Only luck, or maybe the referee..

Arsenal suffered third consecutive defeat, this time on the same place where they beat the newly crowned champions four weeks before. This time, it's Aston Villa who stole a victory in Emirates.

Arsenal started the game poorly, while Aston Villa dominating the game. Two failed offside trap successfully maximized by Darren Bent to score twice. Arsenal gradually played better than the first fifteen minutes but Aston Villa had already gained some confidence. Even Arsenal keeps controlling the game and having some chances, Aston Villa's goal remained clean until the end of first half.

Arsenal should've got a penalty while Ramsey got a great pass from midfield, and only Brad Friedel to beat. Richard Dunne kicked Ramsey's right foot, leading to a miskick, but the referee didn't point the spot. It was clearly a penalty, and even Richard Dunne could have got a marching order. Robin van Persie also saw his shot hit the post. Arsenal were unlucky not to score a goal in the first half.

Arshavin failed to make an impact in this match (photos from FIFA.COM)

Arsenal fully dominated the second half. Arshavin shot just saved by Brad Friedel. Robin van Persie gave nice pass to Kieran Gibbs but wonderfully blocked by one of Aston Villa's defender. Robin van Persie had one one-on-one situation but Brad Friedel once again denied it. The introduction of Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner brought good impact. Marouane Chamakh even scored a goal, but it was ruled out because the ref tought it was a foul. Actually it was a perfect goal, no offside or foul.

Arsenal had plenty of chances, but only one goal could be scored, by Robin van Persie. Bendtner recieved a good pass, but he was fouled, and the ball chipped by Robin van Persie. 1-2 for Arsenal, with only one minute remaining on normal time. Four minutes of injury time was not enough for Arsenal to equalize, and they suffered second home defeat this season.

In fact, Arsenal didn't play badly, especially in second half, they controlled the game, almost a one-way game for "the gunners", they only lacking of finishing in the final third, they had 24 shots. They also were unlucky not to be given penalty in the first half, plus one hit the post shot. Well, that's the positive thing in this defeat

See you next season

Arsenal mathematically lost hope to win this year Premier League after losing 1-3 against Stoke City in Brittania

Ramsey in action against Stoke (photos from Arsenal.com)

Again, another bad defending by Arsenal defenders. And as usual, Arsenal had most ball during the match without effectively using it, and Arsenal were 0-2 down on the first half.

Robin van Persie just gave Arsenal hope by scoring a goal, making the scoreline 1-2. But Arsenal conceded again.. 1-3, and the game ended.

Another bad defending, another defeat, and another trophy-less season.. What an irony

What could have been happened if Arsenal hadn't lost in Final of Carling Cup

If you want it all, you will lose it all
Arsenal's supporters must have realized the meaning of that phrase.

Arsenal was in position to win quardruple this season, just before the Carling Cup final. They was already in final of Carling Cup, only Birmingham to be beaten in the final. They already had the good position, leading 2-1 against Barcelona on the second round of Champions League, they were still playing in FA Cup, plus 2nd position in Premier League, with some points from Manchester United but easier fixtures remaining.

But Arsenal surprisingly lost 1-2 against Birmingham. And since then everything went wrong. Losing 1-3 from Barcelona, to be knocked out from Champions League; 0-2 defeat against Manchester United; plus many bad results in Premier League, earning 0-0 draw against Sunderland and Blackburn, 1-1 vs Liverpool after leading on 95th minutes, 4-4 vs Spurs after leading 4-1, and even losing 1-2 against Bolton. They only got one victory from Blackpool. In the fixtures they should've earned 18 points, they only got 7 points, and now the EPL title is gone away.

They still lack of maturity

What could be concluded? Arsenal is still lacking of maturity. They do not know how to react after a defeat. They simply lose confidence after lost against Birmingham. And even Man. Utd had a poor form, Arsenal had a worse form, so Man. Utd stays in the top.

What could have been happened if Arsenal hadn't lost in Final of Carling Cup? Arsenal might have been in the top of the table, or they might have sealed the title now. They might be the only who will fight against Real Madrid in the UCL, or maybe they are the one who will face Stoke City in the FA Cup final. Yeah, if only they hadn't lost in the Final of Carling Cup

Nice Win, but it's all too late

Arsenal hit Manchester United 1-0 by Aaron Ramsey's goal.

Ramsey scored against Man. United (photos from FIFA.COM)

It was probably Arsenal's best performance since they beat Barcelona 2-1. Even without Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal was dominating the game, defending well, even in the final 20 minutes they were always under pressure. They controlled the game well, giving constant pressure and created several good chances, even they failed to scored on the first half. It was just about time before they could score. They should've got a penalty when Nemanja Vidic handballed Walcott's cross, but the referee only gave Arsenal a corner kick.

Aaron Ramsey scored his first goal since his comeback, and proved his quality. His composure, placing the ball to the far post, showing his maturity. Arsenal continued their pressure and almost added some goals, but they didn't. Last 20 minutes, it was Arsenal's defence to be tested. Szczesny put couples of good saves, while Koscielny, Djourou, and Squillaci shows their strength on defence.

Arsenal reduced their gap with Manchester United, now 3 points from Chelsea and 6 points away from the top of the table, but with only 3 games remaining, it's only a miracle which could make Arsenal lift the EPL trophy this season

Second El Classico Review

It is number two from five El Classico this season. Barca was the happier side on the first El Classico, thrashing Madrid with 5 goals without conceding any. Madrid didn't want to repeat the same mistake by playing, so they started the game with three defensive midfielder, benching Mezut Oezil, playing centre-back Pepe on the defensive midfielder role. Both teams started the game carefully, didn't want to concede any early goal.

Barca took the control on the beginning of twenty five minutes, but hardly created any good chance. However, in later minutes, Madrid had more chances scoring goal as they had more corner. Cristiano Ronaldo's header just over the bar. While Sergio Ramos' close range header was just cleared off the line by Adriano Correira. Barca also had couple chances, but Iker Casillas was ready to save it. Barca should have got a penalty after Casillas brought David Villa on the penalty area, but the referee only gave Real Madrid a goal kick.

First half ended with 0-0.

On second half, Madrid was the one who had chance to score earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo's freekick just hit the post. But, few minutes later, it was Barcelona who took the lead. Raul Albiol unperfectly controlled the ball, then David Villa stealed it, and Albiol fouled him. The referee gave Albiol an early bath, as well as penalty for Barcelona. Lionel Messi succesfully converted it, 0-1 for Barcelona. It was the first goal for Lionel Messi scored against the team managed by Jose Mourinho.

Madrid replaced Xabi Alonso with Mezut Oezil to add some attacking force. Adebayor is also brought in. Both players had good influence on the pitch, and should have played from the beginning

Both teams had plenty of chances to add some goal. David Villa got easy chance, but his shot was easily handled by Casillas. Xavi also had a chance from a shot outside the penalty area, but it just over the bar. On the other side, Sami Khedira's shot saved by Valdes, and Pepe's clear chance was just wide.

With only few minutes remaining, Real Madrid got penalty after Marcelo brought down by another Brazilian, Daniel Alves. Alves, who had recieved a yellow card before, luckily wasn't given the second yellow card. Cristiano Ronaldo succesfully converted it and breaked his bad record against Barcelona, never scoring against Barca before.

On the remaining time, both teams failed to score despite many scoring chances. With this draw result, Barcelona remained 8 points ahead of Real Madrid, and heading to another La Liga crown this season

A night to remember..

Arsenal 2 Barcelona 1
It's the final scoreline on Emirates Stadium, February 16th 2011, when Arsenal meets Barcelona. Arsenal overcame a 0-1 deficit, to win 2-1. Barcelona themself didn't play poorly, they even played well, but Arsenal's outstanding play made them lost.

First half was Barcelona's, they controlled the game well, even Arsenal was dominant in the first 10 minutes. Barca kept the possesion well, distributed, and could score a goal, from David Villa, by Lionel Messi's assist. They almost scored the second, but Szczesny keep the scoreline 0-1.

Second half, and Arsenal played differently. They dominated the game, being sharper than the first 45 minutes. Wenger played Arshavin to replace Alex Song, which is a gamble. They played without any defensive midfield, but they needed to change situation, as they were behind. It was a very risky decision. Barca could've scored another goal, if they had succesfully exploited Arsenal's offensive formation.
After few chances, their work finally paid off, although more than 30 minutes is needed, when Gael Clichy chipped the ball through Barca's defence, and Van Persie smashed the ball into the net, when Victor Valdes slightly out of his position. 1-1. And sice that goal, momentum winds blows for Arsenal. 5 minutes later, Arsenal fast counter attack from Samir Nasri brilliantly finished by supersub Andrey Arshavin.

Barca was awaken from their sleep, and they tried to equalize, but 7 minutes plus 2 minutes of injury time was not enough to score a goal. So the final score, Arsenal 2 Barcelona 1

Arsenal showed that they CAN beat Barca without playing naive, defensive. They still play with their original style, and more importantly still winning. It is a match to remember, as both teams showed passing ability, techniques, and also beautiful football. And it's a night to remember for the Gooners, as they beat what everyone considers as the best football club in this universe! Next leg will be held on Camp Nou, and Arsenal holding a one goal lead, but there's still 90 minutes to play. Everything still could hapeen, so Arsenal shouldn't been complacent by this aggregate.

Just hope for another great game in the second leg..!

Bad Game, but Still Win

Arsenal scraped 2-1 victory over Huddersfield town, but it's not something arsenal should have been proud of. It was clearly a bad game, Arsenal was under constant threat from Huddersfield Town, and if Huddersfield had had more luck, Arsenal would've been easily suffered their third home defeat this season.

Arsenal which rested Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie didn't have their best first half, even they lead 1-0 by Bendtner's deflected goal. Huddersfield had some chances to equalize, which fortunately they failed to do any shot on goal. Huddersfield could got a penalty if the referee had seen Kieran Gibbs handballed in penalty area. Arsenal even had to play with ten men after newly-back-from-injury Sebastian Squillaci did a professional foul on 40th minutes. Any other bad news is Samir Nasri, the captain in this match, got an injury, and has to be replaced by Tomas Rosicky

Second half was Huddersfield's until they continuously threatened Manuel Almunia's goal, and they could equalize from Alan Lee's header from corner kick. Shocked, Arsene Wenger introduced the captain Cesc Fabregas to replace Abou Diaby. Arsenal started to dominating the game again. Finally, Nicklas Bendtner is brought down, and Arsenal got the penalty, which succesfully converted by the substitute Cesc. 2-1 for Arsenal. Huddersfield tried to find an equalizer but the score remained 2-1. Arsenal are through to next round..