Gunners steal point

Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal returned to the scene of one of last season’s most humiliating encounters yesterday, with renewed hope and vigour, but although the score was much improved, the performance was equally pitiful.

Ramsey back in the groove

Galatasary 1-4 Arsenal

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A much changed Arsenal side produced an excellent performance away to Galatasary on Tuesday night, but ultimately the Gunners were made to rue that fatal collapse at home to Anderlecht, as Arsene Wenger’s side finished second in the group and once again await a difficult draw in the next round.

Pathetic Gunners

Stoke 3-2 Arsenal

As the television cameras focused on Arsene Wenger on Saturday, his team 3-0 down and hopelessly out muscled by Stoke City once again, the phrase: “only a fool never learns” came to mind.

Super Sanchez to the rescue!

Arsenal 1-0 Southampton

A last minute goal from Alexis Sanchez saved Arsenal from yet another frustrating result at the Emirates, on Wednesday, a game in which they struggled to create goal scoring opportunities once again.

Changing of the guard?

West Brom 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal consolidated their mid-week victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League with another victory in the Saturday lunch time kick off against West Brom.

The Gunners came into the game on a patchy run of form to say the least and amid supporter unrest which is beginning to spill out into the stands, as for the first time a banner was held up in the away end, with the words: “Arsene thanks for the memories but it is time to say goodbye.”

Dortmund delight

Arsenal 2-0 Dortmund

Arsenal returned to winning ways on Wednesday night with an assured victory at home to Borrussia Dortmund, which ensured their qualification from the group stage of the Champions League.

Counter attack again

Arsenal 1-2 Man United

Arsenal were undone by a familiar foe in Saturday’s defeat to Manchester United. It wasn’t the returning Robin Van Persie, who was largely ineffectual, nor was it Wayne Rooney, despite the Englishman maintaining his fine goal scoring record against the Gunners. It was in fact the counter attack which ruined Arsenal’s evening and robbed them of victory for a third successive game.

The Gunners once again simply threw away three points that appeared there for the taking. Arsenal were all over United from the very first whistle as the visitors offered very little going forward, while the home side pressed and harried and were largely impressive until they reached the final third. Numerous goal scoring opportunities were created, but time and time again chances were wasted, either sailing high and wide, off target or frustratingly hit straight at the goalkeeper. After the game Wenger nominated David De Gea as man of the match, but in truth the Spaniard would have been extremely disappointed not to have saved shots which were straight at him.

Of all the chances created, Jack Wilshere spurned the best one after excellent work from Alexis Sanchez who once again displayed his wonderful work rate to apply pressure on De Gea, chasing down a back pass and forcing the United goalkeeper into a poor clearance. The ball fell to Welbeck, who released Wilshere with a perfect pass which sent the Englishman through on goal. Unfortunately Wilshere seemed to have too much time to think about what he wanted to do with the ball and he ended up taking an unnecessary second touch, rather than taking an early shot, which took the ball close to De Gea, enabling the Spaniard to easily smother the shot. In hindsight it is difficult not to look back on this moment as a real game changer, lamenting a missed opportunity to take the lead and seize the initiative.

It can be assumed that had the Gunners been in front they wouldn’t have been caught on the counter attack for the first United goal. But to believe this is to forget what preceded this game. Arsenal had been a goal in front against Swansea, with 15 minutes left, and still recklessly threw men forward, ending up losing the game 2-1. In the match before that collapse at the Liberty Stadium, Wenger’s side had been three goals up before inexplicably allowing Anderlecht to peg them back to 3-3 with some of the most open defensive play imaginable.

How Wenger has comprehensively failed to address this clearest of clear issues, is quite remarkable. Every football pundit and fan alike can see the problem, but the manager either does not recognise it or stubbornly refuses to take action, believing all will come good in the end. As a result, the Gunners have become depressingly easy to play against. All the opposition need to do is sit back, invite Arsenal onto them and wait for the opportune moment to strike on the counter attack, exploiting the vast space available.

Wenger will never change and the team is suffering for it. In the 56^th minute, having been second best throughout, United took an undeserved lead. As they broke following an Arsenal attack, the ball was played wide to Fellaini, whose relatively routine cross caused panic in the Gunners defence. Szczesny failed to communicate clearly with Gibbs and the two collided. The loose ball fell to Valencia and the Ecuadorian took a shot at goal, which Gibbs tried to block with an outstretched leg. Unfortunately however, the Arsenal left back could only divert the ball into his own net.

To rub salt into the wound, Szczesny was injured in the build up to the goal and after a lengthy delay was substituted. However the pattern of the game was now set. Arsenal would press forward even more than they had been doing, leave space in behind and duly get caught out. Szczesny’s injury meant there would be a large amount of added time played at the end of the game, but the Gunners still threw players forward before the game had even entered the 90^th minute, so much so that there were times Mertesacker found himself on the right flank!

Shocking though it may be, it was no real surprise to see Monreal left all alone, near the half way line, in the 86^th minute, as Di Maria sent Rooney clear and the Englishman had all the time and space to dink the ball over the onrushing Damien Martinez to seal all three points. When the fourth official indicated an added time allowance of eight minutes, Arsenal’s senseless approach appeared all the more ridiculous.

There was still time for Olivier Giroud to mark his return from injury with an excellent effort, which flew past De Gea to reduce the deficit, but it was a case of too little too late for the Gunners as they failed to conjure another goal scoring opportunity in the few minutes that remained.

Arsenal desperately need to adjust their attacking game plan as it has become far too easy to play against the Gunners. Against a Manchester United side that had Valencia and Ashley Young deployed as wing backs and a makeshift back three, Arsenal failed to create significant goal scoring opportunities. Throwing men forward is clearly not the answer as the final third simply becomes overly congested and the attack loses any momentum with square pass after square pass played and no real penetration. Conversely, the Gunners are most vulnerable when they attack as the two full backs push high up the pitch, leaving the slow and cumbersome duo of Monreal and Mertesacker hopelessly exposed at the back. It is a frustrating situation which could be easily solved by Wenger instructing one of his full backs to sit back slightly deeper when the other attacks. Yet the manager’s failure to eradicate such a straight forward issue is extremely worrying. A man of such legendary status is fast becoming an outdated relic as he refuses to adapt.

Same old Arsenal......

Swansea 2-1 Arsenal

Arsenal failed to hold onto a lead for the second game in succession on Sunday as the Gunners lost 2-1 away to Swansea having scored the opener.

It is extremely frustrating following Arsene Wenger’s side at the moment as the same mistakes are repeated time and time again, with the manager failing to address key issues.

30 minute collapse

Arsenal 3-3 Anderlecht

In thirty excruciating second half minutes, Arsenal once again showed the soft underbelly which will continue to undermine their progress unless Arsene Wenger acts fast to address it.

Unsurprisingly, and one can assume not for the last time this season, Wenger’s failure to strengthen his squad’s defensive department came back to haunt him against a side which at 3-0 down, should have been well and truly beaten.

Hot Chilean!

Arsenal 3-0 Burnley

Alexis Sanchez was once again at the centre of another Arsenal win on Saturday as the Gunners eventually overcame a stubborn Burnley side 3-0.

Before the match, Arsene Wenger had discussed the merits of South American strikers in the modern game and the fact that top level European forwards are now an extremely rare breed. Sanchez proved his manager right with yet another wonderful display to earn all the plaudits from the football pundits, as well as Wenger, who compared his striker to Luis Suarez during his post-match interviews.   

Sanchez at the double

Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal produced another lacklustre attacking display on Saturday, despite recording a two goal victory away to Sunderland.

The Gunners attacking players, apart from the impressive Sanchez, seem to be lacking in confidence at the moment.

Lucky Arsenal

Anderlecht 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal got themselves out of jail on Wednesday night with two goals in two minutes right at the end of the game, to take all three points from a match they deserved to lose. Ultimately the result may paper over the cracks as it enabled Wenger to escape having to answer difficult questions following another extremely below par performance, but this was simply not good enough.

The Gunners weren’t up against world beaters by any stretch of the imagination. This was an Anderlecht side that have consistently finished bottom of their Champions League group, have failed to win their last 11 games and have now also lost their last 6 home games in Europe’s top competition. Yet they made Arsenal look ordinary. Wenger’s side were abysmal from start to finish and the manager should be under the spotlight as he has struggled to achieve any semblance of cohesion from his side this season.

Injuries have hampered his options but the manager is making baffling decisions which are to the detriment of his side.

We back Arsene when he has a plan. We stay quiet when he doesn’t

Arsenal 2-2 Hull

We back Arsene when he has a plan. We stay quiet when he doesn’t

Those were the words of Arsenal chairman, Sir Chips Keswick during last Thursday’s AGM at the Emirates Stadium. They are words which should send a shiver down the spine of every Arsenal supporter as they essentially confirm that Arsene Wenger is not accountable to anyone at the club. He is simply surrounded by yes men who never question him even when the manager refuses to address the blindingly obvious. To have the chairman of this great club openly admit this was quite astonishing.

Wenger undone by Mourinho again

Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal

Arsenal lost more ground to Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table yesterday as the Gunners left Stamford Bridge with no points from an extremely tight game.

Memories of that 6-0 demolition the last time these two sides met were dredged up by the media in the build up to this match with the fear amongst the Arsenal faithful that a repeat performance was in store. The main criticism of Wenger in recent years has been the fact the manager never seems to learn from his mistakes, with his side being exposed time and time again and no indication of a change in tactics or formation.

Turkish Delight!

Arsenal 4-1 Galatasary

The Gunners marked Arsene Wenger’s 18^th anniversary as Arsenal manager with an excellent display against Galatasary last night in which Danny Welbeck scored the first senior hat trick of his career.

Following defeat away to Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal were in desperate need of a victory here to get their Champions League campaign back on track.

Derby spoils shared

Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham

There was a great feeling of disappointment on Saturday evening as the final whistle was blown at the Emirates Stadium. For those dressed in red and white, a final score line of 1-1 felt more like a defeat, while in the bottom far corner of the stadium, Tottenham supporters celebrated as if they had just won the league. The vast difference between the two clubs was perfectly encapsulated in this moment.

Gunners crash out

Arsenal 1-2 Southampton

Arsenal were dumped out of the Capital One Cup last night by a spirited, determined and well organised Southampton side.

As always, Wenger made several changes to the side for this League Cup tie and the team were duly made to pay by a near full strength Southampton.

Ozil stars

Aston Villa 0-3 Arsenal

Arsenal put their midweek defeat to Dortmund behind them on Saturday with a comprehensive victory away to Aston Villa, restoring confidence.

The home side came into this game on a fine run of form, having just defeated Liverpool at Anfield with an excellent display of defensive solidity and counter attacking prowess. Such tactics it seemed would serve them well against an Arsenal side that had so far struggled to achieve a fluidity to their attacking play and as always appeared vulnerable at the back.

Gunners blitzed

Dortmund 2-0 Arsenal

There are times in football when you just have to hold your hands up and accept the opposition were the better team on the day. At the final whistle last night, even the most ardent Arsenal supporter had to admit Borussia Dortmund were superior in every single department. For anyone who refused to accept this fact, one glance at the shots on goal stats said it all, with the Gunners only registering 4 attempts to Dortmund’s 22.

Gunners made to settle for draw

Arsenal 2-2 Man City

At the end of a truly pulsating game on Saturday, which ebbed and flowed from one end to the next, Arsenal were extremely frustrated not to have secured a crucial victory and all three points. The Gunners had turned the game around with only 15 minutes left, having gone behind in the first half, but could not hold on and ultimately had to settle for a point. In truth a share of the spoils was a fair reflection of the game as Manchester City could have also won the match in the dying minutes.

Welbeck becomes a Gunner

Arsenal’s search for a striker ended some two hours after the summer transfer window officially closed on Monday night. So late in the day was Wenger’s move for Danny Welbeck that the Gunners had to apply for an extension in order to get the deal done, with time quickly running out.

At 1am the deal was sealed and Welbeck officially became an Arsenal player. His signing, on the same day Manchester United announced a loan move for Radamel Falcao split opinion amongst Arsenal fans.

Gunners toil again

Leicester 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal produced another somewhat disjointed attacking display against Leicester yesterday to record their second away draw in the space of a week.

Arsene Wenger made changes to his attacking line up which didn’t really help the Gunners to break down a well organised Leicester side.

Gunners go through yet again

Arsenal 1-0 Besiktas

It was an edgy and nervous night at the Emirates, but Arsenal did what they always do when it comes to Champions League qualifiers; they got the job done.

Having failed to score a crucial away goal in Turkey, the Gunners were always going to find the second leg an extremely tricky affair. One slip up and Arsenal would have really been up against it.

Last gasp Gunners again

Everton 2-2 Arsenal

It took another last gasp goal on Saturday evening to save Arsenal’s blushes once more as the Gunners came back from two goals down against Everton to secure an unlikely draw in the closing seven minutes of the game.

Stalemate in Turkey

Besiktas 0-0 Arsenal

Arsenal flew back to North London last night, having secured a 0-0 draw away to Besiktas, not really knowing what they should feel about the end result.

It was a game they could have won had they been sharper in the final third to exploit little gaps that appeared and in the last few minutes the Gunners saw Oxlade-Chamberlain’s excellent effort unfortunately come back off the post. Yet it was also a match Wenger’s men could easily have lost as Besiktas created a number of gilt edged opportunities to take the lead.

Just in time

Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace

Saturday saw the return of Premier League football at the Emirates after a summer in which Arsenal fans’ expectations have increased significantly. The manager has made relatively early moves in the transfer window, strengthening a squad which was only seven points away from title glory last season. The signing of Alexis Sanchez in particular was a real statement from the club, following on from last summer’s capture of Mesut Ozil, indicating that the Gunners have well and truly entered into a new and exciting era, while the 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield also hinted at an exciting season ahead.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

This time last year Arsenal were being heavily linked with Gonzalo Higuain, with several media outlets as well as numerous Higuain family members confirming a deal was imminent. Yet despite these assertions, ultimately the transfer never materialised resulting in great disappointment. The Gunners of course did go on to sign a world class player in Mesut Ozil but no one could have blamed the Arsenal faithful for feeling slightly sceptical when rumours linking Alexis Sanchez to the Emirates recently surfaced.

Last night, however, just before the launch of the new Puma kits, Arsenal confirmed the signing of the Chilean international in a clear statement of intent. This is now a club that is moving forward, is focused and has the ability to attract the World’s best players. Ozil’s move was the first building block, a sign the years of austerity were over and that club was ready to mount a serious challenge for the game’s biggest honours. Arsenal were no longer a selling club and having now ended their long trophy draught with the FA Cup win in May, the Gunners have also restored a winning mentality at the Emirates. The arrival of Sanchez is the latest piece of the puzzle.

The former Barcelona man has all the attributes to become a roaring success in the Premier League. Strong, agile, skilful and fast, Sanchez adds a whole new dimension to the Arsenal attack. Although it will of course take time for the Chilean to settle into life at the Emirates, Sanchez will not be easily bullied. He has great strength and is not overwhelmed when the game turns physical. Renowned for scoring wonder goals from seemingly impossible angles, Sanchez also has the ability to change the course of a match in the blink of an eye.

His searing pace is also a welcome addition to the Arsenal squad as with Walcott out injured for the latter half of last season, the Gunners lacked any pace in their forward line which allowed the opposition to press high up the pitch, a key feature of those humbling defeats to Liverpool and Chelsea. The presence of Sanchez will force defences to sit deeper, providing more space and time for the Arsenal midfield to pick out passes. Ozil will therefore benefit greatly from this new acquisition as Sanchez specialises in finding space and making clever, well-timed runs in behind the opposition defence, which will provide the German assist master with plenty of options.

Sanchez was deployed mainly on the right flank by Barcelona, but he can also play through the middle, offering an alternative to Olivier Giroud, who struggled to maintain his fine form as last season wore on. The Frenchman must also be pleased with the new arrival as Giroud specialises in providing deft little flicks for those willing to run beyond him. The prospect of Wenger fielding a front three of Walcott, Giroud and Sanchez, with Ozil just behind them and Ramsey a little deeper, not only excites the Arsenal faithful but must also strike fear into every Premier League defence. 

The Gunners cannot rest on their laurels however. Wenger and Gazidis have done a fantastic job in securing such a quality signing as early as possible, but must now also address other areas of the squad. A backup goalkeeper, right back and holding midfielder should now be top priorities, while another defender and striker could also be required. According to reports Mathieu Debuchy is all set to join, while Athletico Madrid’s young right back Javier Manquillo is also said to be in advanced talks over a loan move. A deal for Loic Reny however, appears to have stalled due to the Frenchman’s wage demands. Rumours have also surfaced linking Sami Khedira with a move, which if true would cause Arsenal fans to pinch themselves continuously to make sure they weren’t just having a beautiful dream. 

One thing is for sure, Arsenal now mean business.

Finally the wait is over!!

Arsenal 3-2 Hull

 

 

A week ago today Arsenal were gearing up for the most important game of their season. In fact as Arsene Wenger later revealed, it was also the most important game in the manager’s reign at the club. The Gunners went into the FA Cup final against Hull City carrying the weight of nine long years without a trophy as well as a league campaign which had promised so much for so long, but ultimately petered out as the pressure mounted.

It's Happened Again!

Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle

It’s happened again, Tottenham Hotspur, it’s happened again! This chant rang round the Emirates last night as the Gunners secured a crucial three points in the race for fourth place against a poor Newcastle United side last night. It was also a victory that ensured Arsenal would once again finish the season ahead of their North London rivals, despite Spurs’ lavish £110 million summer spending spree. A wise man once proclaimed that change is inevitable, but it would appear that some things just never change.

Gunners back on form

Arsenal 3-1 West Ham

 

 

 

Having secured an FA Cup final spot on Saturday, Arsenal turned their attention back to the Premier League yesterday and the race for a top four finish.

Arsene Wenger had to reshuffle his starting eleven following 120 minutes of semi-final action which had taken its toll on several Gunners players. Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs both failed to overcome injuries and with Koscielny returning to first team action, Thomas Vermaelen was deployed at left back. Further forward, Kim Kallstrom made his first start in an Arsenal shirt alongside Thomas Rosicky, who had missed the semi-final through injury, while up front; Yaya Sanogo made way for Giroud. The result was that Wenger fielded the second oldest team of his tenure, with an average age of 29.

The Curse is over!

Arsenal 1-1 Wigan

Pens      4-2

Until Saturday evening, when Santi Cazorla’s penalty sent the Gunners through to their first FA Cup final since 2005, Arsenal had appeared to be cursed when it came to playing at the new Wembley.

The old stadium saw the Gunners record historic victories under those famous twin towers, such as securing the double in 1971 and 1998 as well as that remarkable 3-2 victory over Manchester United in 1979. However, under the new Wembley landmark, the Wembley arc, Arsenal have suffered crushing 2-1 defeats to Chelsea in an FA Cup semi-final and Birmingham in the last minute of the Carling Cup final.

All at sea

Everton 3-0 Arsenal

Another away game against a top side, another lacklustre performance and yet another heavy defeat. Following the 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City, Arsene Wenger claimed Arsenal had turned the corner and overcome the mental scars of their previous away match at Stamford Bridge. Yet the manager had clearly misunderstood the signs emanating from his side, as the stench of failure now engulfs the Emirates.

Pride restored

Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City

 

Following a terrible week in which their title challenge was virtually extinguished, Arsenal restored some sense of pride on Saturday with a fine display against Manchester City, earning themselves a draw against Manuel Pelligrini’s side.

No reaction

Arsenal 2-2 Swansea

Arsenal’s season simply reverted to type yesterday with another lacklustre display confirming the end of their title challenge and reducing the season run in to yet another scramble for a top four finish.

Pathetic!!

Chelsea 6 - 0 Arsenal

Arsene Wenger’s 1000^th game in charge of Arsenal quickly turned into a nightmare on Saturday as the Gunners repeated their pathetic performance away to Liverpool with a similar capitulation inside the opening 20 minutes of the game.

Tottenham beaten yet again!!

Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal pulled themselves right back into the title race yesterday with a hard fought 1-0 victory over arch rivals Tottenham. It was the third time the two teams have met this season; the third time the Gunners have emerged victorious and the third time that Tottenham’s £110 million summer spending spree has failed to reap even a single goal against Arsene Wenger’s men.

Gunners fall short

Bayern Munich 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal recorded another positive but ultimately futile result at the formidable Allianz Arena yesterday with a draw which saw them exit the Champions League at the last 16 stage for the fourth successive season.

We're going to Wembley!

Arsenal 4-1 Everton

Arsenal produced an excellent performance on Saturday as they roared into the semi-finals of the FA cup. There were standout performances all over the pitch from those in red and white as Roberto Martinez’s side were soundly beaten.

Game Over?

Stoke 1-0 Arsenal

Arsenal virtually threw away their chances of winning the Premier League title this season with a typically insipid display away to Stoke on Saturday.

Back to their best

Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland

Arsenal produced the perfect response to their disappointing midweek defeat against Bayern Munich, with an excellent display at home to Sunderland on Saturday.

The Gunners have not been at their sumptuous best of late and have struggled to get their free flowing game going during recent games. On Saturday however, in echoes of their form earlier in the season, Arsene Wenger’s side were excellent from the very first minute. The midfield in particular were a joy to behold, asserting their authority with neat one touch passes coupled with brilliant movement to cut through Sunderland, causing the visitors numerous problems.

Defeated, but immensely proud

Arsenal 0-2 Bayern Munich

 

Arsenal were left to ponder what might have been last night as the Gunners produced an excellent display against what many consider to be the best team in Europe right now. Had Szczesny not been sent off in the first half, Arsenal may well have even won the match. Unfortunately the referee made a decision which effectively killed the game and we will now never know what the outcome of this intriguing match would have been.

Revenge

Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool

Just over a week after their 5-1 demolition at Anfield, Arsenal responded with a determined performance to get their revenge and knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup.

Safety first

Arsenal 0-0 Man United

Arsenal and Manchester United played out a tense and tight 0-0 draw last night in a match which frustrated more than entertained. With both sides coming into this game following disappointing results at the weekend, it was not surprising that their main concern was not to lose.

The Gunners in particular appeared to have suffered psychologically from their 5-1 drubbing at Anfield. During those horrendous opening 20 minutes, they had been punished almost every time they committed men forward and as a result, Arsenal were extremely cautious in their attacking approach last night. The transition from defence to attack was extremely slow, ponderous and sloppy. It wasn’t helped at all by Arteta either, who has recently tended to want an age on the ball. Therefore whenever Arsenal had an opportunity to hit United on the break, they simply allowed the visitors to regroup, get men behind the ball and the chance was lost.

Anfield Annihilation

Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal

Arsenal produced a truly shambolic performance at Anfield on Saturday, as they capitulated from the very first minute of the game. In fact the match was over within the opening 20 minutes as Liverpool comfortably raced into a 4-0 lead.

In many ways this was a result that had been coming for several weeks.

Feed the OX and he will score

Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrated his return to the starting line-up with two excellent goals to fire Arsenal back to the top of the table, as the Gunners comfortably overcame Crystal Palace yesterday.

When Tony Pulis left his post as Stoke City manager last summer, most football fans rejoiced at the thought of never having to endure another tedious 90 minutes against a Pulis side again. Unfortunately the football dinosaur (no not Gunnersaurus Rex) was back at the Emirates Stadium yesterday peddling his depressing brand of football once again.

Gunners drop first points in 2014

Southampton 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal came away from Saint Mary’s stadium last night with a somewhat disappointing draw, which left their position at the top of the league extremely vulnerable. The Gunners had a perfect opportunity to pile the pressure on both Chelsea and Manchester City, by opening up a four point lead at the top of the table, but blew it with a terrible first half performance in which they struggled to even cross the halfway line.

Gunners march on!

Arsenal 4-0

 

Arsenal comfortably made it through to the next round of the FA Cup on Friday night with victory over League One Coventry.

Having lost his record of never having been knocked out of a cup competition by lower league opposition with defeats in the FA Cup and League Cup to Blackburn Rovers and Bradford City last season, Arsene Wenger showed Coventry utmost respect by fielding a very strong line up. Fabianski started in goal, behind first choice centre backs Koscielny and Mertesacker, who had Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain and £42 million pound man Ozil in front of them, while upfront, Bendtner returned from injury to replace Giroud.

Santi at the double

Arsenal 2-0 Fulham

Arsenal maintained their one point lead at the top of the Premier League table with what turned out to be a routine 2-0 win at home to Fulham on Saturday.

In the build up to the match, Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen declared that he knew the formula to frustrate and defeat the Gunners, as Arsene Wenger’s side would not spring any surprises and continue to play the game as only they know how. During an extremely drab first half, many Arsenal supporters may well have had those words ringing in their ears as the away side sat extremely deep in an attempt to stifle the Gunners. Yet the home crowd’s frustrations were not a result of fine work from Fulham, but rather a lethargic approach from Wenger’s team.

Gunners respond to rivals

Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal went back to the top of the table last night with a victory away to Aston Villa which avenged their infamous opening day defeat to Paul Lambert’s side. When Antonio Luna raced clear in the final minutes of that game and steered the ball past Szczesny to give his side an unassailable lead, few would have predicted that only five months later, Arsenal would be sat at the top of the Premier League table.

Arsene Wenger has done a fantastic job to turn those boos which rained down on him that fateful day, into cheers. The manager, who had previously appeared slightly demoralised and irritated, has now rediscovered his smile and vigour as the Gunners continue to impress, having so far managed to keep their noses just in front of their rivals.

North London is ours!!

Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham

Arsenal confirmed their superiority over their North London rivals, Tottenham, in spectacular fashion yesterday. The Gunners completely dominated proceedings from start to finish and could and should have won the game by a greater margin than the 2-0 score line.

In the build up to the game, Tim Sherwood suggested that Arsenal supporters and management would have been pleased to see Emmanuel Adebayor leave the field on a stretcher during Tottenham’s win against Manchester United. The Spurs manager then declared that unfortunately for Arsenal, Adebayor was fully fit and raring to go against his old club. However Tottenham never seem to learn. They love to talk before the game or before the season is done and invariably always end up with egg on their face. During yesterday’s game, had it not been for the fact that his every touch was jeered by the home crowd and cheers rang out whenever he lost the ball, no one would have realised that Adebayor was actually on the pitch. The threat from the Togolese man was marginalised by Koscielny and Vermaelen in the first half and in the second half he was absolutely monstered by Mertesacker, who had replaced Vermaelen at halftime.

Super Nick to the rescue!

Arsenal 2-0 Cardiff

 

The Gunners left it late to secure a vital three points against a dogged and determined Cardiff City yesterday. Two goals in the final minutes of the game ensured Arsenal started the new year right where they want to be; at the top of the table.

This was a win which yet again highlighted the great spirit within this squad of players who have so far overcome all the odds to remain firmly in the hunt for the Premier League title. Despite Cardiff’s well documented off field troubles, this was a game in which the Gunners could have all too easily dropped points. With an injury list that ruled out the likes of Ozil, Ramsey and Giroud, Arsene Wenger was virtually down to the bare bones in the attacking department. As a result, the Arsenal midfield had a slightly defensive feel with both Arteta and Flamini deployed in the centre of the park. Unfortunately, Wenger did not really have any alternatives and this played into the away side’s hands as Cardiff were determined to sit extremely deep and hardly launch any attacks, as they came to the Emirates in search of a draw.