Arsenal 2 - Everton 1

Arshavin 70                   Saha  24
Koscielny 75


Despite the best efforts of the match referee, Arsenal overpowered Everton scoring two goals in the second half to claim victory at the Emirates. The game was a high-energy affair with plenty of physical play. Moyes sent out his team with instruction to press and disrupt the Arsenal flow, but the home side was up to the task and responded with equal determination.


Second half substitutions included Diaby on for Song(injury), Arshavin and Bendtner on for Rosicky and Wilshire. 


Arshavin was brilliant and appears to be on the road back. His confidence on the ball producing wonderful opportunities, and his goal well-deserved. The back four handled a barrage of long balls and set pieces while coping well with the tricky Saha.


The opening goal was allowed to stand despite Saha being in an obvious offside position when the ball was struck.


Great character exhibited by the Arsenal kept everyone on the pitch and spirits high. The focus remained on equalizing, then pushing hard for the second tally. With Man U and Chelsea winning it was imperative the Gunners earn all three points. The victory, and the manner in which it was accomplished are a testament to the great spirit and determination within this Arsenal team.


Victoria Concordia Crescit

I'm Back, But What of Arsenal?

So much good work by Arsenal undone by two horrendous performances in Cup games. The victory over Chelsea, and to a lesser extent the draw with Man City, relegated to "blip" status - short-lived glimmers of hope that this team has arrived ready to challenge for the title.


Arsene must be the most disappointed, having conceded to the demands of fans to pursue any and all trophies available, only to be let down by starting squads clearly superior to the opposition.


Focus must now be on West Ham. They are a team that cannot be taken lightly. With nothing to lose and everything to gain they will provide Arsenal a stiff test and each and every Gunner must play with desire and intensity. Leadership on the field has been sorely lacking, and Cesc must step up and provide the inspiration.


C'mon Gunners, let's get back to our winning ways!




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Delirious Song

Arsenal 1 West Ham 0


Quick notes:


Not a great game by our captain, but Nasri comfortably took over in midfield.


Walcott on the right makes space for those in the middle.


Chamakh needs a rest.


Bendtner is a hungry player.


Song is the new Verminator.




One of those games where the play was good but luck against us, particularly with our shots on goal, the near misses made Robert Green look very good. It may have been the West Ham game plan, or just a typical Scott Parker-inspired effort, but the match was tinkering on the brink of a foul-fest. How he finished the game without at least a yellow card is beyond belief.


Hopefully the victory will further boost the Gunners confidence, particularly in light of the Man City loss to Wolves. Onward Arsenal.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Focus

The Arsenal find themselves in a familiar position tomorrow. Big wins, plenty of goals, progress up the league table as our closest competitors show weakness, and returning home to face a team battling at the bottom to avoid the relegation zone. This is a test which may provide us with the most accurate assessment of the evolution underway.

The criticism directed at Wenger and his youth-centric squad has often centered around our supposed inability to deal with the "physical"side of English football. The result against Man City provided proof that the Gunners are not intimidated by size or force. Teams who hope to bully Arsenal find they are up against a tenacious and determined opponent more than willing to mix it up, and critics are left searching.

For those of us who follow Arsenal, perhaps our biggest disappointments have come with poor efforts against inferior teams just as hopes have risen. Often described as "let downs" or "over-confidence", the beautiful football we expect doesn't materialize. The focus required is missing and critics are quick to proclaim the young Gunners lacking "maturity and/or mental toughness". A victory over West Ham will be seen as expected and probably not warrant more than a scoreline by the press, but to those who know this club it will signal an inspiring change of attitude. An emergence of the Champions within.

Victoria Concordia Crescit