Cazorla double seals win over Fulham

Santi Cazorla scored twice on Saturday afternoon as Arsenal ran out comfortable victors against a relegation threatened Fulham side. It was another crucial 3 points as the Gunners retained their position at the top of the Premier League table. It was also our sixth straight win in all competitions as we're beginning to build some real momentum going into our tough period in the next few months. The line-up was unchanged from the win over Villa on Monday night, one of the few times that Wenger had decided to stick with the same team. Monreal managed to overcome an injury problem to start whilst Serge Gnabry once more got a chance to shine out on the right hand side.

Santi Cazorla scored a double to help Arsenal remain top

Our last few games have seen us nowhere near our best but we've still managed to come out with the win even when we haven't played as well. Our first halves display was very poor and we lacked a huge amount of end product. We got in the right positions but the final pass or shot was a poor one. Our defence were coming under pressure in situations where we shouldn't have done whilst we were sloppy in possession. Mesut Ozil had a distinctly average game again but did show some signs of influential play and could've had one or two goals. The second half was much better though.

It was our other main play-maker, Santi Cazorla, that came up trumps. Our goals came either side of the hour mark when it looked as though something special was needed to break down a resolute Fulham back line. Cazorla, Giroud and Wilshere interlinked brilliantly before the Spaniard fired home from 12 yards. His second meanwhile came from outside the box when he managed to squeeze the ball into the bottom corner on his left foot. Cazorla has started 2014 off in brilliant fashion and has 3 in 4. He had a slow start to the season but we're finally beginning to see what he was capable of last season. Along with the goals, his quick feet and dribbling was particularly noted.

Jack Wilshere built on his fantastic performance on Monday with another assist on Saturday. He supplied Santi's first and was one of our better players. He really has flourished now that he's back playing in centre midfield. He was heavily criticised when playing out on the wing but with Ramsey out injured we've needed someone to fill that void and Jack has certainly done that. A player that hasn't been critised in the wider areas though is that of young Serge Gnabry. This was his third consecutive start and he showed some glimpses of his great potential. He had 3 shots from outside the box that flew wide, but showed the confidence he has. Meanwhile he fainted his way past one man in the second half to fire a shot in, nut-megged another and had a shot blocked from twelve yards out as well. He was very unlucky not to find the net.

Wojciech Szczesny was making his 100th appearance for the club and he marked it with his 10th clean-sheet in the league this season. Szczesny, like many other players, has stepped up brilliantly this season and had to be alert to sniff out the danger twice in the first half, whilst also making a great save from a pile driver from Steve Sidwell. His form has been helped massively by the displays of Koscielny and Mertesacker this season who maintained their record of winning in every match they've completed 90 minutes together, the run now stretches to 29 games.

Lukas Podolski came on and made an instant impact. He's scored 3 in his last 3 against Fulham and could've had two more. His first touch saw a shot brilliantly blocked by former Cologne team-mate Reither. He then hit the post minutes later with a rasping effort that left the wood work shaking.

The win was more about the points gained than the performance, after all, if we play like that for the rest of the season but continue to pick up points, I'll be happy. That's as long as we do go on to win the title. It'll be a tough fight and we'll have to win as many games as possible because Man City look to have addressed their away form and they look almost unbeatable at home at the moment. We're top of the league by a point and with our tough run in February and March to come it's important that we step up our performances. Against the top sides, we may not come out on top when playing averagely.

The teams line-ups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Wilshere, Gnabry(71), Ozil(85), Cazorla, Giroud.
Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain(85), Podolski(71), Park.

Fulham: Stekelenburg, Reither, Burn, Hangeland, Richardson, Sidwell, Parker, Dejagah(68), Dempsey, Kacaniklic(86), Berbatov. 
Subs: Stockdale, Hughes, Riise, Karagounis, Duff, Kasami(86), Bent(68).

My man of the match: Santi Cazorla.

Referee: Lee Probert.
Attendance: 60,000. 

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

2013/14 Premier League fixtures

The fixtures for the 2013/14 Premier League campaign were announced today as we really started gather a sense of what's to come next season. Suddenly there was a mass amount of excitement as the build up to the new season starting on August 17th gathered momentum.

The opening day will see us face Aston Villa at home. This could be quite a tough fixture but one in which we should pick up three points. It's a certainty that Villa will be better than last season if they can keep hold of Benteke. They've already secured the signings of Jores Okore who is a great young prospect whilst also sealing deals for Tonev, Bacuna and Helenius who will certainly strengthen their squad. Our next game sees us travel down the Thames to face Fulham in our first away fixture. A potentially tricky tie considering recent results at the Cottage. In our third game of the season we will host the North London Derby as Spurs travel to the Emirates. Hopefully we'll see another 5-2 thrashing in our favour!

Our boxing day tie is away to West Ham whilst our final game of 2013 will see us play Newcastle just as we ended 2012. Could another Theo Walcott hat-trick be on it's way in that game? March looks set to be a very tricky month for Arsenal. We will face Stoke away, Swansea at home unless we reach the FA Cup quarter-finals, Spurs and Chelsea away before finishing the month at home to Manchester City. We will then end the season with a trip to Norwich City. Where we'll be in the table come Sunday 11th May only time will tell. Let's just hope it's not a repeat of what has happened the past two seasons where we've needed to win against West Brom and Newcastle in the final match in order to qualify for the Champions League.

In the mean time we can enjoy our pre-season fixtures in which we'll tour Asia once more. Compete in the Emirates Cup and play Man City in Helsinki, Finland. 

Arsenal hold on to win at Fulham

Arsenal continued their brilliant run of form as they beat London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage 1-0 on Saturday. Not many people would have betted that Lauren Koscielny and Per Mertesacker would combine to score the winning goal in this game. However, that was indeed the case as Koscielny found the tall German who nodded home his third of the season from close range. That wasn't before Fulham had been sent down to ten men as Steve Sidwell has been shown an early red card. It wasn't the only red card in the game as Giroud was also shown a straight red for a tackle late on. Arsenal once more showed their new founded grit and determination as despite not creating many chances against ten men, they were resilient in the fact that they held on and won despite not playing well - something that Manchester United have been doing for only too long. In terms of the Arsenal line-up, Tomas Rosicky started in place of Wilshere whilst Szczesny kept his place in goal. The other change was Nacho Monreal as he replaced Gibbs at left back.

Mertesacker scored his third goal of the season as Arsenal beat Fulham

The first chance of the game sprung to Theo Walcott as he managed to find the back of the net but for the offside flag.

The turning point in the game perhaps came on 11 minutes though. Steve Sidwell went over the top of the ball and caught Arteta on the ankle. The former Arsenal-trainee who had only just come back from a 3 game ban was shown a straight red card for his troubles.

Fulham's first chance fell to Berbatov as Fulham broke away and then Emmanuelson played the ball through to him. However Monreal managed to move him wide and Szczesny made a good save to deny the Bulgarian.

Arsenal's next effort came from the boot of Aaron Ramsey. The shot was very tame though as he slipped and Schwarzer made a straight forward save.

Shortly after, the Gunners went as close as they had all game as Giroud managed to set himself well before firing against the far post.

It was end to end football as Fulham then almost found the lead. On-loan midfielder Urby Emmanuelson dispossessed Monreal and then hit a shot which almost crept in.

Minutes before the break, the deadlock was finally broken as Arsenal found themselves in front. Walcott's free-kick was headed back across goal by Koscielny and Mertesacker was there to head home from a few yards out.

The score at half time was 1-0.

The first attempt on goal in the second half was that of a Fulham player as Ruiz's free-kick curled over the bar.

Walcott then came close to doubling the lead but he was only inches away from Cazorla's pass as Schwarzer raced out to pounce upon the ball.

Manolev was proving to be a surprising threat down the right hand side and then his cross-come-shot almost sailed in but Szczesny managed to tip it over the bar.

It was then Manolev who had thought he'd grabbed an equaliser for the hosts as he stuck the ball home following Szczesny's save from a free-kick. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.

Cazorla then had a chance to seal all three points as Wilshere played the ball outwide to him but Hangeland threw himself in the way to block the shot.

Towards the end of the game, Olivier Giroud was to be shown a red card as he looked to have gone in dangerously on Manolev. On second viewing though, the Frenchman looked to have got the ball first.

In the dying moments, Arsenal broke away with Aaron Ramsey as he came close to scoring but his shot went wide of the far post.

The final score finished Fulham 0-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Fulham: Schwarzer, Manolev, Senderos, Hangeland, Richardson, Enoh, Sidwell, Emmanuelson(87), Kacaniklic(85), Ruiz, Berbatov.
Subs: Etheridge, Riise, Hughes, Karagounis, Frei(87), Rodallega, Petric(85).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Arteta, Ramsey, Rosicky(71), Walcott(71), Cazorla(90), Giroud. 
Subs: Mannone, Vermaelen(90), Gibbs, Wilshere(71), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Podolski(71).

My man of the match: Laurent Koscielny

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 25,700

Giroud double not enough as Gunners draw to Fulham

Olivier Giroud played his best game in Arsenal colours as the Gunners played out a dramatic 3-3 against Fulham on Saturday afternoon in which Giroud grabbed 2 goals. The other Arsenal goalscorer in a thriller at the Emirates was Lukas Podolski who was due a goal having not scored in the league since September. Meanwhile Giroud's first goal of the game was the first he'd scored in the league at home. It was a tougher match than expected but it was no surprise judging by how Arsenal had played in recent weeks. However, the fans were left angry and frustrated after the Gunner's lost a 2 goal lead for the second time in 4 days. One encouraging sign was the play going forward, as Podolski, Walcott and Giroud looked much more of a threat, but the defence was once more not at it's best as Berbatov had a field day. Meanwhile Mannone hadn't done greatly for the away sides second goal. Arsenal made two changes to the side that lost to United last weekend as Koscielny came in for Santos meaning Vermaelen went to left back and Coquelin came in for the suspended Jack Wilshere.

Olivier Giroud looks to be finally finding his feet in English football

The first chance of the game went Fulham's way as the ball fell to Ruiz on the edge of the box but his shot was deflected wide by Mertesacker.

Arsenal's first shot of the match was taken on by Giroud as he drove a shot from distance but it went miles over and the chance was wasted.

On just 10 minutes the Gunners were ahead. Theo Walcott's corner found Giroud who smashed a thumping header past Schwarzer and into the back of the net. It was a perfect start for Arsenal.

Arsenal were soon two goals to the good. It was brilliant build up play down the right hand side as Arteta got to the byline before pulling the ball back to Podolski who fired the ball past Schwarzer from six yards out.

Moments after the second goal Fulham got themselves back in it. Ruiz delievered the ball into the box from the corner and into Berbatov who got away from his marker to head the ball home.

Berbatov then tried his luck from range as he picked up the ball outside the area but his shot bounced wide.

Five minutes before the break Fulham got an equaliser. Berbatov got down the right hand side and then picked out Kacaniklic whose header somehow beat Mannone and found the net.

Arsenal then had a good chance to regain the lead just before half time as Arteta's floated free-kick found Giroud but he headed over the bar.

The score at half time was 2-2.

The first chance of the second half fell to Ruiz, just as it had done at the begining of the match. It was once again an opportunity from outside the box but he drilled the ball wide.

Arsenal's first chance of the half was created by Walcott as he played a one-two with Giroud before driving towards the penalty area and curling the ball just wide with his weaker foot.

The away side though then found themselves in front as they were awarded a penalty after Arteta bundled down Ruiz. Berbatov took it and converted it comfortably for his second of the afternoon.

The Gunners immediately hit back though as Cazorla played the ball through to Giroud who then hit the post. However the ball came out to Walcott on the right who put the ball on a plate for Giroud to head home at the second attempt.

With 15 minutes left to play Berbatov had a good chance to get his hat-trick as Dejagah played the ball through to him but Koscielny slid in to deny Fulham a fourth goal.

Olivier Giroud was also looking for a hat-trick and he did well to shrug off two defenders before getting to the edge of the area and smashing a shot which Schwarzer did well to get to and tip around the post.

The Frenchman then had another fantastic opportunity to win the game for Arsenal as Sagna swung the ball in but Giroud could only direct the header wide.

However there was a better chance to come as in the dying seconds Arshavin got into the area and then crossed but only for it to be stopped by the hand of Reither which resulted in a penalty. Mikel Arteta stepped up to take it but then saw it brilliantly saved by Schwarzer and the points were shared.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-3 Fulham.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Coquelin(56), Arteta, Cazorla, Walcott(84), Podolski(77), Giroud.
Subs: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Santos, Ramsey(56), Arshavin(84), Oxlade-Chamberlain(77), Chamakh. 

Fulham: Schwarzer, Reither, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Baird, Sidwell, Richardson(24), Dejagah(84), Ruiz, Berbatov. 
Subs: Stockdale, Senderos, Karagounis, Duff(84), Kacaniklic(24), Rodallega, Petric. 

My man of the match: Olivier Giroud

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 60,093

Late Zamora goal sinks Arsenal in London derby

Arsenal's first match of 2012 ended in defeat as they conceded a late winner to Fulham on Monday evening as Bobby Zamora scored an injury time winner to seal the points in the London Derby. Arsenal were sent down to 10 men late on which allowed Fulham to capitalise.  Laurent Koscielny's first half header looked to be enough but Fulham came back from a goal down to beat Arsenal with two goals in the last 5 minutes. It turned out to be another game in which Arsenal failed to close the gap between the top teams. There was just one change to the side that beat QPR on New Years Eve as the injured Thomas Vermaelen was replaced by Francis Coquelin at left back.

Koscielny's first goal of the season wasn't enough as the Gunners suffered defeat

The first chance of the game fell to Arsenal. Robin Van Persie's inswinging corner finding Gervinho at the back post but he could only volley his effort high and wide of the goal.

Fulham's first chance fell to Zamora as he got into the penalty area before driving a shot past the defender but not past the goalkeeper as Szczesny got down well to keep the effort out.

Twenty minutes into the game Arsenal took the lead. Arteta's drive from range hit his own player and then came out to Gervinho who found Ramsey. Ramsey then looped a ball into the penalty area and onto the head of Koscielny to give Arsenal the lead and for the Frenchman's first of the season.

Arsenal then had two brilliant opportunities to double their lead. First Aaron Ramsey saw his shot brilliantly saved by Stockdale and then the rebound was followed up by Song but once again Stockdale made the save to deny the Gunners.

Ruiz provided the hosts next chance as he picked the ball up in the middle, worked his way past Song and then got to the edge of the area before hitting a shot inches wide of the post.

Coquelin was proving a good choice at left back as he got forward and beat his man before teeing up Van Persie whose shot was kept out by Stockdale.

Just before the break Ramsey managed to test Stockdale with a shot from distance, it was well hit but Stockdale was once again equal to it.

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

Former Arsenal player Senderos went close just after the hour mark as he headed over from a Danny Murphy free-kick.

Fulham then came close again as Ruiz beat Song before chipping the ball to the far post, onto the head of Dempsey who once more, saw his header go inches wide of the post.

Ruiz was proving the difference between the two sides as he created another chance, this time his close range effort was kept out well by Szczesny.

The Gunners were then forced to play the last 15 minutes of the game with 10 men. The ball was slipped through into the path of Zamora who went down under the challenge of Djourou who was sent off for his second bookable offence of the game.

Aaron Ramsey was then brought off as Squillaci came on to make sure Arsenal still had four men at the back.

Five minutes from the end Fulham got a deserved equaliser. Szczesny's parm away only went as far as Senderos who headed the ball back into the danger area and onto the head of Sidwell who headed the ball into an empty net.

Arsenal then conceded again as Squillaci's header found Zamora who volleyed the ball home at the near post to give Fulham all three points.

The final score ended Fulham 2-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Fulham: Stockdale, Kelly, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise, Dempsey, Murphy(69), Sidwell, Zamora, Ruiz, Dembele.
Subs: Etheridge, Baird, Hughes, Gecov, Duff, Frei(69), Orlando Sa.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Coquelin, Song, Arteta, Ramsey(81), Walcott(65), Van Persie, Gervinho(74).
Subs: Almunia, Squillaci(81), Miquel, Rosicky(65), Arshavin, Benayoun(74), Chamakh.

My man of the match: Laurent Koscielny

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 25,700

Vermaelen scores at either end to see points shared

Thomas Vermaelen scored at both ends to see that the points were shared as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Fulham at the Emirates. The vice captain scored eight minutes from time to ensure Arsenal got no more than they deserved as a draw seemed to be a fair result at the end of the game despite both keepers being on top form. For the match Arsene Wenger rested both Laurent Koscielny and Gervinho as Djourou and Arshavin took their places in the starting lineup. Abou Diaby returned to league action for the first time this season. Ex Arsenal man Phillipe Senderos who played 64 league games for the Gunners started in defence for Fulham against his former club.

Vermaelen scored at both ends to see that the points were shared at the Emirates

 In the opening minutes of the game Arsenal thought they had scored as Van Persie played Arshavin through who scored but it was ruled out as the Russian was in an offside position.

Arsenal's first proper chance fell to Aaron Ramsey. Song playing the ball to Van Persie and then to Ramsey who got into the penalty area before hitting a shot which was clawed away by Mark Schwarzer.

Fulham's first chance came to Bobby Zamora who managed to turn Thomas Vermaelen before curling a shot just over the cross bar.

Aaron Ramsey was then presented with the Gunners next chance. Theo Walcott did brilliantly down the right hand side, beating two players before playing the ball to Ramsey who blasted his shot over the bar.

However Fulham continued to stay positive and Moussa Dembele forced a good save out of Szczesny as he saw his fierce drive kept out by the Polish international. From the resulting corner the visitors created another opportunity as Hangeland rose the highest in a crowded penalty area, however only to see his header go over the bar.

Despite good chances for both sides the score would remain 0-0 at half time.

The first chance of the second half came to Robin Van Persie. Arteta found him on the edge of the box, he then cut inside before curling a shot which looked to have been going in but for Baird who was on the line to stop a certain Arsenal goal.

Despite the Gunners slight dominance in the game Fulham took the lead just after the hour mark. Danny Murphy swinging in a ball into the box which found Riise but he lost control and the ball bounced towards the sliding Vermaelen who put the ball into his own net.

Schwarzer in the Fulham goal was then forced into making a brilliant save from the head of Djourou. Van Persie delivered a corner from the right hand side right onto the head of Johan Djourou who's header was going in but for the Australian goalkeeper who dived to his left to keep the effort out. 

The captain provided Arsenal's next chance as Santos swung in the ball which found Van Persie who brought the ball down but fired his shot way over the bar.

Eight minutes from time the Gunners finally managed to equalise as Walcott found Vermaelen's head from six yards out to give Arsenal no more than they deserved as the Belgian made up for his earlier error.

Arsenal continued to attack as substitute Gervinho did well down the right, beating two men before cutting inside and firing a shot which was straight at the Fulham keeper.

The final chance came to Van Persie who from Arteta's corner could only find the hands of Schwarzer as Arsenal dropped two points on a day they should have arguably won.

The final score finished Arsenal 1-1 Fulham.

The teams lineups: 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker(68), Vermaelen, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey(68), Walcott, Arshavin(76), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Koscielny, Frimpong, Diaby(68), Benayoun, Gervinho(68), Chamakh(76).

Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Dembele, Ruiz(75), Zamora(79).
Subs: Etheridge, Briggs, Hughes, Gecov, Frei, Kasami(75), Johnson(79).

My man of the match: Thomas Vermaelen

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance:  60,043