4th May 2013 by Jeff @ArsenalTrend 

Theo Walcott fired the fastest Premier League goal of the season as Arsenal moved back up to third place with a 1-0 victory at relegated QPR on Saturday.England winger Walcott struck after just 20 seconds to help Arsene Wenger's side establish a two-point gap ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea, 24 hours before Rafael Benitez's side travel to Manchester United.

The Gunners were given a late scare when keeper Wojciech Szczesny was forced into a save from Loic Remy, but otherwise this was a comfortable step towards qualifying for the Champions League via a top-four finish.For QPR, there was only more disappointment following a painful week after last weekend's relegation at Reading as they slipped to the bottom of the table.

Tottenham's late victory over Southampton meant Arsenal had slipped back to fifth spot by the time they kicked off, but the news from White Hart Lane provided extra motivation for Wenger's men. They were ahead in quick time after unpicking the Rangers defence with a deceptively simple move that was capped by Walcott's right-footed finish for his 20th goal of the season.

The home side had touched the ball just once before Tomas Rosicky's right wing cross found Aaron Ramsey who headed down into the path of Mikel Arteta.The midfielder feigned to shoot, wrong-footing centre back Clint Hill, then slipped the ball to Walcott breaking inside the area and the winger's shot was powerful enough to find the net despite the efforts of keeper Robert Green.

Walcott had scored after just two minutes against Manchester United last time out but the Gunners had been unable to hold onto the lead with the newly crowned champions recovering to force a draw.This time, though, they were facing a side recently condemned to the Championship and the pattern of the first half suggested they were unlikely to suffer a similar disappointment. Arsenal were in complete control and should have added a second long before the interval.

In the 26th minute, Walcott produced a shot on the turn that struck the woodwork and would have led to the visitors' second had Rosicky followed up with more determination. QPR offered little by way of response and their efforts were summed up when Remy shot wastefully wide from 35 yards when he had team-mates in support. Park Ji-Sung did little better when he found space inside the Arsenal penalty area only to send his effort high over Szczesny's crossbar.

Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes had led the inquests into the club's failure to stay out of the bottom three this season, condemning the efforts of some of the expensive recruits as unacceptable and there was little during the opening 45 minutes to suggest the chairman's view was misguided. Harry Redknapp attempted to spark his side into life with the half-time introduction of Shaun Derry for the unimpressive Stephane Mbia. The changes appeared to have the desired effect as QPR finally showed signs they could yet go down fighting.

Andros Townsend tested the Arsenal goalkeeper with a powerful 25-yard shot that Szczesny was forced to punch away. The revival didn't last however, and it was Green who was by far the busier keeper as the second half progressed. The England international, recalled in place of Julio Cesar who was missing from the home squad after a week in which he has been linked with a move to Arsenal, was twice called into action, first to deny Santi Cazorla and then yet another effort from Walcott. Arsenal maintained control and apart from Remy's effort, they secured the points with ease.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said was quick to acknowledge it was not an easy game at the end of the game: "It was a very difficult game and the three points are absolutely vital. The focus was very good."

Two more crucial games left for Arsenal to clinch a champions league spot as its certain one of Chelsea or Spurs or even both will drop points when they both clash mid week, but Arsenal will play next in 10 days time.

Harry Redknapp:
"When you go 1-0 down to Arsenal in the first minute then you fear the worse, but I felt we played every bit as well as them.

"I felt we were always a threat and Andros Towsend was outstanding. I don't know where we'll get another Townsend from, he'll go back to Tottenham a better play.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge next season. I went to watch a (Championship) game today because we're going to be in that division next season."
Theo Walcott & Mikel Arteta Post Match Reaction 

Match Facts and Stats 

1. Theo Walcott's strike after 20 seconds is Arsenal's fastest in the Premier League era which beat Robin van Persie's deflected goal after 32 seconds for Manchester United against West Ham this season. 

2. Only five players have been subbed off more often in a single PL season than Lukas Podolski's 21 in 2012-13. 

3. Arsenal have won 10, drawn three and lost just one of their last 14 Premier League games.

4. Arsenal have now won all eleven Premier League games where they have been ahead at half-time this season.

5. Arsenal have won four in a row away from home for the first time since 2010. They haven't won five in a row since Sep 2004.

6. Match Stats FT Stats QPR v Arsenal Shots 13-12 On target 4-7, Fouls 8-9 Duels Won 43%-57%, Pass Accuracy 76%-84%, Possession 41%-59%

7. Arsenal have scored 18 goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this campaign; the most in the division.

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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.

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16th April 2013 By Jeff @ArsenalTrend

Arsenal wasted a chance to cement their place in the Premier League's top four as the Gunners were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton on Tuesday. Arsene Wenger's side would have moved four points clear of fifth placed Tottenham with a win at the Emirates Stadium. But they were forced to settle for a point as obdurate Everton's physical approach succeeded in frustrating the hosts. Third placed Arsenal are now two points clear of Chelsea and Tottenham in the race to qualify for the Champions League. 

However Arsenal still have plenty of work to do as Chelsea have two games in hand on Wenger's team, while Tottenham have played a game less than their north London rivals. Everton remain in sixth place, two points behind Chelsea having played two games more, and a spot in the Europa League now looks their best bet. David Moyes' men should have taken the lead in the opening moments when Steven Pienaar eluded the statuesque Bacary Sagna and raced onto Seamus Coleman's pass. But with just Wojciech Szczesny to beat, the South African midfielder lifted his shot high over the crossbar. Despite admitting he had rushed Jack Wilshere back from an ankle injury too quickly, Wenger gave the England midfielder his second appearance in four days. And the Frenchman was wincing as Wilshere came in for some rough treatment in the early stages.

Crunching challenges from Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas left Wilshere writhing on the turf while Wenger leapt to his feet to berate referee Neil Swarbrick for failing to afford his player more protection. Everton's aggressive approach had knocked Arsenal out of their rhythm and it took a mistake from Marouane Fellaini to gift the Gunners their first sight of goal. Fellaini's wayward pass was collected by Kieran Gibbs in space on the edge of the penalty area, but the left-back's powerful strike flashed over the bar. Everton's attempts to stifle Arsenal were becoming increasingly crude and Darron Gibson's foul on Theo Walcott finally brought a booking from Swarbrick. Gibson was fortunate to avoid being sent off for a second booking soon after when he barged into Walcott with no attempt to play the ball. Swarbrick settled for a quiet word with the Everton midfielder, in the process infuriating the increasingly exasperated Wenger, who made his feelings clear to fourth official Kevin Friend.

The temperature rose even higher when Pienaar was booked for taking out Walcott. But Victor Anichebe went close to opening the scoring when his shot from Barkley's pass was blocked by Szczesny. The best chance of the half fell to Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud. Aaron Ramsey's burst down the right produced a teasing low cross that picked out Giroud, only for the France international to drag his close-range effort woefully wide. Santi Cazorla threatened for Arsenal early in the second half as the Spaniard's half-volley forced a good save from Tim Howard and moments later Giroud clipped a first-time shot narrowly over.

Everton went even closer in the 65th minute when Barkley worked space for a superb strike that beat Szczesny but curled agonisingly past the far post. Wenger responded by taking off Wilshere and Walcott, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski coming on. Oxlade-Chamberlain should have made an immediate impact when Cazorla's pass sent the England winger through on goal, but instead of shooting he opted to pass to Giroud, allowing Coleman to get back and clear. Arsenal had Moyes' side on the ropes, yet couldn't deliver the knockout blow as Giroud lashed over from a tight angle.

After the game Wenger said "We had the chances to win the game, we can only look at ourselves. We must come back in the next game and win it." "We dropped two points but if we win our coming games we will get there. We can't depend on the other teams." Wenger concluded. Arsenal must now forget the stalemate against Everton quickly and look forward to another tough challenge at Craven Cottage where the Gunners must defeat Fulham to keep their top 4 chances alive and in their hands.

Mikel Arteta on the game : "It was two points that got away. It was a big battle and we had the better chances and better play. We were unlucky not to score. There is a lot to play for, if Everton won they were right in the mix. They are physically very strong.

"When we had our chances we didn't hit the target and that's why we didn't get the points. The pressure is on every team, Chelsea and Spurs have got tough games coming up. David Moyes is doing an unbelievable job at Everton. He has a chance of Europe and he deserves a lot of credit."

Martin Keown said on Five Live :

Darron Gibson should definitely have been sent off. That's a rugby challenge. He got it very wrong but he's a lucky boy to be still on the pitch.

Arsenal : Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs (Monreal 90), Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere (Oxlade-Chamberlain 68), Cazorla, Walcott (Podolski 69), Giroud Subs not used: Mannone, Vermaelen, Rosicky, Gervinho

Booked: Arteta, Monreal

Everton: Howard, Baines, Gibson, Jagielka, Mirallas (Oviedo 90), Distin, Barkley (Jelavic 76), Pienaar, Coleman, Fellaini, Anichebe (Naismith 90) Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Hitzlsperger, Neville

Booked: Gibson, Pienaar, Barkley
Referee: Neil Swarbrick 

Attendance: 60,071

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. Leave your comments on the game, are you still confident we can still finish top 4? Should Wilshere been on the bench for today's game? Who was your MOTM ? vote now on the right hand side of the page. Do you think Wenger was right to put Podolski back on the bench?

Match Pictures

Arsenal vs Everton MATCH HIGHLIGHTS by footballdaily1

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13th April 2013 Written by Jeff @ArsenalTrend Edited by ArsenalSupremo

Arsenal scored three late goals to earn a comeback 3-1 win over Norwich on Saturday and climb into third place in the Premier League. Norwich, who remain worried about the prospect of relegation, were leading thanks to Michael Turner's 56th minute opener when referee Mike Jones awarded Arsenal a penalty, ruling on the advice of a linesman that Kei Kamara had fouled Olivier Giroud. With just five minutes remaining, Mikel Arteta converted that to set the stage for even later goals from Giroud and substitute Lukas Podolski, who had earlier hit the bar.

The three points lifted Arsenal above their London rivals for a Champions League place, and the Gunners will now play twice before Tottenham are next in Premier League action. They have a Tuesday's home game with Everton and then the short trip across London to take on Fulham on Saturday. The visitors defended in numbers and restricted Arsenal to only a few crosses in the opening 20 minutes but City goalkeeper Mark Bunn had to be both brave and alert to deny Aaron Ramsey a few minutes later.

Wilshere helped on Giroud's flick as Ramsey burst through the Canaries back-line and Bunn had to rush out to get to the ball before the Wales midfielder. Giroud saw his header from Bacary Sagna's cross from the right loop over Bunn but bounce off the top of the crossbar and over. Arsenal continued to attack but Bunn pulled off a reflex stop at his near post to deny Giroud, with Sagna again the supplier. Sagna was then booked for hauling Robert Snodgrass down but, after Cazorla had fired straight at Bunn from outside the box, referee Mike Jones decided not to caution Norwich defender Russell Martin for a late challenge on the Spain midfielder.

The half ended with Whittaker heading away Giroud's goal-bound effort after the Frenchman had met another corner with his head. Arsenal came out in the second half with a barrage of pressure that Norwich somehow withstood, with Jack Wilshere seeing his shot blocked by Turner. The ball hit the Norwich defender on an arm but referee Jones refused the inevitable appeals for a penalty. Turner was immediately in the spotlight again at the other end when he lost his marker to head home Snodgrass's free-kick from the right-hand corner of the box, with Lukasz Fabianski in the Arsenal goal, rooted to the spot as it went in.

Wenger made an immediate double change with Gervinho and Wilshere replaced by Theo Walcott and Podolski. Walcott soon went down in the box as Whittaker challenged but again play continued. Norwich were forced to replace the injured Bradley Johnson with David Fox but could have doubled their lead through a counter-attack that saw Bassong set up Martin for an shot that was straight at Fabianski. Norwich's luck finally ran out when referee Jones ruled that Kamara, defending a corner, had pulled Giroud down by the shirt and awarded a penalty, which was dispatched by Arteta with just five minutes remaining.

Norwich protested bitterly beforehand and were unhappy with the award of the corner as well, as Snodgrass did not appear to have made contact before the ball went out of play. Arsenal threw everything at the visitors in the hope of three points and were rewarded when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, another substitute, played a one-two with Podolski and squared the ball across the Norwich goalmouth, where Giroud, arriving simultaneously with defender Bassong, turned it into the net. Fabianski then had to make a save to stop Jonny Howson making it 2-2 but the points were Arsenal's when Podolski turned to fire a low left-footer past Bunn in stoppage time. It was a massive win at the end and another vital three points for the Gunners. Arsenal soaring high, can we do it again on Tuesday night against Everton?

Teams 

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna (Oxlade-Chamberlain 80), Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere (Walcott 59), Ramsey, Cazorla, Giroud, Gervinho (Podolski 59).

Subs not used: Mannone, Monreal, Jenkinson, Coquelin.
Booked: Sagna.
Goals: Arteta 85 (pen), Bassong o.g. 88, Podolski 90.

Norwich: Bunn, Martin, Whittaker, Bassong, Turner, Johnson (Fox 62), Snodgrass, Howson, Tettey (Jackson 90), Holt, Kamara.

Subs not used: Camp, Garrido, R Bennett, Fox, E Bennett, Jackson, Becchio.
Booked: Snodgrass, Bunn.
Goal: Turner 56.

Arsenal Remaining Fixtures 

16 April: Everton (h) 20 April: Fulham (a) 28 April: Man Utd (h) 4 May: QPR (a) 12 May: Wigan (h) 19 May: Newcastle (a)

Jack Wilshere , Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain & Podolski Twitter Reactions

Hi Fans, what a team,Turning the result, making the Arena Crazy! Amazing #Support at #Emirates! Poldi #Gunners #Love twitter.com/Podolski10/sta…
— Lukas-Podolski.com(@Podolski10) April 13, 2013

What a win for us today! Fans were brilliant, kept us going and this is what it means!!! #InItTogether #NeverGiveUp twitter.com/Alex_OxChambo/…
— Alex Ox-Chamberlain (@Alex_OxChambo) April 13, 2013

Great 3 points today! #AFC up to 3rd in the table above Chelsea and Spurs...#COYG
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) April 13, 2013

Fan's Reactions on Twitter 

ArsenalSupremo tweeted out on Twitter to get Arsenal fans there opinions on what they thought on the game here are just a few of them. Remember if you wanted to get involved follow us on Twitter or just comment below on what you thought on the Gunners performance to get involved with the fans.

@arsenal_supremo Awful for the first 70 minutes. Subs changed the game and we were dominant in the next 20. Norwich players are all dicks.
— The Gooner (@TheGooner3) April 13, 2013

@arsenal_supremo Jack shouldn't have started, he looked tired. Ramsey once again brilliant so as back 4. Arteta avg,Santi invisible at times
— Jay (@Gasmuttai) April 13, 2013

@arsenal_supremo Ox once again showing he deserves to be given more game time. It was probably that Capri-Sun he was drinking earlier
— ArsenAli (@AleeArsenal) April 13, 2013

@arsenal_supremo Jack shouldn't have started, he looked tired. Ramsey once again brilliant so as back 4. Arteta avg,Santi invisible at times
— Jay (@Gasmuttai) April 13, 2013

Arsene Wenger Reaction :

"I thought we wouldn't give in, and fight until the end. We have great attitude, spirit and desire and it got us there. We deserved to win but we were against a strong side and needed something special.

"We have shown that we are ready for a fight.

"We want consistency and that demands huge focus because you can see how quickly you're punished. We're not far away but we just have to keep winning."

Watch Here

Norwich manager Chris Hughton:

"A decision has gone against us that a linesman has given from 45 to 50 yards away and the referee is less than 10 yards away.

"For a linesman to give it from that distance, and the third goal was offside and it was 10 yards away from him, it's almost criminal on a day that we deserved so much more.

"It's not as if you'll show it back and [the referee's] view was blocked. He had a clear view and didn't give it and the linesman did and that's really tough on us. We gave a really good account of ourselves for 85 minutes. We need to bounce back but we showed a lot of character and a lot of good things."

Watch Here

Match Pictures

Press Conference

Stats & Facts

1. Olivier Giroud mustered five attempts at goal and set up four more with passes today, contributing to nine of Arsenal's 14 attempts.

2. Mikel Arteta attempted more than 100 passes for the 10th Premier League match this season. It's only been done 35 times in total this season. Mikel Arteta attempted more than 100 passes for the 10th Premier League match this season. 

3. Game Stats : Arsenal v Norwich Shots 14-5 On target 7-4, Fouls 10-11 Duels Won 56%-44%, Passing Accuracy 85%-70%, Possession 68%-32%

4. Aaron Ramsey made six tackles today, more than any other player on the pitch.

5. Only Man Utd (27) and Everton (22) have picked up more points from losing positions this season than Arsenal (16).

6. Arsenal have scored more goals than any other Premier League team in the last 15 minutes of matches this season. 

7. Mikel Arteta has scored more penalties than any other Premier League player this season. Scoring 5 out of 6

8. 10 of Olivier Giroud’s 11 league goals this season have come at the Emirates. Only Michu (11) has scored more home goals.

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. What did you think of the game? Was it a penalty? Are we going to finish 4th or 3rd? let us know below!

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7th April 2013 By Jeff @ArsenalTrend & ArsenalSupremo 

Picture edit by @TheGunnersWay

Arsenal enhanced their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League with a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday thanks to two goals from Tomas Rosicky, in each half of the crunch encounter. Arsenal now provisionally moved into the Champions League places as Chelsea and Spurs play on Sunday. The Gunners' sixth victory from their past seven Premier League matches enabled them to swap places with Chelsea, which can return to fourth place in the standings by beating Sunderland on Sunday.

Tomas Rosicky scored in the 20th and 50th minutes at the Hawthorns for his first league goals this season. He has only found the net once before this campaign, against Olympiakos in the Champions League. The Czech Republic international scored either side of half-time in an enthralling Premier League clash at The Hawthorns that saw the Gunners climb to fourth place in the table. Arsene Wenger's side were coasting to victory until Per Mertesacker was sent off after he brought down Albion striker Shane Long inside the box. James Morrison converted the resulting penalty but despite a sustained period of pressure, the home side were unable to find an equalizer.

West Brom threatened with a succession of corners in the early stages and almost grabbed the lead when Chris Brunt's delivery was glanced towards goal by Claudio Yacob at the near post, but Rosicky nodded off the line. A neat passing move in the 16th minute saw Long released down the right flank, only for the Republic of Ireland international to drag his shot wide. Wenger's side remained patient, though, and were rewarded with the opening goal slightly against the run of play four minutes later through Rosicky. Mikel Arteta used his vision to pick out Gervinho on the left edge of the penalty area and he twisted and turned Gareth McAuley before picking out Rosicky, who directed a powerful header in from close range.

Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski made an important save shortly afterwards when he dived to save a low Brunt free-kick struck through the wall. The visitors' neat passing created an opening for Ivory Coast forward Gervinho in the 28th minute and he managed to angle a shot through a crowd of bodies that Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster saved with his foot. West Brom's defense struggled to cope with Arsenal's intricate style and their back line was opened again shortly before half-time. A brilliant move involving several Arsenal players left Wales international Aaron Ramsey with a golden opportunity from close range, but he screwed his shot wide.

Arsenal maintained their intensity after the interval and increased their advantage five minutes in when Rosicky claimed his second of the game. Ramsey's clever ball found the Czech, who saw an initial shot parried by Foster, but he was quickest to react and buried a low shot under the body of the goalkeeper. West Brom had a penalty appeal turned down by referee Howard Webb moments later when the ball seemed to strike the arm of Mertesacker while he was on the ground. Albion manager Steve Clarke introduced on-loan Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku in a bid to freshen up his side's attack. The Belgium striker soon curled a dangerous free-kick over the Arsenal wall on the hour mark, but Fabianski had anticipated it and gathered well.

West Brom were then given a foothold in the game in the 71st minute when Mertesacker was shown a straight red card by Webb after he chopped down Long inside the penalty area. Morrison struck the resulting spot-kick to Fabianski's right and although the Arsenal goalkeeper guessed correctly, the shot had too much power and went under him. With the extra man advantage, Clarke's side dominated the remainder of the half in pursuit of the equalizer, but Arsenal's defense stood firm despite some nervous moments.

Lukaku should have shown more composure in the 83rd minute when he smashed the ball wide from a good position, while Long blazed over the bar a matter of minutes later. Romelu Lukaku and Long missed great chances to equalize late on. I Honestly cannot see anything as 'easy run-in' for Arsenal. Games against Stoke, Sunderland & WBA has proven otherwise. Norwich comes next for the Gunners at the Emirates. Tougher times ahead, but today showed Arsenal can soar high.

Line Ups 

West Brom: Foster, Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell, Yacob, Brunt, Dorrans (Lukaku 62), Morrison, Thomas (Rosenberg 62), Long.
Subs Not Used: Myhill, Popov, Tamas, Fortune, Isaiah Brown.
Booked: Jones, Ridgewell.
Goals: Morrison (pen) 71.

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Rosicky (Gibbs 81), Ramsey, Gervinho (Vermaelen 73), Cazorla (Coquelin 89), Arteta, Giroud.
Subs Not Used: Mannone, Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jenkinson.
Sent Off: Mertesacker (70).
Booked: Ramsey, Rosicky, Koscielny, Arteta.
Goals: Rosicky 20, 50.
Attendance: 26,144
Referee: Howard Webb

Arsenal Players Twitter Reaction

good match today! three points! #WBAvAFC #welcomeNacho twitter.com/19SCazorla/sta…

— Santi Cazorla (@19SCazorla) April 6, 2013

Well done 3 points !! On the way back #home #GunnersPoldi

— Lukas-Podolski.com(@Podolski10) April 6, 2013

Great win lads. Strong 3 points.
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) April 6, 2013

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke:

"I thought we played well today. They scored in the first half with one of the very few chances they created. We had good control in the first half but didn't really create enough.

"We could have had a penalty for a challenge on Claudio Yacob on the edge of the box [by Laurent Koscielny]. On another day that was a penalty and would have changed the complexion of the afternoon.

"We were disappointed to lose the second goal at the start of the second half. It was crucial for us to get back in it and we gave away another soft goal, a bad goal to lose.

Arsene Wenger Reaction :

"We know we have one target - to win our games. Then we don't have to look at Tottenham or Chelsea. "If we lose our games, then you have to look at the results of the others. Our attitude is simple, we have to win the games.

"Can we finish fourth? I believe we will do it. We are conscious as well we have to give 100 per cent commitment in every game and it will be difficult and edgy to the end.

"We are ready for the fight and we always tell the players 'don't look at everyone else, just focus on ourselves'."

Arsene Wenger Interview
Press Conference
Tomas Rosicky Reaction
New : Arteta & Sagna reaction's 

ArsenalSupremo tweeted out on Twitter to get Arsenal fans there opinions on what they thought on the game here are just a few of them. Remember if you wanted to get involved follow us on Twitter or just comment below on what you thought on the Gunners performance to get involved with the fans.

@arsenal_supremo My heart hurts
— Messi Minutes (@MessiMinutes) April 6, 2013

@arsenal_supremo some lovely football at times and we dug in when we needed to. Very impressive performance. #UTA
— Arsenal1886 (@SantiPod_AFC) April 6, 2013

@arsenal_supremo very important that we got the 3 points, WBA getting a 2nd goal and dropping 2 crucial points may have been demoralizing
— AFCinNYC (@AFCinNYC) April 6, 2013

@arsenal_supremo Apart from Rosicky, I was really impressed by Ramsey. Mistook him for Wilshere at one point. Great managing by Wenger.
— ArsenAli (@AleeArsenal) April 6, 2013

@arsenal_supremo Another crucial away win, puts pressure on spurs minus bale + defoe against everton. Could be a season defining victory.
— Eric (@EJPenny) April 6, 2013

Stats and Facts  

1.Tomas Rosicky scored his first Premier League goal for Arsenal since February 2012 and this was the first time he has scored more than one goal in a league game for the club

2. Tomas Rosicky scored his 14th and 15 league goals of his Arsenal career.

3. Arsenal have now been given the most red cards in the Premier League this season (4)

4. Arsenal are yet to lose a Premier League game that they have taken the lead in this season (W16 D2)

5. Gervinho: Last 3 games 2 goals 3 assists

6. Minutes per goal involvement (mins/goals+assists) in 2012-13 Premier League Gervinho one every 117 mins, Gareth Bale every 119.

7. Gervinho has the same number of goal assists as Gareth Bale this season

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30th March 2013 By Jeff @ArsenalTrend & ArsenalSupremo

Gervinho scored one goal and set up two others and inspired Arsenal to a 4-1 demolition of struggling Reading on Saturday as the Gunners boosted their chances of qualifying for the Champions League for the 16th successive season, but ruining Nigel Adkins' return to managerial life in the Premier League. Gervinho scored the first at the Emirates Stadium and had a hand in second half goals for Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud on his first Premier League start since December. Hal Robson-Kanu pulled one back for Reading in Nigel Adkins' first match since taking over as Royals manager, but Mikel Arteta's late penalty condemned the visitors to defeat and saw them drop below Queens Park Rangers to the foot of the table.

There was even better news for Arsenal from Southampton, where Chelsea's 2-1 defeat meant the fifth placed Gunners are now just two points outside the top four. After successive victories over Bayern Munich and Swansea, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger kept faith with goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and recalled Aaron Ramsey, Bacary Sagna, Gervinho and Tomas Rosicky to his starting line-up. Adkins only made two changes from predecessor Brian McDermott's last game in charge, with Russia striker Pavel Pogrebnyak and Danny Guthrie both included.

Line Ups

Reading had lost their last six in all competitions, but began brightly, forcing a corner that Alex Pearce nodded two yards wide of Fabianski's far post. Arsenal were content to keep possession in the opening exchanges, but came alive after a minute's applause in tribute to former midfielder David Rocastle, who died of cancer on March 31, 2001. Gervinho was the architect in the 11th minute as he turned Nicky Shorey on the right touchline and fed Giroud inside the penalty area. Pearce managed to clear but only as far as Cazorla on the edge of the box and his pinpoint cross picked out Gervinho to side-foot home. Giroud thought he should have had a penalty when he was felled in the box by Reading goalkeeper Stuart Taylor but referee Chris Foy waved away the protests.

A bursting run from Gervinho that took him from his own half into the opposition penalty area should have ended in at least a shot on target but again his finishing let him down. Reading then had a lucky escape when the ball appeared to strike Mikele Leigertwood's hand following a corner and Foy failed to award the penalty. Seven minutes before the break, Cazorla had a golden opportunity for Arsenal to score the second goal that their build-up play deserved but his left-footed strike missed by a matter of inches. Gervinho also wasted a great chance just before the break to leave Wenger frustrated on the touchline. Any concerns that Arsenal may live to rue those missed opportunities evaporated two minutes after the break. Gervinho's short pass into the feet of Cazorla gave the Spaniard time to pick his spot and he unleashed a perfect curling shot from the edge of the penalty area that left Taylor grasping at thin air.

Santi Cazorla perfect curling shot

A superbly-timed tackle from Laurent Koscielny then denied Pogrebnyak the opening to register Reading's first shot on target. Pearce managed that from the resulting corner but his volley was comfortably held by Fabianski. A simple finish from Giroud after another quick break from Gervinho made it 3-0 in the 67th minute. However, Reading continued to fight for everything and they got their reward less than 90 seconds later when Jobi McAnuff picked out Robson-Kanu to head in.

Pic Via @ArsenalRealm

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought on for the final 15 minutes and the England youngster had an immediate impact. A clumsy challenge from Adrian Mariappa finally saw Chris Foy point to the spot, with Spanish midfielder Arteta slotting home. It was an all round brilliant performance from the Gunners, recording another crucial win.

Mikel Arteta celebrates his goal

The only downside of the game was when Nacho Monreal was replaced by Gibbs in the 71st minute after he collided with the post in an attempt to defend/save Reading's only goal. Arsene Wenger however, during his post match presser confirmed Monreal only suffered bruises and no not an injury. More good news from the injury front when Wenger also confirmed Theo Walcott is expected to return to the squad ahead of next game against West Bromich Albion, but Jack Wilshere still 2 weeks away. It was a day of near perfect display from Arsenal. The challenges ahead still massive, hope the lads are really up for it. What do you think of the result? Is it possible to get third place having seen the dip Chelsea are on, as they are still in 3 competitions. Free free comment below on what you think.

Lukas Podolski on the win

Deserved win today, we played well and after recovery from my injury the 20 minutes I had is all I needed, 3 more points. #GoArsenal
— Lukas-Podolski.com(@Podolski10) March 30, 2013

Stats and Facts : 

Arsenal have scored 16 goals against Reading this season. More than against any team in a single season in club history.

Kieran Gibbs made his 100th appearance for Arsenal after coming on as a second half substitute.

Bacary Sagna created three chances on his return to the Arsenal side - no defender made more in the Premier League on the day.

Mikel Arteta  made (107) and completed (99) the most passes in the Premier League on the day and also scored a penalty.

Santi Cazorla added his fourth Premier League goal in two games vs Reading and also set one up for Gervinho.

Gervinho  scored one and assisted two of Arsenal's four goals against Reading today.

Arsenal are now second in the form table only just behind leaders Manchester United after losing just once in the last 6 games and winning the rest. 

Matt Le Tissier spoke about the game who was covering the match for SkySports

John Motson BBC Match of the Day commentator : 

"Reading were taken apart by an Arsenal side who are running into form. Their defeat could have been heavier and new manager Nigel Adkins will have to work hard before his side take on his former club Southampton. For Arsenal, it was a comfortable victory."

Reading manager Nigel Adkins:

"I thought Arsenal were very good, they've come here and passed the ball very well. Unfortunately, we've made our own downfall on a couple of goals. We wanted to adapt a couple of changes, but any team who came here would have found it difficult today.

Arsenal fixtures in April : W.B.A. (Away) Norwich (Home) Everton (Home) Fulham (Away) Manchester United (Home) What do you make of these fixtures do you think we can get maximum points from this please leave your comments on your opinions we would love to see what you think.

Arsene Wenger Post Match Press Conference Click Here
Match Pictures Click Here

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16th March 2013 by Jeff @ArsenalTrend & ArsenalSupremo

Arsenal remained firmly in the race for Champions League qualification after Nacho Monreal and Gervinho secured a 2-0 win at Swansea on Saturday. Arsenal bounced back from their Champions League exit to step up their challenge for a top-four Premier League finish as goals from Nacho Monreal and Gervinho secured a 2-0 win at Swansea City on Saturday.

The win moved Arsene Wenger's side to within two points of fourth-place Chelsea, 24 hours before Rafael Benitez's side face West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners struggled to break down Michael Laudrup's side but eventually made the breakthrough when Monreal scored his first goal since arriving at the club in an £8.3 million ($13.2 million, 9.7 million euros) move from Malaga in January.

Then, with Swansea looking for a equalizer, Gervinho secured the win in added time. Wenger had called on his side to display the qualities they had shown in beating Bayern Munich in mid-week, when they went out of the Champions League on away goals. The message appeared to get through, with Arsenal pressing forward immediately and only narrowly failing to match their efforts in Munich, when Olivier Giroud had set them on their way with a third-minute goal. This time the early opportunity fell to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who tricked his way past Swansea right-back Angel Rangel before firing a right-foot shot that rebounded to safety off the crossbar. But Swansea were equally positive in their response and Rangel made his presence felt at the opposite end of the pitch when he broke clear in the visiting area, only to slice his shot wide.

Swansea's victory at Newcastle United two weeks previously had taken the League Cup winners to the 40-point target set by Laudrup at the start of the season, prompting him to set a new target of a top-half finish.His side looked capable of taking the first step towards that mark when Michu turned Per Mertesacker in the 17th minute, only to pull his left-foot shot across the face of Lukasz Fabianski's goal. Fabianski had again been preferred to Wojciech Szczcesny in the Arsenal goal, with Szczesny taking his place on the substitutes' bench alongside Thomas Vermaelen, the club captain.

In Vermaelen's absence, the centre-back pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Mertesacker had impressed in Munich and the duo again provided a solid barrier in front of Fabianski, denying Swansea for the rest of the first half. And with more luck, the visitors might have reached the interval ahead, as Oxlade-Chamberlain again hit the bar with another long-range effort after good work from the impressive Santi Cazorla three minutes before the break.

Arsenal maintained their momentum after the restart, with Abou Diaby firing over from outside the Swansea box. The home side had looked like a team sat comfortably in mid-table, but they began to show more urgency as the second half progressed, with Michu and Pablo Hernandez firing over from good positions. But it was Arsenal who finally made the breakthrough, three minutes after Wenger had freshened up his side with the introduction of Aaron Ramsey and Gervinho for Oxlade-Chamberlain and Diaby. A period of sustained pressure brought about a corner that Swansea failed to clear effectively. The home defence was then stretched by a strong Cazorla run across the face of goal and when the home side again failed to clear the Spaniard's low cross, Monreal was on hand to finish left-footed. Swansea pressed for an equalizer but were caught out on the break when Ramsey sped down the right before squaring for Gervinho to finish from 12 yards.

The victory is more interesting as Arsenal paid Swansea back in same coin as the reserve fixture was a 2-0 loss at the Emirates. Arsenal are back on track for the Champions League, but still nine more crucial games to go with everything still left to play for. So what do you think of the victory? It certainly hard thought but got thier in the end. Onwards and upwards now as out next fixture is home to Reading. COYG!

Match Pictures Click Here
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16th Match 2013 By Arsenal Supremo

Extended match highlights and Report to come if you don't want to wait that long below are the links to both goals. Fantastic result which hopefully put pressure under Chelsea and Spurs. It was a solid performance away from hope we steadily we were getting better, but we had to wait until the substitutions when the urgency came back to Arsenal as Ramsey and Gervinho both played vital parts in the second half display. What do you think of the game and do you think we can go and finish in the top 4 up next for Arsenal is a home game with Reading

COYG!

Match Pictures Click Here 
NEW : Carl Jenkinson Match Reaction Click Here

Click on image to bring up the goals!

 

Here is BBC Final score on the victory. 

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Despite dominating the first 25 minutes of the first half yet again defensive errors and playing a high line cost Arsenal dear as Spurs had 2 shots on goal in the whole half and scored them both from Bale and Lennon. We had most of the ball but just couldn't create too many clear cut chances mustering only 2 shot on goal all match. In the match analysis in the video Walcott made many runs for the midfielders but no one could find him.

Podolski was left on the bench which was strange as he scored in the previous fixture so he played Ramsey along with Arteta and moved Cazorla to the wings which isn't his favorite position and wasn't that effective in the game.Now its going to be a massive challenge to get into the top 4 as we are now 7 points behind Spurs and 5 behind Chelsea.

Match Reaction from Arsene Wenger

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