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

The Week Ahead

Early reports indicate that Fabregas and Song will miss the trip to Shakhtar for our Champions League match up. While the rest for Cesc and his hamstring will be welcomed, the quick succession of games that follow will serve as an accurate measure of his recovery.


Hamstrings are notoriously difficult to shake. Even worse is the affect it has on the player as, unlike a sore ankle or twisted knee, the hamstring doesn't send out a continuous stream of pain data, choosing instead to spring it's painful surprise in heated moments. Like Freddy Krueger, just when you think you have it beat, the claws come out. It messes with your head. Every run, every leap, is considered rather than instinctively pursued.

No word yet on why Song will be missing. Maybe Arshavin, tired of seeing Alex moving up the list of goal scorers this season, has hidden his boots. Or at least messed with his hair dye. Oh wait, he already did that. Anyway, he, like Cesc, will be missed.

The fan's choice to fill Song's role is probably Wilshire. A bulldog of a player, immune to injury and always willing to mix it up, the only position we may never see him play is Goalkeeper. Nasri, showing that his desire to play centrally is not wishful thinking, stepped up in the West Ham game to become playmaker, covering for the increasingly hobbled Cesc.

The month of November will be busy, the competition diverse, and the potential for reward immense. A victory Wednesday against Shakhtar will allow us to fully focus on the league fixtures. With four Premiere League games in a two week period before the return to Braga for Champions League action, Wenger will not want to be concerned with conserving energy. Four games, each offering a different dynamic but all feisty and physical.

Robin Van Perise, we anxiously await your return:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/859783/van_persie_free_kick_against_sunderland/

Victoria Concordia Crescit

Return to Eastlands

"27 Minutes of Brilliance"

Tomorrow sees a return to Manchester City and an opportunity to show that Arsenal are legitimate contenders for the title. Last year was memorable for two reasons, one a display of arrogance and the other a display of poor football. Adebayor revealing to the world why he was no longer wanted at the Emirates and the Gunners looking very tired indeed following an international break. Despite a solid starting lineup, the team looked sluggish and uninspired.

This year there will be no Bellamy, which pleases me no end as he is one of those players who seems to find a way to make life difficult for our back four no matter what kit he is wearing. The downside is that Man City has a revitalized Tevez and a new face in Silva. Their midfield is stronger and we have to hope that Song wears the right boots and performs in the holding role in a manner more akin to last season. His elevation from "work in progress" to solid starter last season was not due to his touch in front of goal.

Defensively City look vulnerable and, as always, an early goal would most certainly help to unsettle their game plan. Like Chelsea, they are not a team that performs well when chasing. Pace will be important on both ends. In their defeat of Chelsea they displayed the tenacity and speed we were hoping to implement at Stamford Bridge, and it will be interesting to see if that blueprint is laid out today.

A win would be superb, delicious, massively satisfying and confidence boosted to dizzying heights. A draw acceptable but perhaps only to Arsenal fans, much in the same way as the Chelsea result. One only needed to witness the transition City made as a result of their victory over Chelsea to comprehend the importance of a win over a "top four" rival. Not only in the eyes of the press and pundits, but in the minds of opposition managers and their players. And most certainly to Arsenal players, their confidence and belief reinforced.

Wilshire missing is a blow. He seems to provide an energy in the midfield that allows Fabregas time on the ball while also relieving him of the physical burden required when having to be both playmaker and midfield "disruptor". With Song needed further back, and Diaby better suited to a more forward role, the responsibility may fall to Denilson.

Cesc played well and looked fit in the Champions League victory over FC Shakhtar Donetsk but hamstring injuries are notorious for never really going away. With the right effort from those around him he will be able to play his game without requiring the performance he heroically displayed last season against Aston Villa.


"27 Minutes of Brilliance"


Victoria Concordia Crescit