Arsenal is hold 1-1 in Brittania Stadium in a match against Stoke City. The host took lead after Peter Crouch headed home. Arsenal replied few minutes after that, with Robin van Persie equalized, tapping Tomas Rosicky's crossing. It was not the best result Arsenal could get, as they dropped two points. However, Brittania Stadium is never easy for Wenger's boy to win, just winning once since Stoke City promoted to the Premier League. Arsenal always struggled to cope with physical game of Stoke City.
How was the game?
However, today, it was Arsenal who had most possession. Arsenal started brightly, with Benayoun nearly opened the score, but his shot just too weak. However, it was the home side who opened the score by Peter Crouch. Nice crossing from the left wing found Peter Crouch, and he did perfect job to net the ball, leaving Wojciech Szczesny rooted on the spot. Robin van Persie scored his 28th goal of the Premier League this season, after a nice determination shown by Yossi Benayoun on the left wing, winning back the ball, and passed it to Tomas Rosicky. "The Little Mozard" sent a wonderful floating ball to the captain, and van Persie made no mistake to make it 1-1. Arsenal had some chances in front of goal, particularly Gervinho's missed header, and two wonderful header from the van Persie. But Asmir Begovic produced superb save to deny Robin van Persie. Gervinho had two chances, but none of them finding the net. Koscielny headed once from Robin van Persie but it was also over the bar.
On the second half, Arsenal dominate most of the game, but failed to create clear chances in the final third. Vermaelen and Ramsey shot wide from the target, while van Persie and Vermaelen also blocked by Stoke's resilient defence. Arsenal had some shouts of penalty but all of them ignored by the referee. One from Shawcross' brave challenge on Benayoun, one from Benayoun again distracted from behind, and handball by Stoke player on Vermalen's fierce shot. However, it was Stoke even went close on scoring goal. Cameron Jerome tried his luck from the narrow angle to test Szczesny, but the keeper made a great reflect. Sagna need to clear the ball on Rory Delap's dangerous throw in, before Jonathan Walter missed 1-on-1 chance. In the end, Stoke 1 Arsenal 1
Good Sides
The good point from this game is the return of the passing game. Arsenal, arguably, played the ball quite well despite making some bad touches. They were dominant in the midfield. Robin van Persie scored a goal from open play, that's also a good point from this game. He had been "quite unproductive" compared to his performance this season. Yossi Benayoun showed a great determination and aggresivity, and he might be permanently sold to Arsenal next summer. Rosicky remained a good dirigent in Arsenal's midfield, and Ramsey, who was injured on the same ground, showed some neat passes, and ambition to shot from the outside, despite not meeting the target. He wasn't afraid to make some challenge to Stoke's player.
Bad sides
On the other hand, Arsenal showed his old illness, lack of creativity against defensive teams. Stoke was great in defending, they pulled some last ditch block, as well as well as nice saves from Asmir Begovic. However, Arsenal didn't create many chances in the second half, compared to the first half. They were missing Arteta who has fierce long shot, or even Wilshere's ability to play the ball. Gervinho was ineffective in front of goal, despite making use of his pace well. Wenger's decision not to play Chamberlain raised eyebrows. Arsenal were lacking of creativity, but Wenger played centre-forward Marouane Chamakh, who was in goal drought since September. Chamakh didn't play too badly in this game. Of course, he lacked of time to show his skill by just entering the fray 10 minutes from the normal time. But, he did make some neat touches. He didn't even get any service to threaten the goal. Another bad point from this game is some mistake shown on the backline. Kieran Gibbs was still really vulnerable, and few times he was attacked and attacked again.
Actually, it would be a bad result, if we saw that Wenger dropped two points. However, with Newcastle losing 4-0 on Wigan, it was a fairly good result for the Gunners. 4 points above Newcastle with one less game to play than Newcastle, 7 and 8 above Tottenham and Chelsea with two games less. Arsenal still in a good driving seat to secure direct qualification to the Champions League. Next match, against Norwich City in Emirates Stadium, they cannot afford to make any mistake, or it would be Tottenham or Chelsea who take Arsenal's place now.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Gunners overclassed Man City
Arsenal bounced back from 2-1 defeat at QPR last week to grab a deserved win 1-0 against Man. City in Emirates Stadium and virtually ended City's title hope. A stunning goal from Arteta's trademark thunderous shot was enough for Arsenal to earn three points and leapfrog local rival Tottenham Hotspurs, who drew against Sunderland 0-0 yesterday. Arsenal now holds two points advantage over Spurs, and five over Chelsea. While Man City is now 8 points behind leader Man. United with just 6 match to go, and their title chances is evaporating now.
It was a perfect result for Arsenal, where they keep the advantage over Spurs and Chelsea in the race of third spot. It was also a proof of good mentality of Wenger's boys, where they reacted brilliantly to last week defeat. A poor display in Lotfus Road seemed had no effect to this match, where they comfortably controlled the game on almost all the match. Arsenal dominated the middle of the park, and with handful of chances they could've scored more.
Arsenal should've opened their goal account when van Persie's effort accidentally blocked by Thomas Vermaelen on first half. Lady of Luck seemed to smile at City when Robin van Persie's clever header on second half also just hit the post, and Theo Walcott's low shot just hit the other post of Joe Hart, and Vermaelen cannot get enough to rebound the ball. However, even luck cannot help City out of conceding, when Arteta struck the ball to the bottom corner of City's goal.
Rosicky, Arteta, and Song bossed the midfield, flowing the ball from the rear to the front. Rosicky were as lively as always, and Song's trademark flick were almost becoming assist, had the assistant referee not raise the offside flag on Robin van Persie. Robin van Persie wasn't really lively, but he was dangerous whenever he got chances, and should've awarded by goal in this match. Bakary Sagna was really solid against Balotelli, linked up well with Theo Walcott, and showed what Arsenal had been missed when he was injured. Koscielny and Vermaelen were strong wall in Arsenal's heart of defence, and they were not really troubled by Aguero. The only defect was just Ramsey's unperfect finish in the end of the match, after Arsenal made brilliant breakthrough via counterattack.
In the other hand, City weren't too good in creative department, with Szczesny just forced to make two important actions : one smart rushing out from City's wonderful through pas and one tip over the bar, but aside that two chances, were largely untroubled, and seems his kicking has been improving. They were nowhere to win this match. Balotelli was not the Balotelli we saw when City thrashed Man. United 6-1, and Tevez was unable to provide matchwinner like against Chelsea. Milner and Barry struggled to hold the force of trio Rosicky - Arteta - Song.
Arsenal overpowered cash-powered Man. City, and this would be a good momentum to bring for the next match for the Gunners against the bottom of the EPL, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Should they not be overconfidence and play like today, they would surely win and cemented their place in the third place.
It was a perfect result for Arsenal, where they keep the advantage over Spurs and Chelsea in the race of third spot. It was also a proof of good mentality of Wenger's boys, where they reacted brilliantly to last week defeat. A poor display in Lotfus Road seemed had no effect to this match, where they comfortably controlled the game on almost all the match. Arsenal dominated the middle of the park, and with handful of chances they could've scored more.
Arsenal should've opened their goal account when van Persie's effort accidentally blocked by Thomas Vermaelen on first half. Lady of Luck seemed to smile at City when Robin van Persie's clever header on second half also just hit the post, and Theo Walcott's low shot just hit the other post of Joe Hart, and Vermaelen cannot get enough to rebound the ball. However, even luck cannot help City out of conceding, when Arteta struck the ball to the bottom corner of City's goal.
Rosicky, Arteta, and Song bossed the midfield, flowing the ball from the rear to the front. Rosicky were as lively as always, and Song's trademark flick were almost becoming assist, had the assistant referee not raise the offside flag on Robin van Persie. Robin van Persie wasn't really lively, but he was dangerous whenever he got chances, and should've awarded by goal in this match. Bakary Sagna was really solid against Balotelli, linked up well with Theo Walcott, and showed what Arsenal had been missed when he was injured. Koscielny and Vermaelen were strong wall in Arsenal's heart of defence, and they were not really troubled by Aguero. The only defect was just Ramsey's unperfect finish in the end of the match, after Arsenal made brilliant breakthrough via counterattack.
In the other hand, City weren't too good in creative department, with Szczesny just forced to make two important actions : one smart rushing out from City's wonderful through pas and one tip over the bar, but aside that two chances, were largely untroubled, and seems his kicking has been improving. They were nowhere to win this match. Balotelli was not the Balotelli we saw when City thrashed Man. United 6-1, and Tevez was unable to provide matchwinner like against Chelsea. Milner and Barry struggled to hold the force of trio Rosicky - Arteta - Song.
Arsenal overpowered cash-powered Man. City, and this would be a good momentum to bring for the next match for the Gunners against the bottom of the EPL, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Should they not be overconfidence and play like today, they would surely win and cemented their place in the third place.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Arsenal post match analysis
Arsenal 2 Newcastle 1. The Gunners once again coming from behind to score fifth consecutive win in EPL. Hatem Ben Afra scored the first goal in the game on the first half, after Vermaelen cheaply gave the ball on the defense. Captain Van-tastic RvP replied instantly, just one minute after the goal, receiving a fine cross from Walcott. When the clock was ticking down, and draw was the most likely result, Thomas Vermaelen scored the winner in the injury time. This results brings Arsenal just one point behind the rival Tottenham Hotspurs.
The win against Newcastle is the fourth consecutive coming-from-behind, first time in English Premier League history. It is also another injury time winner - like against Liverpool, but this time it's not Robin van Persie who scored the winning goal, but Thomas Vermaelen, the Belgian central defender, who snatched the winner. Great resilience shown by the Gunners, they could overturn deficit to a win. This is just the reverse of what Arsenal had been shown in the recent season, where they were in the position to win the game, but they somehow threw it away. Most notably is the 4-4 draw against the same opposition last season, where they were 4-0 up, but lost their four goals advantage.
Another epic victory by the gunners (photos from ESPN soccernet facebook page)
Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott showed good understanding on the equalizer, and Robin van Persie showed a world class technique controlling the ball, made no mistake to reply instantly to Newcastle's goal. He could've scored one more goal had his right foot shot not wide from the target. RvP also showed the 'naugthy' character tonight, not fearing to argue with Tim Krul - despite it was a little bit foolish until he was brandished yellow card. That's what Arsenal need, a captain who is naughty, and fear no one.
Theo Walcott was always a threat down the right flank, and even after Newcastle subbed Davide Santon with James Perch just to stop Walcott, he is still unstoppable in this match. Most of Arsenal attacks come from his side, and he could've got another assist, had Rosicky find the net on the second half. He was the one who created the winning goal with a great cross.
Trio Arteta-Song-Rosicky once again dominated the middle of the park, and Rosicky showed why he deserved to get a contract extension. He ran the show in the central of the field, flowing the ball well. He could've easily scored another goal in three consecutive match, had he been more composed in front of goal.
Thomas Vermaelen showed great character today. He might have been the one who gave away the ball, leading to Ben Afra's goal. He might have been uncomfortable dealing with Shola Amoebi and Demba Ba. He might have been got knock on the match. But he was the one who scored the winning goal, to pay what he had done. It was like in the match against Fulham, where he made an own-goal, but scored the equalizer himself. He showed a great work rate, running from the central of the defence, to the front of goal, before beat Tim Krul to secure three points tonight.
This team has a great potential and character, and could compete for the title next season, should Wenger keep the key player, and buy some decent back-ups.
The win against Newcastle is the fourth consecutive coming-from-behind, first time in English Premier League history. It is also another injury time winner - like against Liverpool, but this time it's not Robin van Persie who scored the winning goal, but Thomas Vermaelen, the Belgian central defender, who snatched the winner. Great resilience shown by the Gunners, they could overturn deficit to a win. This is just the reverse of what Arsenal had been shown in the recent season, where they were in the position to win the game, but they somehow threw it away. Most notably is the 4-4 draw against the same opposition last season, where they were 4-0 up, but lost their four goals advantage.
Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott showed good understanding on the equalizer, and Robin van Persie showed a world class technique controlling the ball, made no mistake to reply instantly to Newcastle's goal. He could've scored one more goal had his right foot shot not wide from the target. RvP also showed the 'naugthy' character tonight, not fearing to argue with Tim Krul - despite it was a little bit foolish until he was brandished yellow card. That's what Arsenal need, a captain who is naughty, and fear no one.
Theo Walcott was always a threat down the right flank, and even after Newcastle subbed Davide Santon with James Perch just to stop Walcott, he is still unstoppable in this match. Most of Arsenal attacks come from his side, and he could've got another assist, had Rosicky find the net on the second half. He was the one who created the winning goal with a great cross.
Trio Arteta-Song-Rosicky once again dominated the middle of the park, and Rosicky showed why he deserved to get a contract extension. He ran the show in the central of the field, flowing the ball well. He could've easily scored another goal in three consecutive match, had he been more composed in front of goal.
Thomas Vermaelen showed great character today. He might have been the one who gave away the ball, leading to Ben Afra's goal. He might have been uncomfortable dealing with Shola Amoebi and Demba Ba. He might have been got knock on the match. But he was the one who scored the winning goal, to pay what he had done. It was like in the match against Fulham, where he made an own-goal, but scored the equalizer himself. He showed a great work rate, running from the central of the defence, to the front of goal, before beat Tim Krul to secure three points tonight.
This team has a great potential and character, and could compete for the title next season, should Wenger keep the key player, and buy some decent back-ups.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Post-match Analysis
Arsenal win against Liverpool 2-1 in Anfield Stadium. It was the another come back from the Gunners, coming from 0-1 down to secure a precious and important victory for Champions League's spot race. Despite not playing as good as last match against Spurs, with Liverpool was the better side and always seems to have good chances, Arsenal is the one who got the victory in the end.
Robin van Persie scored twice (Photo from Arsenal.com)
Once again, Robin van Persie steals the highlight, after his brace in this match. He was really sharp in front of goal, netting twice from two real chances. However, he is not the only hero tonight.
Wojciech Szczesny deserved a hero badge for his awesome saves today. He saved Dirk Kuyt's penalty and the rebound when the scoreline is still 0-0. He also tipped Luis Suarez' shot after dancing through Arsenal's defence to keep Arsenal's in the game when 1-1. He regularly came for the routine catch, as well as nice rushing out of the goal when needed.
Alex Song might be not at his best, allowing Liverpool to dominate the game, but he was always there when Arsenal defended. Not to mention the winning goal came from his assist. Superb pass, like in home game against Everton in 2011, when he supplied to the same person to score the winning goal.
Laurent Koscielny might the one to blame after scoring an own goal, but after that he stood still against Liverpool's attack and hardly made any mistake after that. Thomas Vermaelen, despite earning yellow card from the referee, was also solid against Liverpool's high ball and dealt with it well. Bacary Sagna also was solid, even though receiving tough task to stop Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique. He also delivered one beautiful cross for Robin van Persie's goal.
It's true that Robin van Persie is lifting Arsenal right now, but who says Arsenal is only van Persie? He wouldn't able to score that goal without the help of the other player, and without brilliant keeping by Szczesny, his two goals would be useless.
Had to be admitted that Arsenal were lucky to came from Anfield with three points. Liverpool was the more likely team to score the winner in the second half, but somehow, it's van Persie who scored for Arsenal for the winning goal. But this is football, where not always the better team, who created more chances and more possession will win. Arsenal often was in Liverpool position, being the better team, but somehow failed to score, but definitely not today.
Once again, Robin van Persie steals the highlight, after his brace in this match. He was really sharp in front of goal, netting twice from two real chances. However, he is not the only hero tonight.
Wojciech Szczesny deserved a hero badge for his awesome saves today. He saved Dirk Kuyt's penalty and the rebound when the scoreline is still 0-0. He also tipped Luis Suarez' shot after dancing through Arsenal's defence to keep Arsenal's in the game when 1-1. He regularly came for the routine catch, as well as nice rushing out of the goal when needed.
Alex Song might be not at his best, allowing Liverpool to dominate the game, but he was always there when Arsenal defended. Not to mention the winning goal came from his assist. Superb pass, like in home game against Everton in 2011, when he supplied to the same person to score the winning goal.
Laurent Koscielny might the one to blame after scoring an own goal, but after that he stood still against Liverpool's attack and hardly made any mistake after that. Thomas Vermaelen, despite earning yellow card from the referee, was also solid against Liverpool's high ball and dealt with it well. Bacary Sagna also was solid, even though receiving tough task to stop Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique. He also delivered one beautiful cross for Robin van Persie's goal.
It's true that Robin van Persie is lifting Arsenal right now, but who says Arsenal is only van Persie? He wouldn't able to score that goal without the help of the other player, and without brilliant keeping by Szczesny, his two goals would be useless.
Had to be admitted that Arsenal were lucky to came from Anfield with three points. Liverpool was the more likely team to score the winner in the second half, but somehow, it's van Persie who scored for Arsenal for the winning goal. But this is football, where not always the better team, who created more chances and more possession will win. Arsenal often was in Liverpool position, being the better team, but somehow failed to score, but definitely not today.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Dramatic, Massive Victory
Arsenal got a boost in fourth place race with an important 2-1 victory against on-form Sunderland in the Stadium of Light. Coming from behind 0-1, the winner come at the injruy time, with Thierry Henry tapped Arshavin's cross. All Arsenal's heroes were all from the bench. Aaron Ramsey, who replaced injured Per Mertesacker, need less than five minutes to score the equalizer. Andrey Arshavin - coming to replace Walcott - created the winning goal, while Thierry Henry, Chamberlain's subsitute, was the one who scored the winning goal, on the injury time. Credit must be given to Wenger, that this time his substitution changed the momentum of the game.
Has to be admitted that this is not Arsenal's best performance. Not too creative in creating opportunity. Relatively quiet game for captain Robin van Persie, who only got few chances in this match. Rosicky and Arteta failed to spark the midfield - despite being tidy on possession - and Song misplaced some passes in this match. Chamberlain wasn't too lively on the left wing, and Theo Walcott was quite ineffective on the other flank. Mertesacker was lucky not to conceded a penalty in the first half, but unlucky to be injured while chasing the ball, which leading to Sunderland's goal.
However, Arsenal's spirit must be praised, they came from 0-1 down, against the team who has better recent form from them, and this is an away game, where Arsenal's form has been very poor. Last twenty minutes Arsenal played well, and could score goals earlier on if they play like this from the beginning of the match. Andrey Arshavin, who has been recently criticized for lack of confidence, and Aaron Ramsey, who benched in the last two match, proved their worth. Thierry Henry, who played his last EPL match, scored the winner in the injury time. Like the commentator said "It's like written on the script", Thierry Henry still showed his class in Arsenal shirt, and once again, he scored for the Gunners in his short-term spell loan. This is his third goal, after the winner against Leeds in FA, and the seventh goal against Blackburn.
This massive victory brings Arsenal to the fourth place, because in the same time both Chelsea and Liverpool losing from Everton and Man United respectively. Of course Arsenal still need to be consistent in order to secure fourth place this season. This victory would also boost Arsene Wenger's team morale against AC Milan in the first leg of Champions League, just few days from this match. If they showed great character like they showed today, the victory in San Siro is not impossible
Has to be admitted that this is not Arsenal's best performance. Not too creative in creating opportunity. Relatively quiet game for captain Robin van Persie, who only got few chances in this match. Rosicky and Arteta failed to spark the midfield - despite being tidy on possession - and Song misplaced some passes in this match. Chamberlain wasn't too lively on the left wing, and Theo Walcott was quite ineffective on the other flank. Mertesacker was lucky not to conceded a penalty in the first half, but unlucky to be injured while chasing the ball, which leading to Sunderland's goal.
However, Arsenal's spirit must be praised, they came from 0-1 down, against the team who has better recent form from them, and this is an away game, where Arsenal's form has been very poor. Last twenty minutes Arsenal played well, and could score goals earlier on if they play like this from the beginning of the match. Andrey Arshavin, who has been recently criticized for lack of confidence, and Aaron Ramsey, who benched in the last two match, proved their worth. Thierry Henry, who played his last EPL match, scored the winner in the injury time. Like the commentator said "It's like written on the script", Thierry Henry still showed his class in Arsenal shirt, and once again, he scored for the Gunners in his short-term spell loan. This is his third goal, after the winner against Leeds in FA, and the seventh goal against Blackburn.
This massive victory brings Arsenal to the fourth place, because in the same time both Chelsea and Liverpool losing from Everton and Man United respectively. Of course Arsenal still need to be consistent in order to secure fourth place this season. This victory would also boost Arsene Wenger's team morale against AC Milan in the first leg of Champions League, just few days from this match. If they showed great character like they showed today, the victory in San Siro is not impossible
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Seventh Heaven
Finally Arsenal scored the first victory in league in 2012. After two shock defeat against Fulham and Swansea, one home defeat against arc rival Manchester United, plus one scoreless draw in Reebok Stadium, Arsenal thrashed Blackburn 7-1 in this afternoon in Emirates Stadium. Robin van Persie was marvellous with his hattrick and two assist.
Arsenal started the game well, when Robin van Persie tapped in Walcott's cross on second minutes. Despite a lot of chances, it was Blackburn who scored the second goal of this game. Morten Gamst Pedersen fired a freekick to make it 1-1. However, Arsenal need less than 10 minutes to add two goals. Robin van Persie did another tap in, and made a superb assist to Alex Oxlade Chamberlain who dribbled the ball through Paul Robinson and made it 3-1. Gael Givet was sent off after attempting a two foot tackle on Robin van Persie.
On the second half, Arsenal were as dangerous as on the first half. Mikel Arteta scored again against Blackburn, with a powerful deflected shot, after a corner for Arsenal. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain made it five, after Walcott brilliantly dragged four Blackburn players and sent a delightful assist to Chamberlain. Robin van Persie smashed Francis Coquelin's cross to achieve his second hattrick of the season after his first one in 5-3 victory in Stamford bridge. Thierry Henry finally closed the show in Emirates with his first goal in Premier League after returning to Arsenal on this winter. Robin van Persie once more gave the assist.
This was one of the best Arsenal game this season, despite defensively they weren't tested. Arsenal created a lot of chances in this game. Chambo and Walcott were brilliant. Walcott used his pace well, and setted up two Robin van Persie's goal and one for Chamberlain. Chamberlain was a wing wizard, his dribble cuts Blackburn's defence like a hot knife through butter. Francis Coquelin was really mobile on the right back position and his delivery wasn't bad. He made one assist for Robin van Persie.
Thomas Rosicky, Alex Song, and Mikel Arteta bossed the midfield, not giving any chance for Blackburn to play their game. Tomas Rosicky were very comfortable in the advanced playmaker position, leading the orchestra on the midfield. Mikel Arteta flowed the ball from the backline to the upfront. Alex Song protected the backline well, and made a couple of great through passes. Sorry for Aaron Ramsey, seems the starting line up will be owned by this trio. Ramsey has potential for sure, but he is yet to reach the potential. Maybe next two season, but clearly it's not now.
Robin van Persie continues his lethal goalscoring form, adding three to lead the top scorer chart. The first two goals was easy but the third goal was a superb goal with a world class technique. He also showed unselfishness, giving Thierry Henry the assist on the last minute of the game. If he continues this form, it is likely he would get his Premier League top scorer in one season, and maybe drive Arsenal winning the FA Cup, or even Champions League, who knows?
In overall, it's almost a perfect game for Arsenal, just a goal conceded makes it not perfect. It might be just worth three points for the Gunners, but it was a morale boost for Arsenal to fight for the fourth place in order to qualify to Champions League next season.
Arsenal started the game well, when Robin van Persie tapped in Walcott's cross on second minutes. Despite a lot of chances, it was Blackburn who scored the second goal of this game. Morten Gamst Pedersen fired a freekick to make it 1-1. However, Arsenal need less than 10 minutes to add two goals. Robin van Persie did another tap in, and made a superb assist to Alex Oxlade Chamberlain who dribbled the ball through Paul Robinson and made it 3-1. Gael Givet was sent off after attempting a two foot tackle on Robin van Persie.
On the second half, Arsenal were as dangerous as on the first half. Mikel Arteta scored again against Blackburn, with a powerful deflected shot, after a corner for Arsenal. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain made it five, after Walcott brilliantly dragged four Blackburn players and sent a delightful assist to Chamberlain. Robin van Persie smashed Francis Coquelin's cross to achieve his second hattrick of the season after his first one in 5-3 victory in Stamford bridge. Thierry Henry finally closed the show in Emirates with his first goal in Premier League after returning to Arsenal on this winter. Robin van Persie once more gave the assist.
This was one of the best Arsenal game this season, despite defensively they weren't tested. Arsenal created a lot of chances in this game. Chambo and Walcott were brilliant. Walcott used his pace well, and setted up two Robin van Persie's goal and one for Chamberlain. Chamberlain was a wing wizard, his dribble cuts Blackburn's defence like a hot knife through butter. Francis Coquelin was really mobile on the right back position and his delivery wasn't bad. He made one assist for Robin van Persie.
Thomas Rosicky, Alex Song, and Mikel Arteta bossed the midfield, not giving any chance for Blackburn to play their game. Tomas Rosicky were very comfortable in the advanced playmaker position, leading the orchestra on the midfield. Mikel Arteta flowed the ball from the backline to the upfront. Alex Song protected the backline well, and made a couple of great through passes. Sorry for Aaron Ramsey, seems the starting line up will be owned by this trio. Ramsey has potential for sure, but he is yet to reach the potential. Maybe next two season, but clearly it's not now.
Robin van Persie continues his lethal goalscoring form, adding three to lead the top scorer chart. The first two goals was easy but the third goal was a superb goal with a world class technique. He also showed unselfishness, giving Thierry Henry the assist on the last minute of the game. If he continues this form, it is likely he would get his Premier League top scorer in one season, and maybe drive Arsenal winning the FA Cup, or even Champions League, who knows?
In overall, it's almost a perfect game for Arsenal, just a goal conceded makes it not perfect. It might be just worth three points for the Gunners, but it was a morale boost for Arsenal to fight for the fourth place in order to qualify to Champions League next season.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Not the most convincing victory, but it was a great spirit. 3-2
Arsenal recorded a superb comeback from 0-2 down to 3-2 victory in the fifth round of FA Cup in the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal scored three times in 15 minutes to book the place in the last 16 on the FA Cup, with an away clash against either Middlesbrough or Sunderland.
Arsenal, which played almost the strongest team, didn't play too badly on the first half, but somehow Aston Villa took two goals from Richard Dunne's header from the corner and Darrent Bent via counter attack. However, second half was Arsenal's dominance. First fifteen minutes of second half was all Arsenal need to win this game.
Arsenal were very dangerous on the second half. They almost scored when Per Mertesacker's nice header from van Persie's corner cleared off the line by Ireland, but then Arsenal got penalty when Richard Dunne obstructed Aaron Ramsey on the penalty area, and van Persie gave hope for Arsenal 1-2. Just moments after that, Theo Walcott scored the equalizer after got deflected the clearance off the line by Aston Villa's player. Robin van Persie completed Arsenal's comeback with a penalty, after Laurent Koscielny brought down by Darrent Bent. Ironic enough for Aston Villa, their two goalscorer gave two penalties to Arsenal.
Arsenal showed an amazing spirit, with two nil down on the half time, it is never easy to back on the game. Credit for Arsene Wenger, who made a good team talk on the half time, and even without substitution they can turn the game on. Walcott, despite being quite wasteful upfront, scored a goal, Chamberlain showed why Arsenal fans were angry when Wenger withdrew him on the last match against Man United, he was very lively on the left flank, despite still a little bit lacking of final product. Rosicky played the ball neatly, and Ramsey was brilliant on the second half.
However, Arsenal were still really vulnerable on the set piece, and also aerial ball. Arsenal were very weak defending floating crosses, as they conceded that kind of goal twice in two match. Arsenal also need to re-sharpen the final touch, all of the goals scored today, none of them were from open play, two penalties, and one deflection.
Above of that all, Arsenal were deserved to win this game, they got more chances, and on the second half they were brilliant. The hope for a trophy this season is still on, on FA Cup.
Arsenal, which played almost the strongest team, didn't play too badly on the first half, but somehow Aston Villa took two goals from Richard Dunne's header from the corner and Darrent Bent via counter attack. However, second half was Arsenal's dominance. First fifteen minutes of second half was all Arsenal need to win this game.
Arsenal were very dangerous on the second half. They almost scored when Per Mertesacker's nice header from van Persie's corner cleared off the line by Ireland, but then Arsenal got penalty when Richard Dunne obstructed Aaron Ramsey on the penalty area, and van Persie gave hope for Arsenal 1-2. Just moments after that, Theo Walcott scored the equalizer after got deflected the clearance off the line by Aston Villa's player. Robin van Persie completed Arsenal's comeback with a penalty, after Laurent Koscielny brought down by Darrent Bent. Ironic enough for Aston Villa, their two goalscorer gave two penalties to Arsenal.
Arsenal showed an amazing spirit, with two nil down on the half time, it is never easy to back on the game. Credit for Arsene Wenger, who made a good team talk on the half time, and even without substitution they can turn the game on. Walcott, despite being quite wasteful upfront, scored a goal, Chamberlain showed why Arsenal fans were angry when Wenger withdrew him on the last match against Man United, he was very lively on the left flank, despite still a little bit lacking of final product. Rosicky played the ball neatly, and Ramsey was brilliant on the second half.
However, Arsenal were still really vulnerable on the set piece, and also aerial ball. Arsenal were very weak defending floating crosses, as they conceded that kind of goal twice in two match. Arsenal also need to re-sharpen the final touch, all of the goals scored today, none of them were from open play, two penalties, and one deflection.
Above of that all, Arsenal were deserved to win this game, they got more chances, and on the second half they were brilliant. The hope for a trophy this season is still on, on FA Cup.
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