Euro 2012 Review: Day Three

Day three of the tournament saw World and European champions Spain play Italy, and the Republic of Ireland play Croatia in Group C.

The first game in group C was between the last two World Cup winners in Spain and Italy, in Gdansk. Spain looked a very strong side despite the missing Carlos Puyol and David Villa who miss the tournament through injury. Spain started with no strikers on the pitch which meant ex-Arsenal man, Cesc Fabregas lead the line. Fabregas was indeed the man to score Spain's goal after David Silva flicked the ball through to the Barcelona man to finish beyond Buffon with his left foot. However that wasn't before second half substitute Antonio Di Natale, who had come on for Mario Balotelli, finished brilliantly from just inside the box to give the Italians the lead. It was a very close match which showed off Spain's ability to pass and keep the ball whilst it also showed that Italy will be a match for anyone in the competition. The final score finished Spain 1-1 Italy. 

The second match of the day was between the Republic of Ireland and Croatia. Both sides fielded a mass group of players that play and have played in the Premier League, as players such as Given, Dunne and Doyle started for Ireland, whilst Modric and Jelavic started for Croatia. Ex-Arsenal man Eduardo Da Silva was on the bench for the Croats. Ireland didn't get off to the best of starts and were behind after just three minutes as Madzukic wrong footed Given to head the ball home. The Irish  were soon level though as McGeady's freekick was headed past Pletikosa by Sean St Ledger from close range. However goals either side of half time from Jelavic and then an own goal from Shay Given ensured that Croatia went top of Group C. The final score ended Republic of Ireland 1-3 Croatia.

St Ledger's goal wasn't enough as Ireland lost their opening group game

Euro 2012 Review: Day Two

Day 2 of the Euros wasn't as exciting as day one despite the teams that were playing but we witnessed a big upset as Holland really under performed, whilst Germany and Portugal never really got going in their match.

The first game of the day saw Holland come against Denmark. The outcome was a major shock as Nicklas Bendtner's Denmark beat a much fancied Holland side through a well taken goal from Michael Krohn-Deli. Holland, bolstered by such in form players as Robin Van Persie and Klaas Jan Huntelaar failed to take any of their 29 chances on the Denmark goal, of which only 6 were on target. All those chances would indicate that the Danes were very poor at the back. However that was not the case as Kjaer and Agger were a formidable force at the back, compare that to the Dutch who were very poor defensively. It was an extremely disappointing performance from the Netherlands with all their attacking quality, unfortunately couldn't equal that at the back. Denmark though, do have their defensive efforts to thank as the final score finished Holland 0-1 Denmark.

The second game of the day, and the second game in the supposed 'Group of Death' saw pre-tournament favourites Germany play Portugal. It was the first time for Arsenal fans to see Podolski in action since his proposed move to Arsenal, meanwhile other Arsenal player, Per Mertesacker was on the bench. Both sides failed to really get going and it took a fine header from Mario Gomez, moments before he was about to be taken off, to seal the game for the Germans. Portugal almost looked like coming away with a point as Varela had a great chance near the end but Manuel Neuer made a great stop to keep him at bay. Arguably the best player in the competition, Cristiano Ronaldo didn't have the greatest of games and will look to improve when Portugal next play. The final score ended Germany 1-1 Portugal in a far from convincing days play of football from some of Europe's big teams.

Robin Van Persie had several chances to score in Hollands game against Denmark

Euro 2012 Review - Day One:

Euro 2012 saw one of the most exciting starts to a major tournament in recent years as seven goals were scored, red cards were shown and penalties were missed.

The first game saw co-hosts Poland, the lowest rank side in the competition take on a Greece side that won the tournament back in 2004. Poland looked favourites going into the game as they had the home support and it definately looked like going Poland's way as the game got underway, Greece were terrible at the back and looked like they were going to concede after every Poland break forward. That was eventually the case as Blaszczykowski found the head of Manchester United target Robert Lewandowski who found the net. However the game from then on seemed to be ruined by a poor refereeing performance as Socratis Papastathopoulos was shown a second yellow card and was sent off harshly for blocking off a player that was already slipping. However 6 minutes after the break Greece equalised as they took advantage of a slip up in the hosts defence as substitute Salpingidis fired home for the Greeks. The game then saw its second red card of the match as Szczesny brought down Salpingidis and was sent off whilst also giving away a penalty. However the sub goalkeeper, Tyton, dived the right way to keep the penalty out, much to the relief of Szczesny. The final score ended Poland 1-1 Greece.

The second game of the day saw Andrey Arshavin's Russia against Tomas Rosicky's Czech Republic. Both players are captain's of their respective nations which saw both of them shake hands at the coin toss before the game. Once the match did get started, it was once again a fantastic match, perhaps not as much drama as the days earlier game but football wise it was a fantastic match. Russia showed that they could be dark horses in the competition as they dominated Czech Republic with a very impressive display as Arshavin showed glimpses of his normal self, playing a part in two of the Russian goals. Young CSKA Moscow midfielder, Alan Dzagoev opened the scoring as he grabbed two on the night, meanwhile Shirokov and Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko got one each as Pilar scored the Czech's only goal in a weak performance from them. The final score finished Russia 4-1 Czech Republic.

Wojciech Szczesny was sent off in Poland's game against Greece

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

Arsenal comeback cancelled out by late Morison equaliser

Arsenal had to settle for another draw as they drew with Norwich at the Emirates on Saturday. Despite going 2-1 down, the Gunners came back to lead 3-2. However Steve Morison equalised late on to again halter Arsenal's chances of sealing third place in the race for Champions League football next season. Yossi Benayoun scored a brilliant opener as Van Persie grabbed a brace to see him reach 30 goals in the League this season. The Arsenal team was unchanged from the side that drew with Stoke the week before. The only changes were on the bench as Park Chu Young and Djourou were named amongst the subsitutes in place of Squillaci and Abou Diaby. 

Van Persie scored his 30th league goal of the season to ensure a point for Arsenal

Just a minute into the game, Arsenal were ahead through Yossi Benayoun. Rosicky played the ball into him and then he cut inside, faked a pass to Gibbs, before curling the ball into the corner of the net.

However, 10 minutes later, Norwich equalised. Naughton got down the right hand side before cutting the ball back into Hoolahan whose tame shot on goal was spilt into the net by Szczesny.

The game was then turned on its head as Norwich went 2-1 ahead. Hoolahan slipped the ball into the path of Grant Holt who took a shot from just inside the area which came off Gibbs and looped over Szczesny.

Arsenal then had a decent chance to equalise. Gervinho did well to beat Naughton before playing the ball back into the path of Gibbs who put his shot wide of the far post.

The score at half time was 2-1 to Norwich.

Nothing was really created at the start of the second half. Arsenal brought on Chamberlain for Ramsey and Chamakh on for Benayoun to try and change the game around.

The substitute almost worked as Van Persie found Chamakh 12 yards out but his shot was blocked by a Norwich defender.

In the same phase of play as the Chamakh chance, Arsenal took the lead. The ball came out to Song from Chamakh's blocked effort. He then played a looping ball over the defence and into Van Persie to volley home for 2-2.

The game was then turned around for the second time in the match, this time by Arsenal as they took the lead. The ball came out to Rosicky who tried to find Chamberlain but the ball took a deflection off a Norwich player and fell into the path of Van Persie to fire home for his 30th Premier League goal of the season.

5 minutes from the end of the game, Norwich equalised. Howson played the ball over the top into Morison who fired the ball beyond Szczesny and into the far corner of the net.

Robin Van Persie then had a great chance to rescue his team again but Ruddy came out to save the Dutchman's effort from close range. The rebound was then headed wide by Chamakh.

The Gunners were then denied a clear penalty. Chamberlain's ball in was about to be tapped home by Van Persie but Naughton pushed him, and despite it looking like a clear penalty, the referee waved away the protests.

Ruddy was having to be at his best to first keep out Chamakh and then keep out Gibbs brilliantly from Koscielny's cross late on.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-3 Norwich.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna(33), Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey(63), Rosicky, Benayoun(69), Gervinho, Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos, Coquelin(33), Oxlade-Chamberlain(63), Park, Chamakh(69).

Norwich: Ruddy, Naughton, Lappin, R.Bennett, Martin, Howson, Johnson, Hoolahan(75), E.Bennett, Jackson(69), Holt(81).
Subs: Steer, Fox, Ward, Pilkington(75), Wilbraham(81), Surman, Morison(69).

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 60,092

Van Persie goal seals vital point in race for Europe

Arsenal will have every right to be pleased with picking up a point after a tough away game against Stoke at the Brittania. It was a fixture which in recent seasons Arsenal have struggled and they went behind again but Van Persie's 28th goal of the season sealed a vital point for the Gunners in the race for Champions League football. It was a good defensive performance from Arsenal as they had to deal with the height from the likes of Peter Crouch. It was also an emotional return to the Brittania for Aaron Ramsey as he returned to the ground where he broke his leg following a challenge from Ryan Shawcross. Indeed Ramsey again started in the Arsenal lineup as Benayoun also returned to the side in place of Chamberlain. Theo Walcott, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with injury, was replaced by Gervinho. 

Robin Van Persie scored his 28th goal of the season to seal a vital point for Arsenal

The first chance of the game fell to Stoke. Pennant's ball in found the head of Crouch but he could only stear the ball wide.

Arsenal's first chance was created by Van Persie as he fed the ball into the path of Benayoun who got into the penalty area before hitting a tame shot with his weaker foot which was easily saved by Begovic.

Robin Van Persie then had a chance of his own to give Arsenal the lead. Rosicky floated the ball towards the back post which found Van Persie, but his header was parmed against the post by Begovic.

Despite the early chances for Arsenal, it was Stoke who broke the deadlock. Etherington found space out on the left hand side and delivered a ball onto the head of Crouch whose effort found the back of the net.

Just 6 minutes later, Arsenal equalised. Benayoun found Rosicky who played a lovely ball into Van Persie who tapped the ball home from close range.

Gervinho then came close to heading the Gunners in front as he almost got on the end of Sagna's cross but he failed to make any sort of contact on the ball.

Arsenal's chances were coming thick and fast and the next one came from a free kick. Van Persie's ball in found Koscielny but he headed the ball over the bar.

Gervinho was looking more lively than in recent games and almost put his side in front again as he raced clear of the Stoke defence before getting into the penalty area and smashing a shot high and wide.

The score at half time was 1-1.

The first good chance of the second half came Arsenal's way. Sagna curled in a cross onto the head of Van Persie but Begovic got across his goal to deny the Dutchman.

Arsenal were then seemed to be denied what looked like a penalty. Van Persie pulled the ball back into Benayoun who was pushed by Whelan but the referee gave nothing.

Stoke then had a rare chance in the match as Huth played in Jerome who got a shot away from a tight angle but Szczesny was able to parry the powerful attempt away from goal.

Bacary Sagna then saved Arsenal from losing the game as Crouch beat Szczesny in the air to a long throw-in which was then cleared off the line by Sagna.

The final score finished Stoke 1-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Stoke: Begovic, Shotton(56), Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, Pennant(77), Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington(84), Walters, Crouch.
Subs: Sorensen, Upson(56), Delap(84), Palacios, Fuller, Jerome(77), Jones.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey(73), Rosicky, Benayoun(83), Gervinho, Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Squillaci, Santos(83), Diaby(73), Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh(78).

My man of the match: Tomas Rosicky

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 27,502

Arsenal settle for draw in tight game with Chelsea

Arsenal failed to take use of some great chances as they looked to edge closer to an automatic Champions League place as they drew with Chelsea 0-0 at the Emirates on Saturday. Robin Van Persie, the league's top goal scorer had an off day as he had several great chances to give the Gunners all three points against a weakened Chelsea side who were recovering from their first leg tie with Barcelona in midweek. Arsenal made quite a few changes to the side that lost to Wigan as Koscielny came back from suspension to replace Djourou. Meanwhile Gibbs came back into the side for Andre Santos and Ramsey came in for the injured Arteta. Yossi Benayoun, however missed the game as he is on loan from Chelsea and is therefore ineligible so Oxlade-Chamberlain replaced him.

Van Persie had the majority of the games chances but failed to convert any of them

The first chance of the game fell to Arsenal. Tomas Rosicky picked up the ball and drove forward until he got to the edge of the area and hit a shot which was easily saved by Cech.

Arsenal then squandered a great opportunity to give themselves the lead. Theo Walcott floated in a freekick to the back post into Van Persie who hit the outside of the post and the ball went wide.

The Gunners next chance was also to come from a free kick. Van Persie delivered the ball into the box and onto the head of Koscielny but his guided header bounced back off the bar.

Chelsea finally then managed to create a chance. Malouda curled the ball in from the corner which found Terry but he headed the ball high and wide of the goal.

Arsenal were dominating the first half and Cech managed to keep Arsenal at bay again. Song clipped the ball towards the back post and into the path of Van Persie who smashed a shot which was straight at Cech who made the save.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first effort on goal in the second half came from Chelsea as Sturridge found room for a shot but it was deflected straight into the arms of Szczesny.

Van Persie then tried to replicate the volleys he had scored against Everton and Liverpool. Ramsey floated the ball into the Arsenal skipper, who on the volley, sliced his shot high and wide.

Arsenal then had a decent appeal for a penalty turned down as Van Persie seemed to be pushed in the back by Cahill but the referee waved away the protests.

It didn't look like being Van Persie's day as he scuffed another great opportunity. Song played a great ball into the Dutchman but he rushed his shot and sliced the ball wide.

It was then Gervinho's turn to set up Van Persie as he played him down the left hand side, Van Persie then wrong footed Cahill before playing the ball off Cech and out for a corner.

The final score ended Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky(65), Walcott(60), Oxlade-Chamberlain(70), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos(70), Diaby(65), Coquelin, Gervinho(60), Chamakh.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Cahill, Terry, Bertrand(77), Essien, Romeu(66), Malouda, Sturridge, Kalou(74), Torres.
Subs: Turnbull, Ferreira, Cole(77), Mikel(66), Meireles, Lampard, Mata(74).

My man of the match: Laurent Koscielny

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 60,111