicked the ball over the top into Podolski who then played it into Cazorla to heel flick the ball into the goal.

The Gunners then got yet another goal to extend their lead. Wilshere poked the ball through to Podolski who then slid it over to Walcott to fire past Jaaskelainen for 4-1.

It was turning into a rout as a fifth Arsenal goal was then scored. Podolski was the architect once more as he got down the left hand side and then found Giroud who slid home for his second of the game.

There was then a lengthy stoppage to the game as young West Ham defender Dan Potts was taken off on a stretcher following a collison with Sagna.

Following that, there were 12 minutes of injury time and the first chance during added time came from Walcott after Jaaskelainen gifted the ball straight to him but his attempted chip was saved.

The final score finished Arsenal 5-1 West Ham.

 The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen(58), Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski(70), Giroud(73).
Subs: Mannone, Koscielny(58), Jenkinson, Santos(70), Frimpong, Arshavin, Oxlade-Chamberlain(73)

West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Demel Tomkins, Reid(62), O'Brien, Taylor, Collison(62), Nolan, Noble, Vaz Te(70), C.Cole.
Subs:  Henderson, Potts(62), Diarra(62), Diame(70), Jarvis, J.Cole, O'Neil.

My man of the match: Lukas Podolski

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 60,081

Walcott goal not enough as Arsenal lose to Chelsea

Arsenal dropped yet more points as they once more failed to win in the League this year. The defeat this time was to London rivals Chelsea as two controversial first half goals saw off the Gunners. Arsenal were awful in the first half but a spirited second half display saw them grab a goal back through Theo Walcott, who has recently signed a new contract amongst speculation that he was set to leave the club. However they couldn't get the all important equaliser which meant Arsenal still hadn't won a league game in 2013. Wenger named an unchanged lineup from the team that had faced Swansea in the week as Coquelin resumed in midfield alongside Diaby. Wilshere was in a more attacking position with Cazorla out wide once again.

Walcott followed up signing a new contract with a goal against Chelsea

The first chance of the match went Arsenal's way as Theo Walcott slipped in Olivier Giroud but he drilled the ball just wide of the post.

However it was Chelsea who broke the deadlock as a minute later they were ahead. They ball was played over the top into Mata who took one touch before firing home. The goal was a bit controversial though as it looked as though Coquelin had been fouled by Ramires in the build up.

Shortly after the goal, Arsenal came close to finding the equaliser as Cazorla drove the ball from distance but Cech was there to tip it wide.

It was end to end football and then Hazard got a chance to show what he's capable of as he weaved his way towards goal before testing Szczesny who was equal to it.

Chelsea were then awarded with a penalty after Szczesny had brought down Ramires. It was Frank Lampard who stepped up to take and he sent the Arsenal keeper the wrong way to make it 2-0.

Ramires then had a chance of his own as he got past Gibbs with ease before firing over the bar.

Just before the break the Blues had a great chance to extend their lead further as the ball came out to Torres following a free-kick but he blazed the opportunity over the bar.

The score at half time was 2-0 to Chelsea.

The first chance of the second half came through the unlikely source of Per Mertesacker. Wilshere's free-kick was nodded into the path of the big German but from the penalty spot, he struck his shot straight at Cech.

Arsenal had come out much better in this second half as they then got another opportunity. Wilshere clipped the ball into Walcott who got into the penalty area before firing into the arms of Cech.

Olivier Giroud then had a decent chance to get Arsenal back into it. Gibbs' cross found him at the back post but his header was tame and it didn't trouble Chelsea.

Just before the hour mark the Gunners finally grabbed a goal. Cazorla picked the ball up on the halfway line and then slipped in Theo Walcott who raced clear and then fired past Cech. It was a great finish from Walcott following signing a new three year deal in the week.

Walcott then had another chance as Wilshere found him on the right flank. He then cut inside before dragging the ball harmlessly wide.

Chelsea then had a great chance to seal it through Demba Ba as he was played in and then rounded Szczesny before firing towards goal. However Vermaelen was in the way to clear it off the line.

4 minutes from the end of the game the Gunners almost found themselves an equaliser. Thomas Vermaelen tried driving the ball towards the far corner from a free-kick but it went wide.

The final score finished Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Chelsea: Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole, Lampard, Ramires, Oscar(72), Hazard(88), Mata, Torres(81).
Subs: Turnbull, Ferreira, Terry, Bertrand(72), Ake, Marin(88), Ba(81).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin(58), Diaby(75), Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud. 
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Santos, Koscielny, Frimpong, Ramsey(58), Arshavin(75).

My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 41,784

Jack Wilshere goal sends Arsenal through in replay

Arsenal put in a spirited performance on Wednesday night as they beat Swansea 1-0 in their FA Cup third round replay. The original tie had ended 2-2; however this match wasn't as exciting despite the amount of chances the Gunners created. The goal finally came 5 minutes from the end as Jack Wilshere hammered the ball home to make sure it would be Arsenal that played Brighton in the next round of the Cup. Arsene Wenger made quite a few changes to the side that were beaten by City as Mertesacker came in for the suspended Laurent Koscielny. Meanwhile Coquelin came in for Podolski as Cazorla played out wide. Wilshere was in the advanced midfield role which seemed to work a treat. Giroud also came in for Chamberlain as Walcott moved into the wide position.

Jack Wilshere capped off a brilliant display with a goal which sent Arsenal through

The first chance of the match came in the opening minutes as De Guzman slipped in Danny Graham but he blasted his shot wide.

Arsenal's first chance fell on five minutes as Walcott managed to get round Tiendalli before reaching the byline and picking out Giroud. However he couldn't direct his header and it went wide.

Francis Coquelin then had a chance to grab his first Arsenal goal as the ball came out to him from a corner but his driven shot was straight at Vorm.

Kyle Bartley, the former Gunner, then hit the bar for the second game in a row against his ex-colleagues as Routledge's ball found him but his header crashed against the frame of the goal.

It was end to end in the first half and Theo Walcott almost put home a chance after great work from Wilshere but Tiendalli was in the way to block the shot.

Moments before the break Thomas Vermaelen had a fantastic chance to put Arsenal ahead. Theo Walcott's corner was headed away by Chico but only as far as Mertesacker. The ball then bounced off him and into the path of Vermaelen whose shot was brilliantly saved by the legs of Vorm.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first opportunity of the second half fell Arsenal's way and it really should have found the back of the net. Diaby played a great through ball into Walcott who raced clear of the defence before dinking the ball just wide.

Minutes later the Gunners almost found the net through Cazorla as Wilshere layed the ball off to the Spaniard who cut inside before fizzing the ball over the bar.

Arsenal's next effort came from a corner as Walcott found Giroud at the near post but his header bounced wide.

Real pressure was being put on the visitors and the hosts almost put themselves in front once more. Jack Wilshere weaved his way past Bartley before forcing a save from Vorm. The ball then came out to Walcott whose shot was blocked on the line by Graham.

Giroud wasn't having the best of nights in front of goal as he then managed to work off a shot from outside the box. He turned away from his marker before firing right footed straight at the goalkeeper.

Walcott was also proving to be quite frustrating in front of goal as he wasted another chance after Wilshere had played him through.

Arsenal were desperately pushing for the goal that would send them through and their best player on the night, Jack Wilshere, then had a shot from outside the box which Vorm beated away.

With 10 minutes left to play Swansea finally had their first effort on goal in the second half. Ki got the ball on the edge of the area before driving the ball towards the far post but Szczesny was there to tip it wide for a corner.

The Gunners then hit the post as Walcott failed to make contact with Sagna's cross and the ball went all the way through to hit the wood-work.

The ball was then finally put in the back of the net, much to the relief of everyone associated with Arsenal. Giroud managed to lay the ball off to Wilshere who looked up and smashed the ball past Vorm to send Arsenal into round 4.

The final score finished Arsenal 1-0 Swansea.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin, Diaby(82), Wilshere, Walcott, Cazorla, Giroud. 
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Santos, Ramsey(82), Arshavin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski. 

Swansea: Vorm, Richards, Chico, Bartley, Tiendalli, Britton, Agustien(60), De Guzman(61), Routledge, Dyer, Graham(71).
Subs: Tremmel, Davies, Monk, Ki(61), Hernandez(60), Michu(71), Shechter. 

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere

Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Attendance: 58,359

Koscielny sent off as Arsenal lose to City

Arsenal slipped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday evening as the visitors scored for the first time since 2007 at the Emirates in the League. Nothing seemed to go right for the Gunners on the day as City were awarded with an early penalty with Koscielny getting sent off and despite a spirited fightback in the second half they couldn't find the net. Arsenal made a few changes to the side that drew with Swansea in the FA Cup as Diaby returned after 3 months out in place of the injured Mikel Arteta. Meanwhile Vermaelen came back in for Mertesacker, whilst Chamberlain and Podolski replaced Ramsey and Giroud.

Laurent Koscielny was sent off as Arsenal slipped to a 2-0 defeat

On just eight minutes, Man City were awarded with a penalty. Laurent Koscielny bundled Dzeko down in the penalty area and was subsequently sent off.

It was Dzeko himself who took the penalty but Szczesny saved it as the ball hit the post after coming off his foot and then fell into the arms of the Arsenal keeper.

Manchester City then made their extra advantage count as they took the lead. City took the free-kick quickly and then Tevez slipped in Milner who fired home from a tight angle.

City then found themselves 2-0 up as Milner's cross was flicked towards goal by Tevez but Szczesny parried the ball straight into the path of Dzeko, who was left with a tap in.

The Gunners first shot on goal came just after the half hour mark as Podolski played a one-two with Diaby before finding space to hit a shot which was comfortable for Joe Hart.

Just before the break Arsenal almost conceded another as Garcia met Milner's corner but Wilshere managed to clear the ball off the line.

The score at half time was 2-0 to Man City.

The first chance of the second half went City's way as Milner got to the byline before pulling the ball back towards Dzeko but his header went wide.

The visitors then had a great chance to seal it as Dzeko played in Tevez who went clear on goal and tried to round Szczesny but he managed to stop it from being a certain goal with a great save.

Moments later Arsenal had a fantastic chance to get themselves back into the game as Giroud met Cazorla's free-kick but the ball sailed over the bar.

It was then all level in terms of players as Kompany saw red for a strong challenge on Jack Wilshere. Replays showed that the Belgiun centre half did indeed get the ball though.

In the dieing minutes the Gunners almost found the back of the net. Aaron Ramsey played a great reverse ball into Walcott who saw his shot beat Joe Hart, but then cleared off the line by Lescott.

The final score finished Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby(62), Wilshere, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain(12), Podolski(57), Walcott.
Subs: Mannone, Mertesacker(12), Jenkinson, Santos, Coquelin, Ramsey(62), Giroud(57). 

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastacic, Clichy, Javi Garcia, Milner, Barry, Milner, Silva(90), Dzeko(89), Tevez(78).
Subs: Pantilimon, Lescott(78), Kolarov(90), Rekik, Suarez, Sinclair, Balotelli(89). 

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 60,107

Gibbs and Podolski goals keep Arsenal in cup

Lukas Podolski and Kieran Gibbs scored late on to force Arsenal's third round FA Cup tie with Swansea on Sunday to a replay. It was a tense game at the Liberty in which Michu scored first but after the Gunners goals, Danny Graham struck even later on to ensure the teams meet again. It wasn't the best performance from Arsenal but the likes of Gibbs and Podolski were impressive whilst Ramsey had one of his better games being played out of position. Arsene Wenger made a few changes to the side that had drawn with Southampton a week before as Mertesacker came in for Vermaelen, Giroud came in for Oxlade-Chamberlain whilst Ramsey was played out wide in place of Podolski who was on the bench.

Kieran Gibbs scored a brilliant goal on the volley as Arsenal drew with Swansea

The first chance of the game went Swansea's way as Danny Graham beat Mertesacker before unleashing a powerful shot which Szczesny managed to beat away.

Arsenal's first chance came later on as Giroud cut the ball back to Ramsey who then layed off Walcott but his shot was blocked by ex-Gunner Kyle Bartley.

The Gunners then almost found the net again as Gibbs got down the left hand side and then pulled the ball back into the path of Cazorla but he blazed his shot over the bar.

The best opportunity of the half came on 35 minutes as De Guzman's free-kick found Bartley whose header then hit the crossbar.

Just before the break Cazorla had another chance as he found space to hit a shot from outside the box but it was tame and ended up as an easy save for Vorm.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first shot on goal in the second half fell to Arsenal as Walcott got the ball in a central position and then found Giroud who smashed a shot which Vorm parried away.

The Gunners then thought they had a good shout for a penalty as it looked as though Tiendalli had brought down Ramsey but he had actually just clipped his own heels and the referee rightly turned down the appeals.

It was a lively start from the visitors as Giroud then tested Vorm once more as he hit Gibbs' cross on the volley but couldn't find the net.

However it was Swansea who took the lead. Michu managed to flick the ball over Mertesacker and then run clean through on goal before cooly slotting the ball home.

Shortly after, Arsenal had a great chance to equalise as Ramsey did well on the left flank before crossing to Giroud but his header went wide.

Theo Walcott was then inches away from finding the net as the ball broke to him inside the penalty area but his shot bounced wide of the far post.

With ten minutes left to play Arsenal finally got their goal. Walcott's cross was deep but Sagna managed to keep the ball in play. It then fell to Koscielny who played the ball back into the danger area where Podolski was waiting to fire the ball into the back of the net.

Just two minutes later the visitors were ahead. Gibbs found Giroud who then flicked the ball over the defence and back into the path of the left back who looked up and smashed the ball past Vorm on the volley.

Swansea who were under pressure were then able to force a corner as Dyer's shot was deflected over the bar.

From the resulting corner, the Swans brought the game all level again. Agustien's corner found Ki at the back post who then fed Graham to fire home.

In the last minute Arsenal almost scored again. Walcott's corner found the head of Koscielny who was brilliantly denied by Vorm. The rebound then came back to the Frenchman but this time he couldn't direct it goalwards.

The final score finished Swansea 2-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Swansea: Vorm, Tiendalli, Chico, Bartley, Davies, Britton(69), De Guzman(56), Ki, Routledge(56), Dyer, Graham.
Subs: Tremmel, Rangel, Monk, Agustien(69), Hernandez(56), Michu(56), Shechter. 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Ramsey(73), Giroud.
Subs: Martinez, Vermaelen, Santos, Coquelin, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain(73), Podolski. 

My man of the match: Kieran Gibbs

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 18,848

Who will depart Arsenal in January?

As usual, Arsenal have been linked with a ridiculous amount of players so far this month and also just before Christmas. Most fans see it absolutely necessary that Wenger spends this window and most importantly strenghens the squad. What positions do we need though? It all depends on who we sell/loan out as well.

It seems as though Wenger is having a January clearout, getting rid of all the deadwood that is currently at the club. However that is proving difficult due to the high wages that these 'fringe' players are on. Marouane Chamakh has gone out on loan to West Ham until the end of the season whilst Djourou has been shipped out to German side Hannover for the same period. The penny seems to have finally dropped with Wenger in terms of selling players that aren't needed. He's also looking to find a new club for Sebastian Squillaci who is rumoured to be of interest to many french clubs. Squillaci himself has said that he is looking for a new club, whether it is this month or in the summer when his contract ends remains to be seen.

Another man that could be on his way out of the club is Andrey Arshavin. The Russian has been a bit hit and miss of late, but in my opinion defintely adds more to the squad than Gervinho who has just departed to the African Cup of Nations. Arshavin is being chased by quite a few clubs. One of which is Reading. The relegation threatened side, who have a Russian owner was looking to Arshavin to guide them to safety after a brilliant display against them in the League cup earlier this season. However according to reports, he isn't keen on a move to Reading due to the low wages that they would pay him. Another club after him are dutch giants PSV who are wanting to take him on loan. There have also been quiet rumours that he could be apart of a move which sees defensive midfielder Kevin Strootman move in the opposite direction. A fair deal in my opinion. Strootman is man that we've apparently sent scouts to watch a few times and they rate him highly. Could a move be on the cards? Arshavin's Arsenal contract ends in the summer meaning he could go for free, a bargain for any club looking for creativity. It would be a shame to see him go after all he gave to the club in his early Arsenal career but I think his time is up.

Could Arshavin be leaving for good this January?

Arsenal slip up in first game of new year

Arsenal could only manage a draw against Southampton in their first game of 2013 on Tuesday as they had to settle for a hard fought draw at St Mary's. The Gunners were nowhere near their best as they failed to create chances and they looked far from a side that had won their last four games. With an emphatic victory over Newcastle in which they scored seven, you would have thought Southampton would have been a simple task but a poor defensive display meant the score finished all square. Arsenal were once again un-changed as Laurent Koscielny kept his place despite Per Mertesacker being fit again after returning from illness. Meanwhile Theo Walcott got another chance to prove himself in the central striker role.

However two substitutes, Gervinho and Ramsey, who came on to try and change the game in Arsenal's favour in the second half, left the fans especially frustrated by Wenger's weird tactics. Tomas Rosicky would have been the preferred choice, especially with Santi Cazorla coming off. As for Gervinho, he shouldn't be any where near the first team at the moment despite his early season form - Andrey Arshavin should be considered as getting a run in the first team despite being rumoured as a potential departure in the January transfer window.

Theo Walcott failed to get on the score sheet against his old club

It was a game of few chances but the first shot on goal came in the fourth minute as Santi Cazorla hit the ball on the half volley, which took a deflection and bounced just wide of the post.

It was a nervy start for Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc as he spilt the ball twice in quick succession, but luckily for the hosts, Arsenal couldn't profit from it.

Arsenal were all over the place at the back and then Southampton took advantage of that as they took the lead. Sagna's attempted clearence put Vermaelen under pressure and then Puncheon stole in and layed the ball off to Gaston Ramirez who rifled the ball home.

However the Saints weren't ahead for long as six minutes before the break, Arsenal were level. Theo Walcott delivered a free-kick into the box from the left flank and Guly Do Prado stuck a leg out and it came off him and went into the back of the net. It was the third own goal Southampton had scored against the Gunners this season.

Arsenal were pressing for a second and Oxlade-Chamberlain almost provided them with one as he got the ball on the right and then played in a dangerous ball which no one could get onto.

The score at half time was 1-1.

The first shot on goal in the second half came from Do Prado as he let fly from outside the box but Szczesny was there to put the ball out for a corner.

From the resulting corner Southampton were almost back in front as the ball bounced off of Sagna but Szczesny was in the way to stop the ball on the line.

Arsenal were then once again un-done by Jason Puncheon who was troubling Gibbs. He managed to play the ball through to Schneiderlin who then tried to pick out Lambert but Szczesny palmed the ball away and Lambert slipped to deny himself a goal scoring opportunity.

Puncheon then received the ball down the right hand side again as he looked to take on Gibbs but instead hit a shot which could only find the side netting.

Gaston Ramirez was the man pulling the strings for the hosts as he then fizzed a shot just over the bar.

Theo Walcott wasn't having the impact he would have wanted against his old club and then when Giroud came on he was moved out to the wide position. However Giroud then did indeed set up a chance for Walcott but instead of driving towards goal he hit a shot from just inside the area which was straight at Boruc.

The home side were then to have a brilliant goal by Ramirez ruled out for a push on Koscielny in the build up.

With ten minutes left to play, the Gunners were searching for a winner and they almost got that as the ball was headed out of the danger area by a Southampton player. However the clearence only went as far as Arteta who drove a shot wide.

Gervinho then had one last chance for Arsenal as he cut inside from the left hand side before dragging a shot wide.

The final score finished Southampton 1-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Southampton: Boruc, Cork, Fonte, Yoshida, Shaw, Puncheon, Schneiderlin, Davis, Do Prado(83), Ramirez(77), Lambert(74).
Subs: Davis, Hooiveld, Richardson, Ward-Prowse(77), De Ridder(83), Rodriguez(74), Mayuka.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla(74), Oxlade-Chamberlain(74), Podolski(58), Walcott.
Subs: Martinez, Mertesacker, Coquelin, Ramsey(74), Rosicky, Gervinho(74), Giroud(58). 

My man of the match: Wojciech Szczesny

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 31,743