Arsenal Fans Blog

ASTON VILLA vs ARSENAL 0-0

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

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ASTON VILLA vs ARSENAL 0-0

DATE : Januari 27th, 2010
VENUE : Villa Park

EXTRA VIDEO CLIP :
Chance for Aston Villa - 4"
Denilson Shot - 9"
Fabregas Hit the Post - 45"
Stewart Downing Header - 50"
Arsenal Chance - 61"

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

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Aston Villa vs Arsenal Highlights --- "soon"

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal began their ‘awesome foursome' with a goalless draw at Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

In the next fortnight Arsène Wenger's side take on a quartet of the Premier League's finest in a spell that could define their title bid.

They opened that run with an attacking, exciting but ultimately even contest this evening. Villa drew a stunning save from Manuel Almunia in the opening minutes and had the more persistent pressure throughout. However the visitors hit the woodwork in each half - via Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky respectively - and nearly stole all three points at the death. They are now unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games.

Arsenal had to throw on a rusty Sol Campbell in the first half after Thomas Vermaelen hobbled off. Wenger will also be pleased at the return of Nicklas Bendtner after three months out. But that only happened when Eduardo pulled up injured.

So while there are certain positives and negatives to take in, the mathematics (and Chelsea's victory) mean Arsenal have dropped the third.

Of course Wenger always knew that the key games in this spell come on Sunday against Manchester United and the following weekend at Stamford Bridge.

It seems that crunch time has now arrived.

Not surprisingly there were wholesale changes to the Arsenal side that had lost to Stoke on Sunday. That was the point of the XI sent out at the Britannia Stadium.

More pertinently, there was just one alteration from the team that had gone top of the table by beating Bolton a week earlier - and even that was enforced. Aaron Ramsey replacing the injured Abou Diaby.

Meanwhile Bendtner was back on the bench. His first involvement of any sort since October 31 following groin trouble.

Villa had swarmed all over Arsenal in the early stages of this fixture last season and were unfortunate to lead by just one goal at the break.

They started in very much the same vein this evening. The home side should have taken the lead within three minutes, Gabriel Agbonlahor escaped in the left-hand channel and drove a low shot towards the far corner. Almunia thrust out an instinctive hand to touch the ball past the upright.

It was arguably the best save the keeper had made this season.

Villa were quicker, sharper and looking more determined. Arsenal were on the back foot. They had pockets of pressure but it took the visitors the best part of half an hour to reach an equilibrium.

In the ninth minute, Rosicky turned the ball back to Eduardo, whose bobbling shot was shepherded out for a corner by Richard Dunne. When it came in Denilson fired wide.

But three minutes later, Vermaelen brought down Emile Heskey and Ashley Young curled a free-kick a foot or so wide.

Both Arsenal centre halves were being overworked. Gallas tangled with Agbonlahor on the edge of the area but referee Lee Probert waved play on. The Frenchman was already looking like a stand out player while Vermealen seemed to be struggling after receiving treatment for a leg injury.

It was no surprise when the Belgian hobbled off in the 34th minute and Campbell came on.

That change came seconds after Ashley Young fooled Clichy on the right and, with numerous options in the centre, lofted a ball to the far post. The onrushing Stewart Downing could only sidefoot a shot high over the bar. A waste.

Villa continued to pepper the Arsenal area for the reminder of the half but the visitors started to dig themselves a foot hold in the game.

On the stroke of half time they nearly stole the lead. Fabregas dribbled across the face of goal and slid an angled shot past Freidel and against the base of the post. The ball bounced out towards Rosicky but Ramsey went for it as well. Eventually the Czech international took control but, by then, the area was crowded and he hacked his effort high over the bar.

It was Arsenal's best chance of the half but the visitors still needed the break more than the home side.

They returned refreshed.

In the opening seconds, Arshavin and Clichy combined for the Frenchman to send in a low cross but Friedel beat Fabregas to the ball at the near post.

However a couple of minutes later, Villa should have gone ahead. Young's cross deflected off Gallas and flew over Sagna to Downing at the back post. It seemed the simplest of headers but the former Middlesbrough winger nodded meekly wide. Downing had now enjoyed the two clearest opportunities of the game and had missed them both.

Young's diving header was another indication that Villa had wrestled control of the game once more.

But just then, on the hour, Arsenal nearly scored. Arshavin fled down the left, outpaced the Villa defence but Friedel blocked his shot. Fabregas picked up the rebound and fed Rosicky. The Czech midfielder saw his drive cannon down off the underside of the bar and bounce away.

Before that chance, Eduardo had pulled up while chasing down a clearance and had indicated he needed to come off. After it, Bendtner replaced him.

Arsenal now seemed to have found some impetus. Fabregas saw a deflected dive drift wide while Ramsey and Arshavin had a couple of promising moves snuffed out at the last.

However this was a difficult game to call. As soon as one side began dominating, the other came back.

The final quarter of the game began with Villa on top. However although they won a flurry of free-kicks and corners the home side could do little with them.

Nasri replaced Rosicky and, almost immediately, saw a long range effort deflect wide.

The game built to a mighty crescendo with Arsenal marginally the better side.

In injury time, a fairy tale was quashed when Campbell pounced onto a loose ball in the area only to see his swivelling shot blocked.

The whistle blew seconds later. This was a decent point certainly, but is it enough?

We'll find out in the next 10 days.

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

STOKE CITY vs ARSENAL 3-1

Labels: FA Cup, Season 2009/2010, Video

FA CUP MATCH

STOKE CITY vs ARSENAL 3-1

DATE : Januari 24th, 2010
VENUE : Britannia Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Denilson - 41" or Download Mirror

STOKE CITY GOALS :
Download Stoke City Goal by Ricardo Fuller - 2"
Download Stoke City Goal by Ricardo Fuller - 78" or Download Mirror
Download Stoke City Goal by Dean Whitehead - 86" or Download Mirror

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

Download Stoke City vs Arsenal Full Match in One File - 200MB

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

Download Stoke City vs Arsenal Highlights

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal are out of the FA Cup.

Arsène Wenger's side went down 3-1 in a thunderous Fourth Round tie at Stoke on Sunday.

Both managers were true to their pre-match promises. Arsenal were a mixture of experience and youth while the home side were at full-strength.

Stoke took the lead within 70 seconds when Ricardo Fuller nodded home a trademark Rory Delap throw-in. By half time Arsenal had recovered from the shock and, just before the whistle, equalised through Denilson.

But Stoke were the stronger side in the second half and so it was no surprise to see Wenger make a triple substitution midway through the half. Such boldness had won the Third Round tie at West Ham earlier this month.

Today, however, it did not work. Mamady Sidibe set up Fuller for his second in the 78th minute then, just before the end, Dean Whitehead's goal killed off any comeback.

Wenger's team-sheet, especially the bench, had suggested the Frenchman was not prepared to throw away this competition, therefore defeat is a blow.

However, all along, the manager admitted his priorities lay elsewhere.

If Arsenal win the Premier League or Champions League this season then today's defeat will have been worth conceding.

It was not a case of ‘if' Wenger would throw in youngsters this afternoon. It was a case of how many.

There were debuts of varying kinds. Jay Emmanuel Thomas made his first start of any sort after warming the bench for a number of times in recent games. Francis Coquelin began a game outside the Carling Cup for the first time while this was Sol Campbell's second debut after re-joining the club earlier in the month. Of course the centre back was actually making his 198th appearance for the Club. His last had been at the 2006 Champions League Final.

Armand Traore, Lukasz Fabianski, Mikael Silvestre and Carlos Vela all needed a run. The surprise was the retention of Cesc Fabregas and Denilson in central midfield.

Meanwhile subsitutes Andrey Arshavin, Eduardo, Tomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey seemed to represent a sizeable insurance policy.

Stoke were a full strength, literally. Tony Pulis had said he would put out a Premier League team. Arsenal knew what was coming.

The same could be said of the opening goal.

With little over 30 seconds on the clock the home side won a throw in. It was exactly the same position from which the scored in the opening minutes during last season's League game.

As ever Delap's throw was long, powerful and flat. Fuller stole in front of the onrushing Fabianski to send a diving header into the top corner of the net. Exactly 70 seconds had elapsed.

Young, away from home and losing, understandably Arsenal went into their shell for a time.

Stoke, however, looked to kick on. They continued to pepper the Arsenal goal with crosses and throw-ins. Only Campbell's toe-poke prevented Fuller's cut-back finding Sidibe in the middle of the area.

Gradually the visitors did find their feet but chances were scarce.

Theo Walcott set up Vela to shot but Danny Higginbotham nipped in then Denilson had an effort blocked from long-range.

However no team wrestles control from Stoke without a fight. In the 35th minute, Fuller burst past Silvestre in the area and the Arsenal defender appeared to clip him. Replays suggested the Frenchman had been fortunate. It would be a crucial moment.

Four minutes before the break, Glenn Whelan fouled Vela on the left just outside the area. Fabregas shaped to swing the free-kick to the gaggle of players at the far post. Instead he squared to Denilson on the edge of the area. The Brazilian's low drive was deflected but it found a way through a crowded area and into the corner of the net. It was his fourth goal of the season.

Arsenal now had the impetus. They forced a flurry of corners late in the half but, despite the pressure, Thomas Sorensen was untroubled.

Level pegging was just about fair at the break.

However the opening minutes of the second half belonged to Stoke. Campbell slid in expertly to cut out Danny Collins' cross. Then Fabianski brilliantly blocked Fuller's close-range header from Whelan's corner.

Sorensen tipped over from Fabregas' 25-yard drive but it was an oasis in a desert of Stoke pressure. Fuller thumped an effort over the bar as the home side tried to muscle another goal.

It was developing into a good, old-fashioned FA Cup tie. Fittingly it even began raining.

Stoke had the edge but Arsenal were still having their moments. Emmanuel Thomas nodded Vela through on the left of the area but the Mexican could only hook a shot across the face of goal.

But, straight after that, Sidibe slid a cross toward Matthew Etherington at the far post only for Frances Coquelin to divert the ball out for a corner.

Wenger clearly realised his side were started to lose their way so, midway through the half, he made three changes - Arshavin, Ramsey and Eduardo came on for Walcott, Emmanuel Thomas and Coquelin.

With 18 minutes left Stoke might have regained the lead but Delap's chest down was heavy and Silvestre slid in to intercept. The Frenchman got caught for his trouble and needed lengthy treatment.

As they had at West Ham in the Third Round, you sensed the substitutions would change the game. They helped set up Vela but the Mexican was dispossessed six yards out. However replays suggested the ball hit the hand of Danny Collins in the aftermath.

It seemed that Arsenal were about start taking over.

Wrong.

In fact Stoke would take the lead and then kill the game.

With 12 minutes left, Sidibe stormed down the right and clipped a delicate cross into the middle of the area. It drifted between Campbell and Eastmond for Fuller to guide home his second of the game.

Ramsey thumped over when well-placed but, with four minutes left, Stoke grabbed a third. Eastmond was caught in possession and Etherington fed Dean Whitehead a simple tap-in.

Substitute Tuncay netted a fourth at the death but it was flagged offside.

Shortly after that the whistle blew. Arsenal were out.

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

ARSENAL vs BOLTON WANDERERS 4-2

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

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs BOLTON WANDERERS 4-2

DATE : January 20th, 2010
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Rosicky - 44"
Download Arsenal Goal by Fabregas - 53"
Download Arsenal Goal by Vermaelen - 65"
Download Arsenal Goal by Arshavin - 85"

BOLTON WANDERERS GOALS :
Download Everton Goal by Cahill - 6"
Download Everton Goal by Taylor (pen) - 28"

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers Full Match First Half or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers Highlights Match Second Half or Here

Download Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers Highlights Match in One File or Mirror Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal are top of the Premier League with Chelsea had one game in hand.

Arsène Wenger's side produced a stunning four-goal comeback to beat Bolton at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday and overtake Chelsea by virtue of goals scored.

In the build-up to the game, the manager had charged his side with task of going top but, after 28 minutes of this pulsating affair, that dream was in tatters.

Bolton took a shock lead in the seventh minute when Gary Cahill struck from close range. Just before the half-hour, Denilson fouled Chung-Yong Lee and Matthew Taylor squeezed home a penalty.

Tomas Rosicky tossed Wenger's off-kilter side a lifeline with a long-range drive just before half time. But, after the restart, the home team were irresistible.

This was storming, storming Arsenal.

Seven minutes in, Cesc Fabregas burst through and steered home shot from an acute angle then, just before the hour, Thomas Vermaelen lashed home a loose ball after a corner.

It seemed that would be that and, frankly, most of us would have settled for it.

However five minutes from time, Andrey Arshavin bulldozered through the Bolton defence to fire home that crucial fourth.

Of course, in itself, this table means nothing. The last time Arsenal were top, on August 28, it was worth little either. Standings only lead to silverware in May.

But it does show Wenger's men are cast-iron contenders - strong in mind and body. These back-to-back games with Bolton have been mighty tough but Arsenal have come through.

Going top means they are now there to be shot at themselves of course. However, if tonight is anything to go by, this side is armour-plated.

Before kick-off, Wenger's only changes saw him bring in experience for youth. From Sunday's side, Craig Eastmond and Armand Traore dropped out; Denilson and Gael Clichy came in. It was the Frenchman's first start since the 3-0 victory over Tottenham on October 31.

Theo Walcott was named in the squad for the first time since December 27 but he only made the bench.
Bolton's main change was a surprise. Despite a lively game on Sunday, Ivan Klasnic dropped to the bench.

There was a strange lethargy about the Emirates Stadium early on. Transport delays meant the ground filled up late and there was little buzz just before kick-off.

Arsenal's start was entirely in keeping with that. Yes, early efforts from Abou Diaby and Arshavin warmed the hands of Jussi Jaaskelainen early on but the saves were pretty regulation.

Bolton, meanwhile, had purpose. They clearly fancied the task tonight and their industry got them a goal in the seventh minute.

Arsenal had a couple of chances to clear a left-wing free-kick. From the second, Clichy skied his attempted clearance and Kevin Davies' nodded the ball down for Cahill to sweep home. A poor, poor goal to concede.

The home side were utterly stung. They were in danger of turning down an open invitation to go top.

In fairness, Cahill's goal woke them up. It was about time. In the 12th minute Rosicky's touch sent Cesc Fabregas clear on the left of the area and, as Bolton appealed for offside, the Spaniard's bounced a shot off Jaaskelainen when he should have scored.

Two minutes later, Diaby sent a raking ball to Eduardo just outside the area. With few outlets the Croatian went for what ice-hockey fans would call a slap-shot. It flew inches over the bar.

While Arsenal had yet to find their composure they had at least created a head of steam. In the minutes that followed Arshavin bobbled a shot just wide and Zat Knight sent a hurried clearing header inches over his own bar.

But, as on Sunday, the first half was open, exciting and attacking with Bolton playing a full part.

In the 16th minute, Vermaelen fouled Davies and Taylor's free-kick fully extended Almunia.

That duel would be repeated 11 minutes later. Again Bolton were afforded too much space in the area and Denilson brought down Chung-Yong Lee. A crystal clear penalty.

Almunia guessed correctly when Taylor stepped up to take the spot-kick however the ball still found a way into the corner.

It was looking bleak for Arsenal but, on the upside, they were certainly creating clear enough chances to get themselves back in the game.

In the 36th minute, Fabregas' meandered through most of the Bolton midfield before setting up Eduardo 10 yards out. The stumbling Croatian tried to steer the ball into the far corner but his effort lacked the strength to beat Jaaskelainen.

Five minutes from the break, Fabregas scooped a free-kick into the area and, off-balance, Davies nodded the ball against his own bar.

It was turning into a curious game. Arsenal were far from fluent and trailing 2-0 but they could have scored four themselves by this point.

At least, when they did get on the scoresheet, it was a goal of quality. Fabregas, as ever, was the instigator, darting inside his marker and feeding the ball out to Rosicky on the right. The Czech midfielder was 30 yards out and tightly marked. But showing exquisite balance he jinked some space and lashed home a rocket of shot.

Emirates ignited, the game was alive. Arsenal poured forward until the whistle but could not find an equaliser.

The impetus was still with them when the game restarted. Bolton had a few minutes of early pressure but Arsenal had retained all the urgency created from Rosicky's rocket.

Seven minutes after the break, they found an equaliser.

As he has done so often in recent weeks, Gallas stormed forward to supplement to the attack. The Frenchman's challenge on Mark Davies won the ball but left the Bolton midfielder in a heap. Gallas played on and eventually Fabregas bundled his way inside the six-yard box before sliding an angled shot through the legs of Jaaskelainen and into the far corner.

While Arsenal celebrated, the keeper raced to the referee to protest. Gallas had appeared to tread on Davies' ankle and, after lengthy treatment, the youngster was carried off.

The home side now had the bit between their teeth. Fabregas crashed an effort inches over the bar and, in the 65th minute, their comeback proved irresistible.

Fabregas floated over a corner from the right and Vermaelen's high, hanging header was touched back into the Belgian's path by Diaby. The centre half swung a determined foot at the ball from 10 yards out. His contact was not perfect but he was so close to goal that the sliced shot bounced off the inside of the far post and flew into the net.

It was Vermaelen's sixth goal of the season and undoubtedly the most important.

Having worked so hard to get the lead you could understand Arsenal easing off the gas a little.

It seemed for a while that this tall tale would not have its happy ending.

However five minutes from time Arshavin withstood a couple of half-hearted Bolton challenges to fire home the fourth.

In the dying seconds, the Russian should have made it five but he spurned the support of substitute Theo Walcott to go for goal alone. It was a rare wrong move for Arsenal in the second half.

The home fans left Emirates Stadium singing ‘we are top of the League'.

Of course they were right but their team had taken them on one hell of a journey to get there this evening.

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

BOLTON WANDERERS vs ARSENAL 0-2

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

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

BOLTON WANDERERS vs ARSENAL 0-2

DATE : Januari 17th, 2010
VENUE : Reebok Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 28" or Mirror Here or Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Fran Merida - 78" or Mirror Here or Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Mirror Here
Download Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal Highlights

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal are closing in on the top of the Premier League table.

Arsène Wenger's side carved out a hard-fought 2-0 victory in a crucial fixture at Bolton on Sunday. If they do the same thing in the return game at Emirates Stadium in midweek they will go ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United.

It could be a significant moment in their season.

It is highly appropriate that today's result should put Arsenal in such a strong position because this was a title-winning kind of victory.

The visitors were under pressure for sustained periods of this game. Bolton, under new manager Owen Coyle, quizzed their opponents at the start of each half but Arsenal always had an answer. A well-worked goal from Cesc Fabregas gave them a vital lead just before the half-hour then, 12 minutes from time, substitute Fran Merida fired home a game-clinching second.

‘Fluent Arsenal' were not present at the Reebok today. Bolton would not allow that. Instead, ‘dogged Arsenal' took their place and they were determined enough to create a couple of opportunities for their undoubted class to shine through.

It is a method that has brought the Premier League title to Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge in recent years.

And it looks like Arsenal might have copied the formula this season.

Before kick-off, Wenger's team news was significant. Going into Friday's training session, the manager knew he would be without Alex Song (international duty) and Denilson (rib). However in training that day he lost Aaron Ramsey to a muscular problem and subsequently Samir Nasri suffered a hamstring injury.

That situation heralded the call-up of Craig Eastmond. The 19-year-old had played in the defensive midfield role with some distinction in the Carling Cup earlier in the campaign but this was his first Premier League start.

Elsewhere, Fabregas returned after hamstring trouble and Tomas Rosicky, fresh from his crucial equaliser last week, started on the right. Gael Clichy was back in the squad for the first time since October 31 but only made the bench.

Both teams emerged to a barrage of drums. Clearly the plan was to have the Reebok Stadium rocking for Coyle's opening fixture.

The Scot nearly had a dream start. Within 45 seconds of the whistle, Chung-Young Lee and Fabrice Muamba set up Kevin Davies in the area but Fabregas popped up in the six-yard box to hack the ball clear. The early moments certainly belonged to the home side but Arsenal soon imposed themselves.

Fabregas and Rosicky belted the shots wide and then Jussi Jaaskelainen had to rush out then bat ball away from the scampering Eduardo.

Arsenal were looking inventive going forward and, in the 12th minute, that should have won them a penalty. Eduardo curled in a low cross from the left-hand side and Fabregas flicked the ball away from Jaaskelainen. In his follow-through the keeper swept his feet around to bring down the Spaniard. Referee Phil Dowd waved play on as the floored Fabregas rolled around in frustration.

Bolton's best attacking avenue was down their right-hand side. In the 20th minute Armand Traore was caught in possession and Tamir Cohen's cross was fumbled behind by Almunia. The Israeli then hacked over the bar and Ivan Klasnic forced a low save from Almunia.

However despite a decent amount of possession, most of the quality was still coming from Arsenal, with Arshavin a growing influence. The Russian saw his low cross dribble inches away from Eduardo then he cut inside his marker only for his attempted curler to be deflected wide.

Arsenal seemed to be laying down preparatory work for a goal.

It arrived in the 28th minute.

Diaby darted into the area but lost the ball. Eventually it fell to Fabregas who kept his cool to play a delightful one-two with Eduardo and the pick his spot with a low shot into the corner. It was the Spaniard's 13th goal of the season.

In the 31st minute, Arsenal nearly grabbed a second. Fabregas' deep corner fell to Eastmond on the edge of the area. The midfielder met the ball with a sidefoot volley. It was a pacy effort than found a path through the crowded area only for Jaaskelainen to clutch the ball on the line.

Fabregas had claims for another penalty shout shortly afterwards when he was clipped by Zat Knight. The Arsenal captain tussled with Matt Taylor afterwards both got a lecture from referee Dowd.

Rosicky and Paul Robinson were booked shortly afterwards as tempers flared momentarily.

As half time approached both sides had chances to score. First Lee's low shot forced Almunia into a sharp save then Arshavin's cutback was tapped past the far post by the stumbling Fabregas with the goal gaping.

It was an open opportunity but no better than the one Bolton carved out in injury time.

With his back to goal, Klasnic nodded the ball over Gallas and Almunia had to thrust out a hand to stop him prodding home the equaliser. It was an unprepossessing save but it preserved Arsenal's lead as they went into the break.

As in the first half, Bolton were off the blocks much the quicker after the restart and, again, they were inventive down their right-hand side. Lee got in a number of worrying positions and fired in probing crosses. The most dangerous for Arsenal came when Gallas' outstretched leg diverted the ball towards the far post and the diving Almunia had to intercept.

Bolton were turning the screw and Arsenal were struggling to keep them off.

In fairness the visitors kept clear chances to a minimum. The best came just before the hour when Klasnic freed Taylor on the left of the area but the midfielder blazed his effort over the bar.

Gallas slid a header over the bar and Eduardo nearly profited from Arshavin's left-wing cross but undoubtedly Bolton were in the ascendancy.

Just past the hour, Fran Merida replaced Eastmond and Diaby dropped into the holding role. Gradually Arsenal flexed their muscles once more.

However in the 70th minute Bolton might have got on level terms when Gavin McCann's lofted pass found Taylor midway inside the Arsenal half with a clear run on goal. The former Portsmouth midfielder did not realise the extent of his isolation and snatched at an early shot. It rolled harmlessly wide and the opportunity went begging.

Wenger then brought on Clichy for Rosicky to shore up Arsenal's left flank. A wise move. With 15 minutes left, Vermaelen, who had been outstanding in defence this afternoon, curled a free-kick on to the top of the net.

Three minutes later, they got the crucial second. A sweeping move ended with Eduardo clipping a inviting cross to the far post. It was flicked off Gary Cahill's head and Merida collected with his left foot before steering home a cross-shot with his right. It was another silky finish from a small Spanish central midfielder.

Bolton were now spent. Taylor rammed an effort over the bar but, in truth, Arsenal cruised home.

This used to be a bogey ground for Wenger's men but this was their fourth straight win at the Reebok.

Times are clearly changing.

And, on Wednesday, the lead in the Premier League might do the self-same thing.

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

ARSENAL vs EVERTON 2-2

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

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs EVERTON 2-2

DATE : January 09th, 2010
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Denilson - 28"
Download Arsenal Goal by Rosicky - 90"

EVERTON GOALS :
Download Everton Goal by Osman - 13"
Download Everton Goal by Pienaar - 81"

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Everton Full Match First Half
Download Arsenal vs Everton Full Match Second Half

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

MATCH REPORT :

By Chris Harris

Tomas Rosicky grabbed an injury-time equaliser as Arsenal twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Everton in a thunderous affair at Emirates Stadium.

It seemed for much of this afternoon that Arsène Wenger's side were about to fall to their fifth Premier League defeat of the campaign.

On a freezing North London day, Arsenal were caught cold in the ninth minute when Leon Osman powered home a header from Landon Donovan's corner.

The home side gradually roused themselves and equalised just before the half-hour when Denilson's drive deflected past Tim Howard.

In the second half, both sides threw all their resources at the task of grabbing the three points as a snowstorm enveloped Emirates Stadium. With nine minutes left, Everton appeared to have won the game when Steve Pienaar burst clear and produced the cheekiest of finishes to beat Almunia.

However, in the second minute of stoppage time, Rosicky's drive clipped Lucas Neill and flew past Howard.

The point keeps Arsenal third whereas a win would have taken them second and within touching distance of leaders Chelsea.

However, whatever your perspective, you cannot deny that Everton were well worth their draw this afternoon.

Meanwhile the critics will argue Arsenal slipped up in the snow today.

Certainly this was an opportunity missed. Yet when the performance is off-key, a team rely on guts and spirit to pull them through in adverse conditions. That is what Arsenal did today.

They are still in thick of the title race.

Wenger made six changes from the side that had come from behind to beat West Ham last Sunday.

Manuel Almunia, Armand Traore, Denilson, Samir Nasri, Abou Diaby, Andrey Arshavin all returned. Lukasz Fabianski, Alex Song, Mikael Silvestre, Jack Wilshere, Fran Merida and Carlos Vela made way. Rosicky was on the bench having recovered from his hamstring injury.

The snow that had caused the midweek postponement had not shifted in the intervening days. The temperature had not changed, so it was never going to.

As a result, the Club had employed people with blowtorches to melt stubborn ice around the stadium area. It was still bitterly cold however and, as if to prove a point, a snow storm blew up just before kick-off.

Arsenal were the form side but Everton settled the quicker. Louis Saha nodded the ball into the net in the opening minutes but was rightly flagged offside. Shortly afterwards he collected a raking pass from Pienaar, shook off the stumbling Thomas Vermaelen but fired wildly over the bar.

Apart from Diaby's wayward cross-shot the home side had been caught napping early on.

And, in the 13th minute, they were caught cold.

Donovan swung a corner into the middle of the area and the diminutive Osman stole in front of William Gallas to thunder in a header. Denilson was stationed on the far post but could not prevent the ball going in.

The goal enlivened the crowd and they did their best to impart that urgency on their team.

It started to work.

Diaby lofted a ball over the defence to Gallas at the far post. The centre back clipped the ball past Howard but Leighton Baines hooked clear.

By the midway point of the first half, Arsenal were starting to stir. They had begun creating pressure but, when the equaliser came, it was more luck than judgement.

In the 28th minute, Nasri curled in a cross from the right. Arshavin and Eduardo then set up Denilson to fire goalwards. The Brazilian obliged and his effort deflected off Osman to leave Howard flat-footed.

Arsenal were now in the ascent. Eduardo had claims for a penalty after playing hopscotch through the middle of the Everton defence. The striker then saw a sliding effort hit Howard's legs. It was flagged offside, wrongly according to replays.

Everton had gone into their shell since the equaliser but they nearly regained the lead in the 36th minute when Almunia misjudged a right-wing hanging cross from Phil Neville and Tim Cahill's header bobbled dangerously across the area before being hacked to safety.

This was turning into a blood-and-thunder affair. Both sides had an admirable effervescence given the conditions.

After half time, the snow became thicker and the pace became faster.

Eduardo tried to weave his way through again and poke the ball through to Ramsey inside the area. His touch beat Howard but took him wide. By the time his cross came in the keeper had recovered.

Meanwhile at the other end, Saha was still Everton's cutting edge. The French striker darted past Traore and Gallas in the 62nd minute but his deflected shot curled inches wide of the far post.

Three minutes later, Wenger brought Rosicky on for Ramsey and the Czech international nearly made an instant impact. Sagna sent over a deep cross from the right and Howard batted the ball away from Rosicky's head.

Arsenal were now stepping up their game. Traore's low-cross fizzed across the area and, from the resulting corner, Rosicky's drive fell to Vermaelen, who saw a fierce goalbound shot blocked. Then, after firing narrowly over, Denilson claimed a penalty when he was clattered in the area.

By now the crowd were singing ‘jump up if you love Arsenal'. It was 50 per cent devotion and 50 per cent necessity.

With 15 minutes left, Cahill reached the byline and cut inside only for Diaby to intervene. Arshavin did likewise at the other end, only this time his cross was scrambled away for a corner.

This was a toe-to-toe scrap now. Both sides were going for three points without flinching. The only ‘settling' being done was by the snow on the pitch.

With nine minutes left, Everton grabbed a second. Cahill spotted Pienaar streaking through the middle and the South African raced half the length of the pitch to go one-on-one with Almunia.

The Spaniard has just ‘set' himself when Pienaar made his move. The midfielder lifted his effort over the crouching keeper and into the net. An exquisite finish.

From the kick-off, it was nearly 3-1. Under challenge from no-one, Denilson collapsed in the centre circle and James Vaughan raced through. This time Almunia stood up to make a crucial stop.

The Brazilian was stretchered off and replaced by Fran Merida. Seconds later, Pienaar fired inches over the bar.

The injury precipitated five minutes of stoppage time. In the second of those they grabbed the leveller when Rosicky's drive clipped Lucas Neill and flew past Howard. It set up a grandstand finish.

A nasty collision between Traore and Almunia took the steam out of the finale.

But, at full time, Arsenal had to be happy with the point they had obtained.

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

WEST HAM UNITED vs ARSENAL 1-2

Labels: FA Cup, Season 2009/2010, Video

FA CUP MATCH

WEST HAM UNITED vs ARSENAL 1-2

DATE : Januari 03th, 2010
VENUE : Upton Park

PORTSMOUTH GOALS :
Download West Ham United Goal by Diamanti - 45" or Mirror Here

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Aaron Ramsey - 78" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Eduardo - 83" or Mirror Here

FULL MATCH :
Download West Ham United vs Arsenal Full Match First Half
Download West Ham United vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download West Ham United vs Arsenal Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download West Ham United vs Arsenal Highlights Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

It took a five-minute turnaround at West Ham on Sunday to send Arsenal into the FA Cup Fourth Round.

Arsène Wenger's side struggled for the first hour at Upton Park and trailed to Alessandro Diamanti's breakaway goal on the stroke of half time.

It looked like Arsenal might be following Manchester United out of the FA Cup at the first opportunity.

However, with 12 minutes left, Aaron Ramsey added to his blossoming reputation with a fine strike on the turn. Five minutes later, Eduardo steered a perfectly-placed header into the top corner.

The comeback has been sparked by the introduction of Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby in the 65th minute. Before that, Wenger's much-changed side had struggled to impose themselves on an equally-altered West Ham outfit.

It made for an unedifying spectacle and the only true quality was crammed into the final 15 minutes.

Still, at full time, the Arsenal fans sang loud and long while Wenger punched the air.

Both clearly still value the FA Cup.

With two crucial Premier League games coming up, the Frenchman had promised sweeping changes. Certainly his team selection smacked of protectionism.

Manuel Almunia, Armand Traore, Andrey Arshavin, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby all dropped out. Meanwhile the absence of Philippe Senderos from the squad suggested the Swiss defender had failed that pre-match fitness test on his injury foot. As a result, Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas resumed their partnership at centre-back.

The incoming players were Lukasz Fabianski, Carlos Vela, Fran Merida, Mikael Silvestre and Jack Wilshere.

It may have been bitterly cold at Upton Park but the portents for this game were good. A shockless Saturday had already been blown apart by Manchester United's defeat to Leeds earlier on Sunday. Meanwhile the last meeting between the two sides in this competition - an FA Cup Sixth Round replay in March 1998 - had been a thriller.

However the first half this afternoon could not have brought a greater contrast.

In fairness both sides had major changes but neither settled in the opening quarter. In truth there was little to report except for Merida's tame shot in the 10th minute.

Gradually Arsenal exerted their authority. The visitors enjoyed the greater territory and possession but could do precious little with it.

In the 16th minute, Ramsey's shot deflected over off Matthew Upson and then Vela's drive did likewise. Arsenal got the in the right position on a number of occasions but, too often, their delivery let them down.

Gradually West Ham made their presence felt. In the 25th minute Junior Stanislas whipped a free-kick just over the bar and then Fabianski acrobatically tipped Diamanti's cross away from Luis Jimenez.

Just before the half-hour, Ramsey and Wilshere worked a short corner. Robert Green tipped the former's cross away from Song at the back post. However the ball fell to Vermaelen, who blazed over when he should have hit the target.

But that was a rare highlight. To be honest, it was a poor half with neither side enjoying any type of fluency.

Even the opening goal was scrappy. In the first minute of injury time Radoslav Kovac steered a ball towards Diamanti in the centre. Arsenal pushed up for offside but the Italian had just stayed legal.

He went one-on-one with Fabianski but the Polish keeper guessed correctly. He got a hand on Diamanti's shot but could not prevent it trickling inside the post.

Not surprisingly the home side came out fired up for the second half. Frank Nouble spanked a shot wide and then Stanislas forced a flying save from Fabianski.

Arsenal were still sluggish. In the 53rd minute, Eduardo's swivelling shot was deflected over the bar by Upson but that was the extent of their opportunities in the opening quarter of the second half.

In fact West Ham now seemed the side more likely to score. Had the home side been blessed with a more experienced strikeforce this afternoon, they might have extended their lead.

In the 65th minute, Wenger made changes. Nasri and Diaby came on for Merida and Wilshere.

It had an immediate effect. Seven minutes later, Diaby and Song combined nicely in the left-hand channel. Both of them drew excellent saves from Green.

Shortly afterwards, Nasri hacked a shot over the bar. A horrible finish but at least Arsenal were imposing themselves now.

Twelve minutes from time, they equalised. Song, who was Arsenal's best player on the day, fed Vela in the area. The Mexican nudged the ball to Ramsey who fired a shot into the far corner.

Against the odds Arsenal were back in it. Then, five minutes later, they won it.

Vela sent over a teasing cross from the left-hand side and Eduardo stole in front of his marker to arc a header into the top corner of the net beyond Green's despairing dive.

Shortly afterwards Song rifled an effort over the bar and Eduardo nodded wide.

The visitors had gone 80 per cent of the game creating little but now they were manufacturing chances galore.

Vela, who had assisted for both goals, was next to try his luck. However his low drive was booted off the line with Green beaten.

At full time, the Arsenal fans had found a new hero. They chanted the name of Ramsey. Along with Song, the Welshman had been the visitors' best player on the day.

While Arsenal's performance had been patchy both deserved to be on the winning side this afternoon.

And, more importantly, Wenger's men continue revel in their winning habit.

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

PORTSMOUTH vs ARSENAL 1-4

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

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

PORTSMOUTH vs ARSENAL 1-4

DATE : December 30nd, 2009
VENUE : Fratton Park

PORTSMOUTH GOALS :
Download Portsmouth Goal by Belhadj - 73"

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Eduardo - 27"
Download Arsenal Goal by Samir Nasri - 41"
Download Arsenal Goal by Aaron Ramsey - 68"
Download Arsenal Goal by Alex Song - 81"

Download All Goals in 1 File Right Here :
Download All Goals Portsmouth vs Arsenal 1-4

EXTRA Video Clips :
Boateng Chance Saved by Manuel Almunia Min.10
Arshavin Shot Min.11
Abou Diaby Chance Min.19

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

Another Mirror :
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Full Match Part. 1
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Full Match Part. 2
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Full Match Part. 3
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Full Match Part. 4

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

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Watch out Chelsea, Arsenal are coming for you.

Arsène Wenger’s side closed within four points of the leaders with a comfortable 4-1 win at Portsmouth on Wednesday night.

After soaking up early pressure, Eduardo’s deflected free-kick gave the visitors the lead just before the half-hour. Then, three minutes from half-time, the Portsmouth defence afforded Samir Nasri ample time to slam home a second from the edge of the area.

A superb solo strike from Aaron Ramsey in the 69th minute should have killed the game yet Portsmouth grabbed a goal from Nadir Belhadj almost immediately. However Alex Song’s header ended any argument nine minutes from time.

This was Arsenal's third successive victory by a three-goal margin. During December they have shrugged off the absence of Robin Van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and now Cesc Fabregas to rebuild realistic title aspirations.

If they win their game in hand, a home fixture against managerless Bolton next Wednesday, the gap at the top will be down to one point. By the next time Chelsea play, Arsenal could be breathing down their neck.

Not a bad way to end the decade.

Before kick-off, news filtered around the press box that Fabregas would be out for only 10 days. If true it would be a blessed relief. Player and manager had no regrets about the downside of his two-goal 27-minute cameo against Aston Villa but tonight Arsenal had to pay the price.

Of course, the Spaniard had not started against Villa so the only actual change from that team saw Denilson drop out with a back problem and Ramsey came in. The Welshman’s elevation was telling. After all he is perhaps the prince to Fabregas’ throne at Emirates Stadium right now.

Meanwhile, Tomas Rosicky was back on the bench after recovering from his hamstring problem.

This was a tricky game for Arsenal. After the win at Liverpool they had gone to Burnley, an equally hostile environment, and brought back a point. There was a similar euphoria after the 3-0 win over Villa on Sunday. However a draw was not enough this evening and the home side started with dynamism.

They created sustained pressure but only had one chance to show for it. That came in the ninth minute when Alex Song slipped trying to collect Traore’s pass on the halfway line and Kevin Prince Boateng sprinted into space in the right hand channel. He had Frederic Piquionne in the middle but decided to fire towards the near post. Manuel Almunia needed a strong hand to turn the ball aside.

The home side failed to build on the chance and gradually Arsenal started to turn the screw. They won a succession of corners but only created a flurry of half-chances. Andrey Arshavin hacked an effort over, Eduardo nodded well wide and Bacary Sagna saw his low drive fail to penetrate a forest of defenders in the area.

The clearest effort came in the 19th minute when Eduardo cut the ball back to Abou Diaby on the corner of the area but the Frenchman’s sidefoot shot was beaten away by Asmir Begovic at the near post.
Portsmouth were now on the back foot. Boateng sprang the offside trap for a split second but he lost his footing at the crucial moment. Arsenal would follow that chance by taking the lead.

In the 29th minute, Aaron Mokoena fouled Ramsey on the edge of the area. Eduardo tried to bend the free-kick into the far corner but Younes Kaboul attempted to intervene. The former Spurs centre back could only steer the ball inside the other post. The goal was full of fortune but it had been coming.

The strike knocked out what stuffing was left in the Portsmouth side. Belhadj fired an optimistic effort well wide but the home side’s lack of confidence was plain to see.

Three minutes from the break, Arsenal’s second goal merely hammered the point home. The Portsmouth defence stood off Eduardo in the area so he had ample time to find Ramsey. The Welshman, also unchallenged, squared to Nasri, who fired home from 15 yards. It was the Frenchman’s first goal of the season and it had been all too simple.

At the break, Portsmouth appeared to be a beaten side.

In fairness, they raised themselves as best they could after the restart. Belhadj thundered an effort wide in the opening stages but the home side could not follow it up.

You felt Arsenal were always in control. In the 69th minute, they proved it. Ramsey picked up the ball in midfield, skipped past the weakest of challenges then thumped home a shot from 22 yards. It was cracking goal from a player who only turned 19 on Boxing Day.

Portsmouth grabbed a goal five minutes later when Anthony Vanden Borre cut the ball back for Belhadj stab home a shot.

But it was a mere blip. These are dark days for Portsmouth, who had been served with a winding up order by HM Revenue & Customs on the afternoon of the game. The home fans were singing songs against the Club’s owners for much of the second half.

Their defence hardly helped the situation. Nine minutes from time, Nasri crossed to an unmarked Song, who steered his header into the far corner. The goal, like the game, had been handed to Arsenal all too easily.

At the full time, the visiting fans had their own song to sing -‘We’re going to win the League’.

Right now, they have a convincing argument.

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