Cazorla double seals 3 points for Arsenal

Arsenal returned to winning ways after defeats in the Cup competitions as Santi Cazorla's brace was enough to see off the challenge of Aston Villa. It was another far from convincing performance from the Gunners as once more there were frailties at the back for Villa's equaliser midway through the second half. The keeping asked more questions of Wojciech Szczesny who has been at fault for quite a few goals recently. It was also a game in which we weren't clinical enough or creative as we struggled to create many clear cut opportunities. Something which has seemed to be a recurring theme this season. Wenger named a few changes to the starting lineup as Jenkinson came in for the injured Sagna whilst Monreal returned to left back having been cup-tied in the week. There were also places for Diaby, who replaced Ramsey, and for Giroud who came in for Podolski.

Santi Cazorla scored two as Arsenal beat Villa

The first chance of the game fell to Wilshere as Giroud played him in but Guzan came out and managed to save the shot.

The next chance sprung the first goal of the game. Cazorla's first attempt was blocked by a defender but the ball came straight back to him and he fired the ball under Guzan and into the net.

Aston Villa hit straight back though as N'Zogbia broke away and then found Agbonlahor on the edge of the area but his shot was straight at Szczesny.

Agbonlahor then had another great chance but this time he failed to make contact with the ball after Weimann's driven cross was unable to be met.

All of the visitors chances were coming down the left hand side and Weimann then set up another chance. This time it fell to N'Zogbia but Szczesny did well to keep him at bay at the near post.

Arsenal's attacking play hadn't brought much joy since the goal but Theo Walcott then went close as his curling effort flew wide.

Giroud was to have the next chance but it was a difficult one, as after nice link up play with Cazorla, Guzan came out to break down the angle and then save the shot.

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

The first chance of the second half came Giroud's way as he linked up well with Cazorla again but his shot was wayward and flew high and wide.

It was soon 1-1 though as Aston Villa scored against the run of play. Weimann picked the ball up inside his own half before running untroubled towards the area and then finding the net from 25 yards out.

Giroud was having the majority of the chances as soon after the goal he hit a speculative shot which was easy for Guzan. He then got another with 10 minutes left as Walcott's corner found him but his header crashed against the bar.

It was starting to become an extremely frustrating afternoon as Podolski then failed to meet Walcott's ball in when all it needed was a touch for it to find the net.

With five minutes left to play the Gunners were back in front. Wilshere played a lovely ball into Monreal who then cut the ball back for Cazorla to place the ball home. 

The final score finished Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa. 

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson(76), Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal, Arteta, Diaby(61), Wilshere, Walcott(90), Cazorla, Giroud. 
Subs: Mannone, Koscielny(90), Ramsey(61), Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Podolski(76). 

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Clark, Baker, Bennett, Delph, Westwood(72), N'Zogbia(82), Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke.
Subs: Marshall, Lichaj, Bowery, Sylla, El Ahmadi(72), Dawkins(82), Holman. 

My man of the match: Carl Jenkinson

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 60,079

Arsenal suffer first leg defeat to Bayern

Arsenal fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League tie at the Emirates. The Gunners were hoping to bounce back from a poor result in the FA Cup at the weekend but goals from Kroos, Muller and Mandzukic denied that. Lukas Podolski had revived hopes early in the second half but it wasn't to be as it meant Arsenal would now have it all to do in Munich in the return leg. There were a few changes to the side that had lost in the FA Cup as Sagna came back in at right back for Coquelin. Meanwhile Vermaelen played at left back in place of the cup-tied Nacho Monreal. Ramsey once again got the nod in midfield, however Olivier Giroud started on the bench as Cazorla was out wide with Walcott leading the line. 

Podolski's goal wasn't enough as Arsenal suffered a first leg defeat

The goals the Gunners had conceded were pretty shoddy and they could have easily been avoided. Bayern's first goal came from a cross on the right hand side which managed to avoid Ramsey and then fall to Kroos who lashed the ball home from just outside the box. The shot was sweetly struck which left Szczesny with no chance.

The Polish keeper however should have done better with the second goal. Mertesacker was also at fault as he failed to beat Van Buyten in the air and then the veteren defender's header was palmed straight into the path of Muller who was left with a tap in.

Arsenal did find a way back into the game shortly after the break as Bayern failed to deal with a simple corner routine. Wilshere's delivery found Podolski who was allowed to flick the ball home for a goal against his old club.

The Gunners were now starting to put the German side under pressure. However that was soon undone as they scored yet another away goal. The ball was fired across goal from the right hand side and Mandzukic rather fortuitously found the net from close range.

It was a result which left Arsene Wenger under more pressure as, baring a miracle in Munich, it would now be 8 years without a trophy for Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey(71), Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski(71).
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Coquelin, Diaby, Rosicky(71), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud(71). 

Bayern Munich: Neuer, Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba, Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Kroos(74), Ribery(63), Mandzukic(79). 
Subs: Starke, Rafinha, Gustavo(74), Tymoschuk, Shaqiri, Robben(63), Gomez(79). 

Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (NOR)
Attendance: 59, 974

Kazim-Richards goal sends Arsenal out of Cup

Arsenal put in an extremely disappointing display as they were knocked out of the FA Cup to Championship side Blackburn after a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates. The Gunners had 26 shots and 16 corners but still failed to find the net in a game in which we dominated from start to finish. However in typical Arsenal fashion, we went and lost and there was once again questions over the management team and the board in control of the club. The goal that we conceded was easily avoidable which meant it was even more frustrating as Walcott failed to track the run of Olsson and then Szczesny spilt the ball straight into the path of Colin Kazim-Richards who rather scruffily found the back of the net. There were plenty of changes to the squad as expected but it was still a squad which you would feel that would have been able to beat a Championship side. Coquelin came in at right back due to Jenkinson's suspension. Meanwhile Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky and Diaby all started. There was also a place for the returning Gervinho out on the flank but as usual he proved to be an extremely frustrating figure in this Arsenal team.

Rosicky was Arsenal's stand out performer but he couldn't prevent them from losing to Blackburn

The first chance of the game fell Blackburn's way as Pedersen's free-kick was flicked into the path of Marcus Olsson at the back post but he put his effort wide.

Arsenal's first chance also came from a free-kick as Diaby got his head to the ball but once more it went wide.

Diaby then got another chance as he got on the end of Rosicky's corner but Kean was there to make a great save to deny the Frenchman.

The resulting corner almost ended up in a goal as Rosicky's delivery was met by Vermaelen but Kean scrambled across his goal to keep it out.

Minutes before the break Gervinho had a fantastic chance to give the Gunners the lead. Rosicky managed to slip the ball through the defence and into the Ivorian but he somehow slid the ball wide.

The score at half time was 0-0.

Arsenal's first proper attempt on goal came from Diaby as he got space to work off a shot from outside the area but it flew harmlessly wide.

The Gunners were having plenty of attempts on goal and their next two both cleared the bar once more as first Diaby headed over and then Oxlade-Chamberlain rather spectacularly failed to find the net.

Rosicky who was Arsenal's brightest player on the day then went close as he drove a shot from range which flashed wide of the goal.

Shortly after, Rosicky had another chance and it was even closer this time as the Czech was allowed time to smash a shot which crashed back off the cross bar.

However, out of nowhere, Blackburn took the lead. Walcott didn't track his runner and Olsson was allowed to get on the end of a flick on. The Swede then struck a shot which Szczesny parmed out into the path of Kazim-Richards. He hit a shot into the ground which then found the post, and then the back of the net.

Into the last 10 minutes and Nacho Monreal had a chance to score his first goal for the club. The ball fell to him just inside the area but he drove the ball wide.

Theo Walcott had looked pretty lively since coming on and he almost found the equaliser but his header from close range was saved by Kean.

There was two final chances though as in the dying moments of injury time Giroud saw a shot blocked and then Arteta drilled into the side netting.

The final score finished Arsenal 0-1 Blackburn.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Coquelin, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Monreal, Arteta, Diaby, Rosicky(71), Oxlade-Chamberlain(71), Gervinho(71), Giroud. 
Subs: Mannone, Sagna, Wilshere(71), Cazorla(71), Ramsey, Walcott(71), Podolski. 

Blackburn: Kean, Orr, Hanley, Dann, Olsson, Williamson, Lowe, Pedersen, Olsson(64), Kazim-Richards, Rhodes(82).
Subs: Usai, Givet, Rekik, Bentley(64), Nunes, Nuno Gomes, Goodwillie(82). 

My man of the match: Tomas Rosicky

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 60,070

Arsenal battle to win over Sunderland

Ten men Arsenal had to battle to win a very hard fought game over Sunderland on Saturday as Santi Cazorla's strike proved to be the difference in a 1-0 win for the Gunners. It was a very solid defensive display despite Jenkinson's sending off in which was a performance of real grit, determination and character. Arsenal could have had more than one goal though as they had plenty first half chances to make the result more comfortable than it may have looked. Arsene Wenger was forced into making some changes to the starting lineup as a late injury to Koscielny saw Jenkinson come in at right back, and Bacary Sagna go to centre back. A position which he proved to be a revelation in after one of the Frenchman's best displays this season. Meanwhile Podolski started on the bench as Ramsey sat deep in midfield with Cazorla out wide.

Wojciech Szczesny was in inspired form as Arsenal beat Sunderland

The first chance of the game came in the first minute as Walcott cut inside and then hit a shot with his left foot which was kept out by Mignolet.

Two minutes later Walcott had another chance as Giroud slipped him in but Mignolet was once again in the way to stop the shot.

Giroud was to have the next opportunity as he got into the box before striking the ball inches wide of the far post.

It was all Arsenal and just after the half hour mark Mignolet had to be at his best to keep out a driven shot from Ramsey.

The Gunners then finally made use of all their chances as they took the lead on 34 minutes. Jack Wilshere managed to drive through the midfield and then find Walcott who teed up Cazorla who slammed the ball into the bottom corner.

Minutes before the break Walcott almost added a second as Giroud layed him off on the edge of the area but he struck his effort wide of the target.

Aaron Ramsey was to have the best chance of the first half though as the ball broke to him 6 yards out but Mignolet was in the way to make a great save.

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

The first good chance of the second half went to Giroud as he struck the ball from outside the area but it went inches wide.

Sunderland then had their best chance of the match as Fletcher took the ball on the left hand side before skewing the ball wide of the target.

Cazorla almost grabbed a second after he exchanged passes with Diaby but he fired another Gunners chance wide after getting into the penalty area.

Arsenal were then going to have to battle out for the rest of the game with 10 men as Jenkinson was shown a second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Sessengon.

The Gunners then must've thought they'd sealed the win as Cazorla played Walcott through who then dinked the ball over the keeper but it hit the post.

Sunderland then had a fantastic chance to grab an equaliser as Fletcher stole the ball off Mertesacker before seeing his shot saved by Szczesny.

Fletcher was denied once more by Szczesny shortly after as the Polish keeper did brilliantly to tip the ball over the bar from the headed chance.

Arsenal were having to withstand constant pressure from the home side and then they missed another great chance as Bramble somehow put the ball wide from close range.

The final score finished Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Sunderland: Mignolet, Gardner, Bramble, O'Shea, Rose(81), Cattermole(46), Colback, N'Diaye(68), Sessegnon, Johnson, Fletcher.
Subs: Westwood, Bardsley, Cuellar, Larsson(46), Vaughan(81), Mangane, Graham(68).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Sagna, Mertesacker, Monreal, Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere(50), Walcott(87), Cazorla, Giroud.
Subs: Mannone, Miquel(87), Diaby(50), Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski. 

My man of the match: Wojciech Szczesny

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 46,402

Podolski strike seals win over Stoke

Arsenal had to battle to gain all three points against a resurgent Stoke side on Saturday afternoon as a single goal from Lukas Podolski was enough to seal a hard fought victory. It was a frustrating game as the Gunners failed to create many clear cut opportunities due to the tight Stoke defence and Begovic pulling off some great saves in goal. This meant that Arsenal had to bide their time and be patient in their build up but they eventually got the goal they deserved, although it may have been rather fortuitous. It was a vital win that saw Arsenal put more pressure on the teams bidding for a top four place as both Everton and Chelsea dropped points. There were a few changes from the team that beat Liverpool in the week as Nacho Monreal made his debut at left back, having signed from Malaga on deadline day. Meanwhile Arteta returned from injury and Oxlade-Chamberlain started. Cazorla and Podolski were both named on the bench.

Nacho Monreal made his debut as Arsenal beat Stoke

The first shot on goal came on 13 minutes as Jonathon Walters hit an optimistic effort from outside the box but Szczesny was equal to it and made a simple save.

The Gunners first chance came through Diaby on the right hand side as he crossed towards the near post but Giroud couldn't direct the header.

Just after the half hour mark Oxlade-Chamberlain was denied brilliantly by Begovic. Wilshere's corner came all the way to Chamberlain at the back post who from close range some how saw his shot saved.

From the resulting corner they almost scored again as Walcott delivered at the second attempt into Koscielny but Begovic was there once more.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was then to come close again as Wilshere slipped him in but Begovic did enough to tip it wide of the post.

The score at half time was 0-0.

Arsenal came the closest early on in the second half as Monreal linked up well with Wilshere before crossing towards Giroud. However Huth was in the way to deny the Frenchman making contact with the ball.

Shortly after, Giroud got a more clear cut opportunity as he linked up with Wilshere before blazing over the bar.

Most of the chances were falling Arsenal's way and Giroud was then presented with another one as he got on the end of Cazorla's cross but his looping header bounced wide.

With just under 15 minutes left, the Gunners finally took the lead and it came from a set-piece. Podolski was the man who grabbed the goal as his free-kick found the back of the net via a big deflection.

It was then almost 2-0 as Cazorla skipped around the Stoke defence before baring down on goal and firing over the bar. 

The final score finished Arsenal 1-0 Stoke:

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Diaby(68), Wilshere, Arteta, Walcott(90), Oxlade-Chamberlain(68), Giroud.
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Santos, Ramsey(90), Rosicky, Cazorla(68), Podolski(68).

Stoke: Begovic, Shotton, Shawcross, Huth, Wilkinson, Cameron(84), Etherington, Whelan, Nzonzi, Walters(84), Crouch(84). 
Subs: Sorenson, Kightly, Whitehead, Adam, Owen(84), Jones(84), Jerome(84). 

My man of the match: Mikel Arteta

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 59,872

Arsenal come from behind to draw with Liverpool

Arsenal were forced to come from two goals down against Liverpool on Wednesday night to earn a hard fought draw as Giroud and Walcott's second half goals rescued a point. It was a very poor defensive display in which both of the visitors goals were littered with errors. To add insult to injury left back Kieran Gibbs was injured during the game and was subsequently ruled out for 3 weeks. The Gunners made several changes to the side that had beaten Brighton at the week-end as Sagna, Vermaelen and Gibbs returned at the back. Meanwhile Wilshere, Cazorla and Walcott all started in place of Chamberlain, Rosicky and Diaby.

Giroud kept up his good run of form as he scored against Liverpool

The first real chance of the game provided a goal as Liverpool took the lead. It was a goal full of errors from the home side as first Sagna slipped, which allowed Johnson to pick up the ball and then cross to Sturridge who got the ball after Vermaelen had failed to clear. Sturridge's shot was saved by Szczesny but then Ramsey failed to deal with it as well and Suarez capitalised.

Arsenal almost immediately equalised as Wilshere played in Walcott but Reina got down well to keep out the shot.

Liverpool then could have had another as Suarez played the ball over the top into Sturridge who fired a shot wide.

Giroud was looking to continue his fantastic form and he then found space to try and equalise as Podolski pulled the ball back to the Frenchman but he side footed it wide.

Arsenal were now looking much better and Reina was then forced into making another great save from Walcott as he looked to curl the ball into the far corner.

More defensive errors almost cost Arsenal again as Szczesny came out to try and claim the ball from a corner but Agger got there first. Luckily for the Gunners he was denied on the line by Podolski.

The hosts were all over the place and just before the break Liverpool had a great chance to double their lead. Suarez played in Henderson down the left hand side and after Szczesny came racing out of his goal, he tried to chip him but only found the roof of the net. 

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

The first chance of the second half fell to Arsenal as Podolski curled the ball in but Walcott sent his header over the bar from close range.

The Gunners soon found themselves 2 goals down though. Jordan Henderson managed to weave his way past Santos and Mertesacker before getting into the box, playing the ball off an Arsenal man and then finding the net.

Arsenal went after Liverpool immediately as Podolski played a one-two with Giroud before firing inches wide of the post.

It wasn't long before they did eventually find the net. Jack Wilshere floated in a free-kick which Giroud got his head to and made it 2-1.

Arsenal then found another goal to level the game. Cazorla found Giroud and he then layed the ball into Walcott who hammered the ball past Reina and into the far corner.

Walcott almost found the net once more as he cut inside from the right hand side before sending the ball just wide of the far post.

Giroud then had a similar effort kept out by Reina as he got the ball from Walcott and then saw his curled effort saved.

In the dying seconds of the game Liverpool almost found a winner as Suarez drove the ball towards goal but it was saved well by Szczesny.

The final score finished Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs(37), Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Giroud. 
Subs: Mannone, Koscielny, Jenkinson, Santos(37), Diaby, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky. 

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Wisdom, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Downing, Suarez, Sturridge(71). 
Subs: Jones, Enrique(71), Skrtel, Shelvey, Allen, Sterling, Borini. 

My man of the match: Olivier Giroud

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 60,089