Arsenal Fans Blog

ARSENAL vs ASTON VILLA 3-0

Labels: Premiership League Match, Season 2009/2010, Video

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs ASTON VILLA 3-0

DATE : December 27nd, 2009
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 65"
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 81"
Download Arsenal Goal by Abou Diaby - 90"

ALL ARSENAL Goals in One File - Download Here or Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Full Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Full Match Second Half or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Highlights Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Chris Harris

How much can you do in 27 minutes?

If you're Cesc Fabregas, that's how long it takes you to come off the bench, galvanise your team, score two world-class goals and then limp off with a possible recurrence of the hamstring injury which delayed your introduction in the first place.

The captain's magnificent cameo was bittersweet for Arsenal but it saw off Aston Villa in style.

Fabregas curled an exquisite free-kick into the top corner to give his side the lead after 65 minutes and rounded off a quickfire counter-attack with nine minutes left to secure a significant victory.

Abou Diaby iced the cake with a well-taken third in stoppage time to leave Arsène Wenger's side four points behind Chelsea at the top of the Premier League - with an all-important game in hand.

Four short weeks ago Arsenal's title challenge was seen by some as a joke. After 13 points from a possible 15, that same quest for the Premier League is deadly serious.

While Chelsea falter, the Gunners are flying. Whether Fabregas' injury is serious enough to clip their wings remains to be seen.

Before kick-off the gossip centred around the Spaniard. Would he be fit to return after injury? The answer was, er... kind of. The captain was deemed OK to take his place among the substitutes but not in the starting line-up. We would have to wait for his heroics.

There were two changes on the pitch though, both at full-back: Bacary Sagna stepped in for Emmanuel Eboue while Armand Traore shrugged off a hamstring problem of his own to replace Mikael Silvestre.

It was a sign of Wenger's respect for Villa that he gave this encounter the same billing as a traditional ‘Big Four' clash. And no wonder. Villa won here last November and have already beaten Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool this season.

While the visitors dreamed of completing a ‘Grand Slam', this was a chance for Arsenal to put clear, blue water between them and Martin O'Neill's side. And there was an extra incentive: Chelsea's latest stutter - a goalless draw at Birmingham - presented another chance to eat into their lead at the top of the table.

Villa's counter-attacking was decisive on their last visit and that threat had to be quelled. But Wenger still demanded the "audaciousness to attack" ahead of the game and his players granted their manager's wish with a sprightly start.

An early free-kick from Samir Nasri caused consternation in the Villa box and Thomas Vermaelen tested Brad Friedel as the ball dropped beyond the far post. Seconds later Diaby span past his marker on the edge of the box and squared for Eduardo. The Croatian turned his own man expertly but his shot lacked power and direction.

It was the kind of chance a confident Eduardo would have snaffled but he was left holding his head in his hands while Wenger span with frustration on the touchline.

Arsenal pressed on. Denilson fizzed an effort over the bar from 20 yards following a well-worked short corner between Eduardo and Nasri. But Villa, having weathered the early storm, began to make inroads of their own.

Emile Heskey scuffed a shot wide in the 10th minute after his excellent knock down had been bundled back by Gabriel Agbonlahor. Ashley Young saw a shot deflect off Bacary Sagna and loop agonisingly wide. And Carlos Cuellar should have done better than slap his left-footed effort off target after the impressive James Milner picked him out on the edge of the box.

Pacy, muscular and disciplined, Villa looked proper top-four material. But Arsenal soon hit back.

And with Andrey Arshavin on the periphery, Nasri and Diaby took the fight to Villa.

First Nasri clipped in a free-kick which Diaby rose to head just over. Then their slick exchange in the 24th minute left Nasri in space inside the box but Stephen Warnock's sliding challenge averted the threat. And on the half-hour Denilson teed up Nasri for a dipping volley which took a deflection and looped just over the bar.

Moments later Diaby's skill and persistence and Denilson's tenacity earned a free-kick on the edge of the box. The Brazilian dusted himself off to hammer a shot into Villa's wall; the ball fell into the path of Sagna and his howitzer whistled just over.

It was compelling stuff, and Arsenal were gaining the upper hand. Their grip strengthened when Fabregas emerged from the bench 11 minutes into the second half. His first contribution? A 40-yard free kick which flew just over the bar.

The captain galvanised his team, not least Arshavin. The diminutive duo were in tandem immediately as Fabregas picked out the Russian for a turn and shot which Brad Friedel did well to palm away.

That was solid keeping but a defensive mix-up almost cost Villa dear on the hour mark.

Arshavin set Eduardo away on the left and, as Luke Young waited for Friedel to claim, Fabregas nipped in. He slipped the ball to Eduardo but the Croatian's goal-bound shot was hacked clear by Cuellar.

With 25 minutes left, the deadlock was broken. Fabregas won a free-kick 22 yards out after his jinking run was illegally halted by Richard Dunne. The skipper picked himself up and curled an exquisite effort into the top left-hand corner with Friedel grasping at thin air.

Alex Song sliced a shot over the crossbar as Arsenal pressed on and another classic finish from Fabregas sealed the points nine minutes from time.

Traore arrowed a diagonal pass into the path of Theo Walcott on the right and the substitute slid the ball into the path of Fabregas, who had charged through the centre at full pelt. He barely broke stride to slam a lot shot past Friedel and double Arsenal's lead.

The Emirates erupted but, almost immediately, there was concern. Fabregas was hobbling as he celebrated and, within four minutes, the Spaniard had been replaced by Aaron Ramsey.

It was a sad end to an extraordinary performance from the Arsenal captain. He was the catalyst for a priceless victory; his return cannot come soon enough.

Not that Arsenal did badly in his absence.

Diaby, probably the game's second most impressive performer, slotted home a fine goal of his own in stoppage time.

It capped an almost perfect day.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery<

FIFA Team World Cup 2009 Final

Labels: FIFA Team World Cup 2009 Final

FIFA Team World Cup 2009 Final
Estudiantes La Plata - FC Barcelona = 1-2

First Goal for Estudiantes La Plata by Boselli - 37'
Barcelona Goal by Pedro in the last minutes - 89'
Barcelona Winning Goal by Lionel Messi - 114'

First half highlights - MULTIUPLOAD
First half highlights - Rapidshare | Mediafire | Megaupload
Extra Time Highlights - MULTIUPLOAD

ARSENAL vs HULL CITY 3-0

Labels: Premiership League Match, Season 2009/2010, Video

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs HULL CITY 3-0

DATE : December 19nd, 2009
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Denilson - 45"
Download Arsenal Goal by Eduardo - 59"
Download Arsenal Goal by Abou Diaby - 80"

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Full Match First Half or Here or Here
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Full Match Second Half or Here or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Highlights Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Arsenal closed the gap on their title rivals with a hard-fought 3-0 win over Hull at Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

Arsène Wenger's side struggled early on but Denilson gave them the lead with a gorgeous free-kick on the stroke of half-time. Then, after Manuel Almunia had saved Geovanni's penalty, Eduardo tapped home on the hour and Abou Diaby made the points safe with a well-worked third with 11 minutes to go.

After their defeat at Fulham earlier in the day, Manchester United are now just two points ahead of Arsenal having played one game more. Wenger's men are also five shy of Chelsea, though the Stamford Bridge side visit struggling West Ham on Sunday.

Still, this was a nice cruise into Christmas. After that humbling defeat to Chelsea in the final fixture of November, Arsenal have responded by taking 10 points from 12 in December.

The Stamford Bridge side are understandable favourites to win the title at the moment but, in recent weeks, Wenger's side have looked like becoming their most dogged pursuers.

This race is only half run of course but, if they continue this form, Arsenal will be breathing down Chelsea's neck right until the end.

Wenger's side showed three changes from the side that had squeezed out a draw at Burnley in midweek. Cesc Fabregas scored Arsenal's goal at Turf Moor before hobbling off with a hamstring problem. His injury allowed the fit-again Denilson to come straight back into the side on a bitterly cold North London evening.

Theo Walcott dropped down to the bench and Eduardo came in. Somewhat surprisingly the Croatian was not employed up front but on the left. Andrey Arshavin remained in the central attacking role with Samir Nasri moving out to the right.

The final change was like-for-like - Emmanuel Eboue replacing Bacary Sagna at right back.

After defeats for Liverpool and, in particular, Manchester United earlier on Saturday, Arsenal once again welcomed Hull with opportunity knocking. Having said that, Arsenal would have been top of the table on September 27 last year had they beaten Phil Brown's side - and we know what happened then.

Early on the visitors would, once again, show little respect for their higher-placed hosts. Hull were perky in the opening stages. Their only notable opportunity came in the fourth minute when Diaby was dispossessed by George Boateng and Craig Fagan rifled a shot just wide.

However it was more than Arsenal were creating.

It took the home side 13 minutes to manufacture something of consequence. It came when Arshavin, Eduardo and Nasri set up Diaby just outside the area. The Frenchman's shot deflected wide.

Shortly afterwards, Nasri himself thumped an effort into the chest of keeper Boaz Myhill.

Midway through the half, Eduardo curled a glorious shot just beyond the far post from the corner of the area. It was the first real touch of quality in the game.

The Croatian had been out of the side recently but, tonight, he was the closest to lighting Arsenal's touch paper. He shone again on the half-hour when he bamboozled the Hull defence and exchanged passes with Nasri before being muscled out in the area.

As half time approached, Arsenal were finally starting to warm up. The same could not be said of the crowd. London was in the middle of a cold snap and the exterior of Emirates Stadium was sprinkled with snow.

In the 40th minute, Arshavin's left-wing cross was nodded wide by Alex Song. But for the attentions of Eduardo, the Cameroonian might have scored.

A goal seemed some way away but, just before half-time, two free-kicks in exactly the same place reshaped the game. First Geovanni fouled Arshavin just outside the area and an unsightly melee broke out. The end result was bookings for Nasri and Stephen Hunt then the Frenchman sent the free-kick into the wall.

In injury time, Boateng brought down Diaby on virtually the same blade of grass and Denilson curled in a cracking free-kick into the corner of the net.

It was the Brazilian's third goal of the season - all of which had been scored from around 25 yards.

Three minutes after half-time, Arsenal might have killed the game.

There seemed little on when Arshavin sent in a regulation ball to Eduardo's feet. The striker's turn was poetry in motion but, having gone clear he could only stutter a shot wide. It was a glaring miss, the type of one that sometimes proves pivotal.

And it nearly did.

In the 56th minute Silvestre was adjudged to have hauled down Fagan as they tussled for a left-wing cross. It looked innocuous but referee Steve Bennett pointed to the penalty spot.

Geovanni's slow run-up smacked of placement over power but Almunia guessed correctly. He dived to his right to pull off a fine save then Hunt nodded the rebound wide.

Emirates Stadium celebrated as though justice had been done.

Three minutes later, the crowd were on their feet again. Diaby and Song played a give-and-go in the left-hand channel. The Frenchman's cutback was turned in by Eduardo from two yards out.

That ended Hull's resistance and, 11 minutes from time, Diaby nailed down the coffin lid. He exchanged passes with Song and Arshavin then held off his marker before firing home. A lovely goal.

Substitutes Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey might have added more in the final stages. At the other end, Hunt's drive forced another fine save from Almunia.

The full-time whistle was welcome. Arsenal had the points and, frankly, the frost-bitten crowd probably needed to thaw themselves out.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery

BURNLEY VS ARSENAL 1-1

Labels: Premiership League Match, Season 2009/2010, Video

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

BURNLEY VS ARSENAL 1-1

DATE : December 16nd, 2009
VENUE : Turf Moor Stadium

BURNLEY GOALS :
Download Burnley Goal by Alexander (pen) - 28"

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 7"

FULL MATCH :
Download Burnley vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Here
Download Burnley vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Burnley vs Arsenal Highlights Match

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

“If you want to win the League we must go to Burnley and win.”

Arsène Wenger’s pre-match words were unequivocal but his players could not follow his orders and lost ground in the title race on Wednesday night.

Cesc Fabregas capitalised on Andre Bikey’s defensive dawdling to fire Arsenal into an early lead and the visitors could have scored two or three more in the opening 15 minutes.

But they didn’t, and Burnley hit back. Just before the half-hour, Thomas Vermaelen clipped Bikey and Graham Alexander’s penalty gave Manuel Almunia no chance.

Vermaelen, Andrey Arshavin and Fabregas all went close in an open encounter but Arsenal lost their captain to injury just before the break and could not find a winner against a spirited Burnley outfit.

A draw at Turf Moor is hardly terminal – the Clarets have only lost once at home this season – but, as Wenger pointed out, these are the kind of games champions win.

Despite a short recovery period since Sunday’s win at Liverpool, the Arsenal manager made just two changes to the side that started on Sunday – both enforced. Denilson (back) and Armand Traore (hamstring) joined a lengthy injury list so in came Abou Diaby and Mikael Silvestre. Emmanuel Eboue, back from a hamstring problem, took his place on the bench alongside a surprise inclusion – Youth Cup-winning captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

Burnley away may lack the glamour of that visit to Merseyside but, as far as Arsenal’s title pretensions were concerned, it was just as important. There is no point turning it on in the second half at Anfield simply to come a cropper elsewhere in the North-West three days later.

Relaxation was certainly not an option against a Burnley side who had lost just once at home all season and claimed the prize scalp of Manchester United here in August. And lest we forget, Burnley were the scourge of the big boys – Arsenal included – in the Carling Cup last term.

The snow which dusted large chunks of the south-east had not found this corner of Lancashire but, make no mistake, it was a chilly night at Turf Moor.

Hat, scarves and gloves were abundant in the stands. On the pitch, Arsenal shook off the cold and made a quick start.

Clarke Carlisle’s miskick and Tyrone Mears’ dawdling let Fabregas in before a minute was up but the former made amends with a sliding clearance. Then a lack of communication between Vermaelen and Almunia ended with the Belgian’s back-header looping over the Spaniard, who clambered back to paw the ball against the bar.

Arsenal learned their lesson; Burnley patently did not. In the seventh minute, Bikey read Fabregas’ pass to Abou Diaby and intercepted on the edge of the area. But instead of clearing, he dithered. Fabregas stole the ball back and rolled it into the bottom corner.

Arsenal’s captain continued to enjoy himself. Two minutes later he collected Diaby’s pass on the run, juggled it over a defender and lashed a left-foot shot into the side-netting. Then Samir Nasri charged through the centre only for a heavy touch to let him down at the crucial moment. And a purple patch for the visitors concluded when Nasri touched a crossfield pass to Arshavin and the Russian slammed a low shot against the post.

Arsenal could have been three up inside 15 minutes. In the event, they had to settle for one. Burnley sensed a way back into the game.

They found it just before the half-hour. Bikey was transformed from villain to hero when he beat Vermaelen to a 50:50 challenge inside the box. The Belgian caught the Cameroonian and Alexander smashed the penalty down the centre.

Arshavin almost provided an instant riposte. Fabregas skipped away from two challenges and slid the ball into the Russian’s path. Jensen was alert, narrowing the angle and then blocking the shot.

But Burnley were more than matching their guests. The impressive Steven Fletcher brought runners into the game and Arsenal’s defence was turned far too often for their liking. Only a vital interception from William Gallas denied the Scot a tap-in after Wade Elliott had escaped down the left and crossed low into the six-yard box.

Fabregas, the game’s most impressive performer, sadly did not last beyond the 42nd minute. He walked gingerly to the touchline and Aaron Ramsey entered the fray.

Despite losing their captain, Arsenal finished the half strongly only to see Jensen deny them twice in a minute. First the Dane blocked Arshavin’s close-range prod after Silvestre’s picked out the Russian’s run. Then Vermaelen powered a header towards goal only to see Jensen tip the ball over brilliantly.

The second half started in far more scrappy fashion with Gallas, Fletcher and Bikey lining up to fail from long distance. But slowly and surely, Arsenal’s passing found its zip and purpose.

As the hour approached, Alex Song picked out Nasri 30 yards out and he found Theo Walcott in acres of space. The England man, still lacking sharpness after his injury lay-off, fired high and wide.

Chris Eagles went much, much closer at the other end, bursting past Silvestre and Nasri on the right before hammering a shot against the near post. Then Fletcher span and shot just over.

The same man had the ball in the net with 20 minutes remaining but he was thwarted – incorrectly – by the linesman’s flag.

By now Eduardo had replaced Walcott and he almost latched onto Nasri’s through-ball with 13 minutes left. Once again the hulking frame of Jensen denied Arsenal. Moments later Nasri and Arshavin picked their way through the Burnley defence but the latter’s cut-back just evaded Eduardo.

You could make a case for either side taking the spoils as the clock ticked down.

Eagles fizzed one over from 20 yards and Arsenal probed on the edge of the Burnley area, looking for that killer pass. But the closest the visitors came was Eduardo’s free-kick which forced Jensen into yet another save with two minutes left.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, Kooora, rossonery

LIVERPOOL VS ARSENAL 1-2

Labels: Premiership League Match, Season 2009/2010, Video

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

LIVERPOOL VS ARSENAL 1-2

DATE : December 13nd, 2009
VENUE : Anfield Stadium

LIVERPOOL GOALS :
Download Liverpool Goal by Dirk Kuyt - 41" or Mirror Here or Mirror Here or Mirror Here

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Johnson (og) - 50" or Mirror Here or Mirror Here or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Arshavin - 58" or Mirror Here or Mirror Here or Mirror Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Highlights Match First Half
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Highlights Match Second Half

FULL MATCH :
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Here or Here
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Here or Here

Other Sources :
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match Part 1
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match Part 2
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match Part 3
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match Part 4

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Once again Andrey Arshavin was Liverpool's chief tormentor as Arsenal barged their way back into the thick of the title race with a 2-1 comeback win at Anfield on Sunday.

The little Russian striker scored four times in this fixture last season but it brought the visitors only one point.

This afternoon, Arshavin struck once, albeit it a cracker in to the top corner, to complete a barnstorming Arsenal victory.

Dirk Kuyt had deservedly put the home side in front five minutes before the break after Manuel Almunia had palmed out a free-kick from Fabio Aurelio.

Arsenal's equaliser - an own goal from Glen Johnson - was full of good fortune. But their winner was 100 per cent class.

With Manchester United and Tottenham losing three points at the weekend plus Manchester City and Chelsea letting slip two apiece, this was always going to be a massive chance for Wenger's men.

They are now third, three points behind Sir Alex Ferguson's side with a game in hand.

If Arsenal beat their next five opponents - winnable trips to Burnley and Portsmouth then Hull, Villa and Bolton at home - they can expect to be Chelsea's nearest challengers by January 6.

A fortnight ago, when the Stamford Bridge side won 3-0 at Emirates Stadium, that looked miles away.

But now Arsenal are looking credible title winners. They are six points off Chelsea with that spare fixture in their back pocket.

The race is on again.

Continuing injury problems left Wenger with few options in his team selection before the game. In the end he left his two returning players - Abou Diaby (calf) and Eduardo (thigh) - on the bench.

Arshavin retained his role up front after an impressive display against Stoke last weekend. Alex Song was back from suspension.

Liverpool were at full strength. The only doubt was the level of fitness that Fernando Torres had retained during his six-week absence with a hernia injury. Steven Gerrard, their pivotal player, had returned in midweek against Fiorentina.

Saturday's results had opened up an opportunity for both of these sides and they started like they knew this was a massive moment in their respective seasons.

The early pace was breathtaking, full of snapping challenges and earnest endeavour. However chances were few and, when they did come, they went Liverpool's way.

In the 12th minute, Gerrard broke clear on the right with Torres in space to the left of him. The Englishman's pass was straight to the feet of the Spaniard who had the very definition of a one-on-one with Almunia. The striker seemed certain to score but he sidefooted limply into the arms of his compatriot. You have to a think a less rusty Torres would have put Liverpool in front.

A couple of minutes later, the home side had confident claims for a penalty when Gallas felled Gerrard. However Referee Howard Webb played on.

The Liverpool captain had lost the ball before he went down. That is probably the only thing that saved Arsenal.

Almost immediately Aurelio clipped Sagna on the right and Thomas Vermaelen nodded over from Cesc Fabregas' free-kick.

It would be their best chance of the half. The visitors attacked with ingenuity but would only have sporadic success. Arshavin was closely shackled by Daniel Agger while Aurelio stalked Walcott with a dogged determination.

By the time, the first half had reached halfway, Liverpool were taking control. Almunia was under pressure from a number of free-kicks and corners while Glen Johnson was an increasing influence.

The England right back made his way into the Arsenal area on a number of occasions but the most eye-catching opportunities saw William Gallas make a timely interception then Gerrard had his shot blocked by Song.

Five minutes from half-time, the opening goal arrived. Denilson fouled Gerrard 30 yards out and Aurelio floated in the free-kick. Alumina could only bat the ball out to Kuyt and the Dutchman chested the ball down before threading shot into the net through a crowded area.

At the break, Arsenal might have been feeling a little sorry for themselves but their response was positive.

In the opening stages they sustained pressure for perhaps the first time in the game - and that pressure would tell.

Arshavin nodded wide and then Fabregas fired low at Pepe Reina.

Then, five minutes in, Arsenal got lucky.

Nasri raced onto Fabregas' ball on the right-hand side. His cross deflected off the tumbling Jamie Carragher, hit Johnson and then trickled in.

It was fortunate but Arsenal had grafted for their luck. As the team ran back to their own half, Arshavin spoke to Gallas, Fabregas and Song in the strongest terms. The Russian clearly fancied a comeback.

Eight minutes later, we found out just how much.

Fabregas fed Arshavin on the corner of the area, the Russian tricked an inch of space from his marker Johnson and fired a rocket of a shot high into the net off inside of Reina's right-hand post. It was trademark Arshavin, there was immense power but little backlift. It was as good as any of his four last season - and just as important.

Liverpool responded as you might expect. Pressure and urgency. But there was a suddenly tension in their play and in the stands.

Wenger replaced Walcott with Diaby to stiffen his side in the tackle. It helped Arsenal cope but Liverpool's storm quickly blew itself out.

To be honest, Almunia was a caretaker as much as a goalkeeper in the final stages.

Arsenal held on with relative ease and there were few real alarms. At full time, the visiting fans were in full voice.

Their songs lasted long after the teams had left the pitch.

Their side had offered the right response this afternoon and, just maybe, paved the way for a proper assault on the title in the New Year.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery
READ MORE FOR HIGHLIGHTS MATCH, MATCH ANALYSIS ....

OLYMPIACOS VS ARSENAL 1-0

Labels: Champions League Match, Season 2009/2010, Video

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH

OLYMPIACOS VS ARSENAL 1-0

DATE : December 09nd, 2009
VENUE : Karaiskakis Stadium

OLYMPIACOS GOALS :
Download Olympiacos Goal by Leonardo - 47"

EXTRAS :
Chance for Galletti min.20
Chance for Villa min.69

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Olympiacos vs Arsenal Highlights Match or Mirror Here

Other Sources :
Download Olympiacos vs Arsenal Highlights Match First Half
Download Olympiacos vs Arsenal Highlights Match Second Half

FULL MATCH :
Download Olympiacos vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Here
or Here or Here
Download Olympiacos vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Here or Here

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Arsenal's youngsters left Athens with nothing to show for a valiant performance at Olympiacos on Wednesday night.

Having won Champions League Group H on Matchday Five, Arsène Wenger had decided to field a scratch side in Greece. He started with five teenagers - including two debutants - and the average age was 21. A figure skewed by the presence of 32-year-old Mikael Silvestre at centre back.

It was the youngest ever side fielded in the Champions League, beating the record set by Ajax six years ago.

By contrast, Olympiacos were motivated by both the point they needed to qualify for the Knockout Stages and the vocal backing of the imposing Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.

They got the goal they required just after half-time when Leonardo charged through and drove his shot under Lukasz Fabianski. However, for much of the game, it was Arsenal who impressed.

They forced the Greek champions to play on the counter-attack in the first half. After they went behind Carlos Vela spurned a couple of chances to equalise and, at the death, the impressive Aaron Ramsey saw an effort kicked off the line.

Wenger could have asked for no better European finishing school than this. It was one of the few games in the season that Arsenal could afford to lose so the manager took advantage.

The benefits may not be apparent for a few years to come but, make no mistake, this could have been a turning point in the careers of a couple of players on show.

It was worthwhile exercise.

Wenger had pretty much named his line-up before kick-off. The defence was 50 per cent made of 18-year-old debutants - Tom Cruise and Kyle Bartley - while other youngsters such as Jack Wilshere, Fran Merida, Kerrea Gilbert and Vela and were given another run-out.

For differing reasons, Alex Song, Theo Walcott, Lukasz Fabianski and Mikael Silvestre all needed games.

There would be a temptation to call it a Carling Cup side. But Arsenal had generally fielded stronger sides than this in their ‘fourth competition' this season.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas had been named as part of the squad but, in fact, he was ineligible because he had been on loan at Blackpool at the start of the season. Therefore Arsenal only named six substitutes.

In his pre-match press conference, Wenger had mentioned that the best way to quieten the famous Olympiacos atmosphere was to play good football.

It may have been a very different side but the Frenchman's brand was stamped all over this Arsenal team in the opening stages.

They were neat, tidy and confident. But the closest they came to scoring was when Antonis Nikopolidis batted away a rising drive from Walcott.

Shortly afterwards Oscar Gonzalez set up Kostas Mitroglou to sidefoot an effort over the bar. It was a decent chance but it had been snatched on the break. Arsenal, young and fearless, were actually pushing back the Greek champions.

At the quarter-hour, the balance of play had done little to affect the volume in the stadium. The home fans were still drumming, singing, shouting and waving flags. Arsenal were booed when they were in possession.

And, as Olympiacos started to impose themselves, the volume only grew louder. In the 17th minute, Luciano Galletti floated over a corner and a shot from Avraam Papadopoulos hit Olof Mellberg.
Generally, though, Olympiacos were looking most dangerous on the break and, in the 19th minute, one such raid saw them nearly take the lead.

Mitroglou stormed down the left and picked out Galletti at the far post. The Argentinean leapt impressively but could only bounce a shot into the sidenetting. Soon after that Dudu slammed a shot over the bar.

Those chances notwithstanding, it had been a very encouraging start from Arsenal. Yes, they were reliant on the well-known strength of Song and Walcott was starting to impress, but the youngsters were playing full roles.

The England international may have gone clear on a couple of occasions but the bounce went against him. His Cameroonian counterpart also drove a shot high from range just past the half-hour.

But as the interval approached, Olympiacos grew in influence. Just before the whistle, a well-worked move saw Giorgos Galitsios freed down the left flank. His deep cross was met by the flying Raul Bravo. The former Leeds midfielder never had the effort under control and it went well over.

It had been 45 minutes of hard work but the Arsenal side could be proud of what they had achieved.

However the harshest of lessons was meted out within 90 seconds of the restart.

Bartley dispossessed Gonzalez effectively enough in midfield but the interception fell kindly for the onrushing Leonardo. The Brazilian sprinted clear of Gilbert and tucked his shot under Fabianski.

It was the goal Wenger must have feared having got to half-time relatively comfortably. But perversely, Arsenal should have equalised three minutes later, Ramsey broke clear on the left and, despite two pursuers, managed to square the ball to the unmarked Vela. His shot had power but was straight at Nikopolidis.

As the hour-mark passed and went, Arsenal looked a little tired. But they were still creating chances and Ramsey was at the hub of most of them. The Welshman was in an eye-catching mood tonight.

Midway through the half he curled a gorgeous ball into the path of Walcott but the striker was muscled off by Bravo. From the resulting corner, Ramsey saw his header saved.

In the 70th minute, Merida's slide-rule pass gave Vela a glimpse of goal. Unfortunately for Arsenal, he prodded the ball over the bar. A golden opportunity.

The game was now becoming more and more open. Fabianski clawed down a shot from Leonardo and, with 14 minutes left, Mitroglou's shot beat the Polish keeper but drifted wide.

However it was Arsenal who might have stolen a point with a minute left. Merida's low right-wing corner meandered through to Ramsey at the far post and the Welshman's effort was booted off the line by Leonardo.

There would be no fairy-tale ending tonight.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery
READ MORE FOR HIGHLIGHTS MATCH, MATCH ANALYSIS ....

ARSENAL VS STOKE CITY 2-0

Labels: Premiership League Match, Season 2009/2010, Video

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL VS STOKE CITY 2-0

DATE : December 05nd, 2009
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Andrey Arshavin - 26" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Aaron Ramsey - 80" or Mirror Here

EXTRAS :
Missed 1 on 1 chance for Arsenal min.3
Missed Penalty Kick for Fábregas min.20
Nice save from Sørensen min.50
In the post for Arsenal min.63

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match First Half or Here
or Here
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match Second Half or Here or Here

Other Sources :
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match Part 1
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match Part 2
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match Part 3
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match Part 4

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Arsenal bounced back from their recent disappointments with a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Stoke at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsène Wenger's side took the initiative in the opening stages and never really let go with emergency striker Andrey Arshavin at the hub of everything.

The Russian won a penalty in the 21st minute but Cesc Fabregas' effort was well-saved by Thomas Sorensen.

In the end it did not matter. Five minutes later the pair combined for Arshavin to guide home a shot then, midway through the second half, the latter set up substitute Aaron Ramsey for Arsenal's second.

It was decent way to celebrate the Club's 100th match at Emirates Stadium and Wenger's 500th Premier League game in charge.

Win No 293 was no classic but, after back-to-back 3-0 defeats, Arsenal needed a safe, well-deserved victory over a decent Premier League outfit to revive their self-esteem.

That is exactly what they got.

So crisis over? No, there never really was one. Arsenal lost a game last weekend and won one this weekend.

If dogged efficiency is the only way to rebuild their title challenge then this was a decent start to the process.

In recent times, Wenger has made a habit of losing strikers to injury and, unfortunately, the trend continued today. Eduardo had picked up a muscular problem in training on Friday and dropped out. As a result Arshavin was given the lead role.

Alex Song also stepped down through suspension. The replacements were Emmanuel Eboue and Tomas Rosicky.

Today Arsenal needed a win of any sort by any means and they started like they meant business.

Within five minutes of the start, Sorensen had twice denied Arsenal and both opportunities involved Arshavin.

First the Russian bundled his way on to Fabregas' pass but his first touch was heavy and the goalkeeper spread himself sufficiently to block his toe-poke.

A couple of minutes later, Arshavin threaded a ball through to Nasri. With his angle narrowing, the Frenchman tried his luck. Sorensen had made sure his angles were correct.

It was all Arsenal but, these days, Stoke are not a side to be overawed. They imposed their game on the hosts and, as ever, Rory Delap's throw-ins were at the forefront of their attacks.

The Irishman flew in a number of Howitzers that caused consternation in the Arsenal area. Almunia dealt with some, his defence dealt with others. Between them, they got the job just about done.

Arsenal weathered the storm and looked to have got their just rewards midway through the half.

In the 21st minute, Arshavin was clipped by Salif Daio just outside the area and then by Delap inside. He was felled by the latter and referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot.

It was the first penalty that Arsenal had been given in the Premier League since Stoke had visited in May.

And they missed it.

With Eduardo joining all the other strikers on the sidelines, the task fell on the shoulders of Fabregas, who was making his 250th Arsenal appearance. His contact was good but, as the old cliché goes, it was the right height for Sorensen, who saved well to his left.

It was a blow but, as it transpired, not a mortal one. In the 26th minute, Arshavin fed Fabregas then raced into the area to collect the return ball. The stand-in striker used all his strength to hold off his marker before steering a cross-short beyond Sorensen and into the far corner of the net.

It was Arshavin's seventh of the season, no more than his side had deserved and, a minute later, it should have been 2-0.

Armand Traore crossed from the left and Diao's near-post touch beat Sorensen but the ball bounced off the far upright. It fell back invitingly for Fabregas, who had the goal at his mercy. Except, that is, for Eboue, who blocked his shot on the line.

Arsenal were now stretching Stoke down the flanks. They played with a tangible confidence until the break however the closest they came to extending their lead was when Fabregas fired across the face of goal and then Nasri hacked an effort over the bar in injury time.

There had been no obvious sign of an injury to Rosicky in the first half but the Czech international failed to appear after the restart. Vela was a straight replacement on the left hand side of midfield.

Arsenal were still effervescent. There was a likable spark about their work this afternoon. All they needed now was the second goal they merited. Arshavin's swivelling snapshot nearly provided it five minutes after the restart.

Shortly afterwards, Eboue hobbled off and Aaron Ramsey came on. Arsenal continue to have no luck with injuries.

As the game reached the hour-mark, the only problem was Arsenal's failure to put the game to bed.

This was illustrated immediately afterwards when Tuncay burst clear. However the Turkish striker needed to control a high, hanging through ball and, by the time he had, Gallas had time to pull off a well-timed block.

Arshavin remained by far Arsenal's leading light. In the 64th minute, he should have got that second. Vela's cross through a crowded area found him at the back post. The Russian's shot was fierce and goal-bound but Abdoulaye Faye deflected it against the bar.

Shortly afterward, Thomas Vermaelen bundled a header wide at the far post.

The second goal arrived just as Stoke were starting to seriously look for the equaliser. The move started way back when Vela slid in to win the ball, eventually it worked its way to Ramsey, who exchanged passes with Arshavin before firing home from the edge of the area. It was the third goal of his Arsenal career.

Arshavin should have made it 3-0 but Andy Wilkinson slid in to block and he was about to pull the trigger.

The Russian proved his worth this afternoon - as had his team.

Now both must build on this performance.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery
READ MORE FOR HIGHLIGHTS MATCH, MATCH ANALYSIS ....

MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL 3-0

Labels: Carling Cup Match, Season 2009/2010, Video

CARLING CUP MATCH

MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL 3-0

DATE : December 02nd, 2009
VENUE : City of Manchester Stadium

MANCHESTER CITY GOALS :
Download Manchester City Goal by Carlos Tevez - 50" or Mirror Here or Here
Download Manchester City Goal by Shaun Wright Phillips - 69" or Mirror Here or Here
Download Manchester City Goal by Vladimir Weiss - 89" or Mirror Here or Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Manchester City vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Here
Download Manchester City vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Arsenal are out of the Carling Cup.

Arsène Wenger's side were brave and bold at Eastlands on Wednesday night but, in the end, the class of Manchester City was telling.

This Quarter-Final was goalless until five minutes after half-time. That is when Carlos Tevez darted in from the left and drove a stunning shot into the top corner of the net.

Arsenal responded manfully but Man City's second punctured arguably their best period of the game. Like the first, Shaun Wright-Phillips' goal was class. The former Chelsea winger raced up the right and drove stunning shot high into the other corner.

Man City's strength, power and quality was apparent all night but Arsenal's usual mix of youngsters and squad players gave them a real test.

The third goal, from substitute Vladimir Weiss at the death, gave the scoreline a skew the visitors did not deserve.

The statistics will say this is Wenger's third defeat in their last four games. But, at least, the manager will be able to draw a number of positives from this one.

Before kick-off the Frenchman had named a side with as much experience as he could muster. Alex Song dropped back to partner captain Mikael Silvestre at centre half. Armand Traore and Emmanuel Eboue reprised their recent first-team run-outs in the full back positions. However there were younger heads further forward.

Craig Eastmond (18) retained his Carling Cup role as the holding central midfielder with Aaron Ramsey (18) and Tomas Rosicky (29, admittedly) just in front. Fran Merida (19) and Jack Wilshere (17) occupied the flank while Carlos Vela (20) was the lone front man.

For their part, Manchester City were at full strength. All their major summer signings -Tevez, Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry and, of course, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor - were on display.

In the opening stages, their quality was apparent. The home side bossed the opening quarter but, for all that, they only created one chance. It came in the seventh minute, when Barry sent over corner from the right and Adebayor stole in front of Song to power in a firm, downward header. Lukasz Fabianski gathered on the goal-line at the second attempt.

Arsenal rallied briefly after that with Wilshere setting up Ramsey to shot from distance. However in the 20th minute, Wright-Phillips robbed Silvestre on the right-hand byline and Craig Bellamy pulled his shot inches beyond the far post with Fabianski. A crystal clear opportunity.

Until this point, Arsenal had not created a chance worthy of the name. That changed in the 22nd minute when Wilshere sent Vela scuttling into the area. The Mexican striker beat Lescott to the ball but could only stab his shot over the bar. For a finisher as classy as Vela, it was decent opportunity.

But Man City were still ominous every time they went forward and, in the 24th minute, Tevez might have provided the perfect response to Arsenal's adventure. The Argentinean teased and then beat both Silvestre and Eastmond before forcing Fabianski in to a decent save at the near post.

However, as the game become more open, Arsenal became much more competitive. Vela continued to cause consternation in the Man City defence and, just after the half-hour, Eboue darted into the area and forced the first real save out of Shay Given.

Wright-Phillips had been testing Traore to the limit all night. Just before the whistle, the Frenchman was booked for a late challenge on the Englishman. From Barry's free-kick, Song headed just over his own bar.

At the break, Arsenal could congratulate them on a job well done but only half done.

And some of that work would be undone five minutes after the restart. Rosicky lost possession and Tevez collected on the left flank. He darted inside Eboue and Song before curling a sumptuous shot into the net off the underside of the bar.

It was just what Arsenal did not need.

They responded as best they could. Rosicky headed high and Ramsey blazed a decent effort over the bar.

However Adebayor might have killed the tie in the 56th minute.

Arsenal were caught out by Bellamy's early cross and Fabianski's attentions distracted the Togolese striker who diverted the ball wide.

No-one could accuse the visitors of not chancing their arm. Just past the hour Rosicky sent Eboue clear on the right and his cross was nearly touched home by Vela. Seconds later Merida's cross was just too high for Ramsey, who sent his header wide with the goal at his mercy.

Arsenal were now pushing back their older, more experienced opponents. So Man City's second was entirely against the run of play.

Wright-Phillips collected the ball on the right showed a burst of speed and, from the corner of the area, slammed a shot high into the far corner of the net.

It was an unstoppable effort and, unfortunately for Arsenal, curtailed their best period of the match.

As brave as Arsenal had been, you sensed the game was up.

Eleven minutes from time, Song might have seen red for a last-man foul on Stephen Ireland. In the end the Cameroonian only got a yellow card. However it was his fifth caution of the season and subsequently he will be suspended for Saturday's game against Stoke.

Arsenal continued to search for something from the game but, as the seconds ticked by, their pursuit seemed more and more fruitless.

It also created gaps at the back. Three minutes from time, Bellamy drew fine save from Fabianski. Shortly afterwards the Welshman set up substitute Weiss to slam home a third.

Merida bashed a shot against the bar in injury time. It was typical of Arsenal's evening.

Undoubtedly, they had been beaten by the better side on the night but the visitors deserved credit for the performance the youngsters had put in.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery