Arsenal Fans Blog

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL VS FC DYNAMO KYIV 1-0

DATE : November 25th, 2008
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Bendtner - 86" or Mirror Here

FULL MATCH :
Full Game English Commentary H264 1000kbps 758MB Torrent OR Mirror Here

Full Match First Half
Full Match Second Half

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS :
ITV Sport | 624 x 352 | XviD | English Highlights

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Nicklas Bendtner struck a late winner against Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday night to secure Arsenal’s passage through to the Knockout Stages of the Champions League.

There were less than four minutes left when the Dane controlled a long pass forward from Cesc Fabregas and thumped home the only goal from 10 yards out.

It was a sweet end to the Spaniard’s first match as Arsenal captain and just about deserved on the night.

Arsène Wenger’s side started brightly and should have lead before the break but they faded in the final 30 minutes and the eventual winner came when Kyiv were starting to fancy their chances.

Still a win is a win. And Arsenal have been bereft of good fortune in recent weeks.

This was hardly the dawn of a new age but it was a welcome fillip.

And that will do for now.

All eyes were on Fabregas and William Gallas ahead of the game. Both had missed the defeat at Manchester City, but the Spaniard returned to take up his new role as skipper. The Frenchman was back in the side aswell but, in the circumstances, under barely any less pressure.

Speaking of pressure, Wenger had tonnes of the stuff right now. An indifferent set of results had come about amidst (or because of) a lengthy injury list.

The latest were Samir Nasri (knee) and Abou Diaby (abdominal), who joined the queue at the treatment table after picking up knocks in training on Monday. But they were well behind the likes Kolo Toure (calf), Theo Walcott (shoulder), Emmanuel Eboue (knee), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Bacary Sagna (ankle), Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle), Eduardo (ankle).

That meant Aaron Ramsey came in on the right of midfield with Denilson moving to the left to accommodate Alex Song and Fabregas in the middle. Carlos Vela joined Robin van Persie up front so Bendtner dropped to the bench. Gavin Hoyte, a Premier League debutant on Saturday, was also named as a substitute.

It is too much to say this was a brand new Arsenal but there was certainly a very different feel in the opening stages.

Kyiv needed to win to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Technically Arsenal needed a win but, in reality, a draw would probably be enough.

Wenger’s men started with intent. Vela seemed determined to build on his Carling Cup potential and set up Ramsey to fire a shot straight at Stanilsav Bogush after nine minutes.

In fact the Welshman would have all four of Arsenal’s chances in the opening half-hour. However perhaps only that first one, and his slashed effort over the bar, were truly worthy of mention.

Kyiv were happy to play on the break and, though it seemed dangerous, little was created.

In the 35th minute, Van Persie twisted and turned in the area before firing off a shot that bounced off the body of the Bogush. The Kyiv keeper was coming under increasing pressure as Arsenal’s movement pulled apart the defence in front of him.

Gallas even had the ball in the net soon afterwards but he was clearly offside when he flicked the ball home.

However, just as Arsenal looked ready to take control, the visitors nearly scored. Gallas slipped and Ismael Bangoura raced through on the left. His sidefoot hit the outside of the near post and went behind.

The Ukrainians had a let off of their own five minutes from the whistle when Van Persie whipped in a free-kick and Mikael Silvestre knocked the ball over the bar from five yards out.

The half-time interval changed little. A couple of minutes in, Fabregas curled a free-kick to the far post where Van Persie collected. The Dutchman’s first effort came back off the keeper and his second was blocked by Gallas when it might have been going in.

Yet again Arsenal looked ready to take over. But yet again Kyiv responded with their best chances. Bangoura fired wide before Olexandr Aliyev crashed a drive in to the chest of Alumunia.

Suddenly the game looked wide open. Arsenal had been broadly on top throughout the game but Kyiv were now playing cup football.

However the impetus did not last and it was no surprise to see Wenger bring on Bendtner for Ramsey midway through the half. Jack Wilshere replaced Vela for the final 15 minutes. In doing so he became Arsenal’s youngest ever European player at 16 years 329 days.

The youngster had not touched the ball when Almunia saved point-blank from Artem Milevsky. The entire Arsenal defence was waiting for an offside flag that never came and the Spaniard’s stop was crucial.

But Arsenal could have sealed their passage through a minute later when Bendtner arrived inches too late to meet Van Persie’s penetrating low ball across the face of goal.

After that it seemed that Arsenal had settled for the point. With Porto winning in Fenerbache it was good enough in any case.

Bendtner’s quality finish made sure. However it was pretty incongruent with the run of play at that time. Aliyev’s second yellow card for pushing the referee was stranger still.

Still Arsenal go through. Let’s hope they have regained all their former strength by the time the Knockout stages comes around in February.

Thanks to kc123, fred54, arsenal 4-ever, reMad

Goal Clip, Match Highlights, Full Game Video, Arsenal vs Dynamo Kyiv 1-0, Bendtner

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL 0-3

DATE : November 22th, 2008
VENUE : City of Manchester Stadium

MANCHESTER CITY GOALS :
Ireland - 45"
Robinho - 55"
Sturridge - 89" or Here

FULL MATCH :
N/A

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS :
N/A

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

These are tough times for Arsenal.

Arsène Wenger’s side arrived at the City of Manchester Stadium without captain William Gallas and left it with a Premier League mountain to climb after slipping to their fifth defeat of the season.

The crucial goal came from Stephen Ireland at the end of a desperately disjointed first half. Injury-hit and inexperienced, Arsenal did their best to remedy matters after the restart but, in the 56th minute, a delicious finish from Robinho took the game away from them.

A late Daniel Sturridge penalty skewed the scoreline too much in Manchester City’s favour. But the fact remains that Arsenal have to quickly rediscover their spark and their winning habit if they are to have any influence in the title race from here on in.

All the pre-game talk was about Gallas. The back pages had suggested the Frenchman had not boarded the bus to Manchester – and so it proved.

His absence meant Manuel Almunia captained the side on his 100th appearance for the club.

The lack of Gallas only added to Wenger’s problems this afternoon. He was already without Kolo Toure (calf), Cesc Fabregas (suspension), Theo Walcott (shoulder), Emmanuel Eboue (knee), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Eduardo (ankle). While Emmanuel Adebayor was ruled out on the eve of the game after picking up an ankle injury on international duty.

Robin van Persie was back after a ban. Johan Djourou and Alex Song also came into the side while Gavin Hoyte was handed his Premier League debut at right back.

The average age of the side was 23 while the bench was pure Carling Cup - an indication of Arsenal’s injury list going into this crucial encounter.

But while Wenger might have appeared to have the world on his shoulders ahead of the game, the weight would lift slightly with a win of any sort. However another defeat would just put stones in his pockets.

It had been a heavy few days and Arsenal needed to lighten the mood.

Manchester City had problems too so, perhaps understandably, both sides began the game like they were lacking in confidence. It took a full 15 minutes from either team to call a keeper into action. That came when Ireland thumped a low angled drive into the chest of Almunia.

Arsenal were competitive but toothless. Samir Nasri had some moments on the left but they came to nothing.

Manchester City were barely any better. Mark Hughes’ side seemed bereft of inspiration having taken just one point from their previous four games.

The match was a mess for a full 30 minutes and only livened up in the final quarter of the first half.

Darius Vassell crossed low for Benjani to slide a shot inches beyond the far post. Ten minutes before the break, Nasri’s free-kick was parried out to Bendtner whose backheel fell to an unmarked Song eight yards out. The Cameroon midfielder dragged his shot wide when he should at least have hit the target.

It was proving to be meagre Premier League fare. Neither side had much control on proceedings and they lacked the invention to change the situation.

Even Manchester City’s goal on the whistle was desperately scrappy. Benjani fed Ireland who tried to bundle his way through the Arsenal defence. Djourou got a touch to divert the ball into path of Clichy. With Silvestre closing in, the left back could only slice to the ball back into the path of Ireland who clipped it over the advancing Almunia.

As poor as they had played, it was hard on Arsenal.

Within two minutes of the restart, the visitors had created more than they had in the first 45. Diaby found space and blazed a shot wide then Clichy sent over a swirling cross into the centre and an off-balance Bendtner volleyed over the bar.

A couple of minutes later Van Persie whipped a free-kick into the side netting.

Arsenal were attacking and on top. So Manchester City’s second came against the run of play. Van Persie was muscled off the ball by Shaun Wright-Phillips in midfield. He threaded a ball forward for the sprinting Robinho. The Brazilian still had a lot to do but his chip over Almunia was exquisite.

Arsenal had it all to do.

Wenger threw on Aaron Ramsey immediately and the Welshman helped set up Bendtner to fire straight at Hart.

However the second goal had effected Arsenal’s youngsters and Manchester City piled on the pressure.

Robinho had the ball in the net soon afterwards only for the strike to be ruled out for offside. Then, with 17 minutes left, the Brazilian had claims for a penalty when his drive hit the arms of Denilson.

The game was now wide open. Manchester City were confident enough to play the ball through the middle, Arsenal were chasing the game so had to chance their arm.

Robinho profited the most. With 12 minutes left, he raced clear rounded Almunia and only a desperate Djourou prevented a third by blocking the ball on the line.

It was the Brazilian’s last contribution of a sparkling afternoon. He got a knock in the act of shooting and was replaced by Dietmar Hamann.

Arsenal stayed competitive until the end and even had the ball in the net just before full-time when Van Persie flicked the ball away from Hart as he took a goal-kick and planted it home. The Dutchman was booked for his trouble.

In injury time, Djourou was somehow adjudged to have fouled substitute Daniel Sturridge on the byline and the youngster scored from the spot.

It made the scoreline harsh on Arsenal but, right now, little is going their way.

It is a time for belief and at least the travelling fans showed that quality with a stirring showing from the stands.

The team will need them in the wake of this result

Thanks to reMad

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL VS ASTON VILLA 0-2

DATE : Saturday, November 15th, 2008
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ASTON VILLA GOALS :
Clichy (OG) - 69"
Agbonlahor - 80"

FULL MATCH :
Full Match Video Arsenal vs Aston Villa

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS :
BBC Match of the Day | 624 x 352 | XviD | English

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Once again the heady fizz of a midweek Carling Cup win left a bitter aftertaste for Arsenal the following weekend.

Back on September 23, Arsène Wenger’s much-heralded youngsters demolished Sheffield United 6-0 only for the senior side to drop a shock 2-1 defeat to Hull four days later.

Arsenal came into this game on the back of another cracking Carling Cup night. This time a 3-0 win over a full-strength Wigan.

However, on the day, they were well-beaten by an inventive and committed Villa side.

Martin O’Neill’s side deserved to be ahead at the break and would have been if Ashley Young had beaten Manuel Almunia from the penalty spot. In fact Villa would have to wait until the 70th minute for their opener. It came when Gael Clichy nodded into his own net under pressure from Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Ten minutes later the Villa striker would get on the scoresheet himself, chasing a long ball forward, holding off William Gallas and firing home.

Arsenal created little pressure and precious few opportunities on the day. It was the first time in 58 Premier League games they had lost by more than one goal and their first home defeat to Villa in the competition since 1993.

And of course it was only Arsenal’s second home reverse for 44 games.

They are now nine points off the pace in the Premier League title race.

Despite the return to fitness of top-scorer Emmanuel Adebayor after an ankle injury, Wenger stuck with the side that had beaten Manchester United the previous Saturday. It was a no-brainer really. The Togolese target man is top quality but possession is more nine tenths of the law in football. Those who had played Arsenal back into the title race deserved to keep their shirts.

Speaking of rewards, five of Tuesday’s Carling Cup heroes were on the bench this afternoon – Carlos Vela, Alex Song, Lukasz Fabianski, Johan Djourou and Aaron Ramsey. It said much about Arsenal’s perceived lack of squad.

Last season, this fixture had come directly after the game that was later considered to have changed Arsenal’s title bid – Birmingham away. History may go on to give this match the same stature after that crucial win after Manchester United – but it did not seem like it on the strength of the first half.

The opening salvos suggested Villa would be every bit as tough as they had been back in February when Nicklas Bendtner salvaged a last-gasp point.

Ashley Young hammered a drive into the chest of Almunia in the first few seconds and, for the initial 15 minutes, Villa continued to enjoy advantages in terms of possession and territory.

Arsenal had their moments – Walcott fired across goal and Brad Freidel spilled a Cesc Fabregas shot – but otherwise they were second-best. And the score should have reflected that in the 20th minute.

Barry swung a high, swirling cross into the area. Three Villa players were in position at the near post where it landed but Clichy, the only defender present, managed to scoop the ball away. It fell to Ashley Young on the edge of the area but he was tripped by Walcott as he went through. It looked a clear penalty and referee Mike Riley duly pointed to the spot.

Ashley Young took the spot-kick instead of Gareth Barry who had been injured in the build-up but Almunia managed to block and William Gallas slid the ball away from danger. It should have been a massive moment for Arsenal. The best wake-up call they could have got.

But it did not turn out that way.

The home side were nearly caught napping a couple of minutes later when Ashley Young clipped a ball forward for Steven Sidwell to race through. The former Gunner beat the offside trap but, off-balance, he could only hook a weak shot straight at Almunia.

Arsenal were being caught out time after time with Barry pulling the strings and Ashley Young providing the legs. The latter battered a long-range effort just past the post on the half hour and, 10 minutes from the break, the former forced another fine save from Almunia.

At half-time, the keeper had been the only thing preventing Arsenal from trailing.

The interval did little to interrupt Villa’s flow. Before the hour-mark, Ashley Young curled a free-kick wide and Gabriel Agbonlahor nearly connected with Barry’s corner from the right. Villa were peppering the Arsenal area with crosses but thankfully Almunia’s handling was expert this afternoon.

Meanwhile at the other end, the home side were creating little and sustaining barely any pressure. It was no surprise to see Wenger throw on Adebayor for Diaby in the 61st minute and switch from 4-4-1-1 to 4-4-2. Carlos Vela replaced Bendtner shortly afterwards as Arsenal entered the final quarter of the game with a new front pair.

However, the Mexican had not even touched the ball when his side went behind.

On 70 minutes, Young curled in a cross from the left and, under pressure from Agbonlahor, Clichy nodded the ball into his own net.

To add to Arsenal’s woes, Sagna was injured in the build-up and had to be stretchered off. Kolo Toure replaced him at right back.

It was quite ironic that the home side chose that moment to fashion their clearest chance of the match. Clichy slung a high ball to the far post, Adebayor rose highest and his stumbling header bounced off the upright.

In the 76th minute, Vela chested the ball down for Adebayor but the Togolese saw his shot blocked and his follow-up fly high over the bar.

The Mexican striker would have an unwitting hand in Villa’s second. He seemed to be fouled on the edge of the area but referee Riley waved play on. The visitors thumped the ball forward for Agbonlahor, who outsprinted Gallas to plant his shot beyond Almunia.

It was a sickener for Arsenal. But you could have no case for any other result but an away win.The home side pressured until the end but Brad Friedel was largely untroubled.

This had been a very, very bad day at the office.

Thanks to wigan88, wasben, fred54

CARLING CUP

ARSENAL VS WIGAN 3-0

DATE : November 11th, 2008
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Simpson - 43"
Simpson - 68"
Carlos Vela - 71"

FULL MATCH :

Full Match Arsenal vs Wigan First Half
Full Match Arsenal vs Wigan Second Half
or Mirror Here :
Mininova
Mediafire
Sharebee

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS :
Match Highlights Arsenal vs Wigan

MATCH REPORT :
Starting Lineups


By Chris Harris

Three goals, a clean sheet and another stirring performance. Arsenal's Carling Cup kids are in the last eight of the competition and, on this evidence, they will take some stopping.

As expected Wigan provided a sterner test than Sheffield United but, ultimately, they were undone by three top-class strikes. Jay Simpson celebrated his first Arsenal start by scoring either side of the break and Carlos Vela added an exquisite chip to finish off the Latics.

The margin of victory would have been greater but for the heroics of Chris Kirkland. The Wigan keeper defied an injury to thwart Aaron Ramsey, Kieran Gibbs and Vela - twice - as Arsenal piled on the pressure. There are some big guns left in the Carling Cup but none of them will fancy facing the young Gunners on this form.

As ever, Wenger gave his Premier League regulars a break in this competition but, more significantly he did made one change from the side which hit Sheffield United for six in the Third Round. Nicklas Bendtner was rested amid a busy period for the Danish striker and in stepped Simpson. He has a bit of previous at Emirates Stadium of course - the bustling striker hit a hat-trick here in last season's Youth Cup.

The Blades were blunted with some ease six weeks ago but Wigan would present a bigger problem. Johan Djourou and company only had to deal with a half-fit James Beattie in their last Carling Cup outing; now the Arsenal back four were up against one of the top flight's hottest properties in Amr Zaki.

It was evident from the start that Arsenal would not find life quite as easy as they had done six weeks ago. Wigan, muscular and determined, pinned the young Gunners back in their own half during the opening exchanges. Lukasz Fabianski, usually so assured, misjudged one attempted punch and one intended catch as the visitors enjoyed an early spell of pressure.

But once Arsenal got to grips with their opponents and picked up the tempo of their own play, the pendulum swung and the chances flowed. Unfortunately, Kirkland was in irrepressible form. He stood up well to keep out Vela after 13 minutes when the Mexican surged onto Ramsey's through-ball and attempted to jink past the Wigan keeper. Seconds later Simpson sounded a warning of what was to come with a vicious shot against the top of the crossbar.

Even Kirkland couldn't get near that but he soon racked up the saves as Arsenal took charge. Vela's clever diagonal pass picked out Gibbs on the left and he advanced before shooting too close to the Wigan keeper. Then Ramsey curled a sumptuous 30-yard free-kick towards the top corner only to see Kirkland fly across his goal to keep the ball out. Vela, taking plenty of physical punishment from the visitors' back four, found space to swing a decent effort at goal but Kirkland saved Wigan once again. It was exhilarating, but increasingly frustrating for Arsenal.

Wigan reminded all and sundry of their own threat when Mario Melchiot picked out Daniel de Ridder just inside the box and the Dutchman forced a smart save from Fabianski. Indeed, De Ridder and Antonio Valencia were getting plenty of joy on Arsenal's left flank where Gibbs' attacking instincts were occasionally exploited. Jason Koumas also went close as Arsenal were temporarily checked.

They were soon back on the front foot, and how. Jack Wilshere, showing strength and style in equal measure, found a gaping hole in the centre of Wigan's defence and weighted a perfect through-ball for Simpson. The 19-year-old raced onto it and poked the ball past Kirkland. One-nil to the Arsenal, and a fair reflection of a compelling first half.

The second half was no less watchable. Wigan began to take more risks - they had to - and Arsenal's midfield quartet continued to find space and probe for openings.

Fran Merida, who seems to do everything with a touch of class, almost deceived Kirkland with a swerving left-foot shot 11 minutes after the break. The Wigan keeper was forced to change direction and grabbed the ball at the second attempt. Ramsey was the next to delight the home fans, snaking through the middle and prodding the ball through for Gibbs to hit a powerful effort straight at Kirkland.

The warning signs were there for Wigan and, in the 65th minute, Arsenal's second arrived on the counter-attack. Fabianksi started it with a firm punch out of defence and Vela burst past Emmerson Boyce on the left touchline before haring in on goal. As the angle narrowed the Mexican had the wherewithal to look up and cut the ball back for Simpson, who slotted past Kirkland.

Five minutes later, Vela was rewarded for his selflessness with an exquisite strike of his own. This time Djourou led the charge from defence and slid the ball through for Vela. The teenager's pace bought him a yard on Titus Bramble and, as the defender slid in, Vela chipped the ball over a helpless Kirkland.

Wenger brought on Amaury Bischoff for his Arsenal debut while Henri Lansbury and Rui Fonte also got a taste of the action in the closing stages. The hosts could have had more but Fabianski stole the show in the final moments with an incredible double save to deny De Ridder and Zaki.

Arsenal's first-teamers admired it all from their seats just behind the substitutes bench. It looks like they will have a job on their hands to keep their places.

Thanks to fred54, wigan88, kc123Technorati Tags: Video Clip, Goal Clip, Match Highlights, Full Game Video, Arsenal vs Wigan 3-0, Carling Cup Match, Jay Simpson, Carlos Vela

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL VS MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1

DATE : November 8th, 2008
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Samir Nasri - 22"
Samir Nasri - 47"

MANCHESTER UNITED GOALS :
Da Silva - 89"

FULL MATCH :
Full Game English Commentary H264 1100kbps 916MB
Full Match Mirror 1 OR
Full Match Mirror 2 OR
Full Match Mirror 3

Courtesy of Setanta Broadband.
First Half Torrent Mirror 1 or First Half Torrent Mirror 2
Second Half Torrent Mirror 1 or Second Half Torrent Mirror 2

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS :
First Half Highlights
Second Half Highlights

Match Highlights



MATCH REPORT :

Arsene Wenger got the response he wanted as Arsenal bounced back from a poor run of form to defeat Manchester United thanks to two goals from Samir Nasri.

Gunners manager Wenger admitted dressing-room morale was low after their 4-4 draw with rivals Tottenham Hotspur and the defeat at Stoke City - but this win at the at the Emirates Stadium breathes life into their campaign and lifts them above United in the Barclays Premier League.

Wenger had Emmanuel Adebayor injured and Robin van Persie suspended but Nasri provided the attacking threat, taking advantage of slack marking in each half to grab his fourth and fifth goals of the season.

Rafael da Silva, on as a substitute, volleyed home a late strike to give Sir Alex Ferguson's men hope - but there was no repeat of the memorable Spurs comeback.

It was Arsenal's first test this season against their traditional top-four rivals - and Wenger's men passed with flying colours.

This encounter between two heavyweights had everything - chances, yellow cards, counter-attacking and also four penalty shouts.

There was absorbing end-to-end football, with United given an early opportunity following a mix-up involving one of their former players.

clear sight

Mikael Silvestre clipped a backpass to Manuel Almunia and the goalkeeper picked up the ball. Anderson's free-kick was blocked by team-mate Ji-Sung Park, then Michael Carrick fired the rebound wide from the edge of the area.

Berbatov also had the ball in the net but was ruled offside when he followed up Rooney's shot.

Then it was Arsenal's turn to attack. Nicklas Bendtner headed over from Clichy's cross, before the striker was millimetres away from contact when Nasri swung a ball over.

Abou Diaby had a clear sight of goal when Edwin van der Sar flapped, but his effort was blocked by Carrick.

United took their turn to apply pressure, with Cristiano Ronaldo raiding down the flanks and Carrick creating his angles in midfield.

Wayne Rooney was guilty of wasting their clearest opportunity of the opening period when he flashed a shot over after Ronaldo's intelligent pull-back.

First blood went to Arsenal, with Nasri's opener coming midway through the first half after Patrice Evra fouled Bacary Sagna on the right touchline.

Berbatov headed away the free-kick as far as Nasri, who fizzed a volley at goal that took a deflection off Gary Neville to wrong-foot Van der Sar and fly in.

penalty area

United almost replied when Clichy only just headed wide of his own goal as he tried to clear a free-kick.

Arsenal, meanwhile, tried to counter-attack and Cesc Fabregas shot just wide of the post with one effort, while Van der Sar stuck out a hand to stop Silvestre stabbing home from a corner.

Nasri's second came three minutes after the restart.

Fabregas wriggled around Neville and spotted Nasri unmarked on the penalty area, with the France youngster given enough space to bide his time and lash past Van der Sar.

Ronaldo was presented with a chance to pull a goal back but his finish, after meeting Park's cross with a first-time volley, went just the wrong side of Almunia's post.

Rooney had a header saved by Almunia and he was inches from getting on the end of a Ronaldo cross.

Rafael, on as a substitute, pulled one back with less than a minute left - but Arsenal held on after six minutes of stoppage-time for the win they needed.

Man of The Match : Samir Nasri

Thanks to kc123, mr.mercury