Arsenal push away scoring woes with another win

Who said Arsenal cannot score?? They can, with style and when required !!!

That is exactly what happenend against Newcastle. The Arsenal side, rejuvinated by comebacks were given an early blow when they realised Walcott would be out for the month. So Wenger made some change and brought in Diaby.

Arshavin made a lot of difference in the first half, but Arsenal could not take their opportunities and missed really good chances. But relegation threatened Newcastle had a wonderful chance when Almunia pushed Martins in the box to gift them a penalty. But he held his nerve as Martins pushed the ball weakly to Almunia's left and the Spanish goalkeeper made an easy save. Other than that Newcastle were fairly quiet. But Nasri's unlucky misses and van Persie's dreadful finishes kept the score level at half time.

But the match sprung into life in the second half. Arshavin took a brilliant freekick and singled out Bendtner who took his chance to head it past Harper to give the Gunners the lead. But barely half a minute later, Newcastle attacked, and Martins took advantage of a Gallas error to frce the ball past a stunned Almunia.

But Arsenal werent done yet. Steven Taylor had been the mainstay of the Magpies defence and had denied the Gunners any goals. When he went off injured, Diaby took his chance by playing a one two with Persie by finding the space required and slotting the ball above Harper. Nasri made it 3-1 when his brilliant quick finish went beyond Harper.

All in All Arsenal played brilliant and we deserved our win!!!

Reds thump Red devils at Old Trafford

Liverpool's title dream is still alive after they came from behind to thump Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.
Fernando Torres cancelled out a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty before Steven Gerrard completed a remarkable turnaround with his own spot-kick just before the break. A sublime free-kick from Fabio Aurelio following the dismissal of Nemanja Vidic wrapped up the points before a late lob from Andrea Dossena put the gloss on a week that has had many Kopites pinching themselves. The result leaves Liverpool four points behind United, who have a game in hand, with nine fixtures remaining. It also ensures a first league double over our arch-rivals since 2001-02. Rafa Benitez will accept the title is still a tall order, but wherever the Premier League trophy ends up, this performance and scoreline will go down as one of the highlights of the Spaniard's reign. Benitez went searching for his 100th league win as Reds boss without the injured Xabi Alonso. If Javier Mascherano is Liverpool's engine in midfield, then Alonso is the oil that keeps everything flowing nicely. Still, his absence gave Lucas a chance to shine on the biggest stage, and the Brazilian will have won over some of his critics with a rudimentary but effective display. Another blow came during the warm up when right-back Alvaro Arbeloa injured his hamstring, forcing Sami Hyypia to tie his boots at the last minute. The sides set about a cagey start at a wind-swept Old Trafford. United were first to threaten when Ronaldo cut back to the oncoming Ji-Sung Park. The goal gaped and it took a well-judged deflection from Carragher to clear for a corner. Similar heroics were required from Vidic after Aurelio sent Gerrard bursting into the United box on 11 minutes. You could have prepared and swallowed a prawn sandwich in the time it took either side to enthuse their fans again when Torres turned Rio Ferdinand on a sixpence before Vidic saved his partner's blushes. The game of cat and mouse was finally broken on 23 minutes when Park sprinted into the box and navigated Pepe Reina, who caught a trailing leg and gave referee Alan Wiley no option but to award a spot-kick. Liverpool's Spanish goalkeeper went the right way but Ronaldo's penalty was too precise. The travelling Kop's deflation lasted just four minutes, however, thanks to a downfield pass from Martin Skrtel which left Torres with just Vidic and van der Saar to beat. United's Serbian defender lost his footing, leaving El Nino to slot coolly beyond the goalkeeper to claim his 11th goal of the season. Minutes later Torres nutmegged Vidic in the box as he searched for a second but it was cleared for a corner. The next goal would be crucial and both sides knew it. United came close through a Ronaldo dead ball which Reina spilled only to recover just before Park pounced. Next, Michael Carrick turned Lucas before firing a fierce effort narrowly over the crossbar. But it was Liverpool who eventually turned the game on its head when Gerrard burst past Patrice Evra to catch a Torres throughball. The full-back challenged clumsily, prompting Wiley to point to the spot for a second time. Gerrard once had a penalty saved by van der Saar when the Dutchman wore Fulham colours, but he made no mistake with this one before kissing the television cameras in celebration of his 18th goal of the campaign. United came out for the second period eager to respond, and almost had a huge slice of luck when a Ronaldo cross swerved onto Reina's post and back into play. Liverpool cleared but it was a warning. Park was impressing down the right as the hosts responded to chants of 'attack, attack, attack' from their fans, and the former PSV man would have been one-on-one with Reina on 53 minutes but for a smart interception from Aurelio. Reina had to be alert to palm over after Tevez squeezed a cross-cum-shot past Carragher. Liverpool's custodian fumbled the resulting corner but claimed well at the second attempt under pressure from Tevez. Wayne Rooney tried to twist and turn his way to an equaliser on 62 minutes only to have his shot deflected wide by Dirk Kuyt. The pressure continued. Next, Ronaldo, patrolled well all game by Aurelio, beat his man to find Rooney at the far post. The Scouser headed back across goal and it took some resilient defending from Skrtel to stop Tevez threatening. The Argentine should have levelled the game on 72 minutes after chesting down a lofted ball from Ferdinand. Liverpool's defence protested for offside but the flag stayed down. With just Reina to beat, Tevez scuffed his shot and the ball roll harmlessly wide. Alex Ferguson had seen enough. With 16 minutes remaining, he made a triple substitution, replacing Carrick, Anderson and Park with Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov and Ryan Giggs. It was a bold move from the Scot but it soon backfired following the dismissal of Vidic. Wiley had no choice but to show the Serb red after a lovely touch from Kuyt sent Gerrard clean through. Last man Vidic interjected and United were down to 10 men with 14 minutes left on the clock and no opportunity to make a change. Any hopes of a comeback were then dashed completely when Aurelio curled the resulting free-kick beyond van der Saar at the Stretford End. Ronaldo would have been proud. Gerrard could have made it four with the kind of chance he normally buries but it mattered not. Substitute Andrea Dossena showed the skipper how it was done on 90 minutes, lobbing van der Saar after a Reina punt. "We want five," sang the cluster of Liverpool fans at the opposite end of the ground. They know the title is still a long shot, but this result keeps United looking over their shoulder. Whatever happens come May, they'll never forget today.

Arshavin works his magic as the Gunners thrash dirty Blackburn

Andrey Arshavin opened his Arsenal account in a wonderful fashion as Arsenal beat Blackburn 4-0 and moved into fourth place in the Premier League.The little Russian was credited with the opening goal after just 80 seconds. But replays proved that Theo Walcott’s low cross went in off Andre Ooijer’s back.Arsenal dominated after that. However they were in danger of fluffing their lines once more. They created a host chances and missed them all, with Nicklas Bendtner particularly profligate.But Arshavin dribbled past Danny Simpson to steer home a super solo goal in the 65th minute. The 25-year-old then set up Emmanuel Eboue for a tap-in two minutes from time.The Ivorian only spent seven minutes on the pitch and would have an incident-packed cameo. In injury time, Carlos Vela was felled in the area and Eboue tucked away an excellent penalty.Arsenal’s elevation into the top four may last less than 24 hours. But it places a little extra pressure on Aston Villa, who entertain Tottenham on Sunday.But whatever the result, the Midlanders will be well aware that Wenger’s side are starting to get back to their regal best.And Arshavin is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown.This was the second of the three games in three different competitions over the course of six days. Therefore changes were expected in the Arsenal side. In all there were four. William Gallas, Abou Diaby, Robin van Persie and Eboue dropped out. Johan Djourou, Alex Song, Arshavin and, making his first start in four months, Walcott came in. While Arsenal had been winning at Roma on Wednesday, Blackburn had gone a long way to securing their Premier League survival with a 2-1 comeback victory at Fulham. Despite that, their team selection suggested they would be delighted with a point at Emirates this afternoon. Jason Roberts was employed as sole striker ahead of a five-man midfield. Arsenal would need to use craft AND graft today.There was a good feeling swilling around Emirates Stadium before kick-off. It was not just the success in Italy in the week it was Liverpool’s crushing win at Manchester United an hour or so before kick-off. Not that the result had a major effect on Arsenal, whose sole Premier League aim was a top four spot. With that in mind, victory was essential today. Previous home draws had not been punished because Aston Villa were wobbling themselves. But, with games running out, Arsenal had to stake their claim.The time was now and, for once, they would get a little help.Having gone goalless in the last three Premier League games at Emirates Stadium, you sort of suspected an early goal might come this afternoon. It took just 80 seconds.Bendtner showed excellent feet in midfield to send Walcott haring down the right-hand channel. The England winger cut the ball back into a ruck of players at the near post. Arshavin was prominent and was credited with the goal initially. However he ran off wagging his finger in denial, replays proved the final touch had come off the sliding Ooijer.It was the just the boost Arsenal required. As at the Stadio Olimpico, fortunate things were coming on the back of hard work and quality. They looked to profit immediately.Bendtner shot straight at Paul Robinson and then Arsenal had a shout for a penalty when Stephen Warnock barged over Walcott as he went through. It was all Arsenal with Bendtner the lynch-pin. But after El-Hadji Diouf was booked for a nasty looking challenge on Almunia, the visitors started to develop their game. And, in the 25th minute, Morten Gamst Pedersen climbed above Sagna to meet Djourou’s attempted clearance. His header forced Almunia into a desperate, backtracking tip over the bar.However Blackburn’s rally would be brief. Sagna’s swirling, curling cross was nodded across goal by Bendtner. Then, nine minutes before the break, Nasri planted a 25-yard free-kick against the bar. The ball was hacked clear by the Blackburn defence and Bendtner’s touch allowed Nasri to fire goalward from 12 yards. Robinson’s block was enough to turn the ball behind but it was hardly convincing.It was hard to think this Arsenal side had been scoreless at both ends for so long. While Wenger’s side were impish and inventive going forward they were hardly watertight in defence. Five minutes from half time an unmarked Aaron Mokoena swept the ball just over the bar from Pedersen’s corner.Blackburn pushed forward in the dying seconds but their attack this afternoon was more cudgel than rapier. The nearest they came to breaching the Arsenal defence came in injury time when Almunia had to rush out and deny Pedersen.The home side could have banished any such nervousness in the opening minutes of the second half if they had converted a couple of straightforward chances.First Bendtner fed Walcott but the midfielder, 20 on Monday, dragged his effort wide. He returned the favour for an even simpler chance seconds later but the Dane sidefooted wide.Before five minutes were up Robinson had saved well from Walcott and Denilson had seen a ferocious drive blocked by Ooijer.Arsenal were stoking up the heat on Blackburn with all the chances seemingly falling to Bendtner. He nodded over just before the hour, fired wide just after and then, most profligate of all, dallied when sent clear by Walcott allowing Robinson to save.Frustration was starting to simmer but Arshavin’s smashing strike relieved all the pressure. When he received the ball on the left in the 65th minute there was little on but he skipped past Danny Simpson on the byline and then, from the tightest of angles, lifted the ball over Robinson and into the far corner. This one was definitely his.Djourou nodded over from Nasri’s right-wing free-kick as Arsenal looked for a killer third. At the other end, Almunia clutched a low free-kick from Pedersen. The Spaniard’s handling has been immaculate since the turn of the year.Bendtner’s work was nearly done but, just before he was substituted in the 80th minute, the Dane ended a trademark Arsenal break by thumping a shot high over the bar.It had been a tough afternoon for the 21-year-old. He worked wonderfully hard for the cause but had missed a host of chances. Emirates was rightly generous in its support as he went off.With seven minutes left Wenger brought on Eboue for Nasri. It would turn out to be an influential move. The Ivorian touched home in the 88th minute after Arshavin’ shot was parried by Robinson. Then, in injury time, Vela was clipped by Martin Olsson and Eboue scored confidently from the spot.It was perhaps apt that Arsenal should end this game by converting a penalty. Reaching the last eight in Europe is season's one ambition achieved. If they can stay in the top four, that will be another. Arsenal’s season is ending on a high.

Arsenal beat WBA to get back to winning ways

Arsenal went into this game with a 4 match 0-0 streak, with their next year’s Champions League place at stake. Aston Villa were slipping away, though the young team had lost their sheen. Wba, on the other hand, had a 2 match winning streak that had seen them fight back from the bottom of the table.
Wenger started with highly criticized Bendtner, and Arshavin as secondary striker. They started brightly, passing and popping the ball around, and were rewarded right away as a poor Nasri freekick was badly cleared and Denilson teed Bendnter up on the right. A beautiful low shot from Bendtner on the right slid under Scott Carson and curled wonderfully into the net in only the 4th minute.
But they gave away a freekick and Chris Brunt smashed the ball through the defensive wall well past Almunia, who conceded his first goal in 8 games.
Arsenal had finally thrown off the shackles but, within two minutes, they were pegged back. Brunt lined up a free-kick from 22 yards and his low effort flew through the defensive wall past Manuel Almunia. The Spaniard was furious and rightly so – Arsenal had just undone their good work.Buoyed by their unexpected equaliser, Albion pressed for a second and Luke Moore almost obliged. The striker had his back to goal and Djourou in close attention when he received the ball 20 yards out but Moore span and fired towards Almunia’s near post. The keeper scrambled to his left to keep Arsenal level.Moore headed another chance over the crossbar after Brunt’s corner had caused consternation in the visitors’ box, but by and large Arsenal were in control. Bendtner fluffed a great chance after Eboue’s mis-kick fell invitingly for him and Arshavin sliced a shot wide from the edge of the box. The Russian would soon make amends.Eight minutes before the break, Clichy was shoved off the ball on the left flank. Arshavin drifted a delightful free-kick into the box and Toure guided a downward header past Carson. This time, Arsenal did not waste their advantage. Indeed, six minutes later, they effectively put the result beyond doubt.This time Toure turned provider, lofting a pass into the right channel for the unmarked Bendtner. The Dane was given far too much space by the Albion defence but his first touch was exquisite and his finish was clinical.It was suggested before the game that, if Wenger were to hand-pick an opponent in light of Arsenal’s recent travails, he would have chosen Albion. The Baggies were certainly living up to their billing. They lack the bite of the other promoted sides and, although they try to play football; Arsenal play it better.The visitors confirmed their superiority after the break, creating chance after chance.Bendtner was at the hub of most of Arsenal’s finest moves. The Dane set up Arshavin inside the box after 52 minutes but Carson tipped the Russian’s effort past the post. Seconds later Arshavin showed quick feet to get another shot away just eight yards out but, once again, he was denied by a minor deflection.You could smell a goal and Abou Diaby, on as a half-time substitute, almost obliged. Turning Ryan Donk one way and then the other, the Frenchman sent a vicious shot towards goal but another deflection rescued Albion.Bendtner, chasing a hat-trick, so nearly completed his first Arsenal treble after a slaloming run into the box ended with a low shot against the left-hand post. Four minutes later the Dane picked out Eboue but the Ivorian shot straight at Carson.Arsenal were almost caught out on the break with 17 minutes left. Marc-Antoine Fortune broke clear on the right but Almunia tipped his angled drive round the post. It was a brief respite for Albion. Bacary Sagna fired over the bar and Bendtner followed suit as time ticked down. Then Arshavin forced another save from Carson right at the end when it seemed a first Arsenal goal would be his.Arshavin will have to wait a little longer. For now, it’s good to see any Arsenal player finding the net.

Disappointment for Arsenal

After a sensational win against Cardiff, Arsenal suffered a setback with a draw against Sunderland. Arshavin was given his debut that day.

No 23 Arshavin started the match , testing the Sunderland keeper early with a volley from 40 yards, but the shot went wide. He then started a flurry of passes to keep the game alive. He went close to scoring but Palop stopped his kick.

Soon Arsenal missed many chances, and the half time the score 0-0. Arshavin was soon removed and Vela was brought in. Bendtner and Vela soon squandered chances like crazy, thus Sunderland walked away with a point.

Premier League Roundup: Feb 7th and 8th 2009

Arsenal struggled to find the net for their second straight match and Emmanuel Eboue got red-carded as they drew 0-0 with relegation-threatened Tottenham at White Hart Lane. The referee played spoilsport in the clash once again, as he denied Eboue a goal which was absolutely legit. Arsenal are now 6 points behind 4th placed Chelsea, who also failed to score in their 0-0 draw with Hull. Arsenal have scored only once in their last 360 minutes.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa geared themselves up to cement a top four finish, by easing past uneasy Blackburn 2-0. Aston Villa, who are in third place, are in very good form and are probably looking towards toppling Liverpool for second place, or maybe even started thinking about a first place finish! Liverpool had a hard game as they went down once, before drawing level only to go down once more. But they levelled again and scored a winner via Torres to take the match 3-2 and keep themselves in the title race.

Manchester City's new buys worked effectively as Given produced some fine saves and Bellamy scored a goal to give the Man Blues a 1-0 victory over Boro and get them out of their slump. Manchester United needed a Ryan Giggs goal in the second half to inspire them to a 1-0 victory over Zola's weakened West Ham. Other results include:

Everton 3-0 Bolton, Sunderland 2-0 Stoke, West Brom 2-3 Newcastle, Wigan 0-0 Fulham.

Manchester United return to the top of the Table as Liverpool stumble

Manchester United won a last gasp thriller against Bolton to reach the top of the table for the first time this season. Man U were held by a determined Bolton, who a week before had resisted the Arsenal seige until the 87' minute. 

A wrong foot pass by Giggs to a determined Tevez, who broke free and crossed to a free Berbatov. The Bulgarian headed niftily towards the goalkeeper, but the Gk stumbled and Berbatov found his mark.

Meanwhile in the Merseyside Derby, a 72' strike by Gerrard was not enough to give Liverpool the win needed to touch the top of the table. A last minute header from Everton star Cahill off an Arteta freekcick helped the Merseyside team extend their unbeaten streak.

The Gunners chalk up back to back wins

Arsenal were back on track in pursuit of atleast a 4th spot finish when they won twice within the week convincingly versus Bolton and Hull City.

Arsenal dominated against Bolton for long periods but were unable to pierce through their defence and needed a classy Bendtner touch to win them the match 1-0.

But their day against Hull was far more stylish. The gunners travelled to the Kingston stadium, hoping to revive their title race and outrun Martin O' Neill's men for the fourth spot. They also had a score to settle with Phil Browns Tigers as they were beaten by the same men at THE EMIRATES.

Hull started dominantly, picking up a free kick and two corners within the first two minutes. But Arsenal started settling and thus started the passing game. Pass, pass, and pass, and the Hull fans were frustrated as Wenger's men laid seige to the well defended Hull goal. Van Persie hit the cross bar with a freekcik, and it seemed just like the Bolton game, when in the 32' minute, Adebayor rose well above the defence to head home a Persie corner, and Arsenal took the lead.

With Nasri playing brilliantly, Arsenal had an opportunity to double the lead, but when the all reached right flank Eboue, the unlucky gunner smashed the ball beyond the bar. 

What Phil Brown said during the break, noone knows but that rejuvinated the Tigers. They started attacking the defence again, and again, and were rewarded in the 59', when a right flank cross, deflected off Diaby was headed past Almunia by Cousin, and Hull leveled.

With a game on their hands, both teams started their best plays, with Arsenal hogging possesion. In desperation, Wenger brought on hero Bendnter onto the right. But it seemed that Hull would run away with a draw.

But Arsenal's lucky time worked again, as in the last ten minutes they took the game away. Persie lauched Nasri within the box and the French midfield briallintly buried the ball beyond the goalie into the right net. Bendtner put Arenal even further with a one two with Persie, and the Danish striker too smahsed the ball past the goalie to give Arsenal a 3-1 win. 

 

Arsenal win at last

Two days after the shock draw with Aston Villa, Arsenal bounced back at home to win after three consecutive draws. 

Wenger, who had accused Villa officials of match fixing after the half time at Aston, employed Adebayor and Bendtner, with the rest of the team unchanged other than Toure, for Clichy. 

Pompey, too was in a critical situation, with manager Tony Adams, who was a former Arsenal captain, at a job loss. Portsmouth had won only 2 of their last 11 games, and were on a 3 game losing streak.

With a spot in the UEFA Champions League at stake, and a possible relegation spot, both teams went forward for a win. 

 Arsenal mainly dominated the first half, hogging the possession and making a lot of chances. But they showed their lack in finishing every time. Pompey got only one good chance, with a Crouch header hitting the woodwork. But Arsenal got the best chance of the game, after a through ball from Eboue defeated the defence, and Adebayor  dodged past James, only for Distin to foul him and Campbell to clear. 

Distin made the Arsenal strike force miserable, single handedly clearing the ball and defending the goal, even after various Pompey errors. Adebayor missed another golden chance after James spilled a ball, and Adebayor had a chance on open goal, only for him to hit wide.

Frustrated, Wenger bought in Ramsey and Vela to make a impact. Pompey suffered two blows after selling Diarra to Real Madrid, with Bouba Diop injured. Finally Arsenal scored 9 minutes from time, when Denilson sent the ball to the middle with a freekick, and Gallas headed home to give Arsenal the lead. Arsenal held on to win the match.

Meanwhile Liverpool thrashed Newcastle 5-1 after a string of referee errors allowed the Merseyside team to remain first in the new year. Chelsea too came from behind, courtesy Lampard to draw with Fulham 2-2.

BOL GUNNERS!!!! 

Arsenal's poor form continues

Arsenal failed to capitalise on a beautiful undeserved two goal lead by drawing with fourth placed rivals Aston Villa. Villa Played relentlessly to salvage a point against their rivals.

Aston Villa, led by Martin O neill, have shown a new English face in the EPL. They have played brillliantly, taking all opportunities, and are now placed comfortably at fourth place.

Villa started the game dominantly, playing Arsenal after 41 days only, and took early chances, but it seemed that luck wasnt on their side, as Agbonlahor, Sidwell and Barry all hit the post before Arsenal took advantage of a flukey chance as Denilson dragged the ball away from Knight and edged the ball past Friedel.

Sagna played brilliantly, edging the ball away from goal with a bicycle kick after Agbonlahor headed the ball past Almunia. He assisted Persie well, though Persie missed a chance into open goal by hitting the bar.

Arsenal scored again after a brilliant run by Diaby. The 6 foot 3 in midfield then shot past Friedel as Arsenal led 2-0. But alas, it was not to be. A 64th minute defensive error saw a worried Gallas foul Agbonlahor In the box. Barry took the penalty , and scored immedialtely, sending Almunia the wrong way.

Then Villa put pressure at the right places and Knight finally leveled after a clean left footed shot into the goal. Villa drew 2-2 with Arsenal.

POOR GUNNERS!!!

Yet another lousy match result

A ten-man Arsenal held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw in an intensely fought and highly controversial match at the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool, in their silver and red outfit, weren't too pleasing to look at.

Liverpool took charge of the game right from the start, trying to create chances and taking advantage of some serious loopholes in Arsenal's defence. But the Gunners slowly found their momentum, and it wasn't too long before Van Persie scored an absolute beauty in the 24th minute. Nasri, just outside the half-way line, swooped the ball over all the way to Van Persie, who chested the ball and thrashed it past Reina.

But the lead only stayed on for another 18 minutes, as Robbie Keane cancelled out Arsenal's first half goal with an equally beautiful goal. In similar fashion, the ball was blasted from the half-way line, and was pounced on by Keane, who smashed it coolly past Almunia into the top left corner. Fabregas suffered a ligament tear just before the second half, and it has been confirmed that he will be out for 3 months. Adebayor was sent off after two red cards, the second one for probably one of the softest tackles I have ever seen. Adebayor hardly even pushed Arbeloa! Even with an advantage, Liverpool could not score that solitary goal needed for three points, as a great display by ten-man Arsenal saw them even attack Liverpool at times!! But they just didn't have the enthusiasm and spirit provided by Fabregas and Adebayor to get that one goal.
Arsenal are still 8 points behind Liverpool, who maintain their slender 1 point lead after Chelsea's draw against Everton.

Highlights!!

Arsenal vs Liverpool Full Match Highlights 21/12/08
by juzhighlight

Arsenal edge Chelsea 2-1 in yet another brilliant football match

Arsenal were bruised. Badly bruised. From the loss to Aston Villa, right after they beat Man Utd ,and then after that losing to Man City, by a very bad margin:3-0. Having lost 5 times already this season, they needed something phenomenal to beat the Blues. They had them: Fabregas and Van Persie.

The game started at a crazy tempo, with Arsenal struggling to gain possession in the first 15 minutes. Arsenal's defenders did well to deal with the onslaught, and it was new-captain Fabregas who forced Cech into a save just after 10 minutes. Cech blocked it and almost gave away the ball to Gallas, of all people, who couldn't capitalize and fell agonizingly short of the ball. A good move by the Blues saw Michael Ballack pass the ball to Bosingwa on the right, whose cross met Frank Lampard's head, only for it to be comfortably dealt by Almunia. The home side finally took the lead in the 30th minute, when a poor throw by Almunia gave Chelsea the possession, and Bosingwa's wicked cross was met by Johann Djourou, the Arsenal defender, who diverted the ball right past Almunia, who had done nothing wrong. There was nothing much after this, and the first half ended with Chelsea on the front, with a goal to their name(well Djourou's name actually:P).

The second half started exactly how the first half did, with Lampard almost doubling the lead and Anelka and Kalou making some crazy combinations. In the 59th minute,Adebayor headed the ball to Nasri, who poked it to Denilson. Denilson then slipped the ball to an offside Van Persie, who blasted the ball past Cech to give Arsenal a handy equaliser.
It couldn't get any worse for Chelsea. Just 2 minutes later, a Fabregas freekick was headed by Adebayor to Van Persie, who slotted the ball low in to the net to give Arsenal the lead for the first time. The match stayed on like this, with the Arsenal defence keeping their cool to steer them to a much needed win at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have had a very weird season, losing 12 points at home and absolutely nothing away. Compared to the Avram and Mourinho era, this was vague news. Fabregas inspired his team to a second straight win, continuing his unbeaten start as Captain of the Gunners. Wenger said yesterday, that Arsenal are a team of guns, which don't really know when to fire. Why do you need guns when you got Van Persie?:D

Utd edge City out in Manchester Derby

Manchester United held their nerve for 25 minutes with 10 men to win vs rivals City after an entire season.

United started dominating from the start and kept possession throughout the first half, creating chances but not finishing them.

Fletcher missed a beauty when he slipped a Park pass to him and Hart scooped up the ball. When it seemed that united will not get a goal, a scuffle within the box saw Carrick snatch the ball from the defenders and attempt a shot from the left, but Hart stopped the kick, only for him to spill it to Rooney who popped it past him that very instant.

The lead settled, United started to pass, but City kept showing signs of coming back. An Ireland header seemed to be going in but it shaved the right post. Robinho could not handle his compatriot  Rafael Da Silva, as seen in the pic. 

With 30 min left, Ronaldo went in for a silly tackle to Wright Phillips, to get booked a yellow. 8 minutes later, he deliberately handled the ball from a corner to get a second yellow and was sent off.

But City could not capitalise and in a last ditch effort in the dying minutes, bought Hart all the way from their goal to the opposite side for a corner. City nearly scored, but the ball was cleared off the line, only for a city defender to lose it to a United player. Hart was in the Manchester half, and the goal was unguarded. Hart immediately sprinting towards his unprotected goal with a defender. Rooney shot the ball from halfway to a seemingly open goal as Hart was at a race with the ball above him. He managed to tip the ball away before it could enter the goal. 

United did win but not convincingly. Ferguson will be worried to the core that his team has not capture their last season's form. Good luck Fergie!!!

In other matches, a sudden Pienaar strike was enough to topple Tottenham as Moyes' side got full points without main striker Yakubu. Bolton embarassed Sunderland after Cisse put the hosts forward early. But two strikes in a few minutes put Bolton forward. Elmander then finished the game with a brace as Roy Keane's side had to put up with yet another bad defender day as they lost 1-4.

Portsmouth nearly lost a good lead after a 2-0 lead when Crouch and Defoe put Pompey forward. But Cruz and another midfielder equalised before a substitute saved Portsmouth the blushes. Liverpool too lost the chance to go on top by three points after Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 ( read in other article). Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw with West Ham, and they are just a point above Chelsea.

  

  

Young Gunners sink Man Utd.

Arsenal came back to form with a boosting victory against Manchester United. The young team, who were playing at home, without red carded Van Persie and injured Adebayor, played a 4-5-1 strategy instead. 

Arsene Wenger gave Bendtner a start as the lone striker, leaving Vela on the bench. Fabregas was given the space that he wanted in the centre, with Nasri and Walcott flanking him. Diaby and Denilson played the defensive role. 

ManU played their normal strong formation, with Neville in after nearly a year, and Berbatov and Rooney as the strikers. Sir Alex left out Nani, which was a big surprise. Ronaldo was of course there along with Anderson.

ManU started well, creating a few chances, and we could see the bad form haunting Arsenal. After a few minutes though, A

rsenal shook the Red Devils defence with a Bendnter header, whcih failed to hit the target. Then Arsenal started passing and passing, racking up 200 passes in 15 minutes. 

Rooney missed a beautiful chance as Berbatov set up Ronaldo on the right, and he feinted to pass to a free Roonney, and Wayne smashed the ball over the bar. Almunia then made a string of amazing saves to keep Arsenal afloat. 

Meanwhile on the other end, Van Der Sar was receiving a similar barrage of attacks. Halfway though the first half, Sagna ws fouled on the right wing and Fabreags took the freekick. He kicked it into the middle only for Berbatov to head it away to Nasri, and the French prodigy kicked with his weaker foot and the ball took a deflection off Neville to enter the goal past an infuriated Van Der Sar. 

Having the lead, Arsenal ended the first half on a high. Straight after the break, Fabregas stole the ball from Ronaldo and took the defence with him, and passed to a free Nasri in the middle, who smashed the ball into the left corner to give the Gunners a comfortable lead.

Immediately ManU led a counter attack and Ronaldo's kick shaved the left bar. ManU seemed to have no hope when just then talented teen Rafael Da Silva was brought in. The defender- cum- winger stole ManU hearts with his persistent crosses. Carrick then injured Almunia by kicking him on the jaw, and Fabianski was brought in.

In the 90' , Rafael's beautiful volley beyond Fabianski got the ManU crowd to their feet, but by then it was too late. Arsenal had already tooted the horn of victory.  IS THIS THE START OF A NEW ERA????        

Gunners Gunning for Garbage ...not the trophy.

Harry Redknapp took charge of his first game as Tottenham boss in the North London derby as the Premier League’s bottom side travelled to the Emirates.

The new manager certainly had his side motivated as they began the game in fine style, pressing and harrying Arsenal all over the pitch whilst also being unafraid to get forwards and attack.

Indeed with only minutes on the clock Tom Huddlestone had sent Gareth Bale scampering down the left and the Welshman hit the post from a narrow angle, to send an early warning to Arsene Wenger’s side.

Yet the situation was about to improve considerably and it took Spurs just over ten minutes to open the scoring, with a truly superb goal.

After some scrappy play in midfield, Jermaine Jenas chested the ball down to David Bentley who controlled the ball on the volley before his second touch sent a stunning, looping shot over Almunia from fully 40 yards.

The goal shocked the hosts but within minutes Van Persie had mustered two shots on target in response. The first, a free kick was well saved by Gomes before the Dutchman bent a second effort just wide of the post.

Yet Spurs were defending solidly, getting plenty of bodies behind the ball and forcing Arsenal into some uncharacteristically sloppy passing.

However, Arsene Wenger’s side are nothing if not persistent and with the pressure growing as half-time neared, the inevitable finally occurred.

After doing well to push a Cesc Fabregas effort around the corner, Gomes then made a mess of the resulting corner from which Mikael Silvestre headed home the equaliser.

The ball in from the right by Van Persie should have been claimed by the Spurs stopper yet the Brazilian got nowhere near the ball allowing Silvestre to head home with ease for his first Arsenal goal.

Less than a minute into the second half and Silvestre’s defensive partner William Gallas had put the home side into the lead.

A free kick needlessly conceded by Huddlestone was swung in by Van Persie and Gallas rose highest to nod the ball down and into the bottom corner.

With the lead established Wenger’s men threatened to overrun Spurs. Adebayor having the best chance on the hour mark.

Van Persie laid the ball off to his strike partner just inside the box but he could only smash the ball wide, much to Tottenham’s huge relief.

Minutes later Arsenal did have their third goal though. A wonderful pass from Van Persie sent Nasri sprinting through on goal. The Frenchman dinked the ball over the approaching Gomes and Adebayor beat Hutton to stab the ball home on the line.

The game looked over but within minutes Spurs had a goal back. Huddlestone’s shot was fumbled by Almunia and substitute Darren Bent was on hand to slot home and give Spurs hope.

Yet Van Persie appeared to have extinguished Spurs’ optimism in under a minute. Alan Hutton unforgivably giving the ball away to Adebayor who picked the Dutchman out and he simply smashed the ball home.

The game looked to be all but over but there was still plenty of action left. With minutes remaining on the clock Jermaine Jenas capitalised on a huge error by Clichy on the half way line to run through and coolly bend home an excellent finish to give Almunia no chance and the visitors a glimmer of hope.

A nervy few minutes ensued but Tottenham were not to be denied. A Modric shot from range hit the post and Lennon was on hand to slide the ball home and claim a late, late equaliser.

Arsenal pull back from goal down to beat Everton 3-1

Arsenal came back from a rusty first half to sway past Everton 3-1.

The Toffees stunned the fans at the Emirates just before the opening 10 minutes when Pienaar exposed Alex Song and gave a not so good cross, which was perfect for Osman to tap in past a dreaming Almunia. They almost scored again when Osman had a chance to chip the ball over Almunia, who came too forward for Arsenal's liking. Osman blasted the ball from 20 yards, only to see it take a late deflection of home debutant Mikael Silvestre for a corner. Even a header by Lescott was chested off the goal line by Gael Clichy.

Almunia was confused and distracted in that half, and was troubled by the Everton strikers. This match summed up probably his worst performance of the season.

Arsenal went into half time down 0-1, with Fabregas and Van Persie looking out of sorts. Toure was injured just before halftime, which forced Wenger into moving Song to central defence and using Eboue as the right back.

An Arsenal corner was not cleared properly in the 48th minute, allowing Silvestre to land the ball into Nasri's feet. Samir Nasri then thrashed in a fierce 25 yard drive, which took a light deflection of Lescott to go past Howard to cancel out Everton's first goal. The Gunners switched into kill mode from there on, attacking the Everton defence who were left dumbfounded. Arsenal were rewarded for their persistent attacking efforts in the 70th minute, when Fabregas passed to Adebayor in the penalty box, whose first touch wasn't that great. He returned the ball to Fabregas, who smacked it, only for it to be saved by Tim Howard, with Van Persie waiting next to him to head the ball in for Arsenal's second. Walcott rounded off the win with a clean finish in the 90th minute. He first used his customary run into the box, passed it to Diaby in front of him, who passed it back to Walcott, for him to place the ball into the bottom left corner.

Highlights!!!

Osman, 9th minute, 0-1
Nasri, 48th minute, 1-1
Van Persie, 70th minute, 2-1
Walcott, 45th minute, 3-1

no good!

It is almost a year ago to the day when Arsenal and Sunderland met for their first league meeting in 2007-08. The venue though was Emirates, and in a similar vein to the summer humdrum and falsely fruited predictions of this year, the Gunners were supposedly going to lose their top four position to hated neighbours Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal though marched on to a 3-2 victory that day, and the three points signified their tenth win (in all competitions), on the spin. And what they would do for that consistency now.

Arsenal are erratic. Losing 1-0 to Fulham at the Craven Cottage: looking forlorn, disjointed, and uninterested. Then beating teams like Newcastle, Bolton, and Blackburn by a convincing margin, only to get turned over by Hull at home.

Even Clichy confirmed that Arsenal were guilty of not taking their opponent seriously, an arrogance that could prove costly.

Roy Keane's mackems are a bolstered prospect one year on, and have the comfort of playing in front of a home crowd. Depending on the Arsenal that turn up, the Black Cats could strut away, roaring into the distance, ecstatic with all three points... or they could limp off the pitch, defeated, dejected, with their tails between their legs.


FIRST HALF

It was a typical northern encounter on Wearside as wet and windy conditions had a direct effect on the afternoon's play as both teams took a while feeling each other out and there were a few scrappy exchanges throughout the first ten minutes, but nothing penetrative.

Roy Keane would have been the more contented of managers with the early manner of his side's play and Djibril Cisse was unfortunate not to have taken the lead.

A poor Theo Walcott back pass was pounced on by Cisse but alert Manuel Almunia was quick to foil the threat. Two minutes later Cisse was again on the attack and lashed a ball goalward but Arsenal's Spanish stopper beat the ball over the bar.

When Arsenal were in possession Sunderland sat back and soaked up the pressure, standing off their man but snuffing out any potential threat. Roy Keane has clearly taken heed of Phil Brown's successful tactic last weekend when the Tigers left the Emirates with all three points.

The chances Arsenal do make though were spoilt by either wayward shooting, or poor decision making, and Theo Walcott was at the heart of both mistakes.

The visitors went into the break with the greater share of possession, and a late strike from Denilson that skipped inches wide of the post could have stolen a lead for the Gunners, but as half-time crept closer the scoreline remained deadlocked.


SECOND HALF

The first 15 minutes of the second half maintained the motif of the first half as Arsenal's passing play was frustratingly spoiled by misplaced final balls.

Theo Walcott, who was largely ineffective all game, was replaced by big Danish centre forward Nicklas Bendtner as Arsene Wenger tried to force the game.

Arsenal had the ball in the net on the hour mark as Theo Walcott sent a ball into the six yard box that Van Persie finished off, but the goal was struck off the record as Walcott was deemed to have taken the ball into touch prior to his cross.

Inside the final 20 minutes though a goal seemed increasingly likely as both sides threw more forward when attacking. Samir Nasri could have broken the stalemate after some sound combining play from Emmanuel Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas fed through the former Marseille midfielder, but the Frenchman's shot was too weak to trouble Craig Gordon.

Against all the predictions Sunderland took the lead from a powerful Grant Leadbitter shot and Arsenal conceded a second wonder-strike for the second week running.

The Gunners saved face though, and ensure the points were shared, when a Van Persie corner was headed home by a delighted Cesc Fabregas three minutes deep into stoppage time.

Arsenal dumped by Premier League newcomers Hull 2-1

Oh yea, Fabregas scores, and Hull come back with 2 more!

Gunners tear Bolton apart

There was a very good all-round game from Arsenal as they dispatched Bolton 3-1.
They went down in the 14th minute when Bolton's first corner was headed in by Davies after poor marking by the Arsenal defenders. Clichy had a chance to stop it, but he failed.

Arsenal awoke after the goal. There was consistent passing, with numerous number of attempts bouncing off the post, from Adebayor and Co. They were finally rewarded in the 26th minute after Bendtner set up Eboue to finish for his first goal in the league.

Arsenal were rewarded for their attacking style in the following minute when Bendtner dived the ball into the goal from a neat Denilson cross from the left side.

Bolton were being torn apart, Arsenal advancing in and trying to score from all possible angles. Arsenal rounded of the match 87th minute, when Theo Walcott, the man in tremendous form, ran towards the goal and passed the ball to Adebayor on the right flank, who crossed the ball to Denilson. Denilson then made light work of the poor defence by blasting the ball into the top right corner of the goal.

Highlights!!

Davies, 14th minute, 1-0
Eboue, 26th minute, 1-1
Bendtner, 27th minute, 1-2
Denilson, 87th minute, 1-3

Liverpool slip to give Arsenal and Chelsea the chance

The EPL has always been a roundabout. The best teams have always slipped up and their performance against the minnows has been critical. This season we saw Arsenal lose to Fulham and Manchester United draw with Newcastle. But the team that defeated the champions was to be victorious, or so everyone thought. But Liverpool has slipped up yet again to give the initiative to the rest of the big 4.

Stoke Goalkeeper Sorensen made a memorable performance to help his team salvage a point in the fixture after they had only 3 points from their previous games.

After defeating Manchester United and triumphing in the Champions League, everyone thought it was Liverpool's day, but the strikers could not get past the packed Stoke defence.

Had luck been on Liverpool's side they would have scraped through after a Gerrard free kick. As the midfield started celebrating his 100th goal for the club, the referee gave in a questionable offside. After that Stoke took the matter into their own hands and Salvaged a draw. Liverpool's next best chances were long range from Gerrrard and Alonso, but they could not pierce the defence and settled for a 0-0 draw.

Too many points have been dropped against minnows, and it is not the performances against the Big 4 , but against these smaller teams that matters to the victory of the EPL. Liverpool may have defeated Man Utd but they have lost the chance to go clear to the top with this regrettable draw.

Meanwhile Newcastle lost to an inspired West Ham 3-1. After the departure of KEVIN KEEGAN, the club has been put on sale for for 823 million dollars.

Though the Gunners came from one down to win, the main match is today between Chelsea and Man Utd. WHO WILL WIN IS ANYBODY's GUESS!!!