arsenal 0 - Everton 3 Match Report 06-Apr-2014

For 16 successive years Arsene Wenger's side have taken their place alongside Europe's elite, but this season the Toffees are pushing for a top-four spot.

Strikes from Steven Naismith, Romelu Lukaku and a Mikel Arteta own goal have put them just a point behind the Londoners with a match in hand.

The way they played their visitors off the park was an example of manager Roberto Martinez's passing game in full effect and was reminiscent of the lessons Wenger's side used to hand out to opponents.

But Arsenal's weak spot has always been their soft underbelly and it was brilliantly exploited at Goodison Park as Everton were tenacious, incisive and just plainly better in every department.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard is Mr Reliable, centre-back Sylvain Distin continues to churn out classy performances, Gareth Barry bestrides central midfield with a simplicity and calmness which allows Ross Barkley to terrorise further forward while the Lukaku provides a cutting edge up front.

That two of those players are only on loan is a debate for another day. After this performance it is difficult not to talk up Everton's chances of qualifying for the Champions League for only the second time in their history.

It was difficult to argue with Martinez's tactics, which saw him switch to 4-3-3 with Lukaku unusually stationed on the right wing to target Nacho Monreal, who was replacing injured left-back Kieran Gibbs.

However, even the best managers need a stroke of luck.

Leon Osman, who had looped Everton's first shot of the match just past Wojciech Szczesny's left-hand post, got in a tangle with Bacary Sagna, resulting in a gash that opened up after appearing to catch a boot in the face.

It forced Osman's immediate exit down the tunnel after just nine minutes, but brought Barkley to the fore in a more disciplined role on the left than he has been used to playing under Martinez.

However, with Barry providing support behind, the 20-year-old was still able to express himself and was instantly installed as the focal point of Everton's attacking play.

The goal, however, came from Arsenal's inability - or unwillingness - to engage opponents.

Leighton Baines was allowed to carry the ball 30 yards into enemy territory unchallenged and with that amount of time he picked out Lukaku with a low cross. Although the Belgium striker was denied by Szczesny, Naismith - who seems to have become Martinez's lucky charm - was in the right place at the right time to ram home the rebound.

One Barkley through-ball caused panic in Arsenal's defence but Kevin Mirallas could only shoot weakly while another sent Baines away down the left to create a chance for James McCarthy.

Martinez's ploy to expose Monreal down the other flank saw the Gunners defender give up the chase with Lukaku and call for Szczesny to race out of his area and clear.

Barkley continued to torment the visitors and after numerous step-overs hit an angled shot that was kept out by the goalkeeper's legs, with Mirallas also forcing a save near down at the same right-hand post.

Arsenal were cut open again just after the half-hour when Everton sliced their way through central midfield, with Naismith and Mirallas combining to release Lukaku on the right. Again Monreal, Thomas Vermaelen and Per Mertesacker stood off as he cut inside and the striker took full advantage to smash home left-footed.

Lukaku's celebration with Martinez on the touchline spoke volumes about the way the players have so wholeheartedly embraced the Spaniard's change in philosophy since replacing David Moyes in the summer.

The closest Arsenal came to a first-half reply saw Howard superbly tip over Lukas Podolski's dipping half-volley, but there was little else to enthuse over.

Everton, on the other hand, were rampant and midway through the second half applied the killer blow.

Mirallas broke from deep and although Szczesny just got to the ball before Naismith, it rebounded back in front of goal where former Toffees midfielder Arteta, under pressure from Mirallas, turned it into his own net.

Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's shot against the crossbar late on couldn't offer Arsenal any consolation.

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Source : http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-report/287609/everton-v-arsenal

Arsenal vs Manchester City match Report 29-March-2014

It arrived seven days too late to salvage his own hopes but Arsene Wenger finally applied a rocket to the backsides of his Arsenal troops and kept the title race wide open.

Mathieu Flamini – bizarrely omitted from last weekend’s 6-0 shellacking at Chelsea – fired the equaliser which prevented Manchester City from returning to the Premier League summit.

But after falling behind to an early David Silva effort, this was an unrecognisable Arsenal side from that which had capitulated at Stamford Bridge and shambled its way to a home draw against Swansea.

Suddenly there was high-tempo attacking ­football, purpose and passion, zip in the passing and snap in the tackle.

These are the sort of displays which keep Wenger believing in this squad of players when others simply cannot see it.

The hosts had been blown away by Liverpool and Chelsea in recent weeks, but here they were more than a match for the Premier League’s strongest squad.

While others give up ­chocolate or cigarettes for Lent, Arsenal fans tend to give up hope some time between Pancake Day and Easter. They are far too used to the sort of implosions which preceded this return to form.

There had been small-scale pre-match protests among Arsenal fans against Wenger and the board – but no ­fly-pasts from the Red Arrows trailing banners and little evidence of any dissent inside the stadium.

Instead they passed around a flag saluting the ­Invincibles, the 49ers, who once went almost a half a century of league games unbeaten.

And for much of this match, Wenger’s men performed with the verve and ­muscularity of their great forebears.

Victory for City would have made them their clear title favourites, after  Chelsea's shock defeat at Crystal Palace.

Now it is difficult to put a fag-paper between Chelsea, Liverpool or   Manuel Pellegrini's side.

Pellegrini said: “I said before the start of the season it will be a close Premier League. There will be three or four clubs fighting until the end for the title. Arsenal can still fight for the title. But let’s see now who wins.

“The most important thing is it depends on what we do for the rest of the season.”

City began as if they were planning another of those early-doors jugular jobs on Arsenal, the kind which had become so fashionable among the Premier League’s leading clubs of late.

They were passing and moving with serious intent, Kieran Gibbs being ruthlessly isolated and exploited and Jesus Navas curling a shot just wide of the far post.

When Arsenal managed to create an opening, Santi Cazorla slipping through Tomas Rosicky, the Czech looked for a penalty rather than a shot – his dive, feigning contact with Pablo Zabaleta, failing to con referee Mike Dean.

And in the 18th minute, City were in front.

Silva surged forward and released Edin Dzeko, whose shot was tipped on to the post by Wojciech Szczesny, only for the rebound to fall kindly for Silva, who scuffed home.

Arsenal were far from ­overrun.

Rosicky netted when well offside, and City had to resort to some meaty ­challenges from Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho and even little Silva, yellow-carded for a lunge on Mikel Arteta inside the Arsenal box.

Defending from the front, none-shall-pass blocks, head-in-where-it-hurts at the back – these were qualities of Wenger’s greatest teams and after the break, his current crop rediscovered them.

City might have doubled their lead early in the second half, when Per Mertesacker almost netted an own goal when Szczesny pushed out a cross which cannoned off the big German and rolled wide.

This, though, seemed to propel Arsenal into life – and they forced Joe Hart into his first save of the match as he blocked a low ranger from Cazorla.

And on 53 minutes, Arsenal were level. A sweeping ­crossfield move found Podolski and he squared for Flamini to tuck home.

It was the first goal City had conceded in more than 10 hours of league football. Yet having finally been breached, the visitors were almost undone again as Podolski forced Hart to save with his legs.

But City were always dangerous, Fernandinho shooting from 20 yards and Szczesny tipping over.

Late on, it was frenetic, breakneck stuff – you almost expected Steve McQueen and Evel Knievel to drive in on Harleys.

Too late for Arsenal’s title hopes, surely, but hope for the FA Cup, for the top four and for Wenger as he frets over his own future.

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Source : http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/arsenal-1-1-manchester-city-match-3255599#ixzz2xoHXzkh1

Arsenal Looks to Save Their Honor Against Everton in the English Premier League 2013-14

Arsenal has had a rather disappointing start to the new year 2014 in the English Premier League 2013-14. They were at the top of the points table until mid January before they slipped further down. They now stand at the fourth position ahead of their match against Everton.

Close Match Between Arsenal and Everton

Arsenal vs Everton at Goodison Park on 6^th April will see Arsenal looking to save their honor in the EPL. Arsenal is at number four position with 19 wins out of 32

games and 64 points, while Everton is on number 5^th position with 17 wins out of 31 games. This will be a very close encounter between the two teams as both are looking to make their last attempts for the league finals.

Arsenal Receives Criticism

Arsenal managed a draw against Manchester City last week. The team has received a lot of criticism for their lack of focus. Everton is in good form in the past few weeks, so it will not be a surprise if the team defeats Arsenal by 2-1 margin. The Arsenal tickets have started selling online as well as at the venue, but fans are more keen on purchasing Everton tickets for this match.

Thismatch will see both the teams fighting for their survival in the English Premier League, one looking to save their honor while other looking to rise up the table.

Arsenal Looking Forward to Prove its Worth against Swansea on 25th March in EPL

With the English Premier League in its last stage of 2013-14, the fans are looking forward to more excitement and better competition among the teams. Arsenal is all set to win against Swansea City on 25^th March 2014. Arsenal which was on number one position a month back has slipped to number 3 position in the points table. Swansea is currently in 14^th position on the points table.

 

Arsenal Looks to Regain its Number 1 Position

Arsenal will be looking forward to win this game and its upcoming matches to again climb back to number two or number one position. Arsene Wenger will be looking forward to end the trophy drought for the team. Swansea City has won 2 matches in their last 6 matches. Swansea City tickets sale is still picking up online compared to Arsenal tickets which are already booked by 80% at the Emirates Stadium.

Tough Climb for Arsenal Ahead

Coming back to Arsenal, the team has encountered sudden losses unexpectedly due to bad defense on the field. They will have to win this game against Chelsea, Swansea and Manchester City to keep their title hopes alive. Their key players like Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil are out of the team due to injuries. Swansea could take advantage of their absence and could possibly win this game.

However, experts see that Arsenal Vs Swansea City could see Arsenal winning by 2-1 margin at the Emirates.

English Premier League will See Arsenal and Chelsea Fight it out to the Finish

On the March 22 2014, all the English Premier League fans will hold their breath while watching the two contenders of the EPL 2013-14 title fight it out to the finish. The Arsenal vs Chelsea match at the Stamford Bridge is expected to have a full attendance. The fans are already booking the Chelsea Tickets online from several websites available on the internet.

Arsenal Has a lot to prove

Team Arsenal is now on 3rd position and is still in the race to win the title, while Chelsea is number one team at present and will look to shake the confidence of their arch rivals anyhow. There are talks that Arsene Wenger, who is the manager of team Arsenal may lose his job if they lose to Chelsea. Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey are out of action but will hopefully be in this crucial match against Chelsea. Arsenal will now have to prove that they are not 'failures' by winning this match. Arsenal Tickets are already on the verge of being sold out on online websites.

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Chelsea are on 66 points with 20 wins out of 30 games while Arsenal has won 19 out of 29 games in this series.

Arsenal Looks to Rise on the Table after Defeating Tottenham Hotspur

The English Premier League 2013-14 is getting interesting with each passing day. Arsenal will face Team Tottenham Hotspur on March 16 at the White Hart Lane. This is going to be a very close call for the fans to predict the outcome.

 

A tough match for Arsenal

Arsenal will have to slog really hard to win this game and make their way to number second position again, before they think to topple Chelsea and retain their number one position. Arsenal are with 59 points. The team has won 18 out of 28 games. The team will really see to it that they do not miss the EPL title 2013-14 this time after having come so close to their dream. The loyal fans have already purchased the Arsenal tickets ahead of the game.

Tottenham Hotspur confident against Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur is on number 5th position with 53 points and 16 wins out of 29 games. The team will be looking forward to beat Arsenal and make their way to the top 3 teams. Tottenham were beaten by Chelsea with 4-0 on 8th March 2014 but had won a match against Cardiff City with 1-0 on 2nd March. The Tottenham tickets are on the verge of getting sold out ahead of the big match.

Arsenal will need to rethink their strategy and come back well. The fans expect a great Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal match on March 16.

Arsenal 4-1 Everton match Report 8-march-2014

London — Arsenal cruised into the FA Cup semi-finals as a late brace from substitute Olivier Giroud sealed a 4-1 win over Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Arsene Wenger's side remain on course to finally end their nine-year trophy drought thanks to an enterprising quarter-final display in the spring sunshine in north London. Mesut Ozil ended his three-month wait for a goal to give the hosts a perfect start before Romelu Lukaku's equaliser. Once Mikel Arteta had converted a penalty midway through the second half there was only ever going to be one winner and France forward Giroud's late double ensured Arsenal can look forward to a last-four date at Wembley in April. With Arsenal's Champions League hopes hanging by a slender thread -- they travel to Bayern Munich on Tuesday trailing 2-0 from the first leg -- and their Premier League title charge fading, the FA Cup could represent their best chance for silverware this season. Everton boss Roberto Martinez is no stranger to glory in the competition having masterminded unfancied Wigan's Cup final win over Manchester City last season.

But his bid to earn a repeat with Everton looked in trouble from the moment Germany midfielder Ozil slid home the seventh minute opener for Arsenal. Santi Cazorla made the most of a slip by James McCarthy and his perfectly-weighted pass ensured the out-of-form Ozil scored his first goal since December. See Also: Mertesacker and midfielder Tomas Rosicky sign new contracts at Arsenal Ironically Ozil's last goal came against Everton and you could see his confidence lifted as well as that of his teammates. - Counter-attack - Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo saw his shot beaten out by Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also went close inside the opening quarter. Arsenal were looking to expose stand-in Robles at every opportunity, but they were caught by a quick counter-attack that ended in Everton's 32nd minute equaliser.

Ross Barkley broke through from midfield and even though Kevin Mirallas scuffed his shot from the cross it fell kindly for on-loan Chelsea striker Lukaku to turn the ball home. Lukasz Fabianski had barely been troubled but the Arsenal goalkeeper was fortunate to see Mirallas, and then Lukaku, fail to get any power on their shots at the end of two Everton counters. For all Arsenal's dominance at the start of the second half, Everton should have taken the lead in the 53rd minute through Barkley. A Thomas Vermaelen mistake was seized upon by Lukaku and his pass gave Barkley a clear sight of goal, only for the England midfielder to curl his shot past Fabianski's right-hand post. In an increasingly tight game it appeared a mistake might prove the difference, and so it proved as Gareth Barry's clumsy trip on Oxlade-Chamberlain left referee Mark Clattenburg with no choice but to point to the spot. Arteta's first penalty was converted and, after Clattenburg ordered a retake for encroachment, the Spaniard stepped up to once again beat Robles in the 68th minute.

Then Giroud's two late goals finished it off as the Frenchman pocked home Sagna's 83rd minute cross and a quickfire three-man attack was ended with Giroud tapping in two minutes later to send Arsenal to Wembley.

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