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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Arsenal Looking Forward to Come Back to Winning Ways in EPL 2013-14

The English Premier League has seen some unexpected turn of events in the March first week itself. Last week, Arsenal lost a match against Stoke City, which was a shocker for all.

Arsenal Suffers Defeat Against Stoke City

On March 01, Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat against Stoke City, which was a huge shock and surprise for the fans and the team itself. Arsenal was at number 2 position, but following the defeat against Stoke City, it slipped to number 3 position. Liverpool climbed to the second position, after they won a 3-0 clean sweep against Southampton. Chelsea retained its number one spot at the points table. The number one spot has made Chelsea tickets sell more at the box office.

A 'Massive Setback' for Arsenal

The manager of Arsenal 'Arsene Wenger' has said that the team's 1-0 defeat against Stoke City is a 'massive setback' to the team's title hopes. The team is now 4 points behind Chelsea. With the English Premier League entering its last phase, Arsenal can not afford to make any more mistakes now and slip down further. Arsenal has not won any EPL tournament for a decade since 2003-04.

Arsenal will now have to work hard to succeed Liverpool first and come at number two position before winning other games to out-stage Chelsea at number one position again. However, looking at the dark horse Liverpool's performance, the team is sure going to give a tough competition for Arsenal. The fans are busy buying the Liverpool tickets for the match against Sunderland on March 11.

Arsenal vs. Swansea City

Arsenal vs. Swansea City will be held on 26^th March instead of 8^th March due to quarter finals of FA Cup. This will be a riveting match, as team Arsenal have plenty of time to re-think their strategy and pick up their defence. Swansea City is currently on 14th position on the table and do not have to lose anything now. The team management had sacked its manager 'Michael Laudrup' last month just before crucial matches against the top 4 teams due to poor performance. The reasons given for his ouster was 'his lack of intensity' in training.

Whatever the situation is, but the show must go on for the EPL and the sale of England Tickets.

Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland Match Report 22-Feb-2014

Olivier Giroud emerged from the storm of personal and professional anguish to stamp his name back on Arsenal’s title challenge.

He scored twice, to take his league tally to 12, and was involved in another as he returned to the starting line-up with a bang.

Maybe Sunderland had one eye on next week’s return to north London for the Capital One Cup final at Wembley.

Maybe they were just outclassed. Whatever the reason, they need to raise their game to save their Premier League status, as well as avoid a public ­humiliation next week against Manchester City at Wembley.

Dennis Bergkamp, part of the last Arsenal team to win the Premier League and now immortalised in bronze outside the Emirates, professed his love for the club and his hope to return one day when he was introduced to the crowd at half-time.

And he will have been impressed as the Gunners put down another decisive marker to suggest their long wait for ­silverware and a 14th domestic league title could be coming to an end.

The fact Arsene Wenger did not even name Mesut Ozil on the bench, supposedly because of a thigh injury and nothing to do with his costly penalty miss against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, was quickly forgotten as the hosts dominated.

Wenger said: “We had a very demanding week, both physically and mentally, and we scored two great Arsenal goals. I was very pleased for Tomas Rosicky, who took the role of Bergkamp today and Dennis would have been impressed.”

After games against Manchester United, Bayern and two with Liverpool, a visit by the lowly Wearsiders appeared from a distance to be an oasis of calm for the Gunners.

And so it proved.

Especially for Giroud, centre of all sorts of storms - one most certainly of his own making.

Controversially omitted from the Champions League team on Wednesday, he took just five minutes to leave one word hanging in the air: Why?

Leaving out his top scorer had seemed a bold gamble by Wenger in midweek, and his impact on returning only ­deepened the suspicion that it was one that failed.

The inability to convert early domination against the ­European Champions into at least one goal proved costly to their ambitions on the continent.

But against domestic ­opposition here, Giroud made it a different story.

Jack Wilshere, Lukas Podolski, Rosicky and Wilshere again combined for Giroud who had a simple tap-in.

If his professional situation had suddenly taken an upturn after being left out of the previous two games, his muted ­celebration perhaps marked the awkward personal position he put himself in after inviting a lingerie model to his hotel room ahead of the game against Crystal Palace.

Giroud, who Wenger claimed had been rested from the previous two starting line-ups because “he was tired” was awake to the opportunity when Santiago Vergini played an aimless pass into his own area and the Arsenal ace pounced to roll the ball home for his 16th goal of the season.

“That was the killer,” admitted Sunderland manager Gus Poyet. “We were technically poor, our reactions, sprints, power, ­everything not good enough.”

If the Black Cats were architects of their own downfall for that goal, the third was classic Arsenal pass-and-move. Easy on the eye, bewitching to defend against, before Rosicky’s clipped finish.

Sunderland had barely even had scraps to feed off.

They acquitted themselves better after the break until Vergini sliced a cross just wide of his own goal and the resulting corner by Santi Cazorla landed on Laurent Koscielny’s head, with marker Phil Bardsley several yards away, watching as the ball flew past Vito Mannone.

Koscielny and Nacho Monreal (foot) were substituted injured, though both are rated ‘hopeful’ for next Saturday’s game against Stoke.

Sunderland, who tested Wojciech Szczesny through Fabio Borini and then Ki Sung-Yeung, earned a consolation when the keeper’s punched ­clearance went to sub Emanuele Giaccherini, and from 25 yards he returned the ball with interest.

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Source : http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/arsenal-4-1-sunderland-match-report-3133970#ixzz2uE1TaRDh

Arsenal 0-2 Bayern Munich Match Report 19-Feb-2014

Another hard luck story. Another night of wondering what might have been.
But, ultimately, it all points to yet another early exit from the Champions League and this one will be even harder to take.

It seems even more cruel because while it was 11 versus 11, it was an even and fascinating contest.

Arsenal gave as good as they got, Mesut Ozil wasted an early penalty and yet it looked as if Arsene Wenger's men would push Bayern Munich all of the way.

But as soon as Wojciech Szczesny was sent off and Arsenal were reduced to ten men just before the break it was game over. The fact David Alaba missed the resulting penalty became an irrelevance.

Bayern were always going to be a tough nut to crack. Wenger described them as the best team in the world.

In the end, the scoreline could have been even worse because Bayern were unforgiving in a one-sided second half.

Arsenal go to Munich in three weeks' time needing another miracle to overturn another disastrous first leg scoreline. Surely Bayern will not be as sloppy as last year, when Arsenal won the second leg 2-0?

That was still not enough 12 months ago and only the most optimistic Arsenal fan could believe they could do it again.

And in the meantime, you wonder what effect it will have on Arsenal's season.

They had to play more than a half of football with only ten men and those legs will now be tired against Sunderland on Saturday.

Also, the huge disappointment may yet impact upon their title challenge and push for silverware as suddenly the FA Cup becomes even more important.

Shaun Botterill/Getty

Big miss: Mesut Ozil spurned Arsenal's best chance

Wenger put on a brave face, but the underlying disappointment will be huge because he regards the Champions League as the ultimate test.

Just like Manchester City against Barcelona the night before, the game changed on a sending off but the results look like a harsh reminder that the Premier League's best cannot live with Europe's best.

Bayern's best two players, Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos, looked on a different level and for all of Arsenal's fight and defiance there was no way they could keep them at bay with only 10 men.

It was harsh because Arsenal started so brightly and Ozil won a ninth penalty when his run and clever turn tricked Jerome Boateng to make a clumsy challenge.

With first choice penalty taker Mikel Arteta suspended, Ozil grabbed the ball.

Who would bet against a German from the spot?

But, incredibly, he looked more like an Englishman in a shoot-out. Nervous and timid.

He took just two steps, his left foot shot was almost down the middle and Manuel Neuer had dived but was able to throw out a big hand and make a crucial save.

Ozil shook his head in disbelief. But Arsenal did keep their collective heads up.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and even Yaya Sanogo - a surprise inclusion ahead of Olivier Giroud - all put themselves about and dug deep.

It was a terrific contest and well matched, until that all changed in the 38th minutes. Kroos lifted a ball over the defence, Robben latched onto it, Szczesny rushed out and caught him with his trailing leg.

There was no debate on the penalty. But there was a debate to be had over whether it was an obvious goalscoring opportunity and therefore a red card.

The ball was running away from goal.

But Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli had no hesitation and sent off Szczesny, who showed his displeasure with an obscene gesture as he went down the tunnel.

Santi Cazorla looked inconsolable when he was sacrificed to bring on sub keeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Mike Hewitt/Getty

Turning point: Wojciech Szczesny fouls Arjen Robben

Incredibly, Bayern did not ask a German to take the spot-kick. Austrian full-back David Alaba stepped up and... missed, hitting the outside of the post.

The scores may have stayed level, but the task had become impossible.

Robben became more influential, Kroos ran the game in front of watching Manchester United boss David Moyes in the stands.

Bayern got what they deserved in the 55th minute.

Robben and Philipp Lahm swapped passes, they gave the ball to Kroos and his precise curling right foot shot from the edge of the box beat Fabianski at his left hand post.

From then on, Bayern laid siege.

Robben tormented Arsenal, cutting in from the right.

Incredibly, Arsenal held out until the 88th minute when Lahm's clever ball over the top sent in substitute Thomas Muller to head home.

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Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/arsenal-0-2-bayern-munich-match-3162607#ixzz2tr1bptFo

Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool Match Report 16-Feb-2014

Arsenal progressed to the last eight of the FA Cup with a hard-fought win over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski scored either side half-time for the Gunners, who claimed revenge for their heavy defeat to Brendan Rodgers' side in the Premier League last week.

Arsene Wenger decided to rest striker Olivier Giroud, handing Yaya Sanogo a rare start in attack. Joe Allen and Daniel Agger were restored to the Reds' starting line-up, with Jordan Henderson and Kolo Toure dropping to the bench.

Liverpool flew out of the blocks and almost grabbed the opener through Daniel Sturridge, who rounded Lukasz Fabianski but could only find the side netting.

It would be the hosts who got their noses in front, however, Oxlade-Chamberlain turning home from near the penalty spot after being found by Sanogo. That settled Arsenal's nerves, and only some astute Liverpool defending prevented Wenger's men extending their lead before the interval.

They would not have to wait long to make it 2-0 after the break, however. Oxlade-Chamberlain motored clear down the right and crossed low for Podolski, whose crisp finish gave Brad Jones no chance.

Liverpool got back into the game on the hour from the penalty spot. Luis Suarez was bundled over by Podolski just inside the area, giving Steven Gerrard the chance to convert from 12 yards. The England midfielder made no mistake, setting up a thrilling finish.

Liverpool pressed on in the remaining minutes and came close to equalising when Agger headed just wide. But Arsenal held on, setting up a quarter-final clash with Everton, winners over Swansea earlier in the afternoon.

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Source : http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/arsenal-2-1-liverpool-match-report-3152704#ixzz2tZ0RPLZu

Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United Report 12-Feb-2014

If you want to win the title, you've got to put away the also-rans at home.

Chelsea did, 3-1. And City. They scored four. Liverpool, too, were too good for David Moyes' men.
But with the top of the table tantalisingly within reach, the chance to take full advantage of Chelsea's West Brom slip, Arsenal stumbled again.

The smattering of boos that greeted Arsene Wenger and his leggy, weary, players at the final whistle told the story of a championship push in danger of disappearing down the Holloway Road. It is now just five points from 12, at the time when you have to find an extra gear, not slip into neutral.

And while, for once, Arsenal fans were grateful that Robin van Persie lost his shooting boots at the Emirates, the former Gunners skipper missing the two best chances of the night, this felt like one of those pivotal evenings.

In other circumstances, other seasons, a home draw with United can bring a sense of satisfaction.
But not in this campaign, when the Red Devils see a point as a moral victory, portray it as the basis of the next stage back towards respectability.

Wenger had told his players this was the night to demonstrate mental strength, to show their desire and determination. If it is to prove a defining day, it was the wrong sort of definition, nothing like the reaction required after their Anfield debacle, let alone the opportunity gifted them by Chelsea's Hawthorns error, a pale imitation of previous titanic tussles between these two.

2014 Getty Images

Air game: Rio Ferdinand challenges Olivier Giroud

Even when Van Persie squandered a sitter after 80 seconds, taking the ball off Mikel Arteta's toes but shooting too close to Wojciech Szczesny, Arsenal's response was tepid.

They were aided by a shocking opening from Nemanja Vidic, who first allowed Jack Wilshere to walk past him in the box and then gave Olivier Giroud a free header from the resulting Santi Cazorla corner.

But the remainder of the opening period was a study in the weaknesses and frailties of both sides, Moyes' decision to marginalise Juan Mata wide left as mystifying as Arsenal's lack of intensity.

Van Persie, teased in by Mata, flashed through the six yard box yet the biggest talking point was the horrible head-first fall by Rafael Da Silva as he jumped over Giroud just before the interval.

The onus was on Arsenal to take it up a notch. After all, they were the ones with the summit in their sights. United are stuck in the foothills. But the threat was brief, peripheral, only occasional, never sustained.

2014 Getty Images

Rare chance: Giroud goes close as David De Gea looks on

Antonio Valencia did head out from under his own bar when Laurent Koscielny beat Vidic to Mesut Ozil's corner. The German's improvement from recent displays was only marginal.

Giroud demanded a penalty as he went to ground far to easily after a nudge from Vidic - now partnered by Rio Ferdinand - and when he did get in front of the Serb, from Bacary Sagna's delicious delivery, he failed to get even the slight touch required.

Then again, that's what happens when you expect one man to play up front on his own all season. January made the Gunners shiver, with every striker they didn't deliver.

Had Van Persie not been brilliantly denied by Szczesny, diverting his bullet header from a textbook Rooney cross up against the bar and away, the howls of anguish would have been deeper and even more mournful.

The woodwork allowed time for a late assault, one which saw David De Gea twice thwart Cazorla, first down to his right and then at the foot of the other upright.

It was, though, an insufficient response to a situation which demanded far, far more, United's satisfaction with a draw outlining how their expectations have been diminished by a season to forget.

Arsenal are not, yet, out of the battle for the crown. But all the pre-season warnings about their true strength look increasingly accurate. The buck has to stop somewhere. It will. As Arsene knows.

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Source : http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/arsenal-0-0-manchester-united-match-3111104#ixzz2tAxKdHYj

Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1 Match Report 08-Feb-2014

Without question the worst performance of the season, and one that will stick in the memory with all those other bad days at the office from recent seasons.

Fortunately - no matter how dire we were at Anfield - this doesn't mean that we're suddenly out of the title race. Far from it.

If you read the papers too much you'll end up slashing your wrists, but the truth is that the situation is far from hopeless. Yes it was a shocking performance, but the points reversal would have been the same even if we'd only lost 1-0 and nobody would be wailing about it.

We simply have to pick ourselves up, move on, and beat Manchester United at home. Easy eh?

Here's the report:

Liverpool produced one of the most stunning opening 20 minutes seen at Anfield - and arguably one of the best ever - to blow away Arsenal and give their own title hopes a shot in the arm.

Brendan Rodgers' rampant Reds fired four goals before the visitors knew what had hit them, and they were incapable of finding a response.

The irony was that the league's leading striker Luis Suarez, whom Gunners boss Arsene Wenger tried so hard to sign in the summer with a cheeky £40,000,001 bid, did not get near any of them.

Suarez, who deserved a goal for a brilliant volley which beat goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny but not the post, could claim an assist for Raheem Sterling's first of two but Liverpool were well in control by then thanks to two from defender Martin Skrtel - the first after just 52 seconds.

There was a sense of incredulity around Anfield when Daniel Sturridge caressed home the fourth with less than a quarter of the match played but for Arsenal it was more a feeling of bewilderment as an eight-game unbeaten run came to an end with Mikel Arteta's second-half penalty no consolation.

It left a question mark hanging over their ability to sustain a challenge on three fronts with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, quickly followed by Liverpool in the FA Cup and then Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Liverpool's first home league win over Arsenal since March 2007 moved them to within five points of their opponents, who started the day with a two-point advantage over Manchester City and Chelsea at the top of the table.

Rodgers has ruled his side in - and then out - of the title race but anything close to a repeat of this form in the remainder of the campaign and he may have to reconsider once again.

An 11th home victory in 13 attempts, their best record since 1987-88, indicates where their strength lies and with Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham all still to come to Anfield Liverpool should be able to set their sights higher than merely securing fourth place - providing they can avoid some inconsistency on the road.

Arsenal arrived with the joint-best away record in the top flight but the dismantling of that began inside a minute.

Per Mertesacker fouled Suarez wide on Liverpool's left and Steven Gerrard's wickedly inswinging free-kick was turned in six yards out by Skrtel, although there was a suspicion of offside about it.

Full-back Jon Flanagan almost made it 2-0 on the end of a flowing move down the right involving the industrious Jordan Henderson and Sturridge but from Gerrard's resulting corner Skrtel flicked in a header over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the line.

The goal doubled the Slovakia international's tally for the season and equalled his best goalscoring campaign (2011-12) for the club.

Still Arsenal were powerless to prevent Liverpool rampaging forward and when Suarez played Sturridge in the England striker should have done better with his clever chip over the advancing goalkeeper which drifted wide.

Suarez smacked a sumptuous volley against an upright from Gerrard's corner with Kolo Toure unable to divert the rebound into the empty net, but there was no respite.

Henderson robbed the anonymous Mesut Ozil on halfway. Suarez's cross from the right had Sturridge and Sterling queuing up but the latter got their first.

Sturridge was not to be denied, however, and when a trademark Philippe Coutinho through-ball sent the striker scampering between Arsenal's statuesque centre-backs a confident clip past the goalkeeper got its just reward.

A quick glance at the Anfield scoreboard showed the time elapsed was 20 minutes - Arsenal's players looked like they were already halfway home to London.

The visitors created just two chances in the first half, one via a mix-up between goalkeeper Simon Mignolet with Skrtel clearing the danger from Nacho Monreal, and the other a Mertesacker header flashed across goal.

Any fanciful hopes Arsenal had of recreating a thrilling 4-4 draw like the Andrey Arshavin-inspired one here in 2009 which contributed to Liverpool not winning the title were ended 10 minutes into the second half.

Toure's ball over the top was seized upon by Sterling, who reacted quickest when his shot rebounded back off Szczesny to make it 5-0.

Rarely is Suarez overshadowed but try as he might he could not get into the main action, with his 35-yard free-kick destined for the top corner until the Gunners goalkeeper tipped it over.

Arteta scored a penalty after Gerrard's needless foul on Oxlade-Chamberlain and was denied by Mignolet's low save from his free-kick but the game had been lost long before.

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Source : http://www.arsenal-world.co.uk/rprt/mtch/liverpool_5_arsenal_1__well_and_truly_stuffed_824105/index.shtml