Arsenal 6-1 Southampton
It took Arsenal until their 3rd game to score their first goals but it seems like the international break has really helped them as they went goal-mad against a Southampton team who are yet to pick up a point. Despite Southampton's poor start to the seas however this will have been a serious low point.
Arsenal first took the lead after just 10 minutes as Keiran Gibb's cross was turned into the Southampton goal by the unfortunate Jos Hooiveld, from then on it became a case of just how many would Arsenal score. Less than 20 minutes later Arsenal doubled their lead via an excellent Lukas Podolski free kick. Just minutes later Arsenal had gone from 2-0 to 4-0 as Gervinho netted his first of the day thanks to a clever ball by Mikael Arteta and Nathaniel Clyne had netted the second Southampton own goal.
Despite the game effectively being over inside 36 minutes, Southampton did manage to grab a consolation goal just before half time as Danny Fox managed to get the ball unmarked in the area. This however was little more than a brief reprieve before half time and not a comeback.
With the points in the bag Arsenal didn't do go for the kill in the second, this however didn't mean that they refused to attack. A fifth was added 25 minutes into the second half with Gervinho netting a tap-in before before Theo Walcott, a former Saint himself, finished off the scoring late on.
At the start of the season much was made of Arsenal's struggles to score, in fact in their first 2 games they failed to net at all, however with 8 goals in their last 2 games it's fair to say that Arsenal certainly do have goals in them. Whilst it's true that 2 of the 6 here were own goals they both came due to the threat of Keiran Gibbs down the wing and it's the sheer number of threats that Arsenal have that make them so threatening. Santi Cazorla may not have netted one himself but he and Arteta were pulling he strings for fun from the middle and further proving just how good Arsenal's football really is.
For Southampton it's still not a time to out and out worry. Whilst they are still pointless they have faced Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal in 3 matches that they wouldn't have expected anything at all from. Despite this fans do need to worry at least a little bit by the defensive woes which has seen the team concede 14 goals in 4 matches. Saints fans may be feeling some despair however their team have shown some class and they will be hoping to show some consistency, especially at the back.
Showing posts with label Arsene Wenger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arsene Wenger. Show all posts
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Monday, 3 September 2012
Premier League Week 3-Write up Liverpool v Arsenal
Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal
Going into Sunday's early kick off between Liverpool and Arsenal it would be fair to say serious pressure was on both sides. Liverpool's opening day loss to West Broom was still a fresh memory and despite looking very good in their 2-2 draw Manchester City last week they still gave the match away. Likewise for Arsenal their two 0-0 draws in as many matches lead fans to asking about just how good a post-Van Persie Arsenal really are.
Liverpool started brightly, the confidence of the display against Manchester City seemed to be fresh in their mind and they played well in the opening stages. The good start however came to nothing as Liverpool failed to open up a strong Arsenal defense who neutralised both Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini.
Perhaps a telling sign of Liverpool's season so far has been their ability to shoot themselves in the foot and thats exactly what they did around the 30 minute mark. A wayward Steven Gerrard pass was cut out by Arsenal and left Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski able to open up the Home side's defense before Podolski opened his Arsenal account in clinical fashion. Arsenal should have doubled their lead before the half with Olivier Giroud missing a great chance, but 1-0 was a fair half time scoreline.
Going into the second half it was perhaps fair to say that Liverpool looked the most likely to score the games second goal and they started to create better chances than they had in the opening half. Luis Suarez had become a nuisance to the Arsenal defense and teenager Raheem Sterling was again excelling however as Liverpool searched for an equaliser they were caught out by Arsenal this time with Santi Cazorla bagging the goal with some help from Pepe Reina. It's fair to say that this wasn't a week to remember for the Spanish goalkeeper who also let in a blunderous goal against Hearts in midweek.
Liverpool continued to chance the game trying to find their way back into the match and although Jonjo Shelvey came close twice they never really looked able to create the clear cut chances that their limited strike force needed.
Brendon Rodgers' inability to sign a true goal scorer over the summer break may well come back to haunt him as neither Suarez or Borini look likely to bag the 20+ goals a top team needs from a striker. Whilst their attack seems to be very toothless (just 2 goals from their first 3 games) it's the silly things that are really costing them, mistakes from Pepe Reiane, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Steven Gerrard have been all too common this season with a number of their mistakes being punished by goals. Whilst Raheem Sterling looks excellent the teenager cannot win games on his own and sadly for him the rest of the team are letting him down.
Arsene Wenger will have a lot to be happy about. Whilst he would likely have expected more from his first 2 games this was a pleasing result as they recorded not only their first Premier League victory but their 3rd successive clean sheet of the season. Once again Santi Cazorla looked brilliant, I thought at the start of the season that the Spaniard would fit right into the Arsenal philosophy and he has done just that taking the mantle from Cesc Fabregas. Sadly however their is still the boots of Robin Van Persie to fill and neither Lukas Podolski or Olivier Giroud look likely to fill them anytime soon. Whilst the German netted his first goal for the gunners the Frenchman missed 3 or 4 great chances to open his account for the gunners. Arsenal are a team with goals in them, any Gunners fans who have already written their season off (and I know a few pundits have) have done so far too early as they are an excellent team.
Going into Sunday's early kick off between Liverpool and Arsenal it would be fair to say serious pressure was on both sides. Liverpool's opening day loss to West Broom was still a fresh memory and despite looking very good in their 2-2 draw Manchester City last week they still gave the match away. Likewise for Arsenal their two 0-0 draws in as many matches lead fans to asking about just how good a post-Van Persie Arsenal really are.
Liverpool started brightly, the confidence of the display against Manchester City seemed to be fresh in their mind and they played well in the opening stages. The good start however came to nothing as Liverpool failed to open up a strong Arsenal defense who neutralised both Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini.
Perhaps a telling sign of Liverpool's season so far has been their ability to shoot themselves in the foot and thats exactly what they did around the 30 minute mark. A wayward Steven Gerrard pass was cut out by Arsenal and left Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski able to open up the Home side's defense before Podolski opened his Arsenal account in clinical fashion. Arsenal should have doubled their lead before the half with Olivier Giroud missing a great chance, but 1-0 was a fair half time scoreline.
Going into the second half it was perhaps fair to say that Liverpool looked the most likely to score the games second goal and they started to create better chances than they had in the opening half. Luis Suarez had become a nuisance to the Arsenal defense and teenager Raheem Sterling was again excelling however as Liverpool searched for an equaliser they were caught out by Arsenal this time with Santi Cazorla bagging the goal with some help from Pepe Reina. It's fair to say that this wasn't a week to remember for the Spanish goalkeeper who also let in a blunderous goal against Hearts in midweek.
Liverpool continued to chance the game trying to find their way back into the match and although Jonjo Shelvey came close twice they never really looked able to create the clear cut chances that their limited strike force needed.
Brendon Rodgers' inability to sign a true goal scorer over the summer break may well come back to haunt him as neither Suarez or Borini look likely to bag the 20+ goals a top team needs from a striker. Whilst their attack seems to be very toothless (just 2 goals from their first 3 games) it's the silly things that are really costing them, mistakes from Pepe Reiane, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Steven Gerrard have been all too common this season with a number of their mistakes being punished by goals. Whilst Raheem Sterling looks excellent the teenager cannot win games on his own and sadly for him the rest of the team are letting him down.
Arsene Wenger will have a lot to be happy about. Whilst he would likely have expected more from his first 2 games this was a pleasing result as they recorded not only their first Premier League victory but their 3rd successive clean sheet of the season. Once again Santi Cazorla looked brilliant, I thought at the start of the season that the Spaniard would fit right into the Arsenal philosophy and he has done just that taking the mantle from Cesc Fabregas. Sadly however their is still the boots of Robin Van Persie to fill and neither Lukas Podolski or Olivier Giroud look likely to fill them anytime soon. Whilst the German netted his first goal for the gunners the Frenchman missed 3 or 4 great chances to open his account for the gunners. Arsenal are a team with goals in them, any Gunners fans who have already written their season off (and I know a few pundits have) have done so far too early as they are an excellent team.
Sunday, 2 September 2012
Week 3-Predictions (Sunday)
Liverpool v Arsenal (13:30)
This match sees two managers who desperately need a win after disappointing starts. Whilst Liverpool were excellent against Manchester City last weekend defensive mistakes cost them 2 points despite the fact they bossed large portions of the game, they showed a lot of promise. If Brendon Rodgers is frustrated Arsene Wenger is downright furious, his team are the only Premier League team yet to score. Whilst Arsenal are unbeaten they'd have expected more from their first two games.
Prediction 1-1
Newcastle v Aston Villa (16:00)
Alan Pardew's Newcastle haven't had an easy start to the Premier League season with matches against Tottenham and Chelsea already this season, now it's fair however to say they have an easy one against a faltering Villa who have genuinely been awful so far. Paul Lambert will know that he needs points on the board and a loss isn't an option, however it is rather likely as Newcastle attempt to put their loss to Chelsea behind them.
Prediction 2-1
Southampton v Manchester United (16:00)
Southampton may once have been Manchester United's bogey team back in the 1990's (anyone remember them nasty grey shirts?) but those days are a distant memory and since then Southampton have had serious issues of their own-though issues include a start to the Premier League season that has seen them lose their opening 2 league fixtures. United will look to heap further damage on Nigel Adkin's men as they attempt to kick start their own season.
Prediction 0-2
This match sees two managers who desperately need a win after disappointing starts. Whilst Liverpool were excellent against Manchester City last weekend defensive mistakes cost them 2 points despite the fact they bossed large portions of the game, they showed a lot of promise. If Brendon Rodgers is frustrated Arsene Wenger is downright furious, his team are the only Premier League team yet to score. Whilst Arsenal are unbeaten they'd have expected more from their first two games.
Prediction 1-1
Newcastle v Aston Villa (16:00)
Alan Pardew's Newcastle haven't had an easy start to the Premier League season with matches against Tottenham and Chelsea already this season, now it's fair however to say they have an easy one against a faltering Villa who have genuinely been awful so far. Paul Lambert will know that he needs points on the board and a loss isn't an option, however it is rather likely as Newcastle attempt to put their loss to Chelsea behind them.
Prediction 2-1
Southampton v Manchester United (16:00)
Southampton may once have been Manchester United's bogey team back in the 1990's (anyone remember them nasty grey shirts?) but those days are a distant memory and since then Southampton have had serious issues of their own-though issues include a start to the Premier League season that has seen them lose their opening 2 league fixtures. United will look to heap further damage on Nigel Adkin's men as they attempt to kick start their own season.
Prediction 0-2
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Premier League Week 2-Write up Stoke v Arsenal
Stoke 0-0 Arsenal
Everyone who watches the Premier League knows about the love-hate relationship between Arsene Wenger and Stoke City, it's fair to say that this match will not ease his dislike of a team that seem to have become his nemesis in recent years.
Stoke have made a habit of not losing games over the past few seasons and have an excellently drilled defense that often refuses to be breached and that's again what happened as they bent and buckled but refused to snap to relentless Arsenal pressure. In fact it was Arsenal's defense that seemed to be broken early in the game as Jonathan Walters put the ball in the Arsenal net inside the first 10 minutes before the goal was ruled out. It was as close as either team came to breaking the dead lock.
Arsenal, via Santi Cazorla and Mikael Arteta dominated the game with two Spaniards pulling all the strings in the middle though the organised Stoke back 4 managed to hold out and really limited the solid chances Arsenal had. Whilst at the other end Peter Crouch was effectively played out of the gme by Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen who seemed to show Steve Pulis' men that Arsenal had manned up this year.
For Steve Pulis this was a point well earned as his team were on the back foot for much of the game and they proved that they are defensively as sound as ever. Whilst they couldn't really get into the game going forward with only a handful of half chances they proved to be resolute and solid at the back. The Stoke fans may feel a slight aggreived not to have had a penalty in the second half but it would have been very soft to have awarded a penalty for the coming together in question and all in all they were lucky to get apoint.
Arsene Wenger hasn't tried to hide his dislike of Stoke over the years and he will again be seething whilst feeling that his team had enough chances to bag all 3 points. He knows Stoke are physical however he'll have been pleased by the fact that his players refused to be kicked off the pitch however the wasted chances will really annoying him, especially given how much of the game they bossed. Once again Santi Cazorla looked exceptional and controlled the game for the second match running however it was Mikael Arteta who perhaps deserved all the plaudits as he was the one who was fidning Cazorla in space.
Notes-
Arsenal have been involved in both of the 0-0's so far
Stoke failed to get a single corner whilst Arsenal had double figures.
Everyone who watches the Premier League knows about the love-hate relationship between Arsene Wenger and Stoke City, it's fair to say that this match will not ease his dislike of a team that seem to have become his nemesis in recent years.
Stoke have made a habit of not losing games over the past few seasons and have an excellently drilled defense that often refuses to be breached and that's again what happened as they bent and buckled but refused to snap to relentless Arsenal pressure. In fact it was Arsenal's defense that seemed to be broken early in the game as Jonathan Walters put the ball in the Arsenal net inside the first 10 minutes before the goal was ruled out. It was as close as either team came to breaking the dead lock.
Arsenal, via Santi Cazorla and Mikael Arteta dominated the game with two Spaniards pulling all the strings in the middle though the organised Stoke back 4 managed to hold out and really limited the solid chances Arsenal had. Whilst at the other end Peter Crouch was effectively played out of the gme by Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen who seemed to show Steve Pulis' men that Arsenal had manned up this year.
For Steve Pulis this was a point well earned as his team were on the back foot for much of the game and they proved that they are defensively as sound as ever. Whilst they couldn't really get into the game going forward with only a handful of half chances they proved to be resolute and solid at the back. The Stoke fans may feel a slight aggreived not to have had a penalty in the second half but it would have been very soft to have awarded a penalty for the coming together in question and all in all they were lucky to get apoint.
Arsene Wenger hasn't tried to hide his dislike of Stoke over the years and he will again be seething whilst feeling that his team had enough chances to bag all 3 points. He knows Stoke are physical however he'll have been pleased by the fact that his players refused to be kicked off the pitch however the wasted chances will really annoying him, especially given how much of the game they bossed. Once again Santi Cazorla looked exceptional and controlled the game for the second match running however it was Mikael Arteta who perhaps deserved all the plaudits as he was the one who was fidning Cazorla in space.
Notes-
Arsenal have been involved in both of the 0-0's so far
Stoke failed to get a single corner whilst Arsenal had double figures.
Saturday, 25 August 2012
Week 2-Predictions (Sunday)
Due to other commitments I've not managed to preview either of Sunday's games, I will however give a short preview of both games as well as a preview in here.
Stoke v Arsenal (13:30)
It's probably fair to say that Stoke v Arsenal is one of those weird games that draw the neutrals in due to the fact one of the managers (in this case Arsene Wenger) publicly hates the other teams. Stoke are a physical side and this has upset Wenger repeatedly in the past as he feels his players get given a particularly hard time by the Potters who often feel Wenger's men need to "man up". I have a feeling that this time around Wengers men will man up. I have a feeling Lukas Podolski will enjoy the physical match up and may even thrive in this fixture as Arsenal put the draw with Sunderland behind them and play catch up with Chelsea.
Whilst the Britannia Stadium may be seen as a fortress Wenger's men have a point to prove.
Prediction 2-0 Arsenal
Liverpool v Manchester City (16:00)
Losing isn't an option for Brendon Rodgers' team however Manchester City don't make a habit of dropping points. Rodgers will know that the everybody is watching his first game in charge at Anfield and he will also know that Liverpool need at least a point just to kick start their season after a horror show against West Brom. Sadly Rodgers doesn't appear to have added much to Liverpool yet and they looked decidedly disorganised against West Brom. Unless they tightened up considerably here they could be onto a hiding to nothing against a Manchester City team who love to score. Yes City looked poor against the Saints last weekend but they won, it's unlikely they will play that badly here.
Prediction 1-3 Manchester City
Stoke v Arsenal (13:30)
It's probably fair to say that Stoke v Arsenal is one of those weird games that draw the neutrals in due to the fact one of the managers (in this case Arsene Wenger) publicly hates the other teams. Stoke are a physical side and this has upset Wenger repeatedly in the past as he feels his players get given a particularly hard time by the Potters who often feel Wenger's men need to "man up". I have a feeling that this time around Wengers men will man up. I have a feeling Lukas Podolski will enjoy the physical match up and may even thrive in this fixture as Arsenal put the draw with Sunderland behind them and play catch up with Chelsea.
Whilst the Britannia Stadium may be seen as a fortress Wenger's men have a point to prove.
Prediction 2-0 Arsenal
Liverpool v Manchester City (16:00)
Losing isn't an option for Brendon Rodgers' team however Manchester City don't make a habit of dropping points. Rodgers will know that the everybody is watching his first game in charge at Anfield and he will also know that Liverpool need at least a point just to kick start their season after a horror show against West Brom. Sadly Rodgers doesn't appear to have added much to Liverpool yet and they looked decidedly disorganised against West Brom. Unless they tightened up considerably here they could be onto a hiding to nothing against a Manchester City team who love to score. Yes City looked poor against the Saints last weekend but they won, it's unlikely they will play that badly here.
Prediction 1-3 Manchester City
Saturday, 18 August 2012
Premier League Week 1-Write up Arsenal v Sunderland
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
Arsenal week has been a bad one, not only have they seen their talisman Robin Van Persie leave for bitter rivals Manchester United but they've also bee dragged into a transfer saga regarding their defender Alex Song who is a wanted in Barcelona. Despite this Arsenal have signed a number of highly regarded players themselves which are expected to turn Arsenal back into a title contending team. The Gunners started their campaign against Sunderland who's key signing in the transfer window was experienced Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar whilst they lost Asomoah Gyan.
From the off Arsenal looked the more dangerous team with new signing Santi Cazorla pulling the strings and looking like a real class act for the Gunners. Sadly despite looking dangerous Arsenal couldn't convert any of their numerous chances due to real issues with accuracy. As well as Arsenal's problems with aiming Sunderland refused to give space and time and were working hard for a point and their manager.
As much as Arsenal tried to score a winner they simply couldn't get the goal they needed and despite dominating the game they had to settle for a point. Despite only getting a point it's fair to say that Arsenal have signed some excellent players in Carzola, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud and the three really have potential to turn Arsenal into a very serious title threat. The team will gel well and has a lot of flair with real goal scoring threats. Write Arsenal off at your own peril.
Whilst Sunderland were out played for vast chunks of the game they played hard and played for their manager who appears to have the team doing what he wants them to. Whilst it's fair to say they were negative they knew they'd be out gunned if they tried to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal. If I was a Sunderland fan this year I'd have to say I'd be pretty relaxed with the knowledge that, at worst I'd be supporting a solid, mid table team with an excellent manager. Whilst it's true Sunderland haven't spent much they have a solid team there and I'd imagine O'Neill will be looking to bring in at least 1 more player, probably an attacker before the window closes just to strengthen his team.
Arsenal week has been a bad one, not only have they seen their talisman Robin Van Persie leave for bitter rivals Manchester United but they've also bee dragged into a transfer saga regarding their defender Alex Song who is a wanted in Barcelona. Despite this Arsenal have signed a number of highly regarded players themselves which are expected to turn Arsenal back into a title contending team. The Gunners started their campaign against Sunderland who's key signing in the transfer window was experienced Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar whilst they lost Asomoah Gyan.
From the off Arsenal looked the more dangerous team with new signing Santi Cazorla pulling the strings and looking like a real class act for the Gunners. Sadly despite looking dangerous Arsenal couldn't convert any of their numerous chances due to real issues with accuracy. As well as Arsenal's problems with aiming Sunderland refused to give space and time and were working hard for a point and their manager.
As much as Arsenal tried to score a winner they simply couldn't get the goal they needed and despite dominating the game they had to settle for a point. Despite only getting a point it's fair to say that Arsenal have signed some excellent players in Carzola, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud and the three really have potential to turn Arsenal into a very serious title threat. The team will gel well and has a lot of flair with real goal scoring threats. Write Arsenal off at your own peril.
Whilst Sunderland were out played for vast chunks of the game they played hard and played for their manager who appears to have the team doing what he wants them to. Whilst it's fair to say they were negative they knew they'd be out gunned if they tried to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal. If I was a Sunderland fan this year I'd have to say I'd be pretty relaxed with the knowledge that, at worst I'd be supporting a solid, mid table team with an excellent manager. Whilst it's true Sunderland haven't spent much they have a solid team there and I'd imagine O'Neill will be looking to bring in at least 1 more player, probably an attacker before the window closes just to strengthen his team.
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