Henry is Back! and He still got Class!

Arsenal overcome resilient Leeds United in 3rd round of FA Cup on the Emirates Stadium by one goal to nil. It's only the King, Thierry Henry, who returned to Emirates Stadium after 4.5 years, could score the goal on this match.

Leeds United defended very well, and Arsenal were struggling to score a goal in this match, despite having couples of chances. First half was a non-inspiring performance by the gunners, as they failed to really threaten Leeds' goal. The only great chances Arsenal had was from Andrey Arshavin's shot over the bar in the early ten minutes and Aaron Ramsey's deflected shot. On the other hand, Leeds only had one shot off target.

On the second half, Arsenal played better and had several chances from Ramsey, Chamberlain, and also Arteta. After almost 70 minutes of deadlock, Arsene Wenger introduced Thierry Henry as well as Theo Walcott. It was a good substitution by the Gunners. Thierry Henry only needed ten minutes to score his goal in his second debut for the Gunners! He still got excellent composure in front of goal, and his finishing was clinical. After that goal, Leeds tried to push, but in the end it is Arsenal who through to the next round.

The King celebrates after scoring the goal!

It was a sensational goal by the current all time leading goalscorer, placing the ball to the far post. It was a placed shot we used to see from the old Thierry Henry. He showed Marouane Chamakh, Andrey Arshavin, Theo Walcott, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain what finishing is like. He might be already 34, but his touch is still there. He might be already lost his explosive pace, but he is still predator in the box. He might not as agile as he used to be but he still got eye on to the goal. There were some doubts about the return of Thierry Henry, but tonight, he showed he still got something to offer for the Gunners, and something Arsenal - aside from Robin van Persie - has been lacking : the final touch

This side is not ready to win EPL

The first match in 2012 ended with a defeat. After leading 1-0 on first half, they gave away the lead and surrender 2-1 to Fulham. There was some optimism Arsenal would able to back to the title race, with 9 points behind Man City and still 17 games to go. However with this performance, I think it would be impossible for Arsenal to win the Premier League. The performance against Fulham in the second half is one of the worst Arsenal display this season, aside from the bad defeat at Old Trafford in the beginning of the season.

The first half was solid, if wasn't spectacular. However, they are lacking of product on the final third. They might have been 3-0 up on the first half. But they only managed to score once, by Laurent Koscielny. It also wasn't really a build-up. Ramsey's deflected cross taken by Koscielny's header, and it was 1-0 for Arsenal's lead. Song, Gervinho, Ramsey, and van Persie had chances to score, but failed to put the ball into the net.

I've been noticing there's always same mistakes in every match : Inefficiency and Complacency.

First one : Inefficiency. Arsenal had many chances in the first half, but only one leading to goal. Theo Walcott, who asked for a wage raise, was very wasteful upfront. He didn't make any successful cross today, and his decision making back to Walcott 2010, unlike Walcott in October-November we had expected. Gervinho also hadn't been sharp enough. It wasn't a new issue. Technically gifted, but not composed enough in front of goal. That what Gervinho had been showing this season. Robin van Persie didn't have the best game of his career - and again if he doesn't score, Arsenal can't win, somehow. Aaron Ramsey too often misplaced through ball, and Mikel Arteta wasn't brave enough to make killer balls.

Second : Complaceny. Almost in every non-winning game for Arsenal starts from this problem. After leading 1-0, the mentality of the player always think they will easily score the second goal. Against Sunderland, Stoke, Wolverhampton, and Fulham, they conceded after leading one nil. Fortunately against Sunderland and Stoke, Robin van Persie came and saved the day again. Against Wolverhampton, they were only able to secure a 1-1 draw. But this time, Arsenal lost 1-2 against Fulham. They deserved the victory, as they played much better than the Gunners in second half.

The encouraging thing from this match is the performance of Francis Coquelin. The Frenchman, who originally plays in Alex Song's position, was strong on the left back, and made couples of good run as well as sturdy defending. His mobility has been his asset too. Despite the last goal come from his side, he couldn't be blamed. It was Squillaci's mistake which led to the goal. This player would have bright future if he can continue playing like this.

Well, this season, Wenger should focused on how aiming for the fourth place, or meaning Champions League next season. With the squad has been hit by injury crisis, it would be wise to dip into the transfer windows, which just opened two days ago. If Wenger bought one or two world class player, Arsenal might back to aim title, but not for now, they were miles apart from the title.

Not a bad way to end 2011 with a victory

Arsenal did just enough to earn 3 points on the last game of the 2011. Robin van Persie once again scored the winning goal for the Gunners. This victory brings Arsenal to fourth place, pushing Liverpool, who won against Newcastle 3-1 a day before, to the fifth place.

As usual, Arsenal wasn't too dominant in the first 15 minutes, but started to dominate the game after that. Robin van Persie comes twice close to break the deadlock, when his header just wide from the target and his shot just few metres in front of the goal somehow went over the bar. Theo Walcott also had a great chance, but he opted to cross it and failed to score. QPR, in other hand, only had two chances, which Szczesny brilliantly blocked it, and the other one, Per Mertesacker made a perfect block to stop the shot. The first half ended, and it was still scoreless.

the skipper done it again! (photos from Arsenal.com)

On the second half, Arsenal continued its dominance, and got numbers of corners, but failed to score. Arsenal should have got two penalties, when Laurent Koscielny's shot blocked by hand, but the ref somehow didn't give any penalty; and when Mikel Arteta's cross touched QPR's defender's hand, but the ref continued the game. Theo Walcott unbelievably missed a one on one chance on the beginning of the first half. Aaron Ramsey saw his fierce shot cleared of the line by Joey Barton. Finally, Robin van Persie broke the deadlock after QPR's misplaced pass is received by Arshavin, and he sent through ball to the captain. Robin van Persie coolly put it back into the net. 1-0 the scoreline. The goal he scored made him just one goal behind Alan Shearer's record goals in one year. With that goal, RvP had scored 35 in 2011, and Shearer scored 36 in 1995.

After Arsenal took the lead, QPR tried to hit back, by creating few chances but failed to score. Matthew Connolly was unmarked on the penalty area but he smashed the ball over, Adel Taarabt forced Wojciech Szczesny dived to save the ball, but failed to score any. On the other hand, Arsenal could have easily doubled their lead when Robin van Persie's superb pass met Gervinho who stands just two meters in front of goal, but he missed it. Aaron Ramsey had a great opportunity, but he missed the target. In the end, the scoreline remained the same, 1-0.

It wasn't the most clinical finishing Arsenal showed yesterday, and Robin van Persie failed to broke Alan Shearer's record. Credit must be given to QPR who did good defending, and made some crucial blocks. Arsenal need to be more clinical in front of goal, in order to secure fourth place this season, as well as any silverware possible. Walcott and Gervinho can't afford to missed like that again. But at least, the Gooner should be grateful to earn full points where Man United and Chelsea drops three points home, Spurs drops two on Swansea's home. It was a good New Year present from the Gunners for all Arsenal fan.

Players Arsenal should buy in the Winter Transfer Windows

The season is nearly halfway, and the transfer windows is going to be opened soon. Arsenal, which occupied fifth place, has been hit by injuries, especially on the backline, with all the fullback are out. Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, and Andre Santos are not available. While upfront, Wenger wouldn't able to play Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh because of the African Cup. Not only because unavailability of the players, it would be wise for Wenger to bring in some players as Arsenal seems too dependant on the first team players - the second teams has too big gap with the first team players. Here are some player Arsenal should buy in the winter transfer windows to bolster the team.

1. Mario Goetze
A great player who surely would add some qualities for Arsenal. Despite his age, he has shown a great maturity, as well as great vision. He primarily plays as a playmaker, but he also could ocassionally play in the wing. With Andrey Arshavin nearing the exit door, Goetze would perfectly replace the Russian. Considering the current form, Mario Goetze is far better than Arshavin. However, he wouldn't be available for cheap. Dortmund values him around thirty million pounds, and we know Arsene Wenger is not the man who like to spend a lot. Dortmund also is not likely to release him in this transfer windows. Well, it is more likely - if Wenger really interested in bringing him - to scoop him in the end of the season.

2. Eden Hazard
Another superb player, who is said to be fitted in Arsenal style of play. Could play in either wing, and is technically gifted. A former team mate of Gervinho, and could reunite again soon. Like Goetze, he wouldn't be available for cheap. A transfer fee over 30 million would be needed to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

3. Mauricio Isla
Has been in superb form this season with Udinese, tirelessly playing the ball down the right flank. A dependable full back, but could also play in the central midfield - an unlikely position he would play in Arsenal. With Sagna and Jenkinson is still out. He would be perfect for Arsenal, replacing Sagna and Jenkinson.

4. Lukas Podolski
A German national team regular players, but somehow doesn't really shine in the club level. Said that he admired Arsenal, and he has been linked to move to emirates. The move to Emirates is quite possible, as the contract for him runs out on 2013. Could plays down the left wing, but also able to play in the central striker, giving option for Wenger to back-up van Persie.

Arsenal - Fulham post analysis

Arsenal's streak victory stopped by a very organized Fulham in the Emirates Stadium. An uninspiring first half, and still uninspiring in the second half, before the introduction of Ivorian winger Gervinho and French midfielder Abou Diaby. Vermaelen scored an own goal to make Fulham lead 1-0, but then he scored another goal to level the score.

Wenger changed two players from the side beating Borussia Dortmund with Johan Djourou taking Laurent Koscielny's place on the right back and Andrey Arshavin was selected ahead of Gervinho on the left flank. Wenger probably would like to rest his player, just before facing Manchester City on the League Cup.

Arsenal were really uninspiring in the first half, they were only creating few chances, and Fulham even pressed Arsenal's defence line in the first fifteen minutes. Arsenal slowly got control of the match, but were unable to break the deadlock, as Fulham defended like a rock, very strong and rigid. Theo Walcott was the most dangerous Arsenal player on the pitch, but still failed to make any end product.

Arshavin, who recently said he was 'glued' on the bench by Wenger, failed to prove himself, and it justified why he was glued on the bench. Ineffective, and lacking of confidence, that's two main points of his weaknesses. He was unsurprisingly substituted by Marouane Chamakh on the second half. His time in Arsenal might has come to end, and he might leave in January, and Wenger might buy another winger, or even try Miyaichi on Arshavin's position. Proven, that after Gervinho entered the fray, Arsenal's game was improving, they were more dangerous, and Gervinho several times entered Fulham's penalty area, which Arshavin unable to do in 70 minutes. Had Gervniho played from the beginning, Arsenal might have won the game.

This result shows that Arsenal still lacking of the depth in the squad. Arsenal's excellent recent form has been depending on the first team players Wenger has always put from the beginning, notably van Persie, Gervinho, Walcott, Song and Vermaelen. The second string players had never really impressed in the Champions League or Premier League. Arsenal were lack of inspiration against Stoke City, before Robin van Persie saved the Gunners with his two goals. Arsenal weren't sharp enough in the home game against Marseille, once again when Robin van Persie was on the bench.

Wenger should add one or two players to the squad, especially flair players who could make a difference when other players is stuck. Other players like van Persie who could inspire the whole team is something Arsenal need. In my opinion, there are only two players like that in Arsenal's squad now, Walcott and Gervinho. Walcott still lack of consistency, while Gervinho is not composed enough in front of the goal. With transfer windows is nearing, Wenger should have prepared some names he would bid in January. It would be great if he could bring big names, such as Hazard and Gotze, but it is not likely.

Besides the negative side, has to be said that Wenger (finally) made a correct decision in substitution by bringing in Gervinho to replace Ramsey, a decision that he should've done earlier. Vermaelen, the own goal scorer, converted Walcott's cross to make it 1-1. Vermaelen showed great character, even after scoring an own goal, he didn't turned bad, and finally he made up for what he have done.

Norwich - Arsenal post match analysis

Another win for Arsenal, and another goals for Robin van Persie. The Arsenal skipper drove Arsenal forward once more time, with his two goals bringing Arsenal back from 1-0 down to 2-1 victory at away game in Norwich City.

1. Per Mertesacker still need time to adjust in England.
It was Norwich City who took the lead even though Arsenal was dominating the game. Last-day signing Per Mertesacker was the one to blame in this goal. His hesitation to clear the ball resulted the ball stolen by Steve Morrison, and he netted the ball, 1-0 to Norwich. He waited the ball instead of nonsensely cleared it. What a costly mistake, despite Arsenal could still win. It's the third time Per made mistake leading to goal after his bad first half on 5-3 victory against Chelsea on Stamford Bridge. To be honest, Mertesacker is a good defender, he has excellent game reading, as well as great aerial ability. However, he still hasn't really in to the game of English Premier League. He was used to play in lower tempo back then in Germany with Werder Bremen. Despite being not too swift, he should able to take decision quickly. He would need one or two month before really settled with English's tempo.

2. van Persie to rescue again
How many times Arsenal need to be rescued by van Persie? Arsenal wouldn't have had winning streak if it's not because the Dutchman. Who would be able to do a hattrick in Stamford Bridge? He led by example, not only leading the team in terms of being a captain, but also contributing in the game by scoring goals. The first goal was an easy goal, but the second goal was a world class goal, chipped above the keeper. He is unstoppable for now, with this hot goalscoring rate over the last few weeks, but clinging on one person in football is not a wise thing. Arsenal really need to find plan-B, just in case van Persie isn't playing.

He just can't stop scoring. (photos from Arsenal.com)

3. Gervinho can't miss a scoring chance like that again.
Two times Gervinho has a you-have-to-score golden opportunities, which unbelievable missed by the Ivorian. You can count it as three if you count the miss on van Persie's equalizer, which he could've scored instead of the captain. Then, One-on-one with John Ruddy on the first half, he should've been able to pass it through the net. On the second half, he already rounded the keeper, but still failed to scored, blocked by the keeper. He made handful of clever runs, though. Fortunate for Gervinho, that his miss didn't cost Arsenal a lot, as Norwich City failed to equalize. However, in big games, this mistake is a little bit untorelable, especially for players with class like Gervinho. He need to refine his final touch, and he would be much better than he is now.

4. Theo Walcott is showing his potential
He has been labelled as a player who is yet to show his potential. However, it seems that this season he started to showing his real potential. After a superb show in the Stamford Bridge, he was average on the match agains West Brom, but played well again in this match. Clever run, combined with his explosive pace, was always a constant threat for Norwich City, both from the left and right flank. His intelligence is also improving, as he several times fed van Persie upfront, and made smart one-twos with team mates. He also shows great composure in the beginning of the first half, as he faked Norwich defender, before shot it to the goal, which unfortunately cleared by another Norwich defender. What he needs now is not only a good performance in a match only, but a series of good performance. What Walcott needs now is a consistency

Post West Brom match analysis

It's another victory in the Barclays Premier League for Wenger's Side with 3-0 scoreline against West Brom in Emirates and Arsenal continued its fine form, winning all five games in Premier League. Player of the Month in October, Robin van Persie, opened the scoreline in this match, netted the Walcott's blocked effort. Thomas Vermaelen marked his Premier League with a thunderous drive, making the scoreline two nil for Arsenal. After a little bit shaky moments for Arsenal, Wenger introduced Benayoun and Rosicky, and the momentum was Arsenal's again. Mikel Arteta made his first goal in Emirates, after a good build up from the Gunners.

Another win for the gunners (source : guardian.co.uk)

Generally, it was a comfortable win for Arsenal. West Brom was particularly playing poorly, they didn't even threaten Szczesny's goal in the first half. They were quite wasteful in the final third. West Brom was much improved in the second half, on several occasion they threaten Arsenal's defence. Arsenal's way is back, they played with one-two passes, which is very entertaining.

Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny performed very well, and it's likely they will be chosen as the starting line up next match, leaving towering defender Per Mertesacker on the bench again. Both of them showed their quality not only in defence but also in attacking department Thomas Vermaelen even showed his good instinct in front of goal by bagging one goal. Laurent Koscielny showed composure against West Brom's quick striker, and moved forward several times. Carl Jenkinson started to showed some good performance. He was solid on the flank, and his delivery was also accurate. Andre Santos, offensively he was good, but still lack of final ball; while defensively, this left back spot still become Arsenal's weak link in the defence.

Trio Song-Ramsey-Arteta composed the midfield, even their dominance faded early in the second half. Ramsey also wasn't shy to cut inside the penalty area, and could have scored a goal. Song was rock on the midfield, and seen anywhere in the pitch. Arteta showed his composure with the third goal.

Gervinho was quite dangerous, but a little bit lack of final product. Walcott was lively down the right. Robin van Persie shows his class once more, snapping the goal well, and assisting the other two goals; justified his fine form.

Rosicky and Benayoun added another dimension for Arsenal, as they played as substitutes. Rosicky played some neat touches, and Benayoun was mobile in the midfield.

Despite all those positives, there is still one problem Arsenal need to fix. When the scoreline is 2-0, Arsenal were too lax, and they found themselves under West Brom pressure. Lucky enough, they were unable to score any goal due to lack of finishing and also strong twin tower in Koscielny and Vermaelen. Had the team Arsenal face not been West Brom, Arsenal could have been conceded, and the momentum of the game changed. Arsenal need to constantly pushed their opponent, and not giving them chance to grow their game.