After a really unlucky loss at Old Trafford, Arsenal had to win against a Chelsea side they had not won against in five games. They also had to contend with Didier Drogba who had scored thirteen goals in the last thirteen games against the Gunners. This was probably the most important game of the season, as the consequences for the loss would have put to bed any Arsenal title aspirations. A loss would have also meant Arsenal dropping to forth in the table. A win, well, Arsenal go second, a mere two points off the top.

I was listening to a lot of people opinions, and the resounding feeling was that Arsenal would come short again against another big team. Anyone who was at Old Trafford would have seen how unlucky Arsenal were to lose, and came up against a team that once they got a goal were content to defend. The lesson learned out of that game had to be to create faster attacks, as the defence looked solid enough, surprisingly.

So when Chelsea came to town, my prediction was a 3-1 victory. I sent plenty of messages around, bragging that finally Arsenal would play well and come out with a win. The game started and Chelsea were content to sit and Arsenal began probing. Surely enough, attacks and chances came but it wasn’t until the forty-third minute when Arsenal scored. They deserved it, and it was just reward after plenty of possession and good play. The ball came in from Wilshere and Fabregas was felled in the penalty area only for Song to race onto the lose ball and calmly slot it in the corner. A great finish from a guy who is labelled wrongly as a defensive midfielder. He sits deep when needed but is a great footballer who loves to get forward. Already he has more goals this season (4) then his whole other seasons combined. One nil up at the break and Arsenal were good value for that.

In the second half, Arsenal to a man pressed high up the pitch and got two goals in quick succession. The first was down to Walcott’s pace and intelligence to put it on a plate for the captain. The second was down to a great pass from Fabregas, who returned the favour for Walcott, who finished stunningly. My prediction was right, but I thought we would get more. Instead, we did the Arsenal thing, and conceded straight away. The ground, which was buzzing, became very worried. To be honest, Chelsea didn’t create much, and Drogba didn’t look like he played! Arsenal looked good and had won the most important game so far in the title race.

They played like Champions, against The Champions, which as a fan was great to watch. Arshavin and Chamakh and Rosicky didn’t start, so will play in two days against Wigan. If we don’t win the next two games, this win won’t be as important. I think we are in a good position, and have created a four point gap against Chelsea and it is not even New Year. We have the potential. It is time we started showing it. A really fantastic performance, now lets build on it, the Arsenal way!

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The month of November brought the biggest low of the season, undoubtedly. And bought three consecutive away wins in the league, at hard places, Aston Villa, Wolves and Everton. The Champions League bought two defeats away to Braga and Shakhtar Donetsk. Arsenal went top of the league at the weekend, and can go top again, with Man United’s game being postponed and Chelsea at home against Everton, who are always tricky to play against.

Arsenal have also progressed into the Semi finals in the Carling Cup. I cannot believe the luck of the draw, but will welcome a bit of that! Without being arrogant, I think Arsenal will make it to Wembley, and dishing Roy Keane another defeat, certainly a nice cake topper.

Arsenal are back at home in the league after that fateful day when we handed, handed a win to the world’s most noisiest neighbours. The first half was like a symphony, each attack built up into a crescendo of happiness, as oles rang out as the half drew to a close at two nil up. And then, despair. All of our own doing. In my mind we had arrogance, and the team need to fix themselves up, and go on and win a trophy. No excuses now. That should serve as a bad memory, never to be emulated again and become a motivation for a better stab at the title and cup competitions. It was a shambolic, utterly humiliating defeat at home from a seemingly untouchable position. Almost unforgivable.

The home record has to improve. In contrast to the away form, at Villa Park, the fans were amazing, the players looked well up for it, and the passion was there. I have had to question whether they really care, but after the game, it was there for all to see, even as they boarded the team bus after. If there is no win against Fulham, there will be no point in rushing the captain back for the trip at Old Trafford. It is time to make The Emirates a fortress. It is time for the players to be brave and play with the shackles off (as the boss would say!). It is time to put a league campaign together, and remind everyone, Arsenal are still there and fighting.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Arsenal storm back into the Premier League title race and positively stamp their mark on this season. Is this the dates we as Arsenal fans look back to and believe they came of age in a must win clash of titans in the City of Manchester Stadium? I think so. Arsenal inflicted the first time City have lost at home this season. Not bad. Beating City three nil at their place is brilliant, especially because of the elevated ambition over there. Chamakh, once again was fouled and again, deemed a red card offense. The Moroccan international’s quick feet and pace, draws the fouls and stupid decision making from opposing players. This in turn has softened the blow of losing Van Persie.

A win at City, was followed by four at St James’s Park. Walcott, and Bendtnar started and had bagged goals. The performance was a strong attacking one, and I was surprised Fabregas came on. I think Arsenal can win the Carling Cup, but I wouldn’t be devastated if we didn’t. I look at Chelsea under Mourinho, the first trophy they won, was the Carling Cup. They went on to win the League and became established title challengers. This Arsenal team has a lot to prove, but the dreamer in me, started to believe.

West Ham, before the game at the weekend, we residing in the relegation zone. I will be honest, I expected to steam roller them, but as always, Robert Green had a great match against us. Save after save made me think that this would be one of those days. In the past, Arsenal have settled for the point, and huffed and puffed at the oppositions tactics. Not this time, with the amazing Alex Song scoring a late header.

Arsenal look stronger, and the bench is of pure quality. To take off Arshavin, and put on Walcott, with Van Persie and Ramsey to still come back, was a huge indication of the power running through the squad. This performance has got to be a benchmark in which the team must carry on.

Song looks to be the most attacking defensive midfielder in the world, but he was aware the importance of the victory, when Arsenal were producing wave after wave of attacks. He keeps getting forward, as it pushes the creative opposite players back, and confuses most.

These last few games have produced unlikely heroes, in Song and the improved Fabianski. They must continue to grind and work hard for wins, as Chelsea and the controversial Manchester United won’t slip up. As long as Arsenal take it one game at a time, and the injuries are kept to a minimum, there might be something to celebrate come the end of the season.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

I didn’t manage to get on here for the Man City match report, but I’m sure you all got to watch it. What a game eh?

Well the Man City game has been and is now slowly going, as we prepare for the match tonight against newly promoted Newcastle, in the Carling cup.

It seems as though Wenger has decided to take a different approach to the cups this season, as he admitted that we would field a strong side. Personally, I feel as though that’s the best option, as Arsenal Football Club, needs a cup. Whether it’s the carling or the champo league cup, the Emirates needs a new cup painted across it. But the Champo League Cup would luck pretty.

Onto the game.
Newcastle aren’t expected to field their strongest side, as they are hoping to stay in the league above other things. But this doesn’t mean to they won’t have a eager side.

They are without Big Sol, and Steven Taylor, so expect a young back line. I expect Arsenal to win, with our free flowing football being too much for Newcastle. But we have to remain concentrated, as this Newcastle side ended Chelsea’s run in the competition. 

Laurent Koscienly has recovered from his back injury. Bendtner, who managed to get the third against City, is back in contention to play along with Walcott. Szczesny will play, as Mannone is at Hull.

Expected Line-up –
GK- Szczesny
RB – Eboue
CB – Djourou
CB – Koscielny
LB – Gibbs
CM – Lansbury
CM – Eastmond
CM – Rosicky
LF – Vela
CF – Bendtner
RF – Walcott
This is a strong team, and would finish above Newcastle’s first x1 in the PL, so we should be able to get past a weakened Newcastle. Expect to see JET play maybe even start.

Bring on Newcastle!

Do you agree with the match line-up? Score Predictions?

GoonerSOnline Prediction -
Tough one this, once we get one I can see us getting 4. Hmmm.

4-2 Arsenal!

You can watch Newcastle United v Arsenal live online as well as dozens of other Carling Cup games and football matches from around the world. See our Carling Cup Live Football page for more.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Wow, what a week. Arsenal look back on track with wins over Birmingham and Shakhtar Donetsk, both without exerting too much effort. However, the Sunday’s game against Manchester City will probably be a bigger test than any other in the season. Dropping points to Chelsea was expected to most, but I genuinely believe Arsenal need a beautiful performance, along with a win to stamp their mark on the league.

Arsenal are playing some great football, but I think if they play to their potential, Manchester City will be no problem. It’s a huge shame that the boy wonder Jack Wilshere will not be playing after his over-zealous tackle on Zigic. These tackles happen, and I think Jack is at literally the best club possible to become the complete player. When you see a shockingly intelligent player of Wilshere’s age, it is no wonder that Arsene Wenger refused to buy the biting midfield player that all Arsenal fans had clammered for.

The best part to most people is that he is English. So he will get away with a lot in this country, as everyone wants the National team to do well. To be honest, I am not too concerned where Wilshere was born, all I care about is the welfare of Arsenal.

When looking at the first team, there is a better variety of centre-backs in Squillaci and  Djourou, with Vermaelen and Koscielny still to come back. Wilshere is new to the midfield and the wonderfully skilled, Marouane Chamakh completes a new look Arsenal. Manuel Almunia won’t play again, with Fabianski starting to look at the player the boss must see in training. No stupid mistakes and the goals he has conceded have been of high quality or luck. Cesc Fabregas will get back to full sharpness soon, as well as Walcott and Bendtnar doing the same.

I do not believe Manchester City are doing anything wrong. Chelsea were exactly the same. They looked over to Arsenal, who were the best, and decided their aim was to overtake them, including bidding for Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieria, and tapping up Ashley Cole. United are the force in Manchester, and City have looked over and already bought Carlos Tevez and are linked with The talisman of Manchester United, Wayne Rooney.

Arsenal have an opportunity to overstep Liverpool and Manchester United in this season, but are up against the money soaked sugar daddies in Chelsea and Manchester City. They have to prove that money doesn’t buy everything, and the perfect starting point will be by winning at Eastlands on Sunday.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The game last night, made me and I expect everyone else, proud to  be a Gooner.

Last night, just as the Braga game, we were brilliant.

Shakhtar Donetsk, was the team I expected to challenge us, but after tonight, I believe we can beat Manchester United’s record of 20 goals in the champions league in 1998/99.

The Game
We took the lead, on the 19th minute, from a lucky goal for Alex Song. There was an awful error from the Shaktar keeper, Pyatov. He dropped the ball onto Djourou’s feet, who managed to stab the ball towards Song, who tried a little flick which was blocked. Luckily, the clearance ricochets off Song and into the net.

Arsenal’s second goal, came on the 42nd minute thanks to a goal from Nasri. Song played a great ball through to Nasri, who skipped past Kucher before firing a fierce shot past helpless Pyatov.

The third game, soon followed. And again, it was an Arsenal goal. This time, on the 60th minute, Luiz Adriano, dragged Djourou to the floor, resulting in a penalty, which Fabregas slotted away before revealing a lovely  birthday message for his mama.

6 minutes later,  Wilshere scored the best goal of the game. Chamakh’s neat flick set Wilshere on his way, who played a quick one-two with Nasri before chipping the keeper with ease.

And Arsenal weren’t finished yet. 3 minutes later, we scored our final goal, our fifth. A lovely ball over the defence from Nasri, finds Chamakh, who thinks he’s offside, as does everyone else, but is waved on, to slot the ball past Pyatov.
Shaktar managed to get one back, and surprisingly, we celebrated the goal. This is because it was scored by former Gooner Eduardo. The whole stadium celebrated the goal from Eduardo, which is another reason why I am proud to be a Gooner. We appreciated how much work he put in for us, and how unlucky he has been. I am glad his future in football is positive, and good luck to the lad.

The Goals

Bits & Bobs –
“Arsenal are better than Barcelona”

“They are a very quick squad whose offensive players are really strong and aggressive,” Srna told The Sun. “I would say they are performing even better than FC Barcelona now.
“But we are also a good squad with strong players. Shakhtar always create lots of attacks but, perhaps, there will be less offensive action here in London.”

Well that’s the views of Shaktar player Srna before the game. Hear that Cesc?

Arshavin believes Wilshere is the better player.

“Maybe we’re similar in height and build, but we have different styles.
“I think he’s better than me even now, he’s playing so well at 18-year-old.
“Everyone knew he had big talent and now he’s at an age where he can show it more.”

And…. I agree. Do You?
As I write, Spuds are 4-0 down to a team we beat 5-1. 5-1 (Inter Milan (a) 25 Nov 2003-UCL Grp Stge1)

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The following article refers to an older Arsenal v Birmingham game. Get the latest Arsenal v Birmingham City news here.

Morning all, Arsenal came back from a goal down yesterday, to take all 3 points.

The Game

Ok, so the game wasn’t fantastic, and Arsenal didn’t play fantastic, but it was better than the Man Utd game and that managed to get on first on MOTD.

The game was a vey important one, because losing the game, could of actually ruined our chances of the title this year. But were back into in, with Chelsea and Man Utd both dropping points.

As for how the game went, well we missed numerous chances to go ahead, once again, and we were punished. Zigic, the PL’s biggest player just rose a tad on his tip toes, to direct a great cross past a helpless Fabianski.
We should be thankful to this goal, because it made the lads realise they were playing to win and take all 3 points. Wilshere began to glide past numerous challenges one after an other, over and over again, which finally resulted in the penalty. My thoughts on the penalty, is that Dann made a stupid challenge, which Chamakh made advantage on.

Was It a dive?

• Yes.
• Chamakh had already decided to go to ground before the Dann challenge.
• Dann’s challenge just made it easier for Chamakh.

I expect you to disagree, but what would you think as a neutral? Exactly.

As for the winning goal, it was all down to Wilshere again. He hovered over the pitch yesterday, and played players in just as Cesc does. He looked like a young Cesc. Wilshere played in Chamakh, who had a bit of luck but kept his nerve at the end and delightfully took it round the keeper and notched his 3 goal of the season.

Finally, the sending off. Was it right?

• Course it was.
• No-one can complain, he went in with his studs raised.
• Would of liked Wenger to of said, ‘I didn’t see it’.
  

  Match Highlights Including Wilshere’s red card

Arsenal v Birmingham City

To wrap it up, Fabianski was great when called upon, Wilshere was brilliant minus the red card, Nasri can take penalties and Song is no longer playing as a striker.

Lets take this win into the game against Shaktar and hopefully City will pick up a few injuries.

Player ratings to follow with a special What’s wrong with our little Russian?

Related articles

• Wenger accepts Wilshere had to go (mirror.co.uk)
• Arsenal Win Despite Wilshere’s Folly (aculturedleftfoot.wordpress.com)
• GoonerSOnline

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Afternoon all, we had to go without any Premier League games at the weekend, because of the international break. Maybe if England played good football, I wouldn’t mind. At least Wilshere  is in the squad.

Now onto the news.

There’s not much of it, because of the International break, but here goes.

Jack Wilshere, has spoken out over Arsenal’s title chances after the 2-0 lose against Chelsea.

Wilshere told the club’s official website:

“It’s still early days, we’re definitely still in it.

“I know we are seven points behind, but I think Chelsea will definitely drop points and we’ve just got to capitalise when they do.

“Hopefully there aren’t too many injuries (ahead for us) but if there are we’ve got a big squad and we can cope.”

I completely agree with Wilshere, because Chelsea will drop points, unlike the invincibles, they are beatable and will be beaten. When and how many times is another question. But we need to forget Chelsea, and play our own game. There is a long way to go yet and we have every chance of bringing the Premier League trophy home.

Now onto the final news of the day.

Italian stopper, Vito Mannone, has spoke out over his frustration of lack of games. Last year, Vito played 9 games. And in those 9 games, we didn’t lose one. Three of those games, were a 3-2 win over Standard Liege, a 4-0 win over Wigan and a 1-0 win over Fulham. In the 1-0 win over Fulham, he picked up the man of the match and he described his performance as the highlight of his career.

“I am happy in London,” he said in Gazzetta dello Sport. “I love the Premier League.

“Last year I played nine games and with me, Arsenal never lost.

“They brought Almunia back and then Fabianski started in the game at Chelsea

“I get annoyed when I don’t play, it’s not as if the other two do that well.

“But if I’ve signed a contract extension until 2014 it is because they must value me.”

“I would consider a six-month loan deal just to play.”

I would love to see Mannone starting against the Brummies on Saturday,  because we know and I’m sure Wenger knows, Mannone is a fantastic shot stopper. Notice how I put shot stopper though.

He isn’t the best at crosses, and he could be louder on the pitch, but that would all come with match experience.

Well that’s your lot! Told you weren’t much news.

Any thoughts on the post, please share below.

GoonerSOnline

Taken from GoonerSOnline

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

It’s that time again, the biggest club in London goes face to face with the current Premier League Champions. Arsenal and Chelsea have just lost their first league games of the season and are both looking to bounce back in an eagerly anticipated battle at Stamford Bridge. Each club, while contrasting in football philosophies have great players, capable of winning the lot. The Blues have the most feared player in the Gunners mind, Didier Drogba. He’s big, strong and at the age of 32, still has the pace to ghost past defenders. His temperament has been questioned lately, but his talent is known to all. Not to mention the fabulous record he has against Arsenal.

Arsenal will be missing their midfield matador in Cesc Fabregas, and Chelsea missing Frank Lampard. Kalou and Benayoun are out for Chelsea, and Van Persie and Walcott are still on the comeback trail. These players will be a big miss, but new heros can rise, assembling cult status’s among fans. It really is an exciting time to be a fan of either team. Chelsea are looking to build on their recent success, with Malouda becoming the best left-sided midfielder in the country. He is fortunate to have a ‘footballistically’ speaking, amazing left back behind him in Ashley Cole, who himself formed sumptuous partnerships with his former teammates Robert Pires and Thierry Henry.

Arsenal have a young gem in Jack Wilshere. This kid, whose talent truly astounds me, at the age of eighteen, playing back-heels in back to back Champions League games is exciting. However, he’ll be up against a midfield of Essien and Mikel, who can pass and move, a surprise despite their huge frames. Wilshere will need the help of his teammates, who should provide him enough of the ball, so he doesn’t go missing like at Anfield. Unfortunately, there is huge pressure on him to become the next best thing out of England, and the microscope will be on Jack Wilshere’s game. I remember Lionel Messi as young as Jack coming to the Bridge and stamping his mark on world football. Maybe Wilshere is looking to do the same?

What is interesting to note is that Chelsea are the heaviest team in the Premier League, whereas Arsenal are the lightest. In the wild, the gazelle is a nimble animal that is constantly trying to outsmart and outrun the lion, who is the strongest. Chelsea hunt for the  ball in packs and attack with pure power, with rip-roaring speed. Arsenal have been accused of having a soft centre in the past, are they going to make the same defensive mistakes again? And can they finally beat the Kings of the Jungle with their own brand of overpassing, fluid football? Questions that will be answered come Sunday tea-time.

I think the players to watch on each team is Drogba for Chelsea and Sami Nasri for Arsenal. Both are in a rich vein of form, and are important to each team functioning effectively. I’m going 2-1 to Arsenal!

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

I live a stone’s throw away from the West Bromwich Albion ground. Its a great club, packed with wonderful supporters, many of which mirror the people of West Midlands, bubbly and friendly. The team plays lovely football, and many of my close friends are season ticket holders and we relive the beautiful football both Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion play.

As much as I have a soft spot for the Albion, Arsenal are always number one. I have always maintained that if Arsenal were to lose to a team, and they play fair, good football, then their can be no complaints, especially from me.

It is not a Premier League season for Arsenal without an embarrassing defeat. Last season was Wigan away, the season before that was Hull at home, before that was West Ham, well you get my drift. A 3-2 defeat at home to a team that boing-boings their way from relegation to promotion season after season sends shock-waves around the football world.

Frankly, for a team that aspires to be the League champions, it’s really unacceptable. West Brom lost away to Chelsea, shipping 6 goals. However, they got to grips with the league, recently beating Manchester City in the Carling Cup, and for me the most impressive result in beating Birmingham 3-1 at home. Birmingham do not concede many, and most of the time, the top teams find it hard to beat them.

So when West Brom came into town, never did I think for a second this would be an easy game. My fears were confirmed, with Albion controlling the game, missing a penalty. Of course, Arsenal had their moments, but when you want to be at the top, your every move is scrutinized.

To concede three goals, is honestly a complete joke. It doesn’t matter that Arsenal played 120 minutes midweek, and have injuries. It is in Arsene Wenger’s best interests to strengthen the team. By that I mean, of course Van Persie and Walcott will get injured, as well the fact that Nicklas Bendtnar came back from the World Cup injured.

No bite in the attack, with Fabregas out, no creativity. Arshavin and Narsi are wonderful to watch, but were the rest of the team? I cannot add to the questions surrounding Almunia as what point would there be? The world and his wife know Almunia has a loser mentality. He costs games and is probably the worst ever player to play for Arsenal.

I think Wenger needs to give a reserve player a chance. His dreams of winning the league are crashing and dying every time Almunia is on the team sheet.

I really hope this is a one off, but the set back is huge. With Chelsea losing to Man City, then the gap would have been only a point. The good thing is that Arsenal can get right back in it, with a win at Chelsea next week. However, with the defending and goalkeeping better suited to an amateur team, I really don’t have the highest of hopes.

The best thing with this time of the season, is that the games come thick and fast, so there would be no point dwelling, as we have a reunions with Eduardo and Ashley Cole coming up. Manchester United are having defensive problems of their own, but who cares? They always have a slow start, but get better throughout the season.

They only picked up a point and failed to capitalize with a draw at Bolton. So there is no major gap forming between the top teams. Arsenal have got let off, big time. Although the pride is hurt, and it will be difficult to pump my chest out wearing my beloved shirts around my area, I am just thankful that Arsenal are still in the race!

From Soccerlens.com - Football News