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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.