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Showing posts with label arsenal. Show all posts
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Sunday, 21 December 2014

EPL Result: Liverpool 2 - 2 Arsenal


Martin Skrtel's goal in the seventh minute of added on time has rescued Liverpool a 2-2 draw in their Premier League meeting with Arsenal this evening.

The Gunners looked to have done enough to secure all three points at Anfield having battled back from behind, although a late twist to the contest saw Brendan Rodgers's charges secure a share of the spoils.

Philippe Coutinho took advantage of a huge gap in the visiting side's midfield early on which forced Per Mertesacker into making a rash challenge on the edge of the penalty area, although Steven Gerrard could not hit the target with his subsequent free kick.

Some neat link-up play between Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana allowed the latter to work away a shot on goal which flew narrowly over, as Liverpool took control of the possession stakes in the early stages.

The Reds continued to press as the first-half wore on, and moments after Mertesacker denied Raheem Sterling - fielded in a central attacking position once more this afternoon - Coutinho unleashed an effort from long range which was hit straight at Wojciech Szczesny in the end.

Markovic squandered two good openings to edge his side ahead as Liverpool's profligacy began to tell, failing to convert after being played in by Gerrard before seeing his first-time curler fly wide of the target.

Then came a manic couple of minutes on Merseyside as Coutinho finally gave the hosts the lead with a fine finish off the post following some sloppy Arsenal play, although Mathieu Debuchy managed to level things up against the run of play with the last piece of action of the half, out-jumping Martin Skrtel to nod the ball home.

Skrtel required lengthy treatment on the field following a coming together with Olivier Giroud, which led to the early stages of the second half becoming broken up.

Things soon sparked back into life, however, with Lucas Leiva blasting over following a swift counter from Brendan Rodgers's men, while Sterling pounced on some hesitancy from Szczesny to round the Polish stopper, although Gerrard could not divert his header on target after being picked out by his teammate.

Yet despite all the pressing from Liverpool it was Arsenal who edged ahead through Giroud, who managed to fire away a first-time shot between the legs Brad Jones after a quick one-two with Santi Cazorla.

Liverpool, who have now won just two of their last 15 meetings against today's opponents, pressed in search of an equaliser, and they very nearly found one when Coutinho found himself in space inside the area only to see his shot cut out by Cazorla.

Lucas tried his luck once more with 15 minutes remaining with a shot which swerved narrowly wide, just moments before Coutinho blew another decent chance by blasting over.

Liverpool were buoyed by the announcement of nine minutes of time being added on at the end as a result of Skrtel's earlier injury, and they almost found an equaliser when substitute Fabio Borini saw his header tipped over by Szczesny.

That proved to be the Italian's last real involvement in the game after he was shown a second yellow card by referee Michael Oliver, but even with a man less the Reds battled back in the seventh minute of added on time through Skrtel, who powered home his header to rescue a point for his side.

EPL Preview: Liverpool vs. Arsenal


Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will be without striker Mario Balotelli for the visit of Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

The Italian forward has been banned for one game, as well as being fined £25,000, for an anti-Semitic post on Instagram, while the Reds will also be missing defender Glen Johnson.

Dejan Lovren is a doubt, but Alberto Moreno could return if Rodgers decides to revert to a back-four after selecting an offensive formation for his side's 3-1 win at Bournemouth in the League Cup.

The success at Dean Court came as a boost for a club who have registered just seven points from their last six Premier League fixtures.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that winger Theo Walcott will undergo a fitness test on a groin injury to determine whether he can take a place on the bench.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will also be assessed ahead of the game, but defender Calum Chambers is available after serving a one-match suspension.

The Gunners have won five of their last six fixtures, hitting the back of the net on 14 occasions, but concerns remain over a defence that is still missing Laurent Koscielny.

Liverpool:

Form in Premier League: LLWWDL

Possible starting lineup: Jones; Toure, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno; Henderson, Gerrard, Lucas; Coutinho, Lallana, Sterling

Arsenal:

Form in Premier League: LLWWLW

Possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Chambers, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Flamini, Cazorla; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sanchez, Welbeck; Giroud

Sunday, 17 August 2014

EPL Result: Arsenal 2 - 1 Crystal Palace


Aaron Ramsey struck a stoppage-time winner as Arsenal came from behind to beat 10-man Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium this evening.

The Welshman pounced in the 91st minute to down a spirited Palace side and seal the club's first opening-day victory in the Premier League for five years.

Tony Pulis's resignation dominated the build-up to the encounter, but the Eagles produced a disciplined performance under interim boss Keith Millen and made the Gunners work hard to fashion an opening.

It took the best part of half-an-hour for Arsenal to get a glimpse at goal, as Jack Wilshere's left-footed effort was tipped past the post by Julian Speroni.

Arsenal struggled to build on that opportunity and Millen's side went ahead with 10 minutes remaining in the half, as Brede Hangeland rose highest to plant a header past Wojciech Szczesny.

Falling behind only serverd to spark the hosts into life, as Santi Cazorla flashed a deflected effort wide, before Laurent Koscielny headed an Alexis Sanchez free kick past Speroni on 46 minutes.

The North Londoners faced similar woes in the second half as the Palace defence successfully repelled everything that they came their way, with Sanchez and Ramsey reduced to tame shots from range.

Second-half substitute Olivier Giroud flashed an effort across the face of goal on 82 minutes, but nobody in red was on hand to convert the cross-come shot.

The hosts were given extra incentive in their quest for the three points after Jason Puncheon was sent off for a second yellow card.

Ramsey made them pay, tapping home a Mathieu Debuchy rebound from close range to seal his side's first victory on the opening day of the season since 2009.

Wednesday, 23 July 2014

Lionel Messi Considered Arsenal Switch


Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi reportedly sounded out Arsenal last season regarding a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

In May of this year, the 27-year-old committed his future to his Catalan employers by signing a new contract, which is believed to contain a release clause in the region of £200m.

However, prior to having agreed to those fresh terms, the Argentine international, who had grown frustrated with life at the Camp Nou, asked former Gunners midfielder and his then Barcelona teammate Cesc Fabregas to talk to his agent Darren Dein regarding the logistics of a move to the North Londoners, according to Spanish outlet Vozpopuli.

The report added that at the same time, Fabregas was also discussing terms with Arsenal, but the midfielder eventually signed for London rivals Chelsea.

It is believed that even if Messi had decided to leave Barca, Arsenal would have struggled to raise the necessary transfer funds to secure the deal.

Sunday, 13 July 2014

Per Mertesacker (@mertesacker) Is A Proud Member Of The German Football Team


Germany and Arsenal defender, Per Mertesacker went on twitter to let his fans know that he has always been proud of his national team.

The 29 year old German who debuted for Germany in 2003, posted an old photo of his as a young boy in 1990 wearing the old DFB jersey. See his tweet below!

Sunday, 6 April 2014

RESULT: Everton Cruise Past Arsenal To Close Gap On Fourth Place


Everton have defeated Arsenal 3-0 at Goodison Park to close the gap on their opponents to just one point in the battle for fourth place.

Two first-half goals put the Toffees on their way, before Mikel Arteta's own goal wrapped up the points to leave the Gunners hanging on to the final Champions League spot.

The hosts almost got off to a dream start when Leon Osman struck a volley from the corner of the area, but the ball swerved just wide of the target to the relief of Wojciech Szczesny.

Everton made the breakthrough on 14 minutes courtesy of Steven Naismith, who tapped home after Romelu Lukaku's initial effort had been kept out by Szczesny.

Roberto Martinez's men increased the pressure further in search of a second, and following a succession of near-misses, Lukaku found a way through to make it 2-0.

The Belgian international collected Kevin Mirallas's pass on the right-hand side, before cutting inside and finishing low into the far corner to put the Toffees into a commanding position 10 minutes before the interval.

Arsenal came close to pulling one back through Lukas Podolski when his mishit shot bobbled up and nearly over Tim Howard, but the American keeper managed acrobatically tip the ball over to retain his side's two-goal cushion.

Olivier Giroud almost capitalised on some sloppy Everton play shortly after the restart, with the striker being gifted an opportunity by Mirallas to find the net, though Howard was quick to close him down to save his teammates blushes.

Any hopes Arsenal had of finding a route back into the game were soon over, however, when Bacary Sagna was dispossessed leaving Mirallas to charge up field and play in Naismith. The winger was initially beaten to the ball by Szczesny, but Arteta was unfortunate to be in the path of the clearance which he ended up sliding into his own net.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came within inches of pulling back a consolation for Arsene Wenger's charges with a strike from 25-yards, only for the ball to come back off the bar, while Yaya Sanogo's 'goal' was ruled out for being offside in the dying seconds.


Source: www.sportsmole.co.uk

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Gunners Can Pass Bayern Test - Arsene Wenger


Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal have no reason to fear Bayern Munich as they prepare to face the UEFA Champions League holders in the last 16 first leg on Wednesday.

Just 12 months after they crashed out of Europe's elite club competition at the hands of the German giants, Wenger's team have an opportunity for revenge after being drawn to face Bayern at the same stage.

Arsenal were outclassed in the first leg last season as Bayern, who were then managed by Jupp Heynckes, cruised to a 3-1 victory in north London.

But the Gunners responded with a shock 2-0 win in the return game and came close to completing a stunning fightback before bowing out on away goals.

Winning in Munich proved a major boost for Wenger's side, who had lost their way at that time but finished the season strongly and have maintained their impressive form for much of the current campaign.

Yet Bayern, now coached by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, are arguably an even more formidable force this season than they were last year, when they won the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup.

The Bavarians will swagger into the Emirates Stadium on a 46-match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga.

They lead the German top-flight by 16 points, allowing them to focus fully on retaining the Champions League crown they won against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley last year.

Optimistic Arsenal
But Wenger remains optimistic and the Gunners manager is confident the experience of last season's encounters will stand his players in good stead as they seek to end Bayern's reign as holders.

"I think we know them better, individually the players," he said. "We will be in a better condition hopefully, because last year was after the disappointment of losing against Blackburn in the FA Cup, to play Bayern three days later it was very difficult for us.

"I think in the league as well we were in a much more difficult position. Now we are mentally better prepared to go into a game of that stature."

While Bayern have swept aside all challengers under Heynckes and now Guardiola, Arsenal's trophy drought has stretched into a ninth year.

Still, the Gunners' French midfielder Mathieu Flamini sees no reason for his team-mates to go into the tie with an inferiority complex.

Citing Sunday's gritty 2-1 FA Cup fifth round win over Liverpool as proof of Arsenal's improved spirit and mental strength, Flamini said: "What I will say about this season is that I see a great commitment, I see everyone working very hard on the pitch and helping each other.

"We know it won't be an easy game because Bayern are a very strong team, but we are Arsenal, we have big ambitions. We will do everything to qualify for the next round in the Champions League."

Arsenal will be without suspended Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta, but Bayern have more significant absentees.

Bayern absentees
France winger Franck Ribery is sidelined after buttock surgery, while Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri suffered a thigh injury after scoring twice in Saturday's 4-0 win over Freiburg.

Even those injuries are unlikely to perturb Guardiola, whose side are respectful of the dangers posed by Arsenal without being intimidated by the Premier League team.

"We're not going there for a 0-0 draw, we want to win in London, of course," Bayern captain Philipp Lahm said. "It won't be easy, they have put some confidence back in the tank after the Liverpool result."

Centre-back Jerome Boateng believes Arsenal are "stronger" than last season and he claimed Mesut Ozil has added an extra menace to their attacking play, even though the Germany international has endured an up and down first season in English football.

"Mesut Ozil is their key player and we have to be wide awake," Boateng said. "We have to prove on the pitch that we are better. We don't want to go into the return match chasing a result."

Source: Fifa.com

Sunday, 9 February 2014

SPORTS: Wenger Dumbfounded By 'Naive' Arsenal


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger branded his side "naive" and said that they had conceded goals "in slow-motion" after they crashed 5-1 at Premier League title rivals Liverpool.

Liverpool scored four goals in the first 20 minutes at Anfield en route to a victory that took them to within five points of Arsenal, who went into the weekend as league leaders.

"It was a very poor day," Wenger told BT Sport. "Only the fans were good for 90 minutes. All the rest on our side, we were poor -- defensively, offensively -- and they (the goals) were all scored in slow-motion.

"Overall, on top of that, we were caught on two set-pieces at the start. But the performance was very poor and Liverpool played very well, so congratulations to them. We have to bounce back from that, and as quickly as possible.

"We were too open. Every acceleration from Liverpool was deadly for us and defensively, from up front to the back, we were not at the level that you are used to."

For Arsenal, it was the worst possible start to a run of fixtures that includes a league game with Manchester United on Wednesday, another meeting with Liverpool in the FA Cup next weekend, and a UEFA Champions League last-16 tie with defending champions Bayern Munich.

Asked how his side could put the defeat by Liverpool behind them, Wenger replied: "By the desire to give the right response. These are top-level sportsmen.

"We have shown since the start of the season we can do that, but of course it raises some questions today (Saturday) because we were caught many times and were a bit naive."

He added: "I'm confident we will (bounce back). Of course we produced a poor performance on a day when you couldn't afford it. But we have to think why, why it happened, and make sure it doesn't happen again."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was unsurprisingly delighted by his team's display, but he was reluctant to talk up their title chances.

"It was an incredible performance," he said. "It's not the first time we've been outstanding at home, but everything about us today was incredible. Everything was outstanding.

"We've been getting better and better. We've got a lot of young players, developing well. But for us it's just about improving."

A brace from Martin Skrtel put Liverpool 2-0 up inside ten minutes, with Raheem Sterling adding a double and Daniel Sturridge also finding the net before Mikel Arteta replied for Arsenal with a 69th-minute penalty.


Source: Fifa.com

SPORTS: Liverpool Demolish Arsenal At Anfield


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. Liverpool were well in control inside ten minutes 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 UEFA 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.

Skrtl, Sterling, Sturridge strike
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 ten 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.

Friday, 7 February 2014

SPORTS: It's Out Of Chelsea's Hands - Mourinho


Jose Mourinho insists Chelsea's English Premier League title prospects rest in the hands of rivals Arsenal and Manchester City. Mourinho's side boosted their chances with Monday's impressive 1-0 victory over Manuel Pellegrini's City side at the Etihad Stadium.

But the manager maintains his team remains the weakest of the three main contenders for the championship because they are still a work in progress during the Portuguese's first season back at the club. And Mourinho claims Chelsea remain in contention largely because of the failings of the top two.

"I'm not saying we're not going to win. I'm saying we're not candidates. We're outsiders," Mourinho said. "We're playing in our own league, to try and improve, against ourselves. To try and get the best result against our opponents. We're not a squad like City's, where players are in the best moment of their careers, an age of stability between 24, 25, 26 and their 30s, all of them working together for quite a long time, a manager who arrived and the team was ready for him.

"Arsenal are the biggest example of stability, the biggest example of a manager working with players year after year, working with these guys since they were really young players: Aaron Ramsey, Bacary Sagna, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere. All working with the manager for a long time.

"We are different. We are beginning. On the first day of the next pre-season, I will say yes we are there, and we accept that people consider Chelsea as candidates. Today, no. We are there because we're doing very well, or because Man City or Arsenal are not doing as well as they should with the condition they have.

"We don't put ourselves at the same level as them," Mourinho continued. "Do we dream about winning the Premier League? Of course. If not, we wouldn't play. Do we want to be there and win the next game against Newcastle? Of course. But we have not the same responsibilities (as City and Arsenal), that's for sure."

"We are there because we're doing very well, or because Man City or Arsenal are not doing as well as they should with the condition they have" - Jose Mourinho, Chelsea manager on his side's English Premier League title chances

The visit of Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge on Saturday presents Mourinho's team with the chance to avenge a 2-0 defeat at St James' Park earlier in the season. The manager believes his side have progressed since that loss in early November and said: "I think we are improving. I think we are getting much better results.

"But the game is the game, and I don't know what is going to happen. I think the team is ready, wants to win, is well prepared. They're enjoying being where they are. Last season they were outside every possible race, and struggling to get a top four position to play Champions League. People are enjoying it, and that's what I want them to do."

Mourinho will not rush Fernando Torres back into the starting line-up despite the striker returning to training this week after a knee ligament injury.

"Fernando is almost there, but not there," Mourinho said. "If it was the last game of the season, I would say 'let's go and do it'. But there are lots of matches to play, so it's not right to risk now. You could lose him for a long time. So we won't take risks. Tuesday (against West Bromwich Albion) is a better possibility."

Source: Fifa.com

Friday, 31 January 2014

NEWS: Arsenal Land Kallstrom In Loan Deal


Arsenal signed Sweden midfielder Kim Kallstrom on loan until the end of the season from Russian club Spartak Moscow on transfer deadline day.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger moved for Kallstrom on Friday as he looked to add depth to a midfield hit by injuries to Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere and Mathieu Flamini's suspension.

The 31-year-old, who has also played for BK Hacken, Djurgardens and Rennes, has a wealth of experience at the highest level after starring at French club Lyon.

Kallstrom made over 200 appearances for Lyon, winning the Ligue 1 title twice and helping the club reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2009/10.

He has also won 108 caps for Sweden and appeared at UEFA EURO in 2004, 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™.

Wenger believes Kallstrom's impressive pedigree will make him a valuable addition as the Gunners, currently second in the English Premier League, look to end their long trophy drought.

"Kim Kallstrom is a hugely-experienced player," Wenger told Arsenal's official website. "He is a midfielder with proven quality at both club and international level. We welcome Kim to Arsenal."

Although Kallstrom has appeared for Spartak Moscow in this season's Europa League at the play-off stage, when they were eliminated by Swiss club St Gallen, Arsenal say he will be eligible for the Gunners for the remainder of this season's Champions League campaign.

With a potentially thrilling end to the season in prospect, Kallstrom is determined to help Arsenal finally win silverware after an nine-year drought.

"Arsenal is an amazing club with a lot of great players and a coach who has done really well here for a long time," Kallstrom said.

"I am so pleased to come here to learn as much as possible. I'm here to do my best for Arsenal and to help out the team, so we can achieve good results for the last part of the season."

Saturday, 14 December 2013

SPORTS: Manchester City 6 - 3 Arsenal FC


The 2011-12 champions went into the game six points adrift of Arsene Wenger's league leaders but moved within striking distance of the Londoners by claiming the spoils in an enthralling encounter.

Sergio Aguero opened the scoring for City, volleying home from a corner, only for the returning Theo Walcott to level midway through the first half.

Alvaro Negredo turned home Pablo Zabaleta's cross to put the hosts back in front and City looked to have made the game safe when Fernandinho scored his first goal for the club early in the second half.

England winger Walcott curled home a delightful second as Arsenal rallied, yet David Silva converted Jesus Navas's cross to make it 4-2 and Fernandinho struck again in the 88th minute.

An injury-time header from Per Mertesacker provided little consolation for the visitors, particularly as there was still time for Yaya Toure to add City's sixth from the penalty spot.

Walcott made his first start since September for Arsenal, while City manager Pellegrini once again preferred Costel Pantilimon to Joe Hart in goal.

The hosts started the stronger and were rewarded after 13 minutes when Aguero met Martin Demichelis's near-post flick-on from a corner with an acrobatic volley that flew past Wojciech Szczesny.

City's advantage was almost doubled seven minutes later when Negredo shot wide from Vincent Kompany's through-ball.

Despite offering little in response, Arsenal equalised after 31 minutes when Walcott finished a flowing move with a shot from the edge of the area that left Pantilimon flat-footed.

Negredo wasted a gilt-edged chance soon after but the Spain striker atoned for that miss when scoring from point-blank range in the 39th minute following good work from Toure and Zabaleta. To make matters worse for Arsenal, Laurent Koscielny sustained an injury as the Spaniard found the net and the defender was forced off, to be replaced by Thomas Vermaelen.

Aguero was also withdrawn through injury after the break but City grabbed a third when Fernandinho capitalised on sloppy Arsenal defending with a curled finish.

Wenger's men produced a determined response, Olivier Giroud heading wide before a penalty appeal for handball against Zabaleta went unanswered.

Walcott's exquisite second provided genuine hope for Arsenal but City were not to be denied and soon restored their two-goal advantage through Silva.

Wilshere forced Pantilimon into a fine save with a shot from distance but the midfielder was at fault for City's fifth as he conceded possession to allow Fernandinho to score his second.

That goal came with two minutes remaining, yet there was still time for Mertesacker to pull one back and Toure to finish from 12 yards after James Milner had been brought down by Szczesny.

Source: Goal.com

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

SPORTS: Arsenal 1 - 2 Borussia Dortmund

PA PhotosArsenal lost to a late goal from Borussia Dortmund.
Arsenal brought down to earth!
Robert Lewandowski brought Arsenal down to earth with a late winner as Borussia Dortmund recorded a 2-1 victory in Tuesday night's Champions League Group F clash at the Emirates Stadium.

The Premier League leaders had done well to fight back from going behind to on 16 minutes when Henrikh Mkhitaryan drilled the ball in after Aaron Ramsey had given away possession on the edge of his own penalty area.

Olivier Giroud's close-range strike sent the teams into the break on level terms, before substitute Santi Cazorla sent a 20-yard effort against the woodwork.

However, all of the Gunners' efforts were undone as Dortmund - last season's beaten Champions League finalists - netted with just eight minutes left on the counter-attack through Lewandowski to ruin Arsene Wenger's 64th birthday and leave the Gunners still with work to do to qualify for the knockout stages.

Dortmund had looked lively from kick-off, with Marco Reus supporting Poland forward Lewandowski as manager Jurgen Klopp watched on from the stands serving his UEFA touchline ban.

It was no real surprise when the Germans took the lead on 16 minutes.

Ramsey was hustled out of possession by Reus on the edge of his own penalty area, with the ball fed to Lewandowski.

The Pole played in Mkhitaryan, who smashed a low shot past Wojciech Szczesny from 15 yards.

Arsenal, who moved clear at the top of the Premier League with a 4-1 win over Norwich here on Saturday, were used to having it very much their own way this season and faced perhaps the first real test of character.

Giroud showed great strength to out-muscle full-back Marcel Schmelzer and win the ball on the nearside touchline, before cutting back towards the Dortmund box where he was unceremoniously upended by Mats Hummels.

The assistant referee behind the goal was well positioned to correctly signal a free-kick just outside the box, which Laurent Koscielny headed over from Ozil's delivery.

Tomas Rosicky clipped a ball through for Jack Wilshere to run onto, but it was just too far ahead of the England man.

However, Wilshere landed awkwardly on his ankle, and immediately fell to the ground before needing treatment off the pitch.

He was back on soon enough, but still not moving freely.

Arsenal continued to be patient, often allowing Dortmund long spells of possession.

When the ball broke to Giroud on the left, his cutback was fired goalwards by Rosicky, but Hummels cleared off the line.

Arsenal, though, were level five minutes before the break.

Ramsey brought the ball forwards and fed Bacary Sagna on the overlap.

His cross in behind the defence caught out Neven Subotic and goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller, with the mix-up allowing Giroud to smash the loose ball into the net.

Wilshere looked to have shrugged off any problems as he emerged for the second half.

The match remained delicately balanced as both sides held good periods of possession, but lacked a decisive ball in the final third.

On 58 minutes, Wilshere was replaced by Cazorla, before Dortmund - coached from the technical area by assistant Zeljko Buvac - made a double change as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Jonas Hofmann came on for Jakub Blaszczykowski and Mkhitaryan.

Lewandowski was somewhat fortunate to only be shown a yellow card by Sweden referee Jonas Eiksson when he clashed with Koscielny, and looked to have caught the defender with a stray elbow.

Arsenal were within inches of taking the lead when Cazorla's curled effort from 20 yards struck the angle of post and crossbar with the keeper beaten.

Dortmund, though, hit Arsenal on the counter attack with eight minutes left.

The ball was played out to right-back Kevin Grosskreutz on the overlap and his deep cross drifted over towards the far post, where Lewandowski arrived on queue to swept it past countryman Szczesny.

With Napoli winning in Marseille, the Gunners are now locked in a three-way scrap for qualification - and will need a better result when they travel to German in two weeks time.

Espnfc.com

Sunday, 20 October 2013

SPORTS: Arsenal 4 - 1 Norwich

Arsenal went clear at the top of the Premier League once again with a comfortable 4-1 win over Norwich at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Jack Wilshere scored a stunning goal to give the home side the lead after 18 minutes. The Englishman started the move with his tenacity. But the culminating one-touch interplay with Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud was a sheer delight.

It was arguably the best goal to grace Emirates Stadium since it opened in August 2006.

In truth, Arsenal never quite kicked on after that and their second, via the head of Mesut Ozil midway through the second half, came against the run of play.

Jonathan Howson drilled home a low shot shortly afterwards to open the door for Norwich once more.

But the home side would soon slam it shut.

Aaron Ramsey scored a stunning solo strike to make it 3-1. The irrepressible Welshman then set up Ozil to grab his second just before the end.

In truth, Wenger’s men had been a little patchy in periods but sumptuous finishing had secured another stirring victory.

When it mattered Arsenal were efficiently lethal.
And that is a quality title-contenders tend to possess in abundance.

SETTING THE SCENE
Just before kick-off, Liverpool had gone to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-2 draw at Newcastle. The home crowd arrived expecting their side to respond.

The manager sprung a surprise by leaving out Ramsey, arguably Arsenal’s Player of the Season so far.

However his omission allowed Cazorla to return for his first game since the north London derby on September 1.

It was the first time the Spaniard and Ozil had played together. Emirates Stadium licked its lips at the prospect.

The other change from the draw at West Brom a fortnight ago saw Bacary Sagna replace Carl Jenkinson.

FIRST HALF
Arsenal began with understandable confidence though Norwich were resolute. Despite persistent pressure, the home side only had two sights of goal in the first 15 minutes – Cazorla’s low shot and Giroud’s blocked effort.

But, the first time they cut through, they created a masterful goal.

Wilshere started and finished the move. In the 18th minute the Englishman glided past a couple of opponents on the edge of his own area before laying it off.

Seconds later he was just outside the Norwich box and, after the most delightful one-touch interplay between himself, Cazorla and Giroud, volleyed the ball into the corner.

It was Wilshere’s first Premier League goal at Emirates Stadium.

The strike gave Arsenal a cushion and, in truth, Norwich showed little sign of causing them trouble. As a result, the home side cruised.

Eight minutes before the break, they woke up with a start. Kieran Gibbs robbed Russell Martin and crossed to the near post. Giroud’s first-time shot was low and crisp but John Ruddy made a fine save.

Immediately after that chance, Mathieu Flamini went off. The Frenchman was perhaps still groggy after a clash of heads with Alex Tettey. Ramsey came on.

Before the break, Ruddy also saved from Sagna’s volley.

But Norwich ended the half with a spell of pressure and they tested Wojciech Szczesny for the first time when Leroy Fer had a dip from distance.

SECOND HALF
Mikel Arteta went close to making it 2-0 within seconds of the restart with a couple of efforts from range.

However Norwich would respond with arguably their clearest sight of goal so far.

Michael Turner nodded the ball down for the unmarked Russell Martin on the penalty spot. But the defender shanked his effort wide.

Norwich seemed to be squeezing Arsenal now. They pressed forward with Robert Snodgrass and Martin Olsson having a go from long-range.

So Arsenal’s second was somewhat against the grain. The home side broke swiftly after the second of those Norwich efforts led to a corner.

Ramsey led the charge. He fed Cazorla who, in turn, found Giroud on the right. His clipped cross was glanced a header into the far corner of the net by Ozil.

It was the Frenchman’s fourth assist of the season – one more than the whole of last term.

Norwich were stung by the goal. They did not deserve to concede a second at that point.

In the 70th minute they changed they game when Howson drilled a low shot past Szczesny at the near post.

But Arsenal responded positively; Ramsey twice testing Ruddy with powerful efforts from distance.

Nicklas Bendtner then did likewise a couple of minutes after replacing Giroud.

Arsenal now had the bit between the teeth – and Ramsey was gripping the hardest.

The Welshman weaved one and then the other before firing home a gorgeous third goal seven minutes from time.

It was 11th strike of the nascent season for club and country.

Ramsey then provided the touchback for Ozil to slot home his second and Arsenal’s fourth.

Wilshere nearly added another and Ozil had a strong shout for a penalty.

However Arsenal’s quality at crucial times had seen them home with something to spare.


Source: Arsenal.com

SPORTS: Arsenal Keep Flying, United Stumble Again


Manchester United's disappointing start to the English Premier League season continued on Saturday as the champions were held to a 1-1 draw at home to high-flying Southampton.

United's teenage winger Adnan Januzaj celebrated his new five-year contract by creating the game's opening goal in the 26th minute with a superb through ball for Wayne Rooney.

The England striker's shot was blocked by Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc, but Robin van Persie was on hand to sweep the rebound home.

Both Rooney and Van Persie hit the woodwork thereafter, but the hosts were prevented from recording consecutive victories for the first time in the league this season when a header by Southampton defender Dejan Lovren flicked into the net off Adam Lallana from an 89th-minute corner.

The point kept Mauricio Pochettino's Southampton in the top four, while United were left in eighth place, eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Photo: Arsenal.com
Having seen Liverpool temporarily take claim of first place earlier in the day, Arsenal returned to the summit with a 4-1 win at home to Norwich City.

Jack Wilshere scored his second goal in two games to give Arsenal an 18th-minute lead, volleying home from Olivier Giroud's flick following a dizzying exchange of passes involving Santi Cazorla.

Mesut Ozil scored his first league goal for the club with a header from a Giroud cross in the 58th minute and although Norwich midfielder Jonathan Howson replied for the visitors, Aaron Ramsey came off the bench to make sure of victory before Ozil added a fourth.

Arsenal lead the standings by two points from Chelsea, who leapfrogged Liverpool into second place after coming from behind to win 4-1 at home to Cardiff City.

Chelsea crunch Cardiff
Jordon Mutch gave the promoted side a shock tenth-minute lead by lifting the ball over goalkeeper Petr Cech after Chelsea defender David Luiz inexplicably allowed a pass from team-mate Ramires to run past him.

Jose Mourinho's side equalised in the 33rd minute with an unusual goal that saw Eden Hazard sweep the ball home from close range after Samuel Eto'o had stolen possession from Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall as he bounced the ball.

Eto'o completed the comeback in the 66th minute, and although Mourinho was sent to the stands for dissent, Oscar and Hazard both found the net in the closing stages.

Manchester City took down hosts West Ham United 3-1, with two splendid goals from Sergio Aguero and a third from David Silva. Ricardo Vaz Te scored from an overhead kick for West Ham, but it was not enough for the home side to take a point.

Liverpool, who trail Chelsea on goal difference, twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at ten-man Newcastle United.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard claimed his 100th league goal from the penalty spot shortly before half-time, cancelling out Yohan Cabaye's long-range opener, after Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa was sent off for a last-man foul on Luis Suarez.

The ten-man hosts restored their lead through 22-year-old substitute Paul Dummett, only for Daniel Sturridge to head home a second Liverpool equaliser from Suarez's 72nd-minute cross.

Elsewhere, Gus Poyet's tenure as manager of bottom club Sunderland began in lamentable fashion as his side crashed 4-0 at Swansea City.

All the goals came in the last 33 minutes, with Jonathan De Guzman, Wilfried Bony, from the penalty spot, and Chico Flores netting after recalled Sunderland full-back Phil Bardsley opened the floodgates by putting through his own goal.

Steven Pienaar scored within seconds of coming on to earn Everton a 2-1 victory at home to Hull City, while West Bromwich Albion were held to a 0-0 draw at Stoke City.

Sunday, 22 September 2013

SPORTS: Ozil-assisted Arsenal Sink Stoke To Move Top


Arsenal returned to the top of the Barclays Premier League standings following a 3-1 victory against Stoke City, while Swansea City were 2-0 winners at Crystal Palace.
Aaron Ramsey continued his free-scoring ways by opening the deadlock for the Gunners after just five minutes, and although the visitors equalised in the first half through Geoff Cameron, the Gunners rallied with headers, on 36 and 72 minutes, from defenders Per Mertesacker and Bacary Sagna. Like Ramsey’s effort, the assist for those goals came from club record signing Mesut Ozil, who was making his home debut for Arsene Wenger’s side.

Culled From Premierleague.com