Arsenal knocked out after disappointing performance

Arsenal suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Tuesday night as the Gunners exited the League Cup in the third round. Sanchez's free-kick wasn't enough as a Tadic penalty and a thunderbolt from Clyne meant Arsenal failed to reach the fourth round for the first time in twelve years. It wasn't necessarily a poor performance but we struggled to create chances which ultimately led to our downfall. Wenger ringed the changes as expected, as Ospina made his debut whilst Bellerin, Isaac Hayden and Coquelin started at the back. Diaby played for the first time since May whilst Joel Campbell, Podolski and Rosicky all came into the team.

Although Arsenal conceded two, U21 captain Isaac Hayden looked assured at the back

Despite the defeat on Tuesday, a lot was discovered from the game, both in a positive light and in a more negative way. The first thing of note was the performance of Alexis Sanchez. He was different class to everyone else on the pitch and that was summed up by his goal. It was a beautiful free-kick that was sent over the wall and right into the top corner. The Chilean now has four in his last four games for the Gunners.

What was a little less encouraging was that we hardly created any chances all night and that was shown by the fact our goal came from a set-piece which is a rarity in itself. Podolski was tasked with playing upfront and he told us what most Arsenal fans already knew, that he can't play centrally. His work rate was poor, he didn't make many runs in behind and when he did get a chance he failed to stick it away. It was a lazy performance and the situation that he got himself in when in front of goal was encouraging but he wasn't his usual clinical self. The fact we only scored one was backed up our by our lack of penetration going forward. Sanchez didn't stop running all night whilst Campbell showed glimpses of his potential but overall it was a pretty average performance from the Costa Rican.

It was an average night for most of the side as many of the fringe players failed to step up and show why they warrant a starting place. I've already mentioned Podolski and Campbell but another player who didn't have the best of nights was Tomas Rosicky. His work ethic was still good but his ball retention wasn't what we expect from him and our midfield play overall was quite sloppy.

A big positive from the game was that Abou Diaby managed over an hour on his return to the team after missing all of 2013/14 but the final game against Norwich. He added a much needed presence in midfield that we haven't had and he has all the credentials to perhaps become our defensive midfielder. He's usually more of a box to box type player but with work, and staying clear of injuries, he could become a fantastic player in that role for us. After all, he can't be much worse than what Flamini and Arteta have been lately. He's a force in midfield and can carry the ball brilliantly with his strength. Something that not many of our midfielders have the ability to do.

Despite conceding two, the defence actually had a pretty solid game. We were sloppy to concede a penalty whilst Clyne's strike from outside the box was virtually impossible to keep out. A few claimed Ospina was at fault for the goal but at the rate the ball was traveling it would have been some stop to prevent it from going in. Bellerin again looked a little vulnerable defensively, as he did against Dortmund. As for Isaac Hayden, he did nothing to warrant any criticism. He put in a very solid shift, looked confident and assured on the ball and was very strong physically. After his performance against Southampton he may well be promoted into being our fourth choice centre-back considering the lack of options we have in defence right now.

Not a lot of the players involved in this game will be come the weekend though. The likes of Chambers, Sanchez and Wilshere all definitely will be as Arsenal welcome Spurs to the Emirates on Saturday evening for the North London derby!

The team's line-ups:

Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin(85), Chambers, Hayden, Coquelin, Diaby(66), Wilshere, Campbell(71), Rosicky, Sanchez, Podolski.
Subs: Martinez, Mertesacker, Ajayi, Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain(71), Cazorla(66), Akpom(85).

Southampton: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Gardos, Targett(83), Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Davis, Tadic, Mane(71), Pelle.
Subs: Davis, Bertrand(83), Cork, Reed, McCarthy, Long(71), Mayuka.

My man of the match: Alexis Sanchez.

Referee: Keith Stroud.
Attendance: 59,621.  

Arsenal bow out of cup to Chelsea

Arsenal's lack of depth was evident as they faced a strong Chelsea side on Tuesday night. It was an extremely frustrating performance in which an individual error and then a great strike cost us a place in the next round of the League Cup. Two Spaniards, Azpilicueta and Juan Mata were on the score sheet for Chelsea as they comfortably beat us at the Emirates. Chelsea, having played Man City at the weekend were surely in a worse position to play us but they have great depth which allowed them to change their team around and still look good. Arsenal, however, was a different story. We were forced into making changes due to the fact that we have the likes of Liverpool and Man United coming up in the League.

Arsenal lost for the second time in a week with defeat to Chelsea

Overall I wasn't too fussed about the League Cup as we're top of the League. Losing to Chelsea is not a nice way to go out though, especially when we put in as bad a performance as we did. The first negative of many that I will pick up on was Nicklas Bendtner. I featured the Dane in an article back in September where it pointed out that he was willing to give everything for Arsenal this season. On last nights evidence though you wouldn't have thought that was the case. Against West Brom in the last round of the League Cup he wasn't brilliant but tucked away a penalty and then against Norwich when he came on in the League he had a pretty effective cameo performance. However this time around he was pretty awful and we were once again left questioning why he was still at the club. The reason is simple, because we didn't buy a striker in the summer. He had very little impact on the game and to be brutally honest it was like we were playing with 10 men for large periods of the game. In the second half when we were chasing the game he was eight yards out from goal and instead of shooting passed the ball away from goal. Whether this was due to a lack of confidence or not realising quite how much space he had, in that position against Chelsea, you just have to bury the chance.

I was willing to give Bendtner a chance last night but he failed to come up trumps and the need for a striker in January became even more evident. If Giroud gets injured then we really are stuck for ideas upfront. Park Ju Young even came on with 8 minutes to go, only his seventh appearance for the club after Wenger said he'd impressed in training but that didn't really fill the fans with excitement either.

The next negative is that of Carl Jenkinson. He made a mistake for the first goal which sparked absolutely fury. He has been ever improving since his arrival at the club and put in some fairly solid performances when Sagna has been injured. However his consistency is a major talking point and playing him alongside Ryo Miyaichi, a player I'll get onto a bit later, it was always going to cause problems against Chelsea. He looked very nervous, and questions were raised as to whether he was ready for proper first team action. Maybe a loan spell will do him good, but that would mean getting a right back on board to challenge Sagna who is long overdue a new contract with the club.

On to Ryo Miyaichi. He's been in and out of the first team this season following loan spells with other clubs in previous campaigns. At Wigan last season his opportunities to play were extremely limited due to injuries which have really hindered his development. However Wenger has praised his attitude to improve which should only mean he gets better. Against Chelsea he didn't really have the space needed for a fast winger to exploit and was often crowded out meaning he couldn't perform to his best. Against West Brom in the last round he was one of our better players always looking to get at a man and cause them problems. He just simply wasn't able to do that against better opposition last night though. One plus point to his game which I've picked up on is his ability to track back. When I've seen him play he's always got back and helped out the full back defensively, something that you don't always see in a winger.

The few positives that came from the game were the fact that Koscielny and Vermaelen had a solid game despite conceding 2 goals. Vermaelen looks to be re-discovering his form and hopefully that'll make him stay following a move with a link away from the club. Santi Cazorla having just come back from injury looks to have his touch back and looks in form whilst Nacho Monreal following a few sub appearances put in a decent shift at left back. He's very able competition for Gibbs. We now need a Monreal type signing at right back to provide Sagna with competition following Jenkinson's inconsistency.

It hasn't been a great start to our run of tough fixtures, losing to Dortmund, only just beating Palace and now losing to Chelsea. Liverpool is to come at the weekend, a top of the table clash which is absolutely must win. If we do win then this defeat can be quickly forgotten. However if we lose then the negative spiral will continue and the players confidence may well be hindered.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Monreal, Ramsey(82), Wilshere, Rosicky, Cazorla, Miyaichi(64), Bendtner(69). 
Subs: Viviano, Sagna, Hayden, Yennaris, Ozil(64), Park(82), Giroud(69).

Chelsea: Schwarzer, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Luiz, Bertrand, Essien, Mikel, De Bruyne, Mata(90), Willian, Eto'o(82).
Subs: Blackman, Ivanovic, Kalas(90), Ramires, Hazard, Torres, Ba(82).

My man of the match: Santi Cazorla.

Referee: Phil Dowd.
Attendance: 59,455.

Youngsters shine as Arsenal win on penalties

Arsenal are through to the next round of the League Cup, but only just. Nacho Monreal's penalty was the difference as the Gunners and West Brom couldn't be separated even in extra time. Eisfeld's goal midway through the second half opened the scoring before the Baggies hit back with Berahino. With injuries and people needing to be rested, Wenger played a weakened side. Eisfeld as mentioned was given his first start for the club whilst Issac Hayden made his senior debut in midfield. The likes of Gnabry and Ryo featured whilst Olsson, Akpom and Bellerin came off the bench. There was also a start for Nicklas Bendtner, featuring for the club for the first time since 2011.Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta, the captain and vice captain were given their first starts since their injuries.

Thomas Eisfeld scored on his first Arsenal start

The first chance of the game went West Brom's way as the ball was swung in from the right but Long failed to make good contact with it and Fabianski was able to collect.

Then came Bendtner's first action back in an Arsenal shirt. Ryo did well to get beyond Reid and then find a cross. However it was too high for Bendtner who then ran into the post.

It was a game of few chances so far as Craig Dawson then forced Fabianski into tipping the ball over the bar from a corner.

Graham Dorrans was to try his luck from range with a free-kick but he wasted it by blazing the ball high and wide.

Issac Hayden then almost grabbed a debut goal. Gnabry's corner came to the near post in the direction of Hayden but he failed to make contact with the ball. If he had then it would've surely been a goal.

All of the chances seemed to be coming from dead ball situations as Steven Reid was to come close with a dipping free-kick that hit the bar.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first attempt on goal in the second half came from Eisfeld as Jenkinson did well to find him on the edge of the area but the German's effort flew over.

Then came the first real save of the match. Sessegnon teed up Mulumbu who then hit a fiercesome shot which Fabianski had to be at his best to deal with.

Just after the hour mark, the deadlock was broken. Nicklas Bendtner played a perfectly weighted ball into Thomas Eisfeld who managed to get it out of his feet and then find the back of the net. 

10 minutes later, West Brom were level. Shane Long picked out Berahino in the box who headed past Fabianski to make it 1-1.

Berahino then had a chance to win it as he was set free down the right hand side but his shot found the crowd.

Into injury time and Arsenal could've won it. However Jenkinson's low cross evaded three men in yellow and went out for a throw-in.

That was to be the final chance of normal time and into extra time we went.

Nicklas Bendtner was to have the best chance of extra-time and should've sealed it. Gnabry's ball found him in acres of space but he took too much time and back came a Baggies defender to deny the Dane from getting a shot away.

Chuba Akpom was to then come close as his effort was a whisker away from finding the far corner.

The next youngster to get a shot on goal was Hector Bellerin as he found space on the edge of the area before firing wide.

West Brom were then to be denied by the cross bar as Amalfitano turned and then smashed the ball against the wood work. Rosenberg also came desperately close but Bellerin got back to clear a shot off the line.

That was the end of extra-time and the game went to penalties. Steven Reid smashed home the first before Bendtner comfortably sent Daniels the wrong way. Up next was Rosenberg who also scored but Gnabry's penalty was saved. Morrison and Olsson then scored theirs. However with West Brom having the advantage, Dawson and Amalfitano both missed with Akpom tucking his away. Monreal then found the net to take Arsenal through to face Chelsea in the next round.

The final score finished West Brom 1-1 Arsenal (3-4 on penalties)

The teams lineups:

West Brom: Daniels, Reid, Dawson, Lugano, Popov, Mulumbu(90), Dorrans, Sessegnon, Sinclair, Berahino(100), Long(90). 
Subs: Camp, McAuley, Olsson, Jones, Morrison(90), Amalfitano(100), Rosenberg(90).

Arsenal: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal, Hayden(84), Arteta(95), Eisfeld(82), Gnabry, Miyaichi, Bendtner. 
Subs: Viviano, Bellerin(95), Flamini, Olsson(84), Iwobi, Park, Akpom(82).

My man of the match: Carl Jenkinson. 

Referee: Robert Madley
Attendance: 18,649

Arsenal crash out of cup on penalties

Arsenal got knocked out of the Capital One Cup last Tuesday as the Gunners slipped to a 3-2 defeat on penalties to league 2 opposition Bradford City. It was an extremely embarrasing and disappointing loss for Arsenal as despite fielding their strongest lineup with a few exceptions it was enough as Vermaelen equalised late on but the Gunners were no match for the lower league side as they won their ninth penalty shoot out in a row this season.

Arsenal were knocked out of the League cup on penalties

The first chance of the game fell Bradford's way as Wells beat Vermaelen to the ball and ran towards the edge of the penalty area before hitting a shot which Szczesny kept out.

Arsenal's first chance came from a set-piece as Cazorla's corner found Vermaelen but he headed over the bar.

Lukas Podolski then had a brilliant opportunity to break the dead lock as Wilshere found him on the penalty spot but once again the header went over.

Bradford then had a set-piece of their own and they took full advantage of it as the ball was flicked on from the free-kick into Thompson who volleyed the ball past Szczesny for an unexpected lead.

Just after the half hour mark Kieran Gibbs got forward from left back and hit a fizzing volley which went just past the post.

Arsenal were having plenty of chances and they then struck the upright as Coquelin managed to weave his way past two players before hitting a shot which hit the post and came back out. The ball was then played back in by Sagna but Cazorla's effort was driven over the bar.

Four minutes before the break the best chance of the match was wasted by Gervinho. Podolski found Gibbs who then fired the ball across goal and into the Ivorian but somehow he missed from 3 yards out.

Moments before half time Wells had a great chance to extend Bradford's lead as he managed to turn past Vermaelen before sending the ball inches wide of the post.

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

The first good chance of the second half fell to Oxlade-Chamberlain as the ball was layed off to him on the edge of the area but the ball was beaten away by the goalkeeper.

Jack Wilshere was proving to be the Gunners most influential player and then managed to work a shot off from the edge of the penalty box having just glided past two Bradford players but the ball was once again kept out.

With 3 minutes left to play Arsenal finally found the goal they had been looking for. Cazorla's cross found Vermaelen at the back post and he headed home for the equaliser.

In the dying moments of the second half Cazorla had two great efforts saved as first his free-kick was beaten away and then from Rosicky's cleared cross Duke kept the Spaniard out once more.

The score after 90 minutes was 1-1.

At the start of extra-time Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had two efforts on goal but they were both heroically blocked by Bradford defenders as the Gunners desperately looked for that winning goal.

Just as Gibbs had done in the first half he was once allowed to get down the left hand side. This time the shot troubled the goalkeeper more though as Duke had to put the ball out for a corner.

Arsenal then provided a good chance from a corner as Cazorla found Chamakh at the near post but his glancing header went wide.

Cazorla then created a chance for himself as he cut inside and then hit a swerving shot with his left foot which crashed against the crossbar.

The game was to go into penalties as the score finished level after extra time. Bradford were to win the shootout 3-2 following missed Arsenal penalties from Cazorla, Chamakh and Vermaelen.

The teams lineups:

Bradford: Duke, Darby, Meredith, McHugh, McArdle, Thompson(72), Atkinson(92), Doyle, Jones, Hanson, Wells(74).
Subs: McLaughlin, Turgott(92), Good, Ravenhill, Jones(72), Connell(74), Hines.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin(60), Wilshere, Cazorla, Ramsey(69), Podolski(69), Gervinho.
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Squillaci, Arteta, Rosicky(69), Oxlade-Chamberlain(69), Chamakh(60).

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 23,971

Remarkable comeback sees Arsenal beat Reading in Cup

Arsenal pulled off a remarkable comeback in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night. The Gunners were 4-0 down to Reading but a spirited fightback from the team saw them pull 4 goals back to take the game into extra-time. Extra-time brought more goals though as Arsenal finally went on to win an incredible 7-5 at the Madejski stadium. It was an extroadinary night of football as Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick whilst Giroud and Koscielny bagged a goal each and Marouane Chamakh who was starting for the first time since January grabbed a brace. Arsenal were absolutely awful at the back and didn't cover themselves in too much glory in the first half but the attacking performance was simply brilliant as the likes of Andrey Arshavin ran the Reading defence ragged all night long.

Arsene Wenger made 11 changes to the starting lineup from Saturdays victory over QPR. Damian Martinez started in goal as Djourou and Koscielny partnered each other at the back. Meanwhile Frimpong started for the first time since returning from injury whilst Serge Gnabry started a competitive game for the first time.

Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick as Arsenal came from behind to win an incredible game

The first chance of the game came from a Reading corner as the ball was delivered onto the head of Morrison who hit the post.

Just 11 minutes into the game and Reading were ahead. Robson-Kanu got the ball out wide before finding Roberts at the back post who tapped the ball home.

Five minutes later and the Royals were 2-0 up. Chris Gunter managed to fire in a cross from the right hand side which came off Koscielny and beat Martinez at his near post.

Moments later Reading found themselves 3 goals to the good. Leigertwood struck a shot from just inside the area which Martinez got a palm to but couldn't prevent the ball bouncing into the net.

The hosts were dominating the game and then got themselves a fourth. McCleary whipped in a cross and managed to pick out Noel Hunt inside the penalty area who headed the ball home.

Arsenal's best chance of the match came four minutes from the break as Coquelin played in Chamakh but his left footed shot was straight at the goalkeeper.

At the end of the first half the Gunners were finally finding their feet in the match and then finally got themselves a goal. Andrey Arshavin found Walcott who raced in on goal before dinking the ball over the goalkeeper for 4-1.

The first chance of the second half fell to Leigertwood who once again found space just inside the penalty area to find a shot but this time the ball flew over the bar.

Arsenal's first chance of the second half fell to Gnabry as he weaved his way past a Reading player before firing a shot across goal and just past the far post.

Just after the hour mark Arsenal pulled a second goal back and it came from Olivier Giroud who had only just come on. Theo Walcott's corner found the head of the Frenchman who then found the back of the Reading net.

Two minutes from the end of the game it was 4-3 and Arsenal suddenly felt as though they could level the game up. The goal came from another corner as Walcott delivered the ball in again and this time it found Koscielny who headed past the goalkeeper.

Then with effectively the last kick of normal time and in the fifth minute of injury time, Arsenal equalised! Coquelin found Chamakh who knocked the ball down to Walcott, he then took a shot which looked to be cleared off the line but Jenkinson followed up to find the net. A goal which was later to be confirmed as Walcott's second of the night.

The score at the end of 90 minutes was 4-4 and the game went into extra-time.

Towards the end of the first period of extra time Arsenal found themselves in front for the first time in the game. Giroud found Arshavin who then played the ball to Chamakh and he struck a low shot from outside the box which beat Federici to give the Gunners the lead.

It wasn't over as there was more drama as Reading equalised. Church's shot was deflected into the path of Pogrebnyak who headed the ball past Martinez for yet another goal in this tie.

However, there was another twist as in the last minute of extra-time Andrey Arshavin ran at the Reading defence and then fired in a shot which was cleared away but only as far as Walcott who smashed the ball home for the winner.

The Gunners then found themselves another goal as Theo Walcott smashed the ball down the pitch, the defender misjudged the ball and it came to Chamakh who chipped the keeper from 25 yards for his second of the night and to seal the victory.

The final score on a simply incredible night finished Reading 5-7 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Reading: Federici, Gunter, Gorkss, Morrison, Shorey, Tabb, Leigertwood, McCleary(74), Robson-Kanu, Hunt(74), Roberts(90).
Subs: Taylor, Harte, Pearce, McAnuff(74), Church(90), Le Fondre, Pogrebnyak(74).

Arsenal: Martinez, Jenkinson, Djourou, Koscielny, Miquel(105), Coquelin, Frimpong(62), Arshavin, Gnabry(62), Walcott, Chamakh.
Subs: Shea, Squillaci, Meade(105), Bellerin, Yennaris, Eisfeld(62), Giroud(62).

Man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 23,980

Giroud scores first goal as youngsters shine in Cup

Olivier Giroud scored his first Arsenal goal as a mix of youth and experience thrashed Coventry in the third round of the League Cup at the Emirates on Wednesday night. The Frenchman later went on to miss a penalty but set up Andrey Arshavin for his goal. Oxlade-Chamberlain was Arsenal's brightest player going forward in the first half and then scored a brilliant goal outside the box in the second half. On the other wing, Theo Walcott was fairly quiet until the second half when he slid home two confident finishes. Meanwhile the youngsters played very well. Francis Coquelin held the midfield together with Nico Yennaris. Ignasi Miquel was brilliant at centre back, was confident with bringing the ball out of defence and even scored a well placed header late on in the game. 17 year old German, Serge Gnabry, came off the bench and looked very lively whilst Emmanuel Frimpong also returned from injury and got a standing ovation when he came on. Gnabry was one of three teenagers who got their first team debuts as Martin Angha started at right back and was fairly solid whilst Damian Martinez was in goal but didn't have that much to do.


Arsenal easily saw off Coventry in the third round of the cup

The first chance of the game fell Coventry's way as Angha was beaten easily before a cross was played onto the head of Barton but the ball bounced wide of the goal.

Just after the half hour mark Martin Angha had a decent chance as the ball bobbled out to him just inside the box but he sliced his shot wide.

Giroud then came close as Coquelin found him on the edge of the penalty area before striking a shot with his weaker foot which found the arms of Murphy in the Coventry goal.

5 minutes before the break Arsenal took the lead. Coquelin was once again the provider as he poked
the ball through to Giroud who got into the penalty box before dinking the ball over the keeper for his first goal in Arsenal colours.

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

Just after the break, Arsenal immediately had the chance to go 2-0 up as Arshavin was brought down in the box and a penalty was given. Olivier Giroud stepped up to take the penalty and he slotted the ball towards the right hand corner but Murphy made a great save to deny Giroud.

From the resulting corner the miss was almost forgotten as Miquel saw his header hit the crossbar.

Arsenal then did manage to find a second as Arshavin layed the ball off to Oxlade-Chamberlain who smashed a strike from range which swerved before beating Murphy and finding the back of the net.

A few minutes after the hour mark, Arsenal went 3-0 up. Giroud was played through and then he found Arshavin who took one touch before poking the ball past the goalkeeper to extend the lead.

Johan Djourou, skipper for the night, almost got in on the act as he got onto the end of Arshavin's corner but Murphy kept him out from close range.

It wasn't long before the Gunners added a fourth. Nico Yennaris played in Walcott down the right who got into the penalty area before firing the ball into the far corner of the goal.

Coventry then finally got themselves on the scoresheet. Baker swung in a great delivery from the right hand side into the path of Ball who tapped home 8 yards out.

It was a game full of chances and there was no surprise that Arsenal added yet another goal. Arshavin crossed the ball in which found Ignasi Miquel who headed the ball into the back of the net.

A minute from the end of the game there was a sixth goal for Arsenal and a second for Theo Walcott. Walcott managed to take the ball past one man before galloping down the left hand side and then into the penalty area before finding the net.

The final score finished Arsenal 6-1 Coventry.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Martinez, Angha, Djourou, Miquel, Santos, Yennaris, Coquelin(73), Arshavin, Walcott, Giroud(73), Oxlade-Chamberlain(73).
Subs: Shea, Squillaci, Bellerin, Frimpong(73), Eisfeld, Gnabry(73), Chamakh(73).

Coventry: Murphy, Clarke, Wood, Reckford, Brown, Baker, McSheffrey, Barton, Moussa(60), Bailey, Elliot(70).
Subs: Dunn, Hussey, Daniels, Ball(70), Edjenguele, McDonald, Fleck(60).

My man of the match: Ignasi Miquel

Referee: Michael Jones
Attendance: 58,351

Late Aguero goal ends Arsenal's Carling Cup hopes

Arsenal were knocked out of the Carling Cup on Tuesday night through a late Sergio Aguero goal as the Gunners were beaten 1-0 at the hands of Manchester City. A dominant Arsenal side were caught out on the break as City's first shot on target resulted in a goal to end their hopes of reaching the Semi-Finals of a competition they reached the final of last year. Arsenal again played an understrength team as the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Frimpong, Coquelin and Miquel all played. Park and Chamakh got their chances in the team as Benayoun captained the squad on the night as Djourou was the only survivor from the draw against Fulham at the weekend. Squillaci was also given his chance at the heart of defence whilst Fabianski played in goal. Ex Gunners, Samir Nasri and Kolo Toure played against their former clubs for Man City.

Oxlade-Chamberlain shone throughout the game as he carried most of the threats going forward

The first good chance of the game fell to Manchester City. The ball was spread out wide to Johnson who beat Miquel and cut inside before unleashing a shot from outside the box which only just looped over the bar.

A minute later came Arsenal's first chance. Francis Coquelin managed to swing in a great low cross towards the back post and into Park who from 6 yards out, somehow saw his effort kept out brilliantly by Pantillimon.

Just before the half hour mark Pantillimon was forced into making another great save. Chamakh laying the ball back to Oxlade-Chamberlain who from outside the box struck a fierce left footed shot which was flying into the top corner but for the City goalkeeper.

Samir Nasri almost created an opportunity for the visitors as he tried playing in Johnson but Fabianski rushed out of his goal to beat him to the ball.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was then granted an opportunity to stretch his legs as he beat his man before being fouled by Savic. Chamberlain took the free kick but it was safely headed out of the danger area.

The score at half time was 0-0.

City created the first chance of the second half as Dzeko was found on the edge of the area before hitting a shot from just outside the box which went just wide of Fabianski's goal.

Arsenal's first opportunity of the half came to Chamakh as Benayoun played him through but from a tight angle the Moroccan put his shot high and wide of the goal.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was then given room to break as he got forward down the right before cutting inside and finding Gervinho. He got into the box but Toure got the challenge in to deny his Ivory Coast team mate from creating a chance to score.

The Gunner's next opportunity was provided by Gervinho as he slid a ball in towards Benayoun but the defender got there just ahead of the Isreali to put the ball out for a corner.

The resulting corner was headed out and Manchester City countered. Dzeko got down the left and played Johnson through the middle. He held the ball up and then found Aguero who got into the penalty area and buried a shot beyond Fabianski to give the visitors the lead with seven minutes still to play.

Arsenal hadn't given up yet though as Gervinho worked a chance after finding space but his shot ended up in the stands.

The Gunners then had a fantastic chance to equalise as Gervinho fired a ball in across the face of goal but neither Chamakh or Squillaci could get to the ball.

The final score finished Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City

Arsenal: Fabianski, Djourou, Koscielny, Squillaci, Miquel(80), Oxlade-Chamberlain(87), Frimpong, Coquelin, Benayoun, Chamakh, Park(67).
Subs: Mannone, Vermaelen(80), Yennaris, Eastmond, Ozyakup, Arshavin(87), Gervinho(67).

Manchester City: Pantillimon, Onuoha, Savic, Toure, Zabaleta, De Jong, Hargreaves(79), Kolarov(32), Johnson, Nasri, Dzeko.
Subs: Taylor, Richards, Bridge, Razak(79), Suarez, Rekik, Aguero(32).

My man of the match: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 60,028

Arsenal come from behind to reach quarter finals of League Cup

Arsenal had to come from behind to reach the quarter finals of the Carling Cup. Goals from Arshavin and Park secured the Gunners passage to the next round of the cup after beating Bolton 2-1 at the Emirates on Tuesday night. Arsenal's most experienced players carried them over the line as Vermaelen returned from injury to captain the side; he was partnered by Squillaci who also returned from injury. Nico Yennaris who started and Daniel Boateng who came off the bench both made their first team debuts.

Ju Young Park (Middle) scored the winner for Arsenal

Arsenal managed to create the first chance of the game as Park cut inside from the left hand side and drove a shot from outside the box which tested Bogdan in the Bolton goal but it was kept out.

The Gunners were applying the early pressure and Yossi Benayoun managed to create a chance as he cut inside but curled his shot wide of the post.

Their next chance came from a freekick as Arshavin layed Vermaelen off on the edge of the area who struck a fierce effort towards goal which was parmed away by Bogdan.

Bogdan was then tested again as Arshavin found Park on the edge of the box. He then tried to pass the ball into the back of the net but he slipped in the attempt and he scuffed his shot but Bogdan was still forced to make a diving save to his left.

The score at half time was 0-0.

Ryo comes on for Oxlade-Chamblerlain

Two minutes into the second half Bolton took the lead through former Arsenal man, Fabrice Muamba. Muamba won the ball back off Frimpong who then found Prately who played the ball back to Muamba who slid his shot into the roof of the net for 1-0 to Bolton.

Bolton were only ahead for 6 minutes as Andrey Arshavin equalised for Arsenal. The Russian was allowed to run at the defence and then poked a shot past the goalkeeper and into the goal.

Just three minutes later the Gunners were ahead. Arshavin once again ran at the defence and then played Ju Young Park in on goal who curled his shot into the back of the net to seal Arsenal's passage into the next round of the cup.

Bolton almost managed to grab an equaliser as Eagles drove a shot from range which Fabianski could only parm the ball away but almost into the back of his own net. Luckily for the Arsenal keeper the ball went over the bar.

The Trotters were now creating the chances and Klasnic went through on goal but Fabianski came out of his goal to save the shot.

Bolton then created another chance as Eagles swung in a corner which was met by the head of Cahill who saw his shot saved on the line by Fabianski.

The final score finished Arsenal 2-1 Bolton.

The teams lineups: 

Arsenal: Fabianski, Yennaris, Squillaci, Vermaelen(84), Miguel, Frimpong(76), Coquelin, Benayoun, Arshavin, Oxlade-Chamberlain(73), Park.
Subs: Mannone, Meade, Boateng(84), Ozyakup(76), Aneke, Ryo(73), Watt.

Bolton: Bogdan, Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Gardner, Kakuta(71), Prately(61), Muamba, Davies, Klasnic, Tuncay(85). 
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Wheater, Reo-Coker, Riley, Eagles(71), Blake(85), Ngog(61).

My man of the match: Ju Young Park

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 56,628

  

Ipswich grab shock victory in first leg

Arsenal were at the hands of a shock loss to Ipswich 1-0 in the Carling Cup semi final first leg. A loan goal from Tamas Priskin sealed the victory for the Tractor boys on Wednesday night as Arsenal were miles from their best. Ipswich having lost to Chelsea 7-0 in the FA Cup at the weekend they were dreading a visit from another of the Premiership's big boys. Arsene Wengar obviously wants to win this trophy for the fans and fielded a strong side with Fabregas, Walcott and Wilshere all starting. Eboue once again started in place of the suspended Sagna. Reserves Shea and Miquel were on the bench.

Arsenal could have had some good chances to score in the first minutes of the game but sloppy passes meant the Gunners could not even get a shot in.

Ipswich then had their first good opportunity of the game as Priskin cut in from the left and worked a shot but it was just driven wide.

Arsenal's first chance of the game dropped to Walcott who from just outside the area hit a shot but it was tame and straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.

5 minutes before the break Ipswich were awarded a free kick. Kennedy found Delaney who tried to head the ball back across goal but Koscielny cleared it away and the danger was over.

Ipswich were playing really well and they thought they had a goal just before half time. The ball being played through to Priskin who bicycle kicked the ball into the back of the net but it was disallowed as the Hungarian was standing in an offside position.

They then had another chance as Wickham got past two players but he smashed his shot high and wide.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first chance of the second half fell to Arshavin. Fabregas from deep finding Arshavin who took one touch and then wildely smashed his shot high and wide of the target.

Fabregas then gave the ball straight to Kennedy who saw Szczesny off his line and went for the shot from long range but Szczesny back peddled and stopped the shot.

Priskin then once again had another good oportunity to put Ipswich ahead. The ball being punted down field towards him but Djourou got back to the striker to make the tackle just as he was about to pull the trigger.

Arsenal were playing better than in the first half and Gibbs managed to get a shot off but once again it went wide.

The Gunners were pressuring to go 1 up and a nice exchange of passes between Fabregas and Walcott led to a shot from the English Winger but Fulop kept it out.

Fabregas then had a brilliant opportunity as Gibbs delivered the ball from the left into the skipper but from 5 yards he hit it over with his thigh.

It was end to end football but with 12 minutes to play the deadlock was broken and it was Ipswich the suprise goal scorers. Norris with the through ball into Priskin who raced towards goal and then tucked his shot past Szczesny and into the back of the net.

Ipswich then almost made it 2-0. Fulop the goalkeeper smashing the ball downfield to Edwards who managed to get a shot out as he raced to the byline but Szczesny was there to keep him out.

The final score ended Ipswich 1-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Ipswich: Fulop, Peters, McAuley, Delaney, O'Dea, Edwards, Norris, Healy, Kennedy, Wickham, Priskin(89).
Subs: Lee-Barrett, Smith, Eastman, Civelli, Lambe, Hourihane, Murray(89).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Koscielny, Djourou, Gibbs, Walcott, Fabregas, Denilson, Arshavin(79), Wilshere(67), Bendtner(68).
Subs: Shea, Miquel, Eastmond, Ramsey, Song(67), Chamakh(68), Vela(79).

My man of the match: Wojciech Szczesny

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 29,146