Arsenal pull of surprise win against City

Arsenal put in one of the best performances we've seen from them in recent years as they overcame Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon. In a spirited, composed and tactically astute performance, the Gunners put in a display worthy of beating anyone. It was far from a typical Arsenal performance but that didn't matter, because we finally managed to beat a top team on the road for the first time since 2011. For me, I haven't felt that happy and buzzing as an Arsenal fan since the FA Cup final. What's more though, we managed to pick up a vital three points in the race for Champions League football as we leapfrogged Spurs once more.

Santi Cazorla was the star of the show as Arsenal beat city

If you told me we'd be unbeaten against Manchester City at the start of the season I would've told you to get your head checked, especially after last seasons displays against the top sides. However, after a Community Shield win over them, followed by a 2-2 draw at the Emirates and now a 2-0 victory away to the Champions I am heavily satisfied. That's not to ignore our form in the League so far this season because its been average at best. However, the result against City yesterday offered a respite for Wenger, who had previously come under heaps of pressure.

Indeed it was Wenger who took the initiative and changed his tactics around. After our performances away from home against the big sides in 2013/14, something needed changing and against City that finally happened. In the form of Coquelin we had a player in front of the back four who broke play up brilliantly whilst fullbacks Monreal and Bellerin kept their position and didn't expose the defence when going forward. They were cautious and there was only one period of time at the beginning of the second half in which they did leave us exposed at the back. It meant for a brilliant display of counter attacking football - exactly the style you need to play when against the big teams away from home, and it worked a treat. The overall performance of the team was brilliant though. Monreal has been heavily improved of late whilst Bellerin just gets better and better.

All the pre-match talk had been about Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez, but the outstanding performers where Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin. Thierry Henry, who was making his Sky debut mentioned in the build-up that Cazorla would be the man at the heart of things, and he was correct. Cazorla played probably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt, let alone his career. The penalty decision was perhaps a bit dubious in the fact that Monreal went down too easily but Cazorla slotted home from the spot with ease. He then played in the free-kick which Giroud headed home our second goal from.

It's difficult to put into words just how good Santi's performance was but the fact that Ozil is likely to stay on the bench proves how good he was. He was tracking back, made some important tackles and blocks, and wasn't afraid to get stuck in. That side of his game hadn't been seen before but it really was a complete performance from the Spaniard. Long may it continue too!

The other outstanding performer, as said, was Francis Coquelin. It's easy to get ahead of ourselves but since the Frenchman has returned from his spell on loan with Charlton he hasn't put a foot wrong. That was the same against City as he managed to keep David Silva out of the game and prevented the hosts from finding those pockets of space in and around the area. He made life easy for Koscielny and Mertesacker who didn't have a lot to do because of the protection Coquelin offered. His contract is up at the end of the season but he surely deserves a new one.

The defence went relatively untroubled but did show resilience when tested early in the second half when we had to withstand a heavy band of Man City pressure. However we kept our shape and Ospina managed to keep his third clean-sheet in a row. The only thing he really had to do was make a good save from a deflected Aguero effort. It was remarkable how well the defence played, especially after last years disaster. Hopefully this performance will now lay down a real blueprint for future games against the big sides.

City were missing Yaya Toure but I think our performance was that good that we still would have achieved a result even if he was playing. We managed to isolate their two best players, and as a result won the game. It certainly was a fantastic win, and one that should bring us huge confidence going into the coming weeks.

This could well be a result that changes the context of our season, if we can maintain the sort of performance we showed yesterday then there is no reason why we can't go onto have a very good end of season. Brighton in the FA Cup lies ahead next.

The team's line-ups:

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Fernando, Fernandinho(63), Navas(76), Silva, Milner(45), Aguero.
Subs: Caballero, Mangala, Sagna, Kolarov, Lampard(63), Jovetic(45), Dzeko(76). 

Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey(84), Oxlade-Chamberlain(66), Cazorla, Sanchez(84), Giroud. 
Subs: Szczesny, Chambers, Gibbs(84), Flamini(84), Rosicky(66), Ozil, Walcott. 

My man of the match: Santi Cazorla.

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 45,596 

Arsenal impressive in entertaining draw with Man City

Before the international break Arsenal had had perhaps a slow start to the season but they showed no signs of rustiness as they secured a 2-2 draw in an entertaining fixture against Man City. It was already the second time the sides had met each other this season after the Gunners victory in the Community Shield. However, this time round it was more of an evenly fought contest which saw both sides come from behind at some point in the game. Aguero opened the scoring for City before a superb attacking display in the second half led to goals from Wilshere and Sanchez. It was a goal six minutes from time that decided the game though as Demichelis found the net and City's equaliser.

Arsenal made two changes from the side that faced Leicester almost two weeks ago as Wilshere replaced Cazorla and Welbeck made his debut in place of Yaya Sanogo who didn't make the squad at all. 

Jack Wilshere ran the show whilst former Gunner Samir Nasri (right) started on the bench

This match, coming just four games into the new Premier League season perhaps held extra significance considering our form against the top sides last season. We held City to a 1-1 draw last season at the Emirates but it was out 6-3 defeat away from home that we needed to avenge for. Everything looked rosy having gone 2-1 up but we showed signs of our former selves by conceding the equaliser in such a desperate way.

Similarly to last season Wenger allowed the full backs to move on up the pitch, and because of that we almost conceded more than we did. It was because of that that we did concede though. Navas was allowed to run freely down the right hand side with Monreal no where to be seen, the Spanish winger then found Sergio Aguero who got ahead of Szczesny to put the away side in front.

Arsenal's start up to then had been promising. We'd gone close on a few occasions but it was debutant Danny Welbeck who came closest. He picked up the loose ball before dinking the ball over Hart and off the post. It would've been the dream start for a man that swapped Manchester red for Arsenal red on transfer deadline day. Welbeck offered the Gunners something very different, something we haven't had for a few years in the form of pace upfront. Walcott had played up top on a few occasions but not to a consistent level. Welbeck will hopefully provide us with that consistency, and after a promising debut will look to score goals whilst Giroud is out injured.

It was the way with which we dropped all three points that was extremely disappointing though. A corner came in and Arsenal's zonal marking came back to haunt them as Demichelis somehow found himself unmarked to head home from 12 yards. After the quality of our goals, it was a big let down to go and let the game go like that.

Arsenal's goals came from the games outstanding performers. There have been questions raised recently over Jack Wilshere's role in the side and having played in a more deep lying role for England, he was granted a more attacking one against City. It appeared to pay off as he scored the equaliser and put in a brilliant midfield display both defensively and going forward. He linked up with Ramsey for his goal before beating Joe Hart at his near post with his weaker foot. Sanchez's goal was ever more impressive though. He's had a fine start to life at Arsenal, scoring in each of his last three games. Wilshere headed the ball back into the box before the Chilean side footed home an exquisite volley. It was a goal worthy of winning any contest, but sadly it wasn't to be.

Apart from the defensive display there were two other negatives. The first was that of Mesut Ozil. He was once again asked to play out on the left flank and he was rarely involved. It's such a shame to see a player who was considered one of the best players in the world before he joined us, playing out of position. 3 assists in his last 19 Premier League games backs up just how averagely he's performed recently. No runners in behind and having to play out of position are just two of the reasons for his dip in performance. It appears that for Wilshere's benefit and inclusion in the team, Ozil is having to suffer as a result and it isn't helping the German at all. As for the other negative, that fell to Mathieu Debuchy who after a string of consistent performances picked up a bad looking ankle injury that looks as though will keep him out of action for 2-3 months.

Our next game sees us travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League as the group stage gets underway. We beat them 1-0 last season away from home so here's hoping for a similar result!

The team's line-ups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy(81), Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini(90), Sanchez, Ramsey, Wilshere, Ozil, Welbeck(87).
Subs: Ospina, Chambers(81), Gibbs, Arteta,(90), Oxlade-Chamberlain(87), Cazorla, Podolski.
  
Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Fernandinho, Lampard(45), Milner, Navas, Silva, Aguero(68).
Subs: Caballero, Mangala, Sagna, Kolarov, Sinclair, Nasri(45), Dzeko(68).

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere.

Referee: Mark Clattenburg. 
Attendance: 60,003. 

Arsenal win Community Shield with victory over Man City

Arsenal started the new season in the way they finished the last one, by winning a trophy. Sunday afternoon saw the Gunners take on League winners Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley, and despite both sides having weakened line-ups, it was Arsenal who ran out victors with a 3-0 win. Arsenal hadn't had the best pre-season possible having lost 2 out of the 4 games they played but they showed no form of rustiness with a brilliant counter attacking display against City. Alexis Sanchez, Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy all made their competitive debuts whilst new captain Mikel Arteta started in midfield. With Giroud lacking match fitness Sanogo started up front following his four goals against Benfica in the Emirates Cup.

It was a very comfortable display from Arsenal who dominated for many periods of the game and weren't really troubled by a City side who were lacking in strength due to a number of their World Cup players not featuring. Arsenal were without the likes of Ozil, Mertesacker and Podolski but that didn't seem to matter as Cazorla, Ramsey and Giroud sealed another win at Wembley for Arsenal.

Santi Cazorla's goal came at a time where we had been putting an unerring amount of pressure on City. The Spaniard, back from an unsuccessful World Cup campaign, put that all behind him as he swiveled and put the ball onto his left foot before firing past former team mate Willy Caballero in the City goal. The second goal was taken brilliantly by Aaron Ramsey as he linked up with Yaya Sanogo before flicking the ball over the defenders leg and firing into the far corner. The game was to be settled by a bit of rare individual brilliance from Olivier Giroud. He got the ball 30 yards out from goal and hit a dipping effort which sailed into the net for undoubtedly his best goal in the red and white of Arsenal.

Olivier Giroud was bizarrely given the man of the match award despite only playing the second half. In my opinion the young Calum Chambers at centre half deserved it for an outstanding performance. A few eye brows were raised at the £16m price-tag but that has all been forgotten after some brilliant displays at the Emirates Cup were followed up by an excellent display of defending yesterday against City. For such a young player he has adapted remarkably well and looks as though he's been playing for years. He's very assured and composed on the ball, whilst his decision making and reading of the game is also brilliant. He reminds me a little bit of Per Mertesacker, just younger and with obviously more pace.

The other debutantes meanwhile also put in a solid shift. I was a bit apprehensive about the signing of Mathieu Debuchy but having seen him play yesterday he's an absolute warrior and gave his all for the team. He got stuck in and made some brilliant tackles which contributed to a comfortable defensive display for the Gunners. Alexis Sanchez ran himself into the ground in the first half before being substituted at half time. He never stopped running and could've had a goal and a number of assists to himself.

Arsenal lifted the Community Shield for the first time in 10 years

With the Germans to come back into the side, everything looks very positive at Arsenal at the moment. One or two more additions and I think we'd be set but providing the players stay relatively injury free we should be there or there abouts in terms of the Premier League this season. Our first game of the season is against Palace and here's to hoping it'll be a lot lot better than 2013/14's opening day!

The teams line-ups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Chambers, Koscielny(45), Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey(83), Wilshere(67), Sanchez(45), Cazorla(70), Sanogo(45). 
Subs: Martinez, Monreal(45), Flamini(67), Rosicky(70), Oxlade-Chamberlain(45), Campbell(83), Giroud(45). 

Manchester City: Caballero, Clichy, Boyata, Nastasic, Kolarov(75), Fernando, Toure(60), Navas(83), Nasri(45), Dzeko(60), Jovetic. 
Subs: Hart, Richards(75), Rekik, Zucilini(60), Milner(60), Silva(45), Sinclair(83). 

My man of the match: Calum Chambers.

Referee: Michael Oliver.
Attendance: 71,523. 

Arsenal remain top despite heavy defeat to Man City

Arsenal were completely outplayed as they lost to Manchester City 6-3 on Saturday afternoon. It was a terrific game of end to end football that unfortunately for us, ended with the hosts coming out on top. The Gunners had a 5 point lead at the beginning of the day over their rivals but Man City have now closed the gap to just 3 points. Arsenal's attacking display was good, their defensive display, just wasn't good enough though. After the side Wenger had put out against Napoli, changes were expected to be made and they were. Theo Walcott came in and scored two whilst Wilshere and Ramsey came back in for Arteta and Rosicky. Kieran Gibbs was rested and replaced by Nacho Monreal who before the game, looked like the right player to go with. 

Theo Walcott scored two on his return to the starting line-up

Today's game had a host of talking points, but where do we start? There were few positives and a huge amount of negatives. I'll start with the negatives first. Our midfielders looked as poor as they had been all season. I said in my report against Everton that considering how good they've been this season they were due a bad game. However this wasn't the game to do that. Jack Wilshere was particularly bad. His form had picked up over the previous couple of months but today he was appalling in my opinion. Along with our other midfielders he constantly gave the ball away which led to so many of Man City's goals. The defence weren't helped at all by this and kept getting caught out. We conceded just one goal in the whole of November but this month we've conceded nine and we're only half way through it. The amount of times we got forward and put the hosts under pressure but then conceded straight after, was the most frustrating thing out of everything, it was near on ridiculous. We lost our discipline completely and we even conceded an injury time penalty. The league's best defence was made to look distinctly average.

Nacho Monreal looked like the right choice at the start of the game after looking in better form than the fatigued Kieran Gibbs lately. However, on reflection it was probably the wrong choice. Monreal has usually been able deputy for Gibbs, but his defensive displays are not on par with that of Gibbs. Most of the City attacks came down the left and the Spanish fullback just couldn't deal with everything thrown at him. It had looked a perfect line-up and I was also fully behind the decision to play Flamini. I thought he would've been able to get in the City players faces and disrupt their flow on the ball. However what we lacked was control in midfield and the ability to spray the ball around the pitch quickly. A player that would've been able to do that was Arteta, despite his poor form. Olivier Giroud got in some good positions to score chances and also create them but was wasteful in front of goal. I like Giroud but it further proved that we need to delve into the transfer market in January. Looking at the likes of Aguero today, we need someone like him to add a fear factor in terms of goals.

Nicklas Bendtner came on for Giroud and did a good job in my opinion, he looked more of a threat than Giroud did and even had a goal wrongly disallowed. Wrong decisions were a factor of the game and there were two goals ruled out for offside whilst there also could've been a penalty for a handball on Zabaleta. Those decisions went against us but didn't necessarily cost us the game, our ability to keep the ball did.

The most encouraging sign from the game was that of Theo Walcott. It was his first start for over three months since the game against Marseille. He was an instant threat and caused all sorts of problems in behind the City defence. His first goal was a well controlled strike which skimmed off of Demicheles' head before finding the net. His second was an absolute beauty though. Bending the ball over Pantilimon for his third of the season. It was a great sight to see him back, he stood out massively ahead of everyone else in the side. Per Mertesacker was to score our other goal after a brilliant delivery from Sagna. That was a mere consolation goal and we were too little too late. Not many teams go to the Etihad and score 3 goals, a sign that we weren't willing to give up despite the amount of times we were under pressure.

Next up is Chelsea where myself and the rest of the supporters will be accepting nothing but a win following our result against Man City today. It's at home where we have been better than away recently. If Chelsea win then they'll go top, it will be a massive game that we just can't afford to lose. We desperately need to improve on this afternoons performance, changes will probably be made again and hopefully they'll be for the better this time around.

The teams lineups:

Manchester City: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demicheles, Clichy, Fernandinho, Toure, Nasri(90), Silva(71), Aguero(49), Negredo. 
Subs: Hart, Lescott, Kolarov, Garcia(90), Milner(71), Navas(49), Dzeko. 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny(41), Monreal, Flamini(72), Ramsey, Wilshere, Walcott, Ozil, Giroud(76).
Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen(41), Arteta, Rosicky, Cazorla, Gnabry(72), Bendtner(76). 

My man of the match: Theo Walcott.

Referee: Martin Atkinson.
Attendance: 47,229.

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. 

Koscielny sent off as Arsenal lose to City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The final score finished Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City.

The teams lineups:

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

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

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 60,107

Arsenal come from behind to snatch a point at City

A dominant Arsenal side came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday evening. Jolean Lescott opened the scoring with a header 5 minutes before half time but Laurent Koscielny smashed home an effort at the death to seal the draw. Arsenal dominated the game possession wise and could have easily taken away all 3 points if the likes of Gervinho had finished off some great opportunities to score. The Gunners were at their very best as they carved Man City open a number of times in the first half as they dominated the midfield. A key reason to that was in Aaron Ramsey who was starting his first game of the season as he came in for Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Welshman had played one of the best games he's played in an Arsenal shirt whilst Cazorla was as ever involved in most of the Gunners build up play. Arteta and Diaby were the men that held the team together deeper in midfield. It was also a very good defensive display as Mertesacker was a rock at the back whilst Jenkinson and Gibbs were good going forward from fullback.

Laurent Koscielny equalised with eight minutes left to rescue Arsenal

The first shot on goal came eight minutes in as Cazorla found space to fire an effort on goal from range but it was easily saved by Hart down to his left hand side.

Manchester City's first chance on goal came from Aguero as he drifted inside and hit a shot which dipped but Mannone was equal to it and managed to beat it away.

A quarter of an hour into the game and Gervinho had a fantastic chance to make it 1-0. Ramsey played the ball through to him and he would have been clean through on goal but he took a very poor touch which found its way greatfully into the hands of Joe Hart. With the Ivorian in form this season you would have backed him to score it.

Aaron Ramsey was then the orchestrator of another move as he played the ball out wide to Jenkinson who did brilliantly to get past Lescott before pulling the ball back to Podolski who blazed the shot over the bar.

Santi Cazorla then tested Hart from range again. This time it was a free-kick which he drove from far out but Hart got down well to it to keep the Spaniard out again.

5 minutes before the break, the hosts took the lead. David Silva's corner found the head of Jolean Lescott who headed home in a crowded penalty area just inside the post.

A minute later Man City went close to doubling their lead as Dzeko hit a curling shot from the edge of the area which forced Mannone into making a brilliant finger tip save to put the ball over the bar.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Manchester City.

The first chance of the second half fell City's way as a free-kick found its way out to Aguero at the back post who fired the ball wildly over the bar when he really should have hit the target.

The second half was not as open as the first but late on Sergio Aguero had another decent chance to extend the lead for City. Yaya Toure powered his way through the heart of the pitch and then found Aguero inside the penalty area before hitting a shot which found the side netting thanks to a Mannone save.

Into the last ten minutes and Santi Cazorla once again tested Joe Hart, this time the shot was hit with more conviction and Hart made a fantastic dive to his right hand side to keep City ahead.

From the resulting corner Arsenal equalised. Cazorla's corner was flicked on by Garcia and then it bounced into the path of Koscielny who lashed the ball home in his first game of the season. Cue the celebrations as every outfield player on the pitch bundled on Koscielny, a sign of the great unity and spirit in this seasons team.

The game was far from over as Tevez's corner was headed back into the box by Silva to Kompany who acrobatically found a shot on goal which was saved by Mannone. The ball then fell to Aguero from Koscielny's mistake but he missed from 6 yards out.

In the last minute of the match Gervinho had a great chance to win the game for Arsenal as he got into the penalty area before smashing the ball into the crowd.

The final score finished Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups: 

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Toure, Garcia, Silva, Sinclair(46), Dzeko(68), Aguero(85).
Subs: Pantilimon, Nastasic, Kolarov, Barry, Rodwell(46), Tevez(68), Balotelli(85).

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Diaby(71), Cazorla, Ramsey, Podolski(71), Gervinho(90). 
Subs: Martinez, Djourou, Santos, Coquelin(90), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott(71), Giroud(71).

Man of the match: Per Mertesacker

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 47,318

Arsenal seal Champions League place with win at West Brom

The final day of the season saw the closest finish in Premier League history. Manchester City lifted the Premier League trophy after a last gasp Sergio Aguero goal with 2 minutes remaining saw them finish top of the League on goal difference over Manchester United. Bolton also lost which saw them relegated along with Blackburn and Wolves.

However, more importantly for Arsenal, they had secured third place and an automatic place in next seasons Champions League group stages with a 3-2 win over West Brom on Sunday afternoon. Yossi Benayoun scored in his last game in an Arsenal shirt as he is set to return to Chelsea after being on loan for the season. Andre Santos, who had his best game for the Gunners grabbed a goal whilst Laurent Koscielny won the game for Arsenal and sent them into next seasons Champions League. The game was also a fitting end to Assistant Manager and Ex-player, Pat Rice as he bidded farewell to Arsenal after 44 years at the club as he retires.

Arsenal made a few changes to the side that drew with Norwich the week before as Jenkinson came in for the injured Sagna. Santos replaced Gibbs and Coquelin came in for Aaron Ramsey. Theo Walcott, who was expected to miss the rest of the season, returned from injury as he was a substitute.

Laurent Koscielny scored the winner to seal third place in the table

Just 4 minutes into the game, Arsenal were ahead through Yossi Benayoun. The ball deflected off a West Brom player and into the path of Fulop in goal but he misjudged where his box was and Benayoun stole the ball off his heels to tap the ball home into an empty net.

6 minutes later, West Brom were level. Morrison managed to skip past the challenge of Coquelin before playing the ball through to Long who went clear on goal before firing past Szczesny for the equaliser.

The game was then turned on its head and it looked like being a repeat of Norwich last week as West Brom took the lead. Morrison was again allowed to find room for the pass as he picked out Dorrans who got between two Arsenal defenders before burying the ball beyond Szczesny.

Arsenal were then level again. Song dispossessed Mulumbu before finding Santos who struck a shot from distance which was going in, but was helped by Fulop who could only parm the ball into the back of the net.

Gervinho then almost put the Gunners ahead as he got clear of Ridgewell before firing the ball into the side netting from a tight angle.

The score at half time was 2-2.

Andre Santos created the first good chance of the second half as he unleashed a shot from the edge of the penalty area but the ball went wide of the far post.

Arsenal were looking the most likely to score and they did just that as they took the lead through Laurent Koscielny. It was Fulop, who was at fault once again as he punched Van Persie's corner straight into the path of Koscielny who was left with an easy finish to fire the Gunners infront from close range.

Keith Andrews then tested Szczesny out for the first real time in the game as he struck a shot from just outside the area which was beaten away by the Arsenal goalkeeper.

Van Persie, who hadn't had a shot in the match was then able to find room to bag his 31st goal of the season as Song played the ball through to him but he scuffed his shot high and wide of the goal.

Arsenal's Champions League hopes for next season then looked to be over as Billy Jones got into the penalty area but Gibbs came in to make a brilliant tackle just as the West Brom man was about to hit the shot.

That was indeed to be the final chance of the match as the score finished Arsenal 3-2 West Brom.

The teams lineups:

West Brom: Fulop, Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell, Dorrans(80), Morrison(52), Mulumbu, Cox(74), Long, Fortune.
Subs: Daniels, Shorey, Dawson, Hurst, Scharner(80), Andrews(52), Odemwingie(74).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Santos(80), Song, Coquelin, Rosicky(46), Gervinho(67), Benayoun, Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Gibbs(67), Ramsey(80), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott(46), Chamakh.

My man of the match: Yossi Benayoun

Referee: Michael Jones
Attendance: 26,358

Late Arteta strike halters City's title chances

Mikel Arteta managed to all but end Manchester City's title chances as the Spaniard fired home a shot from distance late on to win the game for Arsenal at the Emirates on Easter Day. It sealed a deserved win and the sense of faultering Man City's title chances, especially with the likes of Ex-Gunner, Samir Nasri in their squad, made the victory even sweeter. Arsenal also managed to take advantage of Spurs draw the day before to rise to third in the table once more. To complete City's misery Mario Balotelli was sent off in the dying moments of the game on what was an especially bad day for him as he was lucky to still be on the pitch come half time. Arsenal made one change to the side that lost to QPR last weekend as Yossi Benayoun replaced Ramsey out wide. However Gervinho missed the game altogether through injury as Carl Jenkinson took his place on the substitutes bench. Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri who had moved to Manchester City in the summer from the Gunners, both started.  

Mikel Arteta struck late on to win the game for Arsenal

The first chance of the game came to Arsenal. Sagna's cross was flicked through to Rosicky by Gibbs who unleashed a volley which deflected off Kompany and out for a corner.

From the resulting corner Van Persie had a great chance to give his side the lead. Arteta swung the ball in towards Van Persie who headed the ball towards goal but it was blocked on the line by his own team mate, Thomas Vermaelen.

Arsenal had dominated the early parts of the game but Kompany and Lescott at the heart of the City defence didn't look like conceding.

Manchester City's first chance fell to Mario Balotelli. The corner was played into the middle of the box to find an unmarked Balotelli whose shot was blocked by Gibbs near the goal line and then cleared away by Van Persie.

9 minutes before the break, Mario Balotelli looked to be clean through on goal after Nasri played the ball over the defence but Szczesny raced out of his goal to boot the ball clear.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first chance of the half fell to the visitors. Samir Nasri clipped the ball into the box and found the head of Aguero whose header forced Szczesny into tipping the ball over the bar.

Yossi Benayoun then did well to create room to pull off a shot as he weaved his way past Zabaleta before hitting a shot from the edge of the box which lacked any real power and was saved by Hart.

Van Persie, as he did in the first half, then came incredibly close to giving Arsenal the lead. Song chipped the ball into the Gunners skipper but his header came back off the post.

It was turning out to be one of those days for Arsenal as again they came close to breaking the deadlock. Sagna managed to get to the byline before cutting the ball back to Walcott. His shot hit the post and then came to Vermaelen who from a few yards out scuffed his shot towards Benayoun who then somehow poked his shot wide from a yard out.

However, four minutes from time, Arsenal finally got their goal. Arteta dispossessed Pizarro before smashing a shot from distance beyond Joe Hart and into the back of the net.

It then went from bad to worse for City as Mario Balotelli slid in late on Sagna and the referee produced the second yellow card for Balotelli and he was sent off.

In the dying moments of the game the Gunners caught City on the break as Santos set Rosicky free and then slid the ball into Ramsey who went through on goal but he sliced his shot miles wide of the target.

The final score ended Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs(56), Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Benayoun(78), Walcott(86), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Santos(56), Jenkinson, Djourou, Ramsey(78), Oxlade-Chamberlain(86), Chamakh.

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Barry, Milner, Nasri(79), Toure(17), Aguero(84), Balotelli.
Subs: Pantilimon, Richards, Kolarov(79), De Jong, Pizarro(17), Dzeko, Tevez(84).

My man of the match: Mikel Arteta

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 60,096

Silva goal wins game as Arsenal lose to league leaders

Arsenal lost their first game in the league for over two months on Sunday afternoon as league leaders Manchester City grabbed a 1-0 victory thanks to a second half goal from David Silva. The game was fantastic to watch for the neutral as both sides attacked each other and Arsenal even had a goal ruled out for offside, and a strong claim for a penalty turned down. However it was Manchester City who managed to bounce back from their defeat against Chelsea the week before to take all three points. Arsenal were unchanged for the visit to the Etihad as once again all recognised full backs were out of the game with injuries so Vermaelen continued at left back. However the Gunners did suffer another defensive setback as Djourou limped off (expected to be out for 3 weeks) and was replaced by Ignasi Miquel. Ex-Arsenal players Kolo Toure and Samir Nasri started for City.

Samir Nasri was playing for Mancheser City against the club he left in the summer

The first chance of the game came to Manchester City as Zabaleta was played down the left hand side, before playing the ball into the middle into the path of Aguero who one on one with Szczesny put his shot over the bar when he should have at least hit the target.

Arsenal's first chance fell to Gervinho as Song played him in but the Ivorian's shot was straight at Hart who saved rather unconvincingly but still managed to put the ball out for a corner. From the resulting corner the ball was layed all the way back to Ramsey on the edge of the box who struck a curling effort which Hart had to get down well to keep the score level. 

City then were gifted a great chance to take the lead but Szczesny saved brilliantly to stop them. Richards cross looped up off Koscielny's head straight to Balotelli who brought the ball down between Djourou and Mertesacker before turning and firing an effort which was kept out. 

The hosts then managed to create another chance as Aguero played a one-two on the edge of the box with Silva before cutting inside and hitting a shot which Szczesny was forced into making another save from. 

The score at half time was 0-0.

Seven minutes into the second half Man City took the lead. Nasri played the ball out wide to Balotelli who cut inside and hit a shot which was too hot to handle for Szczesny and then the ball broke to Silva who tapped the ball in from close range.

Arsenal responded quickly as Koscielny found Walcott who from just outside the box struck a fierce shot with the outside of his boot bringing out a brilliant save from Hart to deny Arsenal from equalising. 

The Gunners then had a goal disallowed as Ramsey fed Van Persie who dinked the ball over Hart and into the back of the net, however the linesman judged the Arsenal captain to be offside when he looked to have been on. 

It was end to end football and City then came within inches of doubling their lead as the ball came out to Aguero who hit a shot with his left foot which curled just inches wide of the far post. 

Arsenal were playing with confidence and Van Persie had a decent chance to equalise. Gervinho beat his man before cutting the ball back to Van Persie who struck a shot which was saved easily by Hart.

The Gunners were then saved by the post as Koscielny gave the ball away to Zabaleta who then broke forward and smashed a shot which hit the post and bounced back out. 

Vermaelen then had two shots which troubled Hart and almost found the net. The first came from a free kick as Arteta layed the ball off to the Belgian on the edge of the area before striking a powerful effort which Hart saved well. The second was also struck from outside the box as he looked to curl a shot from distance but went just wide. 

The final score finished Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal. 

The teams lineups:

Manchester City: Hart, Richards, Kolo Toure, Kompany, Zabaleta, Yaya Toure(86), Barry, Nasri(86), Aguero, Balotelli(73).
Subs: Pantilimon, Lescott, Savic, De Jong(86), Milner(73), Johnson, Dzeko(86).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou(47), Mertesacker(82), Koscielny, Vermaelen, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott(69), Gervinho, Van Persie.
Subs: Almunia, Miquel(47), Frimpong, Rosicky, Benayoun, Arshavin(69), Chamakh(82).   

My man of the match: Thomas Vermaelen 

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 47,303 

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

Goalless draw keeps Arsenal in third

Arsenal drew 0-0 with Manchester City on Wednesday night as the Gunners looked to overtake City. Arsenal created plenty of chances, hitting the post 3 times but Joe Hart was at his best as the Gunners failed to take use of the chances they had. However the game ended on a sour note as Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta were shown straight red cards for head butting each other. The Gunners named an unchanged side as Walcott and Djourou were once again preferred to Arshavin and Squillaci. Man City had one notable change as Jo came in for the injured Spanish international David Silva. Kolo Toure played in the centre of defence against his old team and Vieira was an unused sub as he returned to the Gunners.

In the first opening minutes of the game Arsenal had a glorious chance to take the lead. Nasri finding Wilshere who fired the ball across the box towards Van Persie. The Dutch man could not get contact to the ball as he slid across the six yard box to try and put the Gunners ahead.

At the end of that attack Man City broke forward with Yaya Toure. He found Milner to his right who found time to shoot but he fired harmlessly wide.

Wilshere then had an opportunity to put the hosts in front. He dribbled past De Jong with ease before smashing an effort straight at Hart which was too hot to handle. He spilt it but managed to pounce on the ball before Van Persie could get to it.

Van Persie was the next man to fire a shot at Hart's goal. He managed to turn Toure and then hit an effort towards goal. Hart was nowhere near the shot as the post came to the rescue and the score somehow remained 0-0.

Arsenal were creating lots of chances and the latest one fell to Wilshere. Fabregas finding Wilshere in a scramble who hit the shot first time but again the England number one kept the Gunners at bay.

Arsenal then hit the post for the second and then a third time. Nasri finding Fabregas on the edge of the box who thundered an effort which crashed onto the post. The ball came back out to Walcott who sent another shot against the post.

As the first half closed in Man City managed to work themselves a chance. Jo looping a ball over the defence and into the path of Tevez who couldn't control his shot and the ball went over the bar.

The score at half time was somehow still 0-0.

The second half didn't mean Arsenal stopped creating chances. Van Persie almost beat Hart at his near post after Fabregas chipped the ball through to him but he fired his shot into the side netting.

Hart then had to make a fantastic save from Van Persie. The England goal keeper was at full stretch to keep Van Persie's effort out which was let fly from outside the box.

In the last minute of the game there were two sending offs. Zabaleta pushing Sagna out of play who immediately got up and the two defenders locked heads. The inevitable happened and both of them were sent off.

The final score ended Arsenal 0-0 Manchester City.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Walcott(69), Nasri, Fabregas, Wilshere(81), Song, Van Persie.
Subs: Szczesny, Squillaci, Arshavin(69), Denilson, Rosicky, Chamakh, Bendtner(81).

Manchester City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Kolo Toure, Zabaleta, Milner, Yaya Toure, Barry, De Jong, Jo(64), Tevez(90).
Subs: Given, Bridge, Boateng(90), Lescott, Wright-Phillps, Johnson(64), Vieira.

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 60,085