van Persie dependencia

Arsenal win for the three consecutive match after wrapping a 3-1 victory against Stoke City in Emirates Stadium. Gervinho opened the score receiving Aaron Ramsey's Fabregas-like chip pass, before Peter Crouch made it 1-1. After the introduction of Robin van Persie, Arsenal looked more lively and finally re-took lead after Robin van Persie converted Gervinho's assist. Robin van Persie scored double for consecutive EPL match after once again Gervinho provided nice pass to the Dutchman.

It's always good to win the game, but it's never good to rely on one player to win the game. Arsenal seems to have early sign they relying too much on the skipper, Robin van Persie. Arsenal seems find the Stoke defence far too solid to be penetrated before the talisman's introduction. However, just after Robin van Persie came off the bench, everything changed drastically. Arsenal's game improved a lot and by van Persie, they eventually scored two goals to seal the fourth victory on EPL.

Robin van Persie, someone Arsenal really rely to. (photos from Goal.com)

Last season Arsenal didn't rely on van Persie because they still had Nasri and Fabregas, but this season they really depend on the Netherland striker, not only technical needs but also as role model on the pitch, as the captain. But the dependence is getting higher and higher. Now, if van Persie plays well, Arsenal win, but if van Persie is playing poorly, Arsenal can't win.

It has been a long time since van Persie stays fit for one season, and Arsenal really need to provide plan-B without van Persie. Arsenal seems to lack of creativity on the attacking department without van Persie. Chamakh, who today given a start ahead of van Persie, can't contribute much. He is an ortodox hard-working target man, who doesn't comfortable playing alone upfront. He cannot offer something van Persie usually give, creativity. Park Chu-Yong is also not a creative striker. Wenger need to think more about the frontline without van Persie, just in case the dutchman is unavailable. Remember, he also only has less than two years in his contract. Should he not renew his contract, meaning he has to be sold next season, Arsenal has to be ready without the number 10.

Disappointing Transfer again?

On the end of the 2010/2011 season, Arsene Wenger said that Arsenal would have a busy transfer windows, which means every Gooner eagerly wait which player Arsenal would bring in. However, until now, seems Arsenal hasn't move well in this summer, with only buying Carl Jenkinson, a right back who is also able to play on the central of the defense from Charlton Athletic.

No one denied that Arsenal need to strengthen their squad. Arsenal looked really vulnerable at the backline and seems need more depth in their squad. Arsenal was quite promising in the beginning in of June. Media claims Arsenal have reached agreement with Ricky Alvarez, an Argentinian versatile right midfielder from Velez Sarzfield, and Gervinho, an Ivorian winger from French champion, Lille. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was also said nearing a move to Emirates Stadium. Then duo Blackburn's Christopher Samba and Bolton's Gary Cahill were said only one step away from Arsenal.

However, among those targets, there's no one officially goes to Arsenal. Even Arsenal finally lost Ricky Alvarez, who eventually chooses Internazionale as his destination. It is said that Arsenal doesn't want to spent 10 million on that promising player. He could develop into a 20-million-valued player in the next three years!

The bad news doesn't only come from the "into Arsenal" side. Arsenal is in verge of losing some key players because of lack of throphy. Gael Clichy already left the club with only seven million pounds. The skipper Cesc Fabregas would probably the next player who leaves Emirates this summer. The next is Samir Nasri, whose contract is only one year left. Nasri probably would move to the rival Chelsea or Manchester United, or will reunite with Clichy - to Manchester City. Robin van Persie already expressed his disappointment, could probably get out from Arsenal this season. Theo Walcott is targeted by Chelsea new manager, Andre Villas Boas. Galatasaray has already thown a 13.5 million offer for Arshavin. It would be very bad for Arsenal if all of them leave Arsenal.

Well, classic problem, money. Not only in transfer but also in the wages. Nasri wants more than 90000 pounds a week, and Wenger doesn't allow it. Arsene Wenger is too tight with the money. Every player has his own value. If you're good, you might get a good salary, that's logical.

Sometimes Wenger is right not to buy some overpriced player, but sometimes it's necessary to spend a huge amount of money to buy a world class player. A world class player usually wouldn't be available only for one million pounds.

Arsene Wenger might need to learn to spend money. Now it's up to him, whether Arsenal could win another throphy or not. It is true that money couldn't buy throphy, but with money you CAN transfer good players who would help you win the throphy. Remember, big spend meaning a big loss in the beginning, but if you can win a throphy, you could get back what you've spend, even plus the prestige! So, Wenger, with the money available from the board, don't be too tight with the transfer budget spend some money for the waited-so-long throphy!

Wenger might need to spend (pict source: sportsnathletes.com)

Arsenal's full season players rating (defender)

3. Bacary Sagna (8)
He is the most consistent Arsenal's defender, one of the best right back in premier league. Very solid in defense and clever positioning have been showed by the French right back. His crossing isn't bad either, while his link up with Theo Walcott is worked well too. He also has showed professionalism, after dropped to the bench by Wenger, he still played well, and later, said he is "99% for Arsenal", denying any chance of leaving Emirates Stadium in this summer

5. Thomas Vermaelen (6.5)
He was very unfortunate to spend most of this season on the sidelines. Arsenal really miss his presence. He was solid before his injury, making 3 appearances, as well as after his injury. His performance against Aston Villa was great, even it was his first game after sidelined for almost more than 9 months.

6. Laurent Koscielny (6.5)
A mixed performance in his first season in premier league. Could be as strong as a rock - unbeatable by anyone, when Arsenal faced Barcelona on the first leg of Champions League, the likes of Lionel Messi and David Villa couldn't do much against Koscielny. But also could be the weak link of Arsenal's backfour, like in home game against Tottenham. His concentration is also not too good, giving away a "free goal" to Birmingham in the final of Carling Cup. His tackling was reckless, earning many cards last season

18. Sebastian Squillaci (5.5)
A hight expectation were on his shoulder, when he came to Arsenal, as he was the most senior defender on the squad. However, he failed to show his quality he had in Sevilla, and many considered him as the weak link of Arsenal's squad. He made 32 appearances this season, because of Vermaelen's long term injury as well as Djourou's short term injuries. He is not strong and fast enough to play in Premier League. Probably offloaded by Wenger this season

20. Johan Djourou (7)
Superb comeback showed by the Swiss central defender. Missing out the whole champaign last season, he showed his potential, and become Arsenal's most reliable center back on 2010/2011. Would be an ideal partner for Vermaelen, if the Belgian defender hadn't been injured. Rarely on the spotlight, but he is one of the unsung heroes Arsenal have

22. Gael Clichy (6.5)
Alike Laurent Koscielny, he had many ups and downs this season. He often broke Arsenal's offside trap due to his not-so-good positioning. David Villa was able to score in Emirates, because a failed offside trap caused by Clichy. Despite his crossing wasn't too good, his work rate is unquestionable. His speed also makes him recovers easily after a mistake. However, a good defender rarely makes defending mistakes. With his contract running out on 2012, he is probably sold this season.

27. Emmanuel Eboue (6.5)
His playing time is limited because of Sagna's good performance. Eboue actually always showed his best when he is trusted by Wenger. He is a very attacking full back, and sometimes played on the right wing, as Arsenal is holding the scoreline.
However, he DID make one fatal mistake, making Arsenal conceded a last minute penalty against Liverpool, which ended with 1-1

28. Kieran Gibbs (6.5)
Again, another good players Arsenal have disrupted by injury. Kieran Gibbs was Gael Clichy's backup for last three season, but he could broke to Arsenal's starting line up, should Clichy leave the club. He was originally a winger, so it's not surprising to see him having a good technique and crossing.

48. Ignasi Miquel (6)
Only made two appearances against Leeds United, following the injury of Djourou, Koscielny, and Vermaelen. He showed great composure, and next year might be his breakthrough season.

Arsenal - Liverpool 1-1..

Arsenal were held 1-1 by Liverpool on the Anfield. N'Gog capitalized Arsenal's poor defending, while Pepe Reina's own goal saved Arsenal from the defeat on Arsenal's first match.

First half was Arsenal's game, they were controlling the match, passing well, even they didn't have much chances, it would probably the matter of time, until Arsenal score a goal.

Joe Cole was red carded for tackling Laurent Koscielny in the end of first half, and it means 11 against 10 for Arsenal. But on the beginning of second half, it was not Arsenal who took the lead, but Liverpool. Arsenal defended very poorly, Nasri giving the ball to Liverpool's side.

Well, after leading 1-0, Arsenal didn't respond well, they even showed their weak mentality, they were giving chance for Liverpool to expand their creativity, and Liverpool had some great chances - fortunately, the scoreline remained 1-0.

Arsenal then recovered, but Liverpool had gained some confidence, and they defended very strong. Honestly, Arsenal were quite lucky to get equalizer, even they had some chances to equalize. Pepe Reina was unstable while trying to catch the ball, and - as everyone knows - it's in. 1-1 for Arsenal

Well, It wasn't Arsenal's best performance, but it wasn't bad either. It was Liverpool who defended very well

The point of this game is Arsenal need to improve their defending, they were really vulnerable on the defence, and better teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Internazionale, and Chelsea could punish Arsenal with heavy defeat, IF they continue defending like that. There's still time for Arsenal to improve, before it's too late.

Tomas Rosicky should start from the beginning in the next match, and Wilshere could be dropped on to the bench, while Van Persie should play in front with Chamakh.

Hopefully, Arsenal could be better next match and win the EPL..

Attacking isn't a problem, but Defensive is a problem

Arsenal win the Emirates Cup, again, after beating Celtic 3-2. They finished the group with 8 points, from one draw (1 points ), one win (3 points), and four goals (4 points).

They played well, offensively. But, again, Arsenal wasn't very good on defense. On the first half they were very strong, with Manuel Almunia didn't do much in that match.

Then disasters came on 67th minutes. Jack Wilshere unintentionally fouled Marc-Antonio Fortune, and the referee gives Celtic a penalty, which Samaras failed to convert into a goal. But then, Arsenal looked to lost focus again, giving Celtic chance to dominate the game. And Celtic were able to score two goals, giving Arsenal unease condition, if Celtic had scored again, Arsenal would slipped into second place and lost the Emirates Cup.

Fortunately, Arsenal slowly regained their focus and concentration, and took the control of the game again.

They were playing at home, already conceding three goals from two match, that's not good. How could they survive against Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Internazionale??

Hopefully Arsenal could improve again, and they will win major trophy this season!

Don't leave Arsenal, Cesc!

Fabregas has heavily linked with Barcelona move, and he already desired his will to come back to his childhood club. Barca is said to already offer Cesc Fabregas with 30 millions pounds but Arsenal turned it down, because Arsenal wants 40 or maybe 50 millions for the gunners' captain

Well, Fabregas is definetely the key player of Arsenal, including the Captain of the club. Of course, Barcelona need to make a higher offer! Without any disrespection, Berbatov was bought by Man. Utd 30 millions, and Robinho was bought around that price too. Robinho was the one Madrid wanted to offload, and Man.City paid 30 milliosn. Fabregas, who is key player, and labelled not for sale, should be priced more. 50-60 milllions is reasonable for 23-years old star. Fabregas would be able to play at the highest level at least 7 more years.

Well, another reason is the competition for first team places in Barcelona. IF Fabregas leave Arsenal, would he still guaranteed first place? Barca has another excellent passers, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. While it isn't likely to see Barca changed their formation, Fabregas would play in midfield alongside Xavi and one defensive midfielder. Would Iniesta pushed forward, and forcing Ibrahimovic to the bench? Or Fabregas would only become supersub??

Fabregas could only be Prince in Camp Nou, while he is now a King in Arsenal!
Remember what happened to Thierry Henry and Aliaksandr Hleb when they moved to Barcelona! You could suffer the same too, Fabregas!

So, don't leave Arsenal, Cesc!

What Arsenal should do Next Season

It's another defeat, and It closed Arsenal's title chance. Chelsea had lost a day before, and Arsenal would be back in race IF arsenal win. The first half, Arsenal leaded 1-0 and extended their lead, 2-0 in the beginning on the second half, by Mikael Silvestre's header. But that's all, and Wigan took the control of the game and Arsenal didn't defended well. Clichy, Silvestre, and most notably Lukasz Fabianski made mistakes, and it's ended with 2-3 defeat.

It's another prone defending who makes Arsenal lost. Almost every loss suffered by Arsenal is caused by bad defending, from losing 1-2 from Man.Utd, 0-3 from Chelsea, then FA Cup exit by Stoke 1-3. Then, the 1-3 and 0-2 defeat from Man.Utd and Chelsea is also caused by some bad defending. Then 1-2 from Porto, 1-4 from Barcelona, 1-2 from Tottenham, and the last is 2-3 from Wigan. Don't forget 1-1 draw against Birmingham. It's all about bad defending. Without disrespect other teams ability, Arsenal would have got better result.

Arsenal undoubtedly need to strenghten their squad, especially the defensive force. The need-to-improve position is Defensive Midfielder, Goalkeeper, and also Center Back. Maybe Arsenal need a central forwarder, but if Marouane Chamakh has agreed a contract with Arsenal, there would probably not buying another central forwarder.

On the defensive Midfielder, Arsenal has a good defensive midfielder in Alex Song. However, there's no backups for Alex Song. Arsene Wenger always believe Denilson to replace Song, and if Song and Denilson is absent, the water-carrier position is given to Craig Eastmond. Denilson is a potentially-good player, but he isn't a defensive midfielder. He is physically not too strong, and he is more like a playmaking central midfield. Craig Eastmond is still too young to play on the highest level. Maybe Anthony Annan (Rosenborg / Ghana); Blaise Matuidi (St. Ettiene / French), who has already expressed his desire to play under Wenger; and Moussa Sissoko (Tolouse / French), is a possible transfer


Then Goalkeeper position, Almunia has been up and down this season, but still much better than second goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski. Vito Mannone is still lack of experience. Fabianski could be offloaded due to error prone. Sergio Asenjo (Atletico / Spain) would be perfect, and could be 1st goalkeeper, replacing Almunia. Sebastian Frey (Fiorentina / French) also reportedly being linked to Arsenal but it's unlikely for Frey to move.

The weakest position is the center back. Thomas Vermaelen is world class, William Gallas is strong, Campbell is dependable, but Mikael Silvestre is the main weakness! He is always been prone error, alongside Fabianski. Well, Silvestre is likely to offloaded in the end of season, while Gallas' contract is runing out and some clubs like AS Roma, and PSG has already declared interest. Campbell would renew his contract, but Arsenal still need another Central Defender, if Gallas leave or not. Mamadou Sakho (PSG / French), Frederico Fazio (Sevilla / Argentina), or Brede Hangeland (Fulham / Norway) would be great transfer for Wenger

Reportedly Wenger has 45 millions pounds to spend this summer, so Wenger should buy something, or Arsenal would probably have another title-less season..

Goodbye!

It's another lost Arsenal suffered and Arsenal have to say goodbye to the EPL title. Mathematically, Arsenal still has chance to dethrone Chelsea from the top as the gap is six points with twelve points available. But logically it's unlikely for Arsenal to go to the top. In addition, Vermaelen is reported got an injury so he's out for 2-3 weeks. With Silvestre and Campbell in the central of the defense, Arsenal would be more penetrable, as they both not so fast, and sometimes careless, especially Silvestre.

1-2 defeat from a city rival, Tottenham Hotspurs is really painful for Arsenal. A defeat from a rival is kind of unacceptable, and that defeat is also - as I said - almost denied Arsenal's title chance. Once again, with domination, but without killer instinct, Arsenal failed to win, and even lost.

But, it's football, even a smallest hope means the race isn't over, and I could only hope for a miracle..

2-2 draw against Barcelona shows Arsenal isn't a Pushover.

Arsenal return from 0-2 behind to 2-2 draw isn't best result Arsenal can get, but however it shows Barca couldn't easily beat Arsenal. Even though Barca is playing in Emirates, Barca had more possesion and more chances. The first half ended with 0-0 result, as Almunia made some good saves. Arsenal suffers more in the first half as Arshavin had to be substituted by Emmanuel Eboue and William Gallas had to be taken off for Denilson.

Great game showed by both team, playing attacking football. Arsenal shows no fear facing Barcelona with attacking football. Rarely a team brave enough to face barca with open play, and ususally Barca's oppostion opts to play defensively and search a counter attack goal.

However, Arsenal didn't do a good defending, and conceded two preventable goal. It was still the first minutes of second half when Ibrahimovic scored a goal, and looks like Alexandr Song, who pushed back to center back position, was out of position, and allowed Ibrahimovic to score. And it's also a miscomunication between Song, Vermaelen, and also Clichy who made Ibrahimovic escaped from an offside trap.

After Arsenal introduced Theo Walcott, everything changed, Arsenal got more chances, and also left flank from Barca is always bombarded. It's just few minutes after Walcott came in, Arsenal finally managed to score a goal. It's the substitute Walcott who score a goal, after getting through pass from Nicklas Bendtner. In the remaining 20 minutes, Arsenal looks likely to equalize, but it didn't happen until Fabregas' penalty. It was Puyol who obstructing Fabregas. Puyol was given a red card because he is the last man, and Arsenal got penalty. Fabregas did his job scoring the penalty. Arsenal back leveled. And the score remained till the end of first half.

2-2 actually gives advantage to Barcelona, who gets two away goals, but Arsenal is a team who can score in both home and away goal. But, seeing the Barca's domination, Arsenal would have a very hard game in Camp Nou 2nd leg, and Arsenal would miss Captain Cesc Fabregas after picking up yellow card. However, Barca is also missing Captain Carles Puyol and his center back tandem, Gerard Pique.

If Arsenal could play like second half last 20 minutes, Arsenal could beat any teams in the world!

Arsenal need to Improve

Arsenal failed to get 7th victory in a row in English Premier League after held 1-1 by Birmingham. Arsenal were struggling in first half but it's really Arsenal's second half. They had more than 10 chances but in the end they could only one goal could be scored. Arsenal should have had penalty on first half after Theo Walcott is brought down in the box.

Arsenal wouldn't win anything this season if they don't improve. They looked didn't have any creativity when Fabregas didn't make any impact in the midfield. Until Nasri and Arshavin comes in, Arsenal had few chance to score. Birmingham even had more chances. Arsenal should replace Nicklas Bendtner with other striker. Bendtner isn't bad, but he is really inconsistent, but usually he is flop of the team. Maybe Wenger should try to play Eduardo da Silva from the first minute or even Carlos Vela plays. Carlos Vela has a good potential but he hasn't got enough minutes of playing this season.

And it's right what Arshavin said, Arsenal need two or three more star player to win a trophy. Arsenal only has few world class player, Andrey Arshavin, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Thomas Vermaelen, and Robin Van Persie. And in the match against Birmingham, Arsenal only started with Cesc Fabregas. It's obvious Fabregas couldn't dominate the midfield. He need one or two tandem in midfield. Abou Diaby is good, but he is yet to show his peak performance.

Wenger might have played wrong formation, instead of putting Mikael Silvestre on the center back, Wenger tends to make Song the central defender. Song is a good defender. But he is more needed in the midfield. This season, Arsenal has been struggling without Alex Song in the Defensive Midfielder, and Wenger must have realized that. Denilson is more like an playmaking midfielder. I have to admit he is good, but he isn't suitable to be a defensive midfielder.

A match against Barca is waiting in the midweek. Arsenal have to forget the draw against Birmingham. They'll have to do they best. Without disrespecting Birmingham, if they couldn't beat Birmingham, how would they beat sextuple "Los Fantasticos" Barcelona. C'mon Wenger, Prove a Point! You're a great manager, and show to world that you can beat Barcelona!!

Similarities between Arsenal and Persib

I've seen some similarities between my favourite club, Arsenal, and my hometown club, Persib.

1. Strong Goal-Scoring Defender
ARSENAL: Thomas Vermaelen
PERSIB: Nova Arianto
Both are a strong defender, and capable of scoring goals. They often go forward to help scoring goals. Nova Arianto has scored three goals in this season, while Thomas Vermaelen has scored seven goals in Premier League.

2. Small-agile Playmaker
ARSENAL: Cesc Fabregas
PERSIB: Eka Ramdani
Both is a great playmaker in their class. Cesc Fabregas, who is currently Arsenal captain has been in superb form this season, scoring 18 goals in all competition. Eka Ramdani only scores three goal, but he is an integral part of Persib. Other similarities, is, despite being key player of their own team, they aren't first choice in the national team. Cesc Fabregas is second option for Vincente del Bosque's team after Xavi Hernandez, while Eka Ramdani isn't first team regular in Indonesian National Team

3. Rejoin-Veteran Defender
ARSENAL: Sol Campbell
PERSIB: Aji Nurpijal
Both Sol Campbell and Aji Nurpijal had already left the club, but they decide to return to their old team.

4. Supersub
ARSENAL: Eduardo da Silva
PERSIB: Budi Sudarsono
Both aren't first team choice but often used in squad rotation or become a supersub. They're also first choice in their national team. Eduardo is first team regular in Croatian National Team, while Budi Sudarsono is a key player for Indonesian National Team.

5. Title Hope
This season, both teams had already written off from champions' candidate for their own league. But now, they're considered as a title challenger. Persib is 6 points off league-leader Arema, while Arsenal only two points away from MU.

Arsenal - west ham analysis

Arsenal has already gone to the top, although might be go back to second or third place after man.utd and chelsea played their game tonight. 10-men Arsenal beat West Ham 2-0 by a decent performance. It wasn't Gunners' best, but they won through a hard work and much effort.
West Ham gives Arsenal a test, they're pressing so Arsenal didn't have much room to freely taking the game. Even when 11 against 11, West Ham looked threatening. Well, this victory is good for Arsenal. one man down is never easy for any team. Wenger made a good changes with subbing Bendtner with Diaby not long from the start of second half. Diaby gives Arsenal power in the midfield, after Song pulled to the center back, that's what Arsenal need.
Besides Vermaelen foul, Arsenal did a good defending. Personally, I think it shouldn't been a penalty and red card because it's just a body contact. But, thanks to Almunia who brilliantly blocked Alessandro Diamanti, who played very well yesterday, penalty. It might be another luck for the gunners, after Cole's shot has been denied by the post.
Arsenal still could improve on attacking. They had some good chances but failed to score, mostly because of not so accurate pass near the penalty area. If they don't maximize their chance, they could be punished with a bigger opponent they'll face, like Barcelona. They still had chance, but they have to improve their attacking.

Hull 1 ARSENAL 2

Arsenal beat Hull 2-1 in KC Stadium. Despite victory, Arsenal must wait till the injury time of second half to score the second goal. It was an even game, with Hull pressing everytime Arsenal held the ball, Arsenal didn't have much room to improve. However, Arsenal score the first goal after Andrey Arshavin beat 2 defenders and smashed the ball into Boaz Myhill's goal. 0-1 for Arsenal lead. Hull equalized after Jan Vennegoor brought down by Sol Campbell and the referee points the spot, Jimmy Bullard succesfully converted the penalty. 1-1. However, from the replay, it's clearly that before Jan Vennegoor brought down, he was in offside position, and the assistant didn't flag up! On the end of first half, George Boateng was sent off after getting second yellow card, and Hull must defended with ten players.

On the second half, Hull defended very well and looks like Arsenal wont able to score a goal. But, after Theo Walcott and Eduardo entered the fray, everything changed. Hull's defence looked more likely to be penetrated. Walcott's movement always worry the opposition team. Despite many chances, Arsenal still failed to score the goal until 90th minutes. Andrey Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner, and Theo Walcott missed some good chances. On injury time, Denilson tried a long range shoot. The shot was blocked by Myhill, but Nicklas Bendtner took the rebound and scored the second goal. 1-2, Arsenal lead again. And Hull couldn't equalize again. It's Arsenal's victory


ARSENAL'S MOM:
Bacary Sagna
didn't make any mistake and strong on the backline and supports the attack well. worked well both with eboue and walcott

ARSENAL Player Rating vs Burnley

1. Manuel Almunia 6.0
The only Burnley goal isn't his fault. He caught the ball well and didn't make any mistake.

22. Gael Clichy 6.5
Didn't come forward often on the first half but give good attacking support on second half.

5. Thomas Vermaelen 6.5
Solid on the back, but rarely coming forward like usual

18. Mikael Silvestre 6.0
Defended well but lost concentration once on Burnley's goal

27. Emmanuel Eboue 7.0
Getting forward often and solid on the back. Solid game for the Ivorian.

15. Neves Denilson 6.5
Diciplined to cover the backline

4. Cesc Fabregas 7.5
The captain is on the field less than 45 minutes but managed to score a goal.

8. Samir Nasri 8.0
The dirigent of Arsenal after Fabregas taken off. Threatening Burnley with couple dangerous runs.

7. Tomas Rosicky 6.5
Had a great chance to open the score. But faded on the second half.

14. Theo Walcott 8.0
Great game for the young winger. Answer everyone critics with his performance tonight. But the question is can he be consistent like this?

52. Nicklas Bentner 4.5
7 chances 5 golden chances but no goals. no more explanation needed..

SUBS

2. Abou Diaby 7.0
Replacing Fabregas and give strength to midfield.

9. Eduardo da Silva 5.5
Missed one good chance but in overall didn't contribute much

23. Andrey Arshavin 6.5
Score the third goal for Arsenal but didn't have his best night

ARSENAL 3 Burnley 1

Arsenal beat Burnley 3-1 on a fine afternoon on Emirates Stadium. Arsenal tried to dominate the game from the beginning. Tomas Rosicky had his shot over the bar and Cesc Fabregas saw his shoot wide from the target. Then Arsenal took lead on 33rd minutes after Samir Nasri lobbed the ball through four Burnley's player and Cesc Fabregas hits the ball low between Brian Jensen's leg. 1-0 for "the Gunners". Not long after that goal, Cesc Fabregas is substituted by Abou Diaby. Wenger might want to rest Fabregas for next match against Porto. Two minutes later, Nicklas Bendtner had a very good chance after Eboue crossed the ball, but he missed it. And the 1-0 score remained until half time.
On the second half, Bendtner (again) had a great chance after Walcott sends the ball to the penalty area, but Bendtner heads it wide although he is unmarked. David Nugent shocked Emirates Stadium after equalizing the score, Thomas Vermaelen and Mikael Silvestre lost concentration and Nugent took that chance. But the 1-1 score only lasted 10 minutes, Theo Walcott dribbled the ball from right flank into the middle and placed the ball to the bottom left of the goal. 2-1 for Arsenal. After that goal, Arsenal had more than five chances but incredibly none of them become a goal. Burnley also had two chances but it saved by Almunia and over the bar. At least, Arsenal ensured the victory after Andrey Arshavin scored a goal in injury time. 3-1 for Arsenal. Arsenal now had the same points with Chelsea but had already played one games more than Chelsea

ARSENAL only 3 points more from Chelsea

Arsenal cuts the deficit from Man.United and Chelsea as they beat Stoke City 3-1 in Brittania Stadium, where in other match Chelsea suffered a 2-4 home defeat from Man.City. Now Arsenal only 2 points behind MU and 3 points behind Chelsea.

Although coming home with a victory, Arsenal were behind in 8th minutes. Rory Delap's thorpedo throw is flicked by Ryan Shawcross and Danny Pugh headed it into Manuel Almunia's goal. 1-0 for Stoke. Arsenal could equalize the score after Nicklas Bendtner headed Fabregas' crossing on 32 minutes. Generally, Arsenal had more ball possession in this first half.

On 66th minutes, Ryan Shawcross was given red card after tackling Aaron Ramsey recklessly. Ramsey was injured after tackled, and later it's known that Ramsey's leg is broken and he is out till the end of season. Facing 10 players, Arsenal had more domination on Stoke, but still couldn't score a goal again, until Fabregas' penalty goal on 90th minutes. Danny Pugh, the Stoke goalscorer, got his hand on the ball, after Bendtner tried to lift the ball, PENALTY! Fabregas made no mistake, and it's a goal. On injury time, Vermaelen ensured Arsenal vicotry after finishing a close range shot, from Cesc Fabregas assist..

Arsenal took the three points, and still on the way to EPL Title. At least, Arsenal also succeeded to win in Brittania Stadium, where arsenal had lost twice on last two years.