Flamini re-joins whilst Arsenal find out European Opponents

Yesterday was a busy day for Arsenal, we actually signed someone, allbeit on a free transfer. We also found out our Champions League group stage opponents.

I'll start off with the news of the club's latest recruit. French defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini has re-joined the club following his release from AC Milan. He had been training with the club over the past week and his determination and ambition sparked Wenger to make a move for him. Hardly a marquee signing but one that should provide good cover and competition for places. He has experience of playing in England before and already knows the club and Wenger. He had a troublesome time at Milan not really being able to show the talent he had produced at the Emirates. However he's back and is eager to make an impression once more. He fills the defensive midfield position we needed whilst he can also cover at full back which he showed in his first spell as a Gunner. With injuries all over the place he'll slot straight into the 18 man squad for Sunday's crucial game against North London Rivals Spurs. A game that'll be tough as ever considering their recent spending.

Onto the Champions League group stage draw. We've been alotted into group F, along with French side Marseille and runners up from last time out Borussia Dortmund. We also have Napoli who we played in the pre-season Emirates Cup. The draw could not have been tougher bar having PSG instead of Marseille. The draw has given another reason, if any more reasons were needed to be given, that the club needs to spend and get world class players in. The latest to be rumoured are the Real Madrid trio of Benzema, Ozil and Di Maria. Di Maria would be the most likely due to the imminent arrival of Gareth Bale in the Spanish capital. I can't really see all three joining though. Arsenal still have a keen interest in Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye but Wenger is reluctant to bid the £17m required. Young defensive midfielder Josuha Guilavogui, who plays for Saint-Etienne, is subject of an £8.5m bid should we not persue Cabaye any further.

The transfer window closes on Monday, but before that is the North London Derby. The next few days could determine our season despite being at such an early stage!

Ramsey double seals place in Champions League

Aaron Ramsey carried his sensational form into Tuesday's Champions League qualifier second leg as he scored two to seal a 5-0 aggregate win over Turkish side Fenerbahce. Ramsey scored a scruffy goal in the first half before executing a nice side footed volley in the second half. It was 3 wins out of 4 games this season for the Gunners and 3 man of the match performances from the Welsh midfielder. The game meanwhile also saw a return to form for Wojciech Szczesny in goal who was looking to prove a point with several good saves to deny Fenerbahce getting back into the tie. Nacho Monreal was given his first European start in the red and white of Arsenal whilst Yaya Sanogo made his comeptitive home debut coming on in the second half. Ryo Miyaichi also got a chance to impress late on as he created a few chances after replacing Walcott.

Aaron Ramsey celebrates his second goal with Yaya Sanogo

Fenerbahce almost took the lead on the night early on as Sagna's clearence rebounded off Meireles and almost found the top corner but for Szczesny. 

Arsenal then came close as Walcott drove a shot which was saved well by Demirel in the Fenerbahce goal. Giroud then came close as he curled his effort just wide of the target.

The Gunners were to then grab a goal though. Podolski played in Walcott but he was disspossed and the ball fell to Ramsey who slotted the ball home.

The Turkish side came back fighting and Szczesny had to be at his best to keep them at bay. The first chance, Emenike skipped past Sagna before forcing a smart save at the near post. The same man was then denied by a mixture of the goalkeeper and the post.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Arsenal on the night and 4-0 on aggregate.

The second half didn't get off to the greatest of starts though. Just 4 minutes into it Podolski was stretchered off with a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Kieran Gibbs who would interchange with Monreal at left back.

The hour mark saw Yaya Sanogo given his Champions League debut as he came on for Giroud who had failed to score for the first time this season.

It was now Arsenal's turn to hit the woodwork though. Walcott's free-kick beat the keeper and then smacked against the bar and came back out.

However it was soon 2-0 to the Gunners. A lovely free flowing move resulted in Gibbs squaring the ball to Ramsey who found the far corner with an exquisite volley. The Turkish side must be sick of the sight of the young Welshman. That was his fourth goal in four games against them. 

Arsenal almost added a third late on. Ryo Miyaichi did well down the right to find Jenkinson but his shot was straight at Demirel who made a fine reaction save.

Aaron Ramsey was taken off late on with a groin niggle which meant we finished with 10 men as we'd used up all of our substitutes.

The final score finished Arsenal 2-0 Fenerbahce and 5-0 on aggregate.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Sagna, Mertesacker, Monreal, Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott(74), Podolski(49), Giroud(60). 
Subs: Fabianski, Koscielny, Gibbs(49), Frimpong, Rosicky, Miyaichi(74), Sanogo(60). 

Fenerbahce: Demirel, Korkmaz, Bruno Alves, Erkin, Gonul, Sahin, Meireles, Cristian(67), Sow(83), Emenike, Kuyt(67).
Subs: Gunok, Ali Kaldirim, Topuz(83), Irtegun, Alper Potuk(67), Ucan, Webo(67).

My man of the match: Aaron Ramsey

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (ESP)
Attendance: 56,271

Giroud and Podolski goals seal first points of season

Olivier Giroud scored his 3rd goal in as many games as Arsenal overcame Fulham at Craven Cottage to win 3-1. Lukas Podolski grabbed a double as he started for the first time this season in what was the perfect response to the Gunners defeat to Villa the week before. There were many reasons to be happy after this performance. Szczesny looked to be back to his best, making some fine saves. Sagna impressed at centre back as he came in for the suspended Koscielny. Meanwhile Aaron Ramsey once more starred in the middle of the park. Lukas Podolski staked a very strong claim for why he should be starting more often as he put away two clinical finishes. There was a late debut for Yaya Sanogo in the match as he got his chance, however he wasn't involved much. 16 year old Gedion Zelalem, a boy who had just recieved his GCSE results in the week was on the bench!

Giroud and Podolski were on the score sheet as Arsenal beat Fulham

The opening chance fell to Arsenal as on nine minutes Rosicky lifted the ball over the defence into Walcott but Stockdale came out well and made the save.

Minutes later Arsenal had the lead. Ramsey's shot found its way to Giroud who then dinked the ball over the keeper from close range for 1-0.

Fulham then went close twice in quick succession to equalising. Taarabt found space to then hit a shot which Szczesny parried away. It bounced only as far as Duff who then forced the Arsenal keeper into making another terrific save.

The Gunners were creating all the best chances as Cazorla drove a shot from distance after good hold up play from Giroud but the effort was straight at Stockdale.

Kieran Gibbs then went in search of his second in as many matches as a quick break away from Walcott and Ramsey found the left back but with options to his left he dragged the ball wide.

With 5 minutes to the break Arsenal went 2 goals to the good. Walcott was played in down the right hand side and forced a save out of Stockdale. The ball fell only as far as Podolski on the edge of the area who rifled the ball home.

Seconds before half time Podolski could've had another goal but instead of shooting he tried to aim a ball to the back post but there was too much on it and it slid wide.

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

The first effort on goal in the second half went to Fulham as Taarabt turned and then fired the ball towards goal but Szczesny was equal to it and he pushed it out for a corner.

However it was Arsenal who came back with another chance. Kieran Gibbs' ball to the back post picked out Walcott whose header found Ramsey and then the Welshman's shot was deflected wide.

The Gunners then were to grab a third goal and extend their advantage. Mertesacker picked out Giroud who brought the ball down with a brilliant touch. He found Walcott who then played in Cazorla down the left. He was patient to then give the ball to Podolski who arrowed the ball into the far corner.

Fulham came back though as they scored what turned out to be a consolation goal. Berbatov's shot was saved by Szczesny but was then turned in from point blank range by Darren Bent.

With 10 minutes left Arsenal had three quick chances to grab a fourth. Walcott's free-kick was met by Monreal but Stockdale punched the ball away. It fell to Wilshere whose shot was blocked and then to Mertesacker but his tame effort didn't trouble the Fulham goal.

Sanogo was then denied what probably would've been a debut goal. Wilshere did brilliantly well to retain possession for Arsenal and then slip in Walcott but his cross to Sanogo who was unmarked was cut out by Aaron Hughes.

The final score finished Fulham 1-3 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Fulham: Stockdale, Reither, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Sidwell(75), Parker, Taarabt(62), Duff(59), Kasami, Berbatov.
Subs: Etheridge, Briggs, Boateng, Karagounis(75), Kacaniklic(62), Ruiz, Bent(59).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Sagna, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Ramsey, Rosicky(69), Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski(81), Giroud(71).
Subs: Fabianski, Monreal(71), Frimpong, Wilshere(69), Zelalem, Gnabry, Sanogo(81). 

My man of the match: Aaron Ramsey

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 25,622

Arsenal return to winning ways in Champions League

Arsenal put their worries aside as they put in a dominant and professional display to beat Turkish side Fenerbahce 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on Wednesday night. It took until the second half for the deadlock to be broken as Kieran Gibbs fired home before Ramsey scored a long range effort and Giroud scored from the spot. It was a morale boosting performance after Saturday's events as Gibbs and Sagna were fit to play whilst Monreal returned to the bench. Santi Cazorla also returned to the starting line-up as he looked to get back to full match fitness. Our dominant display means that barring any miracle from Fenerbahce at the Emirates, the Gunners should be safely through thanks to 3 away goals. The fact that we've now all but qualified for the group stages means we should be able to kick on and encourage some better players to join us in the remaining days of the transfer window. Sakho pre-match and even Benzema and Di Maria post-match have been rumoured to be on our radar. There could also be a return to the club for Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer as well.

Aaron Ramsey capped off a bright game with a goal against Fenerbahce

The first chance of the match fell to Giroud as after Alves conceded position in the box the Frenchman drove a shot which was saved.

Giroud was to have the next chance as well as Rosicky crossed in but he could only flick his header wide of the far post.

Arsenal were creating all the early opportunities as Ramsey then went close with an effort that went wide from the edge of the area.

Giroud was to have another chance after being slipped in by Wilshere but this time he hit his effort high into the stands.

In a half that had been all Arsenal and little Fenerbahce, the score at the break was 0-0.

Five minutes after the restart Arsenal found themselves in front. Ramsey did brilliantly to find Walcott who then slid the ball across goal for Gibbs to tap the ball home.

On the hour mark Wilshere managed to find some space at the near post but his shot was turned away.

Minutes later it was 2-0. Aaron Ramsey drove forward and then fired a low effort into the back of the net. It was a shot that the goalkeeper probably should've kept out but it was a deserved goal on the night for the ever improving Welshman.

Moussa Sow was to then come close twice as he headed over from a free header and then hit a shot from distance onto the roof of the net.

After numerous attempts on goal during the match, Olivier Giroud finally got on the score sheet. Theo Walcott was brought down in the area and a penalty was awarded. Giroud stepped up and sent Demirel the wrong way for his second in as many matches.

Szczesny would then have to make two saves at the death, the first off of Kuyt and the next from Emenike to keep his clean sheet intact.

The final score on a promising night for the Gunners finished Fenerbahce 0-3 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Fenerbahce: Demirel, Irtegun(45), Kadlec, Yobo, Bruno Alves, Topal, Emre, Meireles(82), Webo(63), Sow, Kuyt. 
Subs: Gunok, Korkmaz, Baroni, Alper Potuk(82), Erkin, Gonul(46), Emenike(63).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny(33), Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Cazorla, Walcott(87), Giroud(82).
Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson(33), Monreal(87), Frimpong, Gnabry, Podolski(82), Sanogo. 

My man of the match: Aaron Ramsey.

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (ITA)
Attendance: 50,500

Arsenal suffer opening day defeat to Villa

Arsenal got off to the worst start possible as the Premier League kicked off on Saturday afternoon. In a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa at the Emirates the Gunners conceded 2 penalties, had Koscielny sent off whilst Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sagna all had to go off injured. Everything that could've gone wrong, went wrong and the signs to spend some money and get players in had never been so evident. Arsenal's only acquisition this summer had been that of young French striker Yaya Sanogo. There had been so many rumours of who Arsenal were chasing but Wenger hasn't been able to complete a single deal. Suarez was the closest we've come but Liverpool rejected the £40m+£1 bid. The squad is looking as thin as it ever has after getting rid of over 20 players over the Summer. Getting players is an absolute necessity now otherwise we're looking at not getting a top four finish.

Arsenal players stand dejected during their defeat to Villa

However, the Gunners did get off to a flyer as they took the lead within 6 minutes. Oxlade-Chamberlain got down the left hand side before finding Giroud who fired home confidently.

Arsenal were to then give away a penalty as Agbonlahor raced through on goal and then tried to go round Szczesny but the Polish keeper brought him down and was then quite lucky not to have been sent off. Benteke's penalty was saved but he then headed home the rebound.

Szczesny was far from his best as he then came racing out of goal unnesserceraly to cut out a pass. He then had to track back quickly to keep out Westwood's long range shot.

Arsenal's performance was far convincing as they struggled to create many clear opportunities in the first half as it ended 1-1 after 45 minutes. Santi Cazorla came on after the restart to replace the injured Oxlade-Chamberlain but not even he could prevent Arsenal from losing.

On the hour mark Cazorla was robbed of the ball by Agbonlahor who raced inside the box and was then brought down by Koscielny. Controversially a penalty was given after it looked as though the Frenchman had got a part of the ball. Koscielny was booked and  Benteke stepped up once more to slot his penalty home.  

A few mintues later Koscielny clipped Weimann and as a result was sent for an early bath. Not a great start to the season for a man who was in fine form in pre-season.

Arsenal were to have two brilliant chances to draw level though. The first fell to Rosicky after great link-up play with Giroud but Guzan made a fine stop to deny the Czech. The second fell to Cazorla but his effort was saved against the bar.

With 5 minutes left Villa scored once again as the visitors counter attacked with debutant left back Luna. He was left one-on-one with Szczesny and he comfortably found the corner of the net.

With Fenerbache in the week in the Champions League qualifier it's going to be a very strong test due to our current injury striken squad. There is certainly no guarentee that we'll be in the hat for the group stages!

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna(90), Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs(29), Ramsey, Rosicky, Wilshere, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain(45), Giroud.
Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson(29), Frimpong, Cazorla(45), Gnabry, Podolski(90), Sanogo. 

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Baker(16), Luna, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Weimann(88), Benteke. 
Subs: Steer, Okore, Clark(16), Bacuna(88), Tonev, Bowery, Helenius. 

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 60,003

Emirates Cup 2013

After a years break due to the London 2012 Olympics the pre-season Emirates Cup returned as hosts Arsenal welcomed Napoli, Galatasaray and Porto to London.

Galatasaray 1-0 Porto: The first game saw Turkish side Galatasaray play Portuguese side Porto. They are both well renowned teams and it proved to be a great game. Only one goal was scored but it was a tale of 3 penalties. Porto missed two of theirs. Jackson Martinez saw his saved by Muslera and then Lucho Gonzalez pulled his wide. However Galatasaray put their penalty away. After former Arsenal favourite Eboue was fouled, Felipe Melo stepped up to find the back of the net.

Arsenal 2-2 Napoli The second game of the tournament saw the hosts Arsenal in action against Italian side Napoli. The away side went 2-0 up after goals from Insigne and Pandev. However the Gunners came back fighting. Olivier Giroud scored a bicycle kick before the Gunners man of the match Laurent Koscielny headed home from a free-kick. Former Madrid man and Arsenal target Higuain was welcomed to boo's from the Emirates crowd but he failed to get on the scoresheet.

Napoli 1-3 Porto: The second day saw Napoli play Porto in the first fixture of the afternoon. The victors were Porto as they came from a goal down to win 3-1. Pandev opened the scoring for Napoli as he grabbed his second of the tournament. However, goals from Ghilas, Fernandez (og) and Lima secured the win for the Portuguese side.

Arsenal 1-2 Galatasaray: It was then Arsenal's turn once more. If they won then they'd win the competition. The match gave us a chance to see new signing Yaya Sanogo given his debut and also Santi Cazorla back in action. The Gunners went into the break a goal to the good after Walcott's attempted cross found the back of the net. However the second half's performance wasn't great. Former nemesis Didier Drogba dived to win a penalty which he then converted to equalise and then scored the winner which saw Galatasaray lift the Emirates Cup.

It was a far from perfect weekend for Arsenal as they finished third in the table ahead of Napoli and behind Porto and Galatasaray. With our final pre-season game next week against Man City there is still plenty of work to do on the pitch and off it. Suarez, a defensive midfielder and maybe a goalkeeper would do nicely.