30th April 2013 written by Jamrock Rover 

Arsenal played at home to the newly crowned Premier League Champions knowing that they needed a win to keep a hold of third place. Spurs were still behind them after drawing at Wigan on Saturday, but Chelsea were already 2-0 up on Swansea and were set to overtake Arsenal. With both of those teams having a game in hand on Arsenal nothing less than a win would do. Arsene Wenger had to decide who to pick at centre forward with Olivier Giroud suspended after his red card at Fulham last week. His choices were limited but he played safe and opted for Lukas Podolski. The only other change from last week was Kieran Gibbs coming in at left back as he continued to rotate that role with Nacho Monreal.

The Arsenal players gave United a guard of honour before the game, but the fans made their feelings known by booing them. The biggest jeers of all were reserved for ex captain Robin van Persie on his first return to his former club. Those jeers continued for the rest of the game every time he touched the ball. Arsenal got off to the best start possible when they took the lead with less than two minutes gone. Tomas Rosicky played Theo Walcott in on the right and he finished from a tight angle past David de Gea in the United goal. Replays showed Walcott was slightly offside but the assistant missed it and the goal stood. Arsenal got stuck into United and had the upper hand as the champions struggled to get their game going. There weren't too many chances to increase that lead, but one glorious chance was missed.

Arsenal broke quickly after winning the ball in midfield and Aaron Ramsey advanced into their penalty area. As he was closed down he had a choice between Podolski on the left and Walcott on the right to pass to. He chose Podolski and his shot was saved, but Walcott was in a much better position and would surely have scored if Ramsey had passed to him. United had a couple of chances of their own on the break with Van Persie and Phil Jones both missing with headers. Jones should have scored and Wojciech Szczesny managed to get his face in the way of Van Persie's effort. Both crosses came from the Arsenal right as Bacary Sagna was found wanting in his defensive duties. Shortly before half time it was Sagna who handed United their equalizer on a plate. He tried to pass the ball back to Per Mertesacker but he could only play it to Van Persie who advanced into the penalty area. As Sagna tried to get back to retrieve his error his tackle was mistimed and he took him down to give away the penalty.

The league's top scorer got up to take the penalty as Sagna's name went into the referee's book. He made no mistake from the spot kick and the teams were level with half time approaching quickly. After all of their effort it was very disappointing for Arsenal not to be leading at the break. The second half was a more even affair with Arsenal struggling to create chances for the most part. United looked dangerous on the break, but Arsenal defended well enough and their chances were very limited too. The closest Arsenal came was a Santi Cazorla effort which De Gea pushed away late on. The boss made changes as the game went on with Jack Wildhere, Gervinho and Alex Oxllade-Chamberlain coming on for Tomas Rosicky, Podolski and Ramsey respectively. It was to little avail though as they failed to find the goal they needed.

The team worked very hard throughout the game but they didn't show an awful lot of quality in the final third. Far too often there was nobody in the penalty area when Arsenal got the ball into wide areas. The balance of the team wasn't right with Cazorla on the left either as he came inside at every opportunity. It meant most of Arsenal's wide play was on the right and Sagna was usually the player trying to deliver the ball into the area. He has been a good servant to Arsenal for a long time now but he hasn't had a good season and yesterday was a bad day for him. He made a poor challenge in the second half which should have earned him a second yellow card, but thankfully the referee decided otherwise. His defending was at least better in the second half and he made a couple of good tackles and interceptions. I have no doubt that he has been affected by breaking his leg twice last season and also that he has just over a year left on his contract with Arsenal.

I would be very surprised to see Sagna in an Arsenal shirt next season. A point at home to the champions wasn't a bad result for an Arsenal team that has struggled against other teams in the top five this season. The consequences of the draw were that Arsenal lost the mastery of their fate and must now depend on other teams to finish in the top four. They will probably have to win their last three games to qualify for next season's Champions League. Those games are all winable as they are against teams struggling at the wrong end of the table. QPR are up next and they are already relegated with three games to go and that's followed by a home game against Wigan a few days after they play in the FA Cup final.

The final game is away to Newcastle and hopefully they can play like they did against Liverpool last Saturday. Despite the setback of no longer being in control of their own fate it was equally important that the team didn't lose on Sunday. They have kept their unbeaten run going and the defence managed to hold fairly firm against the best attack in the league. My real worry at the moment is the lack of decent goal scoring opportunities the team is creating. They need to find their creativity again for those last three games as they are all against teams with a poor defensive record. If Arsenal can stay solid at the back and add just a little more creativity I feel confident that a top four place is still well within their grasp. I have no doubt that it will come down to the last game of the season as seems to be the Arsenal way at the moment.

What are your opinions on the game? Is it time for Sagna to leave the club after another inconsistent performance? What did you make of Podolski upfront? Do you still believe we will make it into Champions League Next Season? Join in with our Arsenal community, we have connected with the Disqus comment system and now easier for you to comment on our posts toconnect and talk with the Arsenal fans and when you get a reply to one of your comments you will get a notification

Read more from JamrockRover at his Arsenal blog at http://everarsenal.blogspot.com/

30th April 2013 By Gordon @Arsenal_Supremo

Wojciech Szczesny spoke after the draw to Manchester United and is still confident that Arsenal can finish in the top 4, despite getting off to a great start against the newly crowned champions but only until a costly mistake from Sagna cost Arsenal all three points. 

"I'm confident that we will be [in the top four]," he said. "We've got three games. I believe if we get nine points, we should be in a good position to finish in the top four, hopefully in third position.

"At this point of the season, it doesn't really matter who we play because I don't think the game against Wigan will be any easier than the game against Manchester United.

"Wigan are fighting relegation, QPR will play for their pride and Newcastle on the last day of the season is not exactly an easy game as well.

What are your opinions on the game? Is it time for Sagna to leave the club after another inconsistent performance? What did you make of Podolski upfront? Do you still believe we will make it into Champions League Next Season? Join in with our Arsenal community, we have connected with the Disqus comment system and now easier for you to comment on our posts to connect and talk with the Arsenal fans and when you get a reply to one of your comments you will get a notification

Vote for your MOTM in our poll on the right hand side of our page. Laurent Koscielny is currently leading. 

Watch Wojciech Szczesny  Interview

28th April 2013 by Jeff @ArsenalTrend Edited by Gordon @Arsenal_Supremo

Edit by @TheGunnersWay

Robin van Persie marked his return to Arsenal by scoring a penalty amid a chorus of boos to give newly crowned Premier League champion Manchester United a 1-1 draw on Sunday that also hurt his former team's chances of making the Champions League. Arsenal fans had already had to watch their team form a guard of honor for Van Persie and his United team before kickoff at the Emirates Stadium to salute the new champions. The crowd then reveled in Van Persie giving the ball away inside two minutes to allow Theo Walcott to put Arsenal in front. But after Van Persie was brought down by Bacary Sagna just before halftime, the former Arsenal captain sent the spot kick into the net. It was Van Persie's 31st goal this season since defecting last August in a 24 million-pound (then $36 million) transfer.

The draw meant Arsenal was dislodged from third place by Chelsea, which beat Swansea 2-0 as it looks to secure one of the top four Champions League qualification spots. And United, which is yet to be presented with the Premier League trophy, now cannot surpass Chelsea's record tally of 95 points with three games left. What made Van Persie's return to Arsenal more galling for the home fans was the fact he has won the league in his first season when they haven't seen the trophy lifted since 2004 when they were still playing at the nearby Highbury. In fact the Gunners haven't won anything since the 2005 FA Cup in Van Persie's first season with the team. The striker is so accustomed to the north London club that he attempted to walk into the home dressing room by mistake before Sunday's game, and then slapped his head as he realized his mistake. Whether it was a genuine mistake or a prank, Van Persie has had the last laugh. 

Tradition dictated that the Arsenal players lined the pitch next to the tunnel to welcome United, which clinched its 20th English title on Monday with a victory over Aston Villa. Such respect ended immediately after kickoff. And it will have be pleasing for Arsenal that it was Van Persie who gave the ball away in midfield so quickly, and Tomas Rosicky then picked out Walcott, who smashed in a low shot past goalkeeper David De Gea. The hosts, with a Champions League place to fight for, were playing the slicker more incisive football. And as they pushed for another goal, Santi Cazorla tried his luck from distance, drawing a save from De Gea. Arsenal was exerting the control so lacking at times in this season, which saw the team get off to its worst start since Arsene Wenger took charge in 1996. United, meanwhile, seemed sluggish after the week's title celebrations. When Van Persie worked his way down the left and sent in a cross, the finish was weak from Phil Jones, whose header missed the target. 

As the encounter heated up, Van Persie was booked for a sliding challenge on Per Mertesacker, and United defender Evra squared up to Walcott. Van Persie was first denied a goal when his close-range header from Evra's cross was blocked by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny rushing off his line to make the save with his face But then it was Van Persie's turn to capitalize on a mistake as he intercepted Sagna's poor back pass and raced clear into the area, where the defender brought him down with a sliding challenge in the 44th. Van Persie was clinical from the spot, but his celebrations were muted as he reached 25 league goals for a second successive season. He also scored against Arsenal at Old Trafford and equalized his feat from last season when he also scored in both fixtures between the teams - although that time for Arsenal. 

Only Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry and Robbie Fowler have had consecutive 25-goal season in the Premier League according to the stats. Arsenal, though, made an assertive start to the second half, with Rosicky curling wide inside a minute. But they couldn't produce a winner. United was denied by poor finishing and Szczesny blocking Wayne Rooney's downward header. De Gea preserved the point for United late on by tipping Cazorla's powerful shot wide. 

This result throw the 3rd and 4th spot wide open again with the edge going back to Chelsea and Spurs with a game in hand over Arsenal. It also means the fight for the remaining two Champions League spot will likely go down to the last games of the season. Arsenal will now have to win their next game at Lotfus Road against already relegated QPR side, in order not to lose sight. Mathematically, if the Gunners go on to win their remaining three fixtures, one of the spot is guaranteed as Chelsea and Tottenham still to face each other. Tottenham welcomes Southampton to White Hart Lane next Saturday, while Chelsea travels to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, Sunday evening.

Teams 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Rosicky (Wilshere 62), Arteta, Walcott, Ramsey (Oxlade-Chamberlain 78), Cazorla, Podolski (Gervinho 71)

Subs not used: Mannone, Vermaelen, Monreal, Jenkinson
Booked: Sagna, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain
Goal: Walcott 2

Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael (Anderson 73), Evra, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Valencia, Carrick, Nani (Giggs 83), Rooney (Hernandez 87), Van Persie

Subs not used: Lindegaard, Buttner, Cleverley, Kagawa
Booked: Rafael, Jones, Van Persie, Evans, Valencia
Goal: Van Persie 44 pen
Referee: Phil Dowd

Attendance: 60,112

Theo Walcott Post Match Reaction

"We have just got to concentrate on ourselves. We cannot keep on relying on other teams.

"As long as we get the three points and do not drop any points, that is all we can do.

"Hopefully, come the end of the season, we have kept that undefeated run of games. We need to make sure we are definitely there (in the top four)."

Arsene Wenger Post Match Reaction

Wenger told Sky Sports after the final whistle: "From the first to the last minute, it was two teams giving absolutely everything to win.

"We gave everything and, at the end of the day, the regret you have is the way we conceded the goal. Just before half-time, that was a serious blow to us."

Match Stats & Facts

1. Laurent Koscielny won 100% of his 5 tackles against Manchester United and made more interceptions than any other player (7)

2. Arsenal are yet to lose in the Premier League this season when they have taken the lead in a game (W18 D2).

3. Only Arsenal (18) have scored more goals in the final 15 minutes of matches than Manchester United (15) this season.

4. Arsenal are the only team in the Premier League with 3 players in double figures for goals (excl pens). Giroud 11, Walcott 12, Cazorla 12

5. Only three teams have conceded more penalties than Arsenal (six). The three teams are Villa, Norwich & Wigan all with seven each.

6. Arsenal have the joint-most errors leading to goals this season (14 along with Wigan) and six penalties conceded

7. Match Statistics : Arsenal v Man Utd Shots 19-12 On target 6-4, Fouls 11-12 Duels Won 47%-53%, Pass Accuracy 81%-83%, Possession 52%-48%

Gary Neville and Graeme Souness on the race for Europe 

What are your opinions on the game? Is it time for Sagna to leave the club after another inconsistent performance? What did you make of Podolski upfront? Do you still believe we will make it into Champions League Next Season? Join in with our Arsenal community, we have connected with the Disqus comment system and now easier for you to comment on our posts to connect and talk with the Arsenal fans and when you get a reply to one of your comments you will get a notification Login using your social networks plugins or if you don't want to leave your name you can sign in as a guest.

27th April 2013 by Jeff @Arsenal_Trend

The build up to this game has been more about the guard of honour Arsenal must give Manchester United as the new Premier League champions and no doubt more about the return of Robin van Persie. Robin van Persie claimed he left London in search of titles and championships. He returns to the Emirates a man who found what he was looking for as Manchester United begin their glory tour Sunday against the Gunners. The striker, who left in the summer when United (27-3-4) made plans to supplant archrivals Manchester City as champions, scored a first-half hat-trick as United sealed the Premier League title on Monday night, and the Gunners (18-9-7) are expected to give the visitors a guard of honour ahead of Sunday's game.

Van Persie already has 24 goals in 34 league matches and likely will finish atop that category since his closest competitor - Liverpool's Luis Suarez - is suspended for the remainder of the season. The Gunners come into the game in top form having lost just one of their last 12 matches in the top flight (W9, D2), a run which has seen them climb into third place in the table and be on the brink of securing a top four finish to ensure automatic qualification for next season's Champions League. United come into it having been crowned champions for the 20th time after their 3-0 win over Aston Villa earlier in the week and it's possible that they could take their foot of the pedal now that it's in the bag in a match which sees Robin van Persie returning to Emirates Stadium for the first time since his move to the Red Devils Arsenal still have plenty to fight for in the remaining four games of the season, with Chelsea and Tottenham hot on their heels in the race for Champions League qualification.

The Gunners have taken just four points from their seven games against the top clubs this season, but Wenger is looking at Sunday's game as a chance to improve that record and boost the club's top-four chances. "I personally believe we have been remarkably consistent against the teams who do not fight for the championship," Wenger noted in his pre-match press conference. "Last year we did well against top teams, but this year we have not. I felt it was a lot down to the fact we renewed the team and had a big lack of confidence for a while in the season. Now we have a good opportunity on Sunday to show that we have made that step so let's take it.

"We've had a strong run in our last ten games. We have a good level of confidence, we have desire. I am confident we will do it." Wenger added. The Gunners have gone a season-best six games unbeaten and Wenger's side have allowed just three goals in those six games and have kept back-to-back clean-sheets.

Arsene Wenger's men have also conceded only six goals in 10 league games since the beginning of February, keeping four clean sheets during the run, suggesting that they could well be capable of beating

Santi Cazorla previews the game and says the Arsenal must keep the ball better so that they hurt the opposition more :

"If we have the ball, we’re definitely going to hurt them. We’re a team that keeps possession well and knows how to hurt the opposition.

"If we don’t, it’ll be the reverse. They’ll cause us problems because they have a lot of quality and when given space they can threaten us. Keeping the ball is the key. We need to force them back and not give them time on the ball as they have players that can make a difference.

"It wasn’t a good game for us [at Old Trafford], admitted Cazorla. "We didn’t play very well and made life hard for ourselves right at the start with Van Persie scoring within five minutes.

"We found it tough trying to break them down and they had a lot of good chances. Then we went down to 10 men after Jack got sent off. They played the game well. My goal at the end means the scoreline flattered us a bit and I think they were better than us in that match."

Sir Alex's side especially in their current mood. Indeed, that was the case when they last beat United in the league in the 2010/11 season at home when running out 1-0 winners. United have won 12 of the 20 games that have come after sealing league titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, losing four and drawing four. United have 12 away wins, four more than any other club and two short of the all-time club record. Ferguson's side have won seven of the last eight against Arsenal in all competitions, and three of their last four at the Emirates. Van Persie scored after just three minutes in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford earlier in the season, in the reverse fixture.

Team News : Arsenal :Arsenal have doubts over Mikel Arteta (ankle), while Lukasz Fabianski (rib) and Abou Diaby (knee) are out.

Manchester United :United have doubts over Nemanja Vidic (knock), Chris Smalling (knock), Ashley Young (ankle) and Paul Scholes (knee).

Indeed the guard of honour and the return of Robin van Persie would make the headline prior to kick off but, Arsenal's honour lies in getting all three points to enhance pushing for their own target and with Tottenham's 2-2 draw against Wigan, at the DW stadium, a win will put Arsenal a bit clear of their rivals.

Mark Lawrenson BBC pundit on the game.

"I don't think this will be a great match. Manchester United have sealed the title so for manager Sir Alex Ferguson team selection will be crucial. You would never question his players' attitudes, but there may be one or two looking forward to the beach."

Arsenal Match Facts Via BBC

1. Arsenal have had five players sent off this season - two more than any other side. 

2. The Gunners have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League games, winning nine.

3. Since the beginning of February, Arsenal have conceded only six goals in 10 Premier League games, keeping five clean sheets during this run. They conceded eight goals in January alone.

Can Arsenal restore some pride and defeat Manchester United and the greedy badger? Let us know what you think the result will be in the new comment system below.

COYG

26th April 2013 By Gordon @Arsenal_Supremo

Arsene Wenger spoke to the media ahead of Sunday's crucial tie against Manchester United. The teams news for the game is that everyone is fit apart from Fabianski who is still one week away before he returns for a rib injury.

The other main topics in the press conference was the return of Robin Van Persie and Mr Wenger stated the crowd will respect the player.

Wenger - 'I want the English tradition of the guard of honour to continue. I’m French but I work in England, and I respect this tradition. I’m looking forward more to our own performance than seeing Robin again. But the fans should respect him.'

'You don't focus on what we've lost. We just want to get round it. We always miss a big player. It took us a while to get round it, but we've scored a similar number if goals this season.

Join in with our Arsenal community, we have connected with the Disqus comment system and it is now easier to comment on our posts to connect and talk with the Arsenal fans and when you get a reply to one of your comments you will get a notification  You can now post a comment using your Social Networks plugins or if you don't want to leave your name you can sign in as a guest.Do you think we can win against the newly crowned champions? Lets us know your thoughts. Find out what else he had to say on the game with the link provided below.

 

25th April 2013 by Jeff @ArsenalTrend

The last two days was spectacular in the UEFA Champions League. When the Semi-Final draw was made, many were quick to bet on a Clasico final but with the way both Barcelona and Real Madrid were schooled and battered during the last 48 hours suggested it could be an all German final. What's amusing to me though was that Arsenal turned up decent display against the two Bundesliga teams last season and current season in the Champions League, winning 2 matches, a draw and a loss. That's commendable yet, nothing to show for it.

As the big game against new Premier League Champions Manchester United approaches, the build up to the game is currently overshadowed and filled with talks of 'Guard of Honour' and if we should accord such applaud to United and the greedy badger or not. Personally, I feel this should not even be debatable, its a tradition of the English game and its what must be done. Arsenal had the experience of winning the league at Anfield, Old Trafford and White Hart Lane. It's what we do, win the league on enemy soil.

We must also understand if Arsenal were crowned the League Champions, Ferguson and his men or any other team per say, would accord us respectively, and in addition same United gave us such honour in the past, therefore what's all the fuse about 'the guard of honour' then? Its very understandable the level of frustration the larger majority of the Arsenal fans may feel as its obvious we sold Manchester United the Premier league, the moment Robin Van Persie was traded for £24 Million. I feel as Arsenal fans we should be more pleased about the fact that United wrapped it all up before turning up at the Grove on Sunday.

We all would've hated United and despise more, the greedy badger, winning it at our place. I personally have no problems about us giving them a guard of honour when they step out onto the pitch because, we are classy and we'll remain so. The Arsenal Independent Supporters Association (AISA) are of the motive and believe that the gesture should take place. In a recent interview the AISA Chairman Lois Langton said:

"I think we have to give the guard of honour, as I don't want us to look as though we are being petty by not giving the guard of honour. "For it not to happen and for supporters not to acknowledge the Manchester United team as they come out would actually boost Robin van Persie's ego. "I would rather us just acknowledge them and then get on with the game - otherwise the focus will be on Robin van Persie, rather than the Arsenal team, which is what we are supposed to be going there to support." Lois Langton has said it all, its the way I think our great club should thread come Sunday.

All said, as Arsenal supporters, once the referee's whistle goes, its not going to be out of place for us if the greedy badger get a rough reception on Sunday at the Emirates, and that for the entire duration of the game. It happens at every club when a player leaves under a cloud, point is that we know that the badger has shown his complete contempt for us as a club with the way he forced his way out unceremoniously. What's more important though is that we should not forget that we've got a target of our own to achieve and getting all 3 points as stake will also give us some pride on our turf and get us closer to achieving our remaining priority for the season. Arsenal are just four points behind Manchester City, although they have a game in hand. But who knows how they're going to react to being dispossessed of their title, defeating United may be another turning point for us.

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25th April 2013 by Gordon @ArsenalSupremo

Robin Van Persie is due to return to the Emirates for the first time since his shock move to Manchester United in the summer but Arsenal new signing Nacho Monreal knows the importance on not to focus on the one player. Here is what he had to say to www.arsenal.com

“Teams like Manchester United don’t just have gifted wingers, they have a squad with a lot of depth,

 their players are of the highest level, you can’t just focus on one player because their team is full of    players who can create and score.”

“We must be on our guard and be aware of certain key players, like Robin, who has scored a sack of goals this year and is playing well. He is one of their main threats.”

Join in with our Arsenal community, we have connected with the Disqus comment system, it is now easier to comment on our posts to connect and talk with the Arsenal fans around the world. You can now post a comment using your Social Networks plugins or if you don't want to leave your name you can sign in as a guest. Find out what else he had to say on the game with the link provided below.

Watch Interview Click Here

24th April 2013 by Gordon @Arsenal_Supremo

Arsenal fans are rumored to boycott the guard of honour the players will have to do after Manchester United clinched the title against Aston Villa last Monday. The supporters are ready to do the ‘Poznan’ and state that Robin Van Persie who will return to the Emirates for the first time since his shock 24 million pound move to the Red Devils will get a 'horrendous' reception.

Pete Wood, from Arsenal blog The Grove, warned: “Van Persie is going to get an horrendous reception.

“Every touch is going to be booed because no one can forgive him for the way he left.

“The club stood by him during his first seven years when he was always injured. Then he has one good season and suddenly he wants to leave.

“It was the way Van Persie manipulated the move and his lack of loyalty which has upset Arsenal supporters.”

Join in with our Arsenal community, we have connected with the Disqus comment system, it is now easier to comment on our posts to connect and talk with the Arsenal fans around the world. You can now post a comment using your Social Network plugins or if you don't want to leave your name you can sign in as a guest. Should the Arsenal fans respect the guard of honour?

23rd April 2013 By Misterspruce

After our somewhat lackluster performance against Fulham, I only hope our boys would go into the match against the devils on Sunday bearing the following points in mind:

1. Do not NOT take advantage of a team less one man before the 1st half ends. Do a Mortal Kombat fatality move and finish it.

2. Do not play a high defence and commit more men forward than you would like and therefore struggle to tame the opposing team on the counter. We're lucky that was Fulham; of-course a team like Man-U, Chelsea and City, even Tottenham (like they did when we met them last) would have made us suffer for it.

3. Do not allow a team less one man play like they have thirteen (13) and press the sh*! out of you. In most of the 2nd half, we were on the back foot, even worse after pretty boy Giroud got sent off.

4. Do not make tackling an opposing team player an afterthought like Giroud did, it could painfully earn you a red card; something we cannot afford to do against the devils under the auspices of Sorcerer Ferguman.

5. Do remember that we actually do need Champions League football next season, not because we want to save face but because most of the players we hope would come to Drayton Park would only come if they can get Champions League football. If you mess up, nothing for you, Nada, zip, zilch! Capice?

6. Do not frolic about the pitch on Sunday boys, stop trying to top the table for the most passes in a game in the EPL, just shoot the friggin' ball into the friggin' net! *venting*

7. Do settle for at least a draw at Old Trafford. It's not impossible.

8. Put 'Judas-the-glass knees' (you know who I'm talking about) in his place, make him invisible, let people wonder if he's on the pitch at all. Scum.

The devils would want to finish up the job in front of their home fans, let's not give them the pleasure. Let's make life difficult for them. Bloody difficult.

Thanks for reading! Please comment on this post, subscribe by email, share with friends and follow me on twitter (@Misterspruce1).

22nd April By Jeff @ArsenalTrend

Its Monday, Arsenal Trenders, and Luis Suarez still dominates the headlines. While many were at that till late last night, I was busy analysing Arsenal's season so far, in comparison to last season and also in comparison to the top teams. The ongoing 2012–13 season is Arsenal Football Club's 21st season in the Premier League. The clubs attempts to win at least a silverware all proved unsuccessful once again, taking the team's run without a trophy to 8 years. With the trophy drought dilema and despite the fact that Arsenal are finding it extremely tougher to finish the season in the final qualification berth for next season's UEFA Champions League, I sincerely found that only the Manchester clubs are ahead of, or better teams than Arsenal in the Premier League in 2011/12 and also in current season. Again, despite the 'crisis', ups and down Arsenal are faced with this season, the club indeed turned out better this season than in 2011/12.

Although the gap to the two Manchester clubs at the top was simply far beyond their reach in 2011/12 but only 5 points behind Manchester City in ongoing season, with 12/15 points still to play for. Only Manchester United (26) & Manchester City (20), have won more games than Arsenal's 18 in the Premier League so far this season. Chelsea (18), Spurs (18) and Everton have recorded (14), victories respectively. The number of drawn games at this stage of this season has been Arsenal's 'can of worms', haven drawn more games (9), compared to the top 5 teams in the Premier League so far. Manchester United with only (3) draws, Manchester City and Chelsea (8), while Spurs have drawn (7) games so far.

Only Manchester United (4),Manchester City (5) and Everton (6) have lost fewer Premier League games, than Arsenal's 7, losses so far this season. Chelsea already lost (7), while Spurs (8), and Liverpool (9) games. Surprisingly Arsenal pose the 3rd best attack so far in this season's Premier League with 65 goals, only behind Manchester United (75) and Chelsea (66). Liverpool with (61) goals, City (59), Spurs (58), and Everton (51) goals respectively. Another big surprise that despite all the defensive frailties the club already witnessed this season, Arsenal boast of the joint 2nd best defense in the Premier League, haven conceded 35 goals, only behind Manchester City (30), and Manchester United (35). Chelsea also let in (35) goals, while Everton (38), Spurs (41).

Another revealing fact that despite the crisis of the ongoing season & 'claim of possessing worst squad ever under Arsene Wenger' Arsenal currently fares better than last season at this stage. In-fact Arsenal will be in good standing on the Premier League table at the end of current season compared to last season. Arsenal finished last season with 70 points but, already with 63 points with 4 more games still to play. Arsenal won 20, drew 6 and lost 10 games in total in the Premier League last season compared to 18 wins, 9 draws and 7 losses so far with 4 more games to play this season. Last season Arsenal scored a total of 68 goals & conceded 44 goals in the Premier League. Arsenal already scored 65 goals and conceded 35 goals with 4 more games to play. Arsenal finished 21 points behind last seasons Premier League winner Manchester United.

Arsenal currently trailing United with 18 points with 5/4 games left. Last season Arsenal got eliminated in the Fifth round of the FA Cup but managed to lose out in the Quarter Finals this term. Elimination in the League Cup was also in the Quarters as last season. Arsenal's UEFA Champions League campaign once again proved unsuccessful, falling at Round of 16 hurdle same as last season. The race for the top four places this season continued on its twisted path to the end of the season, and results yesterday still affords Arsenal a stronger edge than Spurs and Chelsea, while Everton seems far off. Tottenham and Chelsea remain behind Arsenal with a game in hand, and that game is against each other, that's exactly where the leverage is for Arsenal, including a gap of one and two points above them respectively. 

Arsenal must concentrate on winning their games and at the end of the season, we would found out that we have fared far better than the outcry of 'gloom and doom' by many especially the media. Arsenal are currently the 3rd best in the Premier League and no doubt among the top 10 best clubs in Europe. With the right investment in the summer, the Gunners can definitely end their 8 year trophy drought.

ArsenalSupremo site is always open for new writersand columnists. Whether you are an expert writeror just a fan who loves Arsenal or football in general, we provide you the opportunity to each and every standard of football writers. If you are interested please get in contact!

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22nd April 2013 By Gordon @Arsenal_Supremo

Jack Wilshere returned from a 6 week from injury but having been thrust into the starting 2 of the last 3 games, Jack has struggled to regain his best from but Arsene Wenger has stated that resting Jack Wilshere will benefit him from now until the end of the season after using him as a substitute against Fulham.

“He was in a bit of pain after the game but I just felt we had to stop him because of inflammation last time and I just felt to give him three games in six days would be too much,”

“Now he has a break until next Sunday and that is different so he will be available. There is no basic ankle problem.

“I do not want to go into a vicious circle again when I play him, I play him, I play him and then suddenly… I think coming back after six weeks out, two games in a week was enough.

For more Jack Wilshere news and videos Click Here

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Quotes Via Arsenal.com

21st April 2013 By Gordon @Arsenal_Supremo

Arsene Wenger stated that the performance of the players after going a goal up and a man up was not up to the standards of recent performances but knew it was vital of getting all three points after a 0 0 draw to Everton on Tuesday night.

"It was a positive first-half, but for some reason, and I don't know why, our game in the second-half deteriorated and our passing became sloppy. We played with less pace in our game and you have to give them credit - they are a good side and they tried like mad. They played very well today."

"It became hard, and in the second-half especially I think we played with a hand-brake," "We just wanted to keep the lead without taking any risk and had not enough penetration. When a team is down to ten men they focus on defending deep and they defended well. We did not give them enough problems today."

The boss agreed with the referee decisions to send Sidwell and Giroud off in the game. 

It looked like it, I spoke with Giroud and he said he slipped when he went for the ball and I don't complain about it."

"Unfortunately yes we have to find a solution up front for the final games, but that can happen and we have to deal with it," he said.

"The result is the most important thing now, but the best way to get the result is still to play well. I think the nerves played a part in the second-half as we did not want to be exposed and we lost our fluency.

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Match Report

20th April By Jeff @ArsenalTrend

Arsenal moved provisionally back into third place in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win at 10-man Fulham on Saturday and are two points ahead of Chelsea, which has two games in hand. Arsenal strengthened its hopes of a Champions League spot after Per Mertesacker's header late in the first half secured the victory. Arsenal dominated possession throughout the game but the Gunners struggled to create any real chances. Arsenal, who started with England midfielder Jack Wilshere on the bench, were given a huge advantage in the 12th minute at Craven Cottage when Steve Sidwell was shown a straight red card for catching Mikel Arteta on the ankle with his studs.

Sidwell had only just returned from a three-match ban following a red card at home to QPR and Arsenal quickly asserted their advantage, with Olivier Giroud grazing the post in the 35th minute. Arsenal struggled to profit from their numerical advantage and Fulham restricted them to few openings. It was, in fact, the home side who created the first clear chance of the game, aided by Olivier Giroud giving the ball away on the edge of the home box in the 21st minute. Urby Emanuelson collected the ball and galloped forward before slipping a pass through to Dimitar Berbatov, whose shot from 16 yards was turned away by Wojciech Szczesny. Emmanuel went close himself in the 40th minute, dispossessing Nacho Monreal before letting fly from the edge of the area. Szczesny again pushed the shot away for a corner.

The breakthrough arrived for Arsenal from an unfamiliar source two minutes before half-time. Theo Walcott's free-kick was headed across goal by Laurent Koscielny and the Frenchman's centre-back partner Per Mertesacker arrived unmarked to head the ball home from close range. It should have been a straightforward victory, but the visitors were unable to kill the game, Fulham kept them at bay and, even came close to scoring an equalizer when Bryan Ruiz curled a free-kick over the bar before a cross from Stanislav Manolev in the 70th minute had Szczesny scrambling backwards to tip it over the bar. 

Wenger withdrew Walcott (who was missing for larger part of the game) and Tomas Rosicky (who was Arsenal's best player on the pitch at the time) moments later, introducing Podolski and Jack Wilshere, but Arsenal could not find inspiration and Fulham continued to prove dangerous. Fulham thought they've got a deserved equaliser. In the 76th minute when Manolev slotted the ball into the net from close range after Szczesny parried another Ruiz free-kick but the sight of a rightly raised offside flag curtailed those celebrations at Craven Cottage.

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud was later sent off for a similar lunge (as Sidwell's tackle on Arteta) in the 90th minute due to a red card after he clumsily fouled Stanislav Manolev. The decision to dismiss Giroud in the 90th minute was more debatable as replays showed the striker did not make contact with Manolev as he won the ball with his challenge. Victory lifted Arsenal above Chelsea, but both the Stamford Bridge club and fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur now have two games in hand on Arsene Wenger's side. Chelsea will regain third place if they win at Liverpool on Sunday, while Spurs can close to within two points of their north London rivals if they overcome second-place Manchester City. Arsenal welcomes Manchester United next at the Emirates.

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Stats & Facts 

Arsenal have now won 16 of the 24 Premier League meetings between the two sides but this was their first victory in five, since a 2-1 home success in December 2010.via BBC

Arsenal have the best defence in the Premier League away from home having conceded just 14 goals.

There have been more red cards (8) in Premier League games involving Arsenal than any other team in the top flight this season.

Arsenal have been given five red cards in the Premier League this season; more than any other side.

Arsene Wenger SkySports Post Match Reaction

"It became hard, and in the second-half especially I think we played with a hand-brake.

"We just wanted to keep the lead without taking any risk and had not enough penetration. When a team is down to ten men they focus on defending deep and they defended well. We did not give them enough problems today."

Martin Jol Match Reaction

"I really thought we did very well and it is disappointing to play for 83-minutes with ten-men but I said to them in the dressing room we fought like lions and we could have had a result and a draw would have been deserved."

20th April 2013 By Gordon @ArsenalSupremo

Ahead of the crucial tie away to Fulham the boss Arsene Wenger spoke of his delight of Kieran Gibbs form this season. Having won a call to the England squad only to be withdrawn due to an injury. Gibbs is not providing big competition with new left back Nacho Monreal and the strong competition between each other can only make the 2 players better.

“They have done really well,” he said. “Choosing between them is another difficult decision I have to make in every single game.

“I would say for Gibbs it's the same as it is for Oxlade-Chamberlain because he has improved tremendously this season.

“October and November was really a springboard for him where he moved forward. He's a candidate for higher up.”

19th April 2013 By Gordon @Arsenal_Supremo

ArsenalSupremo brings you up to date video's with the Arsenal player and today is the turn of Laurent Koscielny who talks about the upcoming Premier League tie with Fulham. In the previous match Arsenal could of gone 4 points clear ahead of their North London rivals but couldn't get the vital goal which saw Giroud miss some decent chances to take the lead but the defender believes he can respond back at Fulham. 

"The first year is the most difficult for foreign players because we don't know English football. I think he's adapted very well in this country and he will be better and better for next season.

"He's OK after the," added Koscielny. "He's a professional. He had some opportunities to score for the team but I think he will be ready to score on Saturday against Fulham."

Laurent also stated Arsenal should look out for Fulham danger man Dimitar Berbatov and must quiet him quiet in the game as much as possible. He is their top scorer with 13 goals for the club.

“He's a danger every time for the defender. [You have to decide] which player goes with him. Sometimes I go with him, sometimes my midfielder takes Berbatov. It's just communication on the pitch.”

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Interview Click Here 

19th April 2013 By Gordon @Arsenal_Supremo

Ramsey was your MOTM with 76% of the vote 2nd Place goes to Koscielny with  8% and Arteta finished third with 6 %. On the official Arsenal website Ramsey was voted MOTM for his performance in the win against Norwich.

I think its has been Aaron's best run since coming back from his long term injury, it has been a long time since we have seen the best of him but finally he has started to produce some fine performances of late and runs his socks off at all time given it his all. Culann Davies who produces Arsenal complication videos made one of Ramsey's performance take a look below in the video provided below.

 

19th April 2013 By Jeff @ArsenalTrend

Arsenal know the importance of not dropping points down the stretch as they try to secure a top-four finish. The Gunners also know, however, claiming maximum points will go much further as they face Fulham on Saturday at Craven Cottage. With five matches remaining, Arsenal (17-9-7) are fighting with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton for the final two Champions League spots since the two Manchester sides will claim the other two.

Arsene Wenger's side clawed out a goalless draw against Everton at home on Tuesday but left lamenting the two lost points after creating the better goal scoring chances in the match. "We should have won the game, but it keeps us in a strong position for the top four,'' said Wenger, whose team enters this match in fourth place, one behind Chelsea and two better than Spurs. Oliver Giroud had two of the better chances in Tuesday's match, but should be welcoming the challenge of facing Fulham again. The French striker bagged a brace in the reverse fixture at Emirates on Nov. 10, including the match-tying goal in the 69th minute of a 3-3 draw.

Olivier Giroud has scored only one of his 11 league goals outside Emirates., with both Chelsea and Spurs also facing top-seven foes this weekend, the Gunners know leaving Craven Cottage with the maximum points will be vital to their Champions League aspirations. "We always knew that this week was going to be a big week for us," midfielder Aaron Ramsey told the team's official website. "We've got four points out of two games so far. We're still unbeaten in a load of games and hopefully now we can finish the week off strongly and get a win at Fulham which will put us in a really strong position." 

Fulham (10-10-13) did Arsenal no favours on Wednesday losing 3-0 at home to Chelsea and extending their winless spell to three matches (0-1-2). Manager Martin Jol felt the match turned after an empty half-hour following strong play and breakdowns on defence. "The frustration is playing well for the first half an hour, creating three or four chances, including in the first few minutes when Bryan Ruiz could have scored, and then conceding a goal because we didn't close (David) Luiz down," the Dutchman said."They're a fantastic team but I'm still disappointed that we didn't achieve more in the first 30 minutes."

The Cottagers needed their veteran striker Dimitar Berbatov to get back on track. The Bulgarian forward has failed to score during Fulham's winless streak, and they are unbeaten (6-4-0) when he finds the back of the net. The sides drew 3-3 in this season's reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium in November. Giroud and Lukas Poldoski staked Arsenal to a 2-0 lead in the first 23 minutes, only to see Fulham pull level before halftime and take a 3-2 lead in the 67th minute on a penalty kick by Berbatov, his second goal of the match. Alex Kacaniklic scored Fulham's second goal. Giroud, though, countered with the second half of his brace two minutes later to give the Gunners a share of the points. Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta missed a last-minute penalty to snatch victory for Wenger's side. Arsenal have taken points in seven of the last eight matches (3-4-1) between the teams, but Fulham are 1-3-0 in the last four.

Arsene Wenger wants Arsenal to get back to winning ways at Craven Cottage on Saturday and he said: "We have created a fantastic run and put a fantastic run together. I believe we will do it but it is down to our performances. "We bounced back from a very, very difficult position but we still have a lot of work to do." "In the last ten league games we've put together a very good run, winning seven, drawing twice and losing just once. With five games to go we can''t afford to slip up. I believe we can win all our remaining games and finish within the top four, whether that be third or fourth." Chelsea got a comfortable 3-0 win at Fulham's ground in mid-week, not a big deal for Arsenal to toll same line. Can Arsenal secure all 3 points at Craven Cottage? Let us know your predictions below.

Match Facts Via BBC : 

Head-to-head 

Fulham are unbeaten against Arsenal in their past four meetings. Arsenal's last win was 2-1 at home in December 2010.

The Gunners last triumphed at Craven Cottage in September 2009, Robin van Persie scoring the only goal.

Arsenal have won 15 of the 23 Premier League meetings between the two clubs. Fulham have only won three of them.

Fulham

Fulham have only taken one point from their last three matches, having been unbeaten in the previous five.

The Cottagers have picked up 11 points from London derbies this season. They have only fared better in 2002-2003 (13 points).

They have benefited from five own goals this season, a league-high with Manchester United.

Dimitar Berbatov has scored five goals in the club's last seven matches. Ten of his 13 goals this season have been scored in the first half.

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger's side have won seven of their last nine league games (W7, D1, L1).

The Gunners have scored 18 goals in the final 15 minutes of games this season, by far the most in the top-flight.

Ten of Olivier Giroud's 11 Premier League goals this season have come at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta has scored five successive penalties in the Premier League since missing a last minute spot-kick against Fulham in November.

Pre Match Press Conference

Predicted Line Ups : 

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18th April 2013 By ArsenalSupremo

Arsene Wenger spoke to the media ahead of the crucial away tie to Fulham which he revealed the team news for the game. Fabianki is still out injured with a rib injury and everyone else is fine but Cazorla, Chamberlain and Wilshere will have checks but should be all fit for the game. Arsene Wenger  heaped praise on Giroud's attitude and believes that he will be even better next season.

"He wants to play every single game. You will see more from him next season. He is very extrovert and he is desperate to do well. He does not hide, he stands up for what he has done."

“He has good physical potential,” he said. “He wants to play every single game, he has a good basic stamina and he can absorb the games.

“He can absorb the body to body [challenges] because he's a strong guy. I think you will see more from him next season, and there's a lot more to come from him.

Also several topics were discussed which are in the list below and check it the press conference in full in the video provided.

1. Team News

2. Tackling in the game

3. Match with Fulham

4. Development of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain

5. Olivier Giroud's first season

18th April 2013 by Jeff @ArseneTrend 

As the race for the top 4 places in the Premier League hots up, supporters and fans alike continue to scrutinize the permutations of the remaining games in the campaign, Managers and players are no different, with Arsene Wenger and Aaron Ramsey noting the crucial nature of the run-in fixtures for Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal remain on course to qualify for the Champions League even though the Gunners' 0-0 draw against Everton left them facing a nerve-wracking end to the season.

Arsenal would have moved four points clear of fifth placed Tottenham with a win over Everton on Tuesday, but instead they had to settle for a frustrating point after struggling to cope with the visitors' physical approach at the Emirates Stadium. The race to finish in the Premier League's top four looks certain to go down to the wire as Arsenal slipped to 4th after Chelsea defeated Fulham 3-0 last night, while both Tottenham and Chelsea have played one game less than their North London rivals.

Failure to qualify for the lucrative Champions League would be a massive blow for the Gunners, but Arsenal manager Wenger is convinced his team have the mental strength to cope with the high-pressure situation. "We should have won the game but it keeps us still in a strong positon in the race for the top four," Wenger said. "We are on a very strong run with a fantastic spirit so you do not want to complain too much about what didn't go for us. "We dropped two points but if we win our coming games we will get there. The other teams have games in hand but they play each other. "My belief was always strong and still is. I'm confident we will do it."

Wenger's belief in Arsenal's ability to cope with the stresses and strains of the run-in hasn't been dented despite Everton knocking them out of their stride with an overtly aggressive game plan. The Frenchman felt Everton sent out to ruffle his team, but he claimed their tactics would have been scuppered if midfielder Darron Gibson had been sent off for a series of crunching challenges in the first half. "It was a game of huge intensity, they decided to make it physical to disturb our game. "I don't blame Everton for that. To say we needed protecting is a big word, we just want the referee to make the right decisions. "I don't think the referee dealt well with the intimidating physical challenges in the first half."

While Wenger is confident of his side's top-four ambitions, Aaron Ramsey insists Arsenal's confidence has not been dented by their edgy 0-0 home draw with Everton on Tuesday night and he believes that a Champions League finish remains within their grasp. Ramsey, insists the challenge ahead is tough but the team is focused on what Arsenal have to do and he says that if they can win at Fulham on Saturday, they would be in a commanding position and would have meant earning important 7 points from available 9 in a week. Ramsey said "We always knew that this week was going to be a big week for us and hopefully now we can finish it off strongly and get a win at Fulham. That would put us in a really strong position."

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