Giroud double secures win over Newcastle

I may as well get the cliché out the way at the beginning; our game against Newcastle was very much one of two halves. In the first half we put in a good attacking display but in the second we spent the majority of the half pegged back. Luckily though Arsenal managed to hold on thanks to a brace from Olivier Giroud. Out of our most recent matches domestically it was probably the least convincing performance I have seen from this team. We looked very comfortable in the first 45 minutes but Newcastle came after us and managed to exploit what weaknesses were on show. Vitally though, we came out with three points to ensure we remained in third place. Unsurprisingly changes were made after the Monaco game in the week. Chambers replaced Bellerin, Gabriel came in for Mertesacker, and Ramsey started over Mesut Ozil who missed the game through illness.

Giroud now has 17 goals in 26 games this season

Arsenal can be hugely thankful of Olivier Giroud for their victory yesterday as he played a pivotal role in aiding the win. The Frenchman has been in incredible form of late and he can't seem to stop scoring. Whenever he has an exceptional game I feel obliged to go back to that first leg against Monaco and stand corrected. That night he was abysmal and in my comments after the game I was perhaps a little harsh on him. However for all the criticism he has received in an Arsenal shirt he's just got out there on the pitch and given his all. Therefore big credit has to go out to him because he's bounced back in phenomenal fashion. One can only begin to imagine the goal tally he would be on if he hadn't had a long spell out through injury.

I think it's safe to say that Olivier Giroud is one of the most under appreciated players in this Arsenal side and in the Premier League. His finishes against Newcastle yesterday were both very instinctive and they showed exactly why he's in the form of his life. Both goals weren't really Arsenal type goals but nonetheless Giroud found the positions and duly obliged in front of goal. The first was from a Cazorla free-kick. The ball was flicked on by Welbeck and then Giroud stuck out a knee to find the back of the net. Four minutes later Cazorla's corner found the French striker who muscled off Williamson to head home. They were two very well taken goals and hopefully he'll continue it to the end of the season. He now has 8 in 6 against Newcastle and 9 in his last 9 outings in all competitions. His form really has been paramount in 2015.

I feel as though that praise from me for Olivier Giroud has been long overdue but unfortunately we have to move onto the negatives. It was a very intense first half but we managed to go into the break two ahead. Because of the amount of effort we had put into our second leg against Monaco in the week I think the players lacked that extra burst of energy required to convincingly get us over the line. Instead we just about made it to the final whistle with all three points.

We were pegged back massively and that didn't help by conceding almost immediately after the break. Ryan Taylor and Remy Cabella were allowed all too easily to link up down the right hand side and then find Sissoko who was bizarrely unmarked on the edge of the area. He consequently slotted the ball past Ospina. From that moment on it was an upward struggle. We couldn't get a hold of the ball and if it wasn't for some desperate defending and some crucial Ospina saves then we probably would've drawn the game. I don't think we were necessarily bad in defence but Calum Chambers was definitely a weak spot. Hector Bellerin needed to start for me but for the first time in a while both full backs seemed to be exposed. Monreal didn't have the greatest of games by his standards recently whilst Chambers continues to be vulnerable out wide rather than in the centre. I did think Gabriel had a good game though and he made himself busy, especially in the opening exchanges.

One aspect of the way Newcastle got back into the match though was through seemingly over crowding the midfield. From my point of view it was the first time in a long time that we exposed ourselves in that area of the pitch. Francis Coquelin had his customary good game but Aaron Ramsey's return to the starting line-up today brought about a number of problems. Santi Cazorla has operated well beside Coquelin and they have formed a very good partnership in the middle of the pitch. However yesterday away from home when both Cazorla and Ramsey were trying to get forward it left a lot of space in the middle of the pitch.

Ramsey was a very frustrating figure yesterday. He had scored in consecutive games before this match and when he offers that kind of option he has a good game. Yesterday it was a different story though. He can perhaps be guilty of over playing at times and trying too hard to do something rather than going simple. His late runs offer a lot but when it goes wrong, like it did yesterday, he denied what could have been Giroud's hat-trick by taking the ball on instead of letting it run for his team-mate.

Saying that, I don't think we need to dwell on performances like Ramsey's yesterday too much. We're in good form and we managed to hold on for a good three points even when we weren't at our best. We now head into the international break off the back of 9 wins in our last 10 Premier League matches. Liverpool at home awaits and here's hoping all our players come back from the break fit and fighting.

The team's line-ups:

Newcastle: Krul, Taylor, Janmaat, Williamson, Colback, Sissoko, Anita(70), Gouffran, Cabella, Ameobi(88), Ayoze.
Subs: Elliot, Satka, Kemen, Obertan, Gutierrez(70), Riviere, Armstrong(88).

Arsenal: Ospina, Chambers, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monrael, Coquelin, Ramsey, Welbeck(88), Cazorla(70), Sanchez(70), Giroud.
Subs: Szczesny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Bellerin(88), Flamini(70), Rosicky(70), Walcott.

My man of the match: Olivier Giroud.

Referee: Mike Jones.
Attendance: 50,544.

Giroud and Cazorla goals seal win over Newcastle

Arsenal convincingly beat a high flying Newcastle side on Saturday as a brace each from Giroud and Cazorla saw the Gunners run out 4-1 winners. It was a surprising but comfortable win, especially after the defeat to Stoke last weekend, but the win in midweek over Galatasaray had clearly been something of a morale booster. The performance was a vast comparison from the one last weekend which was extremely encouraging, but Arsenal's line-up wasn't that different; only Debuchy and Welbeck came in for the suspended Chambers and injured Ramsey.

Santi Cazorla scored twice as Arsenal beat Newcastle

To put it simply, Arsenal couldn't have avenged for the defeat last weekend in any better fashion, apart from keeping a clean-sheet but lets not get ahead of ourselves just yet. The turn around from the Stoke defeat was quite extraordinary. Our opposition beat Chelsea last weekend so to get the victory over Newcastle on Saturday was even more satisfying. Our season has been stop start to say the least, but after arguably our most convincing win of the season at the weekend hopefully we'll kick on into this busy December period.

Coincidentally it was two players that were rested for the midweek game who scored Arsenal's goals. Olivier Giroud scored twice as he sealed a sixth goal in five games against the Magpies. The other two goals meanwhile came from birthday boy Santi Cazorla who added to his goal against Stoke with a brace after going a long period of time without one in the League.

Giroud's return to action has been timely in the past month and has added his fair share of goals. With the Frenchman out we were over reliant on Sanchez to bring us the goals but that burden now appears to have been lifted. It was Alexis though who provided the assist for the opening goal. He lifted a ball into Giroud who leaped brilliantly to plant a header into the corner. His second meanwhile was a beautifully flicked finish as he converted the ball from a near impossible angle with the way he was standing.

Our forward line of Alexis, Giroud and Welbeck has been very convincing in the matches they've played together and that looks like a tactic Wenger will continue to play in the coming weeks. They linked up well on several occasions similarly to that of the game against West Brom and we could have had a lot more than the score line merited. Welbeck had a goal ruled out for an apparent foul on Janmaat despite lifting the ball over Alnwick brilliantly.

Santi Cazorla's form seemed to have dipped earlier in the season when forced to play out wide but since his return to the middle of the pitch he has been a revelation. His performances in recent weeks have been much improved and that was signified by the quality of his goals. His first was a beautifully measured chip into the far corner before he dinked the ball down the middle for his penalty; two goals that showed the new found confidence of the Spaniard.

Arsenal have been plagued with problems at the back this season and the game against Newcastle was no different. With Koscielny still struggling, and Chambers suspended, Mathieu Debuchy had to play at centre half against his former club. At first it was a worrying proposition but he looked assured in the central role and we looked far more convincing. Meanwhile Hector Bellerin had by far his best game in his short Arsenal career so far. His attacking play has always been good, but against Newcastle he displayed all the qualities of a modern day full back; you could tell the boy was from Barca! However what was most encouraging was his defensive play which until the weekend had been far from convincing - against Newcastle he contributed to all phases of the play and stopped the crosses from coming in on a regular basis. It was a stark contrast to last week.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is seizing his chance in the team at the moment and despite not offering a lot in terms of the goal scoring department he's been a constant threat going forward. I mentioned in my Galatasaray thoughts that the boss sees his future in the middle of the park, and his display against Newcastle exemplified that. When Wilshere is out injured we lack a sense of urgency in the middle of the pitch, and his drive has been a key theme of the Arsenal midfield for a while now. Chamberlain playing in the middle offers us a similar proposition, and despite being a lot more physical than Wilshere, he's looked aware and moves the play on quickly from defence to attack. 

We now have a week's break before we face Liverpool next weekend who play in midweek in the League Cup. They haven't been in the best of form lately either so hopefully we'll take advantage of that when we visit Anfield.

The team's line-ups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Bellerin, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain(90), Cazorla, Sanchez(86), Welbeck, Giroud(73).
Subs: Martinez, Ajayi, Coquelin(86), Maitland-Niles(90), Campbell, Podolski(73), Sanogo. 

Newcastle: Alnwick, Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini, Dummett, Tiote, Colback, Ameobi(56), Gouffran, Cisse(56), Perez(82).
Subs: Woodman, Haidara, Anita, Vuckic, Cabella(56), Riviere(56), Armstrong(82).

My man of the match: Santi Cazorla.

Referee: Lee Mason.
Attendance: 59,949.

Arsenal maintain form with win over Newcastle

Arsenal took advantage of an Everton slip up against Southampton to go four points clear of their top four rivals on Monday night. A 3-0 win over Newcastle United meant Arsenal extended their lead over Everton in fourth place. The win against the Magpies was an extremely convincing one as we continued our fine form throughout the back end of April. Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil all bagged goals in a comfortable display against a side who can't wait for the season to end. It terms of the Arsenal side, it was an unchanged line-up from the win over Hull as Ramsey and Ozil continued their return to full fitness. The only change was on the bench where Thomas Vermaelen replaced the injured Chamberlain.

Mesut Ozil was instrumental as Arsenal beat Newcastle

Perhaps the most encouraging thing from the game was the performance put in by Mesut Ozil. Having just returned from injury it was like he'd never been away from the side at all. He managed to score in his final appearance before getting injured which meant that his strike against Newcastle meant he now had two in two. The German play-maker was at the heart of everything. He played in a precise ball for Giroud's headed goal which sealed all three points. Giroud himself could've had another in the first half after missing a one-on-one that fell to the feet of Ozil who couldn't miss as he made it 2-0.

The scoring however was opened by Laurent Koscielny who scored just as he did last year against the Magpies. Cazorla swung in a free-kick that Koscielny managed to get a touch on to guide home. Cazorla and Koscielny were two of the stand out players from the game. Despite the fact that Koscielny picked up a rather unnecessary first yellow card of the season for kicking the ball into the crowd, he had a very solid game. His composure shone through and it was a surprise to see Kompany ahead of him in the PFA Team of the Year. Cazorla meanwhile now has 3 assists in his last three games after going through a quiet spell in the previous two months.

We now have two clean-sheets on the bounce. It's great to see we're picking up some momentum and the similar sort of form which saw us sit at the top of the Premier League for such a long time. Having the likes of Ramsey and Ozil back has been such a big boost. It's been a time for players to step forward and be counted as the race for the top four starts to hot up. Nacho Monreal has stepped in for Kieran Gibbs a lot this season and hasn't really been as consistent as he'd like to be. Against Newcastle on Monday though he was a lot more solid than we've been used to this season and also provided a threat going foward. He almost managed to score a fourth late on!

Lukas Podolski has been another man in form and could've added to his four goals in two games in the second half as Ozil laid the ball back to him on the edge of the area. However the German could only find the side netting with his attempt. It was a game that probably merited more than a 3-0 win. Had it not been for Krul in the Newcastle goal we definitely would've scored more!

With Everton losing to Southampton at the weekend its given us a massive advantage going into this weekend's fixtures. Everton face Manchester City on Saturday and if they lose we could already be guaranteed a place in the top four regardless of what we do against West Brom and Norwich in our remaining two games!

The teams line-ups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Arteta, Ramsey(75), Cazorla, Ozil(75), Podolski, Giroud(84).
Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Jenkinson, Flamini(75), Kallstrom, Rosicky(75), Sanogo(84). 

Newcastle: Krul, Debuchy(84), Williamson, Coloccini, Dummett, Gosling(70), Anita, Tiote, Gouffran(89), Sissoko, Remy. 
Subs: Elliot, Yanga-Mbiwa(84), Haidara, Taylor, Obertan, Ameobi(70), Armstrong(89). 

My man of the match: Mesut Ozil.

Referee: Neil Swarbrick. 
Attendance: 60,023. 

Giroud ends goal drought to finish year on a high

Olivier Giroud ended his seven game goal drought as Arsenal beat an inform Newcastle side on Sunday afternoon. Giroud's goal was the game's only goal and it was a crucial one as it meant that we were to finish 2013 on top of the Premier League by a single point. It was a far from convincing performance but we had to work extremely hard for it and it showed that the players strong concentration and resilience to hold onto a one goal lead. Arsenal had been weakened severely due to the injuries to both Ozil (shoulder) and Ramsey (thigh) so Rosicky and Wilshere both came back into the side following both missing the West Ham game through injury and suspension respectively. Laurent Koscielny also came back into the starting XI as Vermaelen missed out through illness.

Olivier Giroud ended his tough time in front of goal with a header that won us the game

Newcastle in recent weeks have been very tough opposition and we managed to do what Chelsea, Man United and Liverpool have all failed to do this season in beating the Toon. That indicates once more that after dropping points against City and Chelsea, that it might not necessarily matter what we do against the top sides considering they keep slipping up against the smaller sides in the division. The win though signaled that despite us not being at our best the Gunners are still capable of grinding out results at difficult grounds.

One of the most positive things to come out of the game despite the win, was Olivier Giroud getting on the score-sheet. The French striker has come under heavy criticism lately due to him not scoring as regularly as he did at the beginning of the campaign. He was a bit laboured in this game again and didn't offer a huge amount going forward. His interlinking play wasn't as good as it could be. Despite that he won us the game and rescued us in what was a stalemate up to then. Theo Walcott put in a good free-kick, a rarity for him, and all Giroud had to do was get a touch to it to give us the lead.

With Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey both missing, Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere had to step up and provide us with creativity. Although they weren't as effective as their team-mates they certainly stood out ahead of most players on the pitch. Jack Wilshere was given the chance to play in his preferred deep lying role in midfield and distributed the ball well and was able to dictate the tempo of the game to his liking, which is what he's so good at. Tomas Rosicky was playing his 200th game for the club and his leadership and passion was demonstrated in a man of the match display. The Czech's work rate is second to none and he played a key part in our attacking play.

Through large parts of the game though you could see that we were heavily missing Ozil. I noticed something that goes un-recognised in most games the German plays in. Today we didn't have as much time and space on the ball. That was because Ozil is so good at drifting into space, dragging players towards him in order for his team-mates to be available for a pass. That wasn't able to happen today, and was probably the reason that our best chance and our goal came from a set-piece.

Meanwhile there was another clean-sheet to add to our impressive defensive record this season. Thomas Vermaelen had provided able deputy whilst Koscielny was out injured and despite a few nervy moments from the French centre half he put in a confident display with Mertesacker once again. There's an incredible stat that outline the pairings partnership; when Per and Laurent have completed 90 minutes together we have not lost a game since January 2012. A formidable pairing and shows why we're currently sitting at the top of the League. They've contributed to the side that have won the most points out of any Premier League side in 2013. This calendar year we have amassed 82 points, hopefully we'll see a similar sort of record in 2014.

Next up is Cardiff on new year's day. Lets hope we can start 2014 in the same way we ended 2013, with a win and sitting pretty at the top of the division. Cardiff are currently in disarray with no manager and a chairman that doesn't seem as though he has a clue what he is doing. I'm expecting changes with Spurs in mind next weekend in the FA Cup. I'm also expecting us to get all three points in a convincing manner.

The teams lineups:

Newcastle: Krul, Debuchy, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon, Anita(74), Tiote, Cabaye, Sissoko(78), Gouffran(62), Remy.
Subs: Elliot, Haidara(78), Yanga-Mbiwa, Sammy Ameobi, Ben Arfa(62), Shola Ameobi(74), Cisse.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs(70), Flamini, Wilshere, Walcott(80), Rosicky, Cazorla, Giroud(86). 
Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson(80), Arteta(70), Ryo, Gnabry, Podolski, Bendtner(86). 

My man of the match: Tomas Rosicky.

Referee: Lee Probert.
Attendance: 52,161.  

A chance to finish the year on a high

Our cramped festive schedule continues with a trip to high flying Newcastle tomorrow and it certainly won’t be easy. The Magpies have been doing better than expected this season and are comfortably sitting in the top half of the Premier League table. We regained top spot on Boxing Day with a win against West Ham and we’ll be looking to be build upon that and start another winning run. Manchester City won today meaning they’re top of the league by 2 points so it’s absolutely key that we achieve a win tomorrow.

The game will see the feisty battle of Wenger and Pardew resume. Pardew has previously criticised Wenger of the way his team plays and the way he goes about his business. The comment Alan Pardew made about foreign players in the Arsenal side a few years back now has become rather contradictory considering so many of the Geordie side’s team is filled with Frenchmen. Despite that though, Wenger has had the much stronger hand over Pardew and Newcastle in recent years. We’ve lost just one out of our last twelve encounters against them but they have been strong at home this season so they could be difficult to break down.

The main dangers will come from Loic Remy, a previous Arsenal target, Yoann Gouffran and Yohan Cabaye. All French players and all stand out players recently for the Toon. Remy scored twice in his last match and has been a brilliant loan signing from QPR. Gouffran meanwhile has 5 in his last 5 home games and Cabaye is in a rich vain of form having scored 3 in his last 3 matches. Cabaye of course was an Arsenal target in the summer and we even had a £15m bid rejected. In a way I hope he shows why we did indeed bid for him, but I’d rather he didn’t do it in this match.

Matches down the years between these two sides have often provided thrillers. The 4-4 draw at St James’ a few years back provides memories whilst our last game of 2012 saw us win 7-3. In that game, Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick and he is one of the League’s in form players. He’ll be looking to take advantage of his form and hopefully guide us to a successive league win. The last time we met them was our last game of the 2012/13 season when a win was needed in order to qualify for the Champions League, a game that proved that we can play under pressure and certainly grab a win in their own back yard.

We’ll have to go there and win without Aaron Ramsey though. He is expected to be out until the middle of January now following a thigh problem picked up against West Ham. This is a tough loss but not as tough as it would’ve been without us having a talented array of midfielders. Jack Wilshere is due to return from suspension and should finally get a chance to play in his preferred role as the deep lying play maker. There could be a few rested but Cardiff on New Year’s day, in my opinion, would be the chance to rest players ahead of the FA Cup tie against Spurs. Laurent Koscielny is 50/50 but expect Vermaelen to continue at centre half with Rosicky coming back into the squad after missing the West Ham game completely.

For the second year running a game against Newcastle will be our final game of the calendar year. During 2013 we have amassed the most amount of points out of all the Premier League sides, notching up a 79 point tally before Sunday’s fixture. This is a great chance to finish the year on a high and hopefully sit on top of the Premier League come 2014.

Arsenal beat Newcastle to qualify for Champions League

Arsenal have done it. They have qualified for next seasons Champions League. It was Laurent Koscielny who popped up with the goods on 52 minutes, a goal which turned out to be the winning one as the Gunners qualified for the Champions League for the sixteenth successive year. Koscielny's goal was only the icing on the cake of what capped off a brilliant end to the season for the French defender. Tottenham had won at White Hart Lane, but that was irrelevant now that Arsenal had done the job that was needed at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon. Chelsea had also won which meant we had to settle for fourth place in this seasons Barclays Premiership.

Arsenal had made a habit of winning despite not playing very well recently and that is exactly what we witnessed once again. It should have been made more comfortable but it was a moment to savour for the players who celebrated as though they'd just won the league itself. If the players and Arsene celebrate like that at a top four place, god knows what they'd do if we won a trophy. 8 years and counting remember. Will next season be our year at last? Let's hope so.

Back to the match and the Gunners starting XI was unchanged from the side that beat Wigan in the week. Arteta passed a late fitness test but then hobbled off midway through the first half. Meanwhile Giroud was back amongst the subs as he returned from suspension.

Koscielny was the hero as Arsenal beat Newcastle

The first shot on goal came 5 minutes in as Walcott tried his luck from the edge of the area but he could only put the ball over the bar.

It was Newcastle who found their rhythm first though and almost took the lead. Yanga-Mbiwa did well to beat Mertesacker and then pull the ball back to Cisse but his rasping shot flew inches over the bar.

Minutes later Newcastle had another great chance but Koscielny came across to deny what would've been a tap in for Cisse.

With half an hour gone the score was still deadlocked as Santi Cazorla skied a shot following good play from Gibbs down the left hand side.

Hatem Ben Arfa created the next chance for the hosts as he managed to evade two Arsenal players before getting into the box and firing over.

The score at half time was 0-0.

Moments into the second half Arsenal were gifted with a chance to go ahead. Harper kicked the ball straight out to Ramsey who then found Walcott but Harper made up for his error by making a good stop at the far post.

The Gunners did then find the goal they desperately needed. Cabaye brought down Sagna which resulted in a free-kick down the right flank. Walcott's set piece was then flicked towards Koscielny who acrobatically found the back of the net.

The game was now starting to become more open as Oxlade-Chamberlain hit a shot from distance but it was always rising and flew over the bar.

Cazorla was another player to then hit a shot from range but this time it bounced wide.

In the final minute of the game Theo Walcott had a great chance to seal the win. Yanga-Mbiwa dispossesed Giroud but the ball fell to Walcott who raced clear of the defence before hitting the post.

The final score finished Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Newcastle: Harper, Debuchy, Taylor, Coloccini, Yanga-Mbiwa(80), Tiote, Cabaye(57), Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Cisse, Gouffran(65).
Subs: Alnwick, Simpson, Anita(57), Perch, Obertan, Marveaux(65), Campbell(80).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta(28), Ramsey, Rosicky, Cazorla(89), Walcott, Podolski(77).
Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Monreal, Wilshere(89), Oxlade-Chamberlain(28), Gervinho, Giroud(77).

My man of the match: Laurent Koscielny

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 52,354

Walcott hat-trick helps Arsenal to thrilling win

"Just give him the money Arsene" were the words of many fans after Theo Walcott scored a scintillating hat-trick as Arsenal won 7-3 in a thrilling match with Newcastle on Saturday. It was a quite brilliant performance from Walcott as he started up front for the third game in a row and he repaid the manager as he also assisted two goals as Giroud came off the bench to seal the win. Meanwhile there were goals for Lukas Podolski who looked to be finally finding his feet in English football and a first in the League this season for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Gunners made only one change to the side that had beaten Wigan as Koscielny came in for Mertesacker who was suffering from illness. Meanwhile there were places on the bench for well enough again Tomas Rosicky and Olivier Giroud. Newcastle, however, weren't helped by the huge amount of injuries they had and the fact that Arsenal's players were fresher due to not playing on Boxing day like most other Premier League clubs.

Theo Walcott scored a brilliant hat-trick as Arsenal beat Newcastle

The first chance of the match came in the first minute as Tiote's shot was closed down by Wilshere who was then allowed to break and find Oxlade-Chamberlain but he dragged his shot wide of the goal.

Arsenal had had good possession in the opening moments of the match and that was shown 20 minutes in as they took the lead. Cazorla's ball found Podolski on the left hand side who then picked out Walcott in acres of space. He then beared down on goal and finished from a tight angle.

Newcastle's first real chance came five minutes before the break as Tiote let fly from outside the box but it was well saved by Szczesny.

Moments before the break Newcastle did indeed find themselves a goal as Demba Ba's free-kick deflected off Wilshere, wrong footing Szczesny and finding the back of the net.

The visitors then had another sight of goal as Marveaux drove towards the area before hitting a shot which was beaten away by Szczesny.

The score at half time was 1-1.

Five minutes after the break the Gunners found themselves back in front. Cazorla picked the ball up on the edge of the area and then found Oxlade-Chamberlain who set himself before firing the ball into the corner of the net.

Moments later it was all level again as Obertain got to the byline before sliding the ball across goal to Marveaux who was left with a simple tap in to equalise for Newcastle.

Arsenal then went pressing for a goal that would give them the lead as Cazorla spun on the edge of the area before hitting a shot which Krul managed to put out for a corner.

They then did find the goal that would give them the lead as Wilshere drove to the byline before dinking the ball towards goal. The ball was cleared off the line by Coloccini but straight to Podolski who headed home from close range.

Newcastle then found another equaliser though as Marveaux was allowed to drive forward once again, then cut back and find Demba Ba at the back post who was left with a simple finish.

The goals didn't stop there though as Arsenal scored again. Podolski played in Gibbs down the left who then cut the ball back to Walcott who was able to turn and then find the roof of the net.

Into the last ten minutes of the game and Walcott almost got his hat-trick as he skipped past one challenge before seeing his deflected shot bounce just wide of the goal.

That didn't stop Theo Walcott from assisting a goal though as he picked the ball up on the right hand side and then delivered the ball on a plate for Giroud who headed past Krul for Arsenal's fifth.

The Gunners then found themselves a sixth and a second for Giroud as Walcott attacked the box and was then tackled. However the ball fell kindly to Giroud who got into the box before finishing emphatically with his right foot.

Into injury time and Theo Walcott got his hat-trick. He managed to get to the byline, get through three Newcastle defenders, which in the process he was fouled but then managed to get back up, before dinking the ball over Krul and into the back of the net.

There was one final chance though as Giroud almost got his hat-trick. Ramsey got the ball on the left hand side then drilled in the cross which Giroud met on the run but his shot cannoned back off the cross bar.

The final score finished Arsenal 7-3 Newcastle.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla(86), Oxlade-Chamberlain(74), Podolski(82), Walcott.
Subs: Mannone, Djourou, Coquelin(86), Ramsey(82), Rosicky, Gervinho, Giroud(74).

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson(82), Perch, Coloccini, Santon, Tiote, Bigirimana(82), Marveaux(88), Obertan, Cisse, Ba.
Subs: Harper, Tavernier(88), Streete, Abeid, Ferguson(82), Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi(82).

My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 60,087

Late Vermaelen goal seals points against Newcastle

Arsenal left it late on Monday night at the Emirates as deep into injury time Thomas Vermaelen sweeped home the ball to ensure the Gunners came away with all three points as Newcastle were defeated 2-1. It was the fourth League game in a row that Arsenal had come from behind to secure victory, the first time this had ever been done as the Gunners caught up with rivals Tottenham to be within one point of third place. It was Ben Arfa who had opened the scoring but Arsenal immediately replied with a Van Persie goal 30 seconds later. The win was then secured in the 95th minute as Thomas Vermaelen was allowed to fire the ball home from close range to send the Emirates Stadium crazy. For the match, Arsenal welcomed back Mikel Arteta as Oxlade-Chamberlain started in the league for the first time in three matches. Ramsey also returned from injury as he was on the bench. Andre Santos, who had been out injured for the past 4 months, also returned to the side. 

Arsenal left it late as Vermaelen won the game in the dying moments against Newcastle

Arsenal came close minutes into the game as Theo Walcott got down the right hand side before putting in a brilliant ball into the penalty area. However Van Persie could not make contact and the ball went out for a throw.

The first attempt on goal in the match resulted in a goal for Newcastle. The ball was put out wide to Ben Arfa who cut inside past Gibbs and fired the ball inside Szczesny's near post to give the visitors the lead.

Just 30 seconds later, Arsenal immediately replied. Rosicky found Walcott who crossed the ball into the path of Van Persie who turned past Williamson before striking the ball beyond Krul for the equaliser.

Van Persie was then presented with another opprtunity as Walcott played him through on goal but his shot was fired over the bar.

The score at half time was 1-1.

The first chance of the second half was once again set up by Walcott as he found space to pick out Rosicky whose header was going in, but for Krul, who parmed the ball away.

Arsenal were dominating and Van Persie tested Krul again as Arteta's inswinging ball was met by the Gunners skipper but it was comfortably kept out by the Dutch keeper.

Robin Van Persie was having plenty of chances to score and was then presented with another as Van Persie slipped the ball through to him but from a tight angle his effort was saved.

Tomas Rosicky, who was having the best spell of his Arsenal career then had an opportunity of his own as Walcott got into the penalty area before rolling the ball into Rosicky. However the Czech sliced his shot and it went wide of the target.

It was becoming a frustrating night for the Gunners as opportunities were coming and going. Their next chance fell to Gervinho from an Arteta free kick but from 6 yards out scuffed his shot wide.

Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal was coming under heavy pressure and was then forced into making another save as Song's ball in was headed towards goal by Vermaelen but Krul was there to tip the ball over the bar.

Arsenal were finally able to finish one of their chances and it came late on as deep into injury time, Theo Walcott's ball was flicked on by Ramsey and into Vermaelen who could not miss as he tapped the ball home from close range.

The final score finished Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle. The victory was history as it was the first time in the Premier League that a side had come from a goal behind four games in a row to grab victory.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Walcott, Arteta, Rosicky(76), Song, Oxlade-Chamberlain(68), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos, Ramsey(76), Benayoun, Gervinho(68), Chamakh.

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon(46), Obertan(61), Gutierrez, Cabaye, Tiote(81), Ben Arfa, Ba.
Subs: Elliot, Perch(46), Gosling, Vuckic, Guthrie(81), Ameobi(61), Cisse.

My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 60,095

Tempers flow in season opener

In a game of not many chances Arsenal drew 0-0 with Newcastle in their season opener but the game was overshadowed by Gervinho's red card towards the end of the game, as things got ugly at St James' Park last Saturday. Arsene Wenger was forced to play an understrength team as Fabregas was nearing a move to Barcelona, Nasri not in the right mind to play and Wilshere out injured. New signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was on the bench and Gervinho made his competitive debut for the club.

Gervinho and Taylor challenge for the ball

The first good chance of the game fell to Rosicky as Ramsey found him on the edge of the box but he could only side foot his chance just wide of the goal.

The next chance fell to the new skipper, Robin Van Persie. Gervinho put the ball in which Taylor could only clear into the body of Coloccini. The ball then found its way to Van Persie as he saw his deflected shot bounce just wide of Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal.

Arsenal were dominating the early parts of the game and they had a great chance to take the lead as Rosicky's corner was met by the head of Koscielny but the ball was cleared off the line.

Gervinho is sent off for a slap on Barton

The first chance of the second half once again fell to the Gunners. Van Persie curling in a free kick from the edge of the box but the ball went just over the bar.

Then the first controversial thing of the match happened as Barton and Song tussled for possession of the ball before Barton went down. Song then stamped on Barton but the referee did not see anything and Song was not punished.

Walcott then almost gave the visitors the lead as he got into the box and got past his man before hitting a shot straight at Krul.

Towards the end of the game the moment happened that overshadowed the whole match. Gervinho cut inside and then appeared to have dived but was actually clipped in the penalty area. The referee did not give a penalty, However as the referee turned his back Barton picked up Gervinho and most of the players got involved in a scrap. Gervinho then slapped Barton in the face and was sent off for his troubles. Joey Barton was only cautioned for his part in the brawl.

The final score ended Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Rosicky(84), Ramsey(90), Arshavin(60), Gervinho, Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou(90), Jenkinson, Frimpong(84), Walcott(60), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh.

Newcastle: Krul, S. Taylor, Coloccini, R. Taylor, Simpson, Barton, Cabaye(76), Tiote, Gutierrez, Ameobi(70), Ba(46).
Subs: Forster, Williamson, Gosling, Obertan(46), Sammy Ameobi, Lovenkrands(76), Best(70).

Referee: Peter Walton
Attendance: 46,894