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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4th May 2013 by ArsenalSupremo

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.

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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/

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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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13th April 2013 By Arsenal 2013

1 0 Arsenal  Arteta Penalty

Wilshere banner at the Emirates

Giroud brought down

2 1 Arsenal Giroud Celebrates

OX provides assist for Giroud

Great photo via @ArsenalRealm

Zip problems for Wenger

Podolski Gibbs celebrate Arsenal's third goal.

Change the game when these 3 came on!

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5th April 2013 by Jeff @ArsenalTrend

Arsenal will be looking to keep up their top four challenge when they visit The Hawthorns to play West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners (15-8-7) go into the latest round of Premier League games just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, but star man Theo Walcott has called on the team to work on their consistency to ensure future silverware. "If we get a bad result, you see a reaction," said Walcott.

"We shouldn't have to get a bad result and then perform well in the next game. It should always be there. The guys have got it. Mentally, they are very strong. It's realizing how we cope when we come back from those disappointing results. We just need to do it every week - it's as simple as that. "There's great potential there. We've had too much experience now to be challenging for fourth. We need to be challenging for the Premier League because that's what we want to be known for. We want to be in the history books… we need to win something now."

West Brom (13-5-13) are comfortably in mid-table, but remain with an outside chance of claiming a Europa League place, and goalkeeper Ben Foster has urged his team to finish the season strongly. "I think it will be a very big ask to qualify for Europe, but we've got seven games left with four at home and three away," said Foster.

"We know our home form has been very good so if we can get three wins from our four games we will be there or thereabouts. "Our aim is to reach the mid-50s. We're on 44 now and if we can pick up another three or four wins it keeps us in the mix, at least." Steve Clarke's West Brom have won three of their last six league games after a run of six without a win. The Baggies are the only team in the division to have an equal number of wins and losses (13), and are also on the same number of goals scored as goals allowed (41). Only the Manchester clubs have won more home games than West Brom's nine this season.

With just 14 goals conceded at The Hawthorns, the Baggies have the fourth best home defensive record in the league - behind only Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City. The Gunners have won five of their last six and have allowed just four goals in that run - keeping three clean sheets. They have the best away defensive record in the league, with just 13 goals conceded in 15 games on the road. Arsenal won 2-0 when these teams met at the Emirates in December, with Mikel Arteta scoring two penalties after questionable decisions.

The Gunners have won their last three games against West Brom, outscoring the Baggies 8-2 in those matches, and haven't lost in four at The Hawthorns. West Brom have managed just one win in their last ten meetings with Arsenal. Arsenal's last game against Reading was relatively easy, at least that was evident from the overall statistics of the match, Reading were lucky to concede just four goals, however the game at Hawthorns won't be such easy, it will be a tougher test. It took a 'fumbling and floppy' Martin Fulop a very bad game for Arsenal to secure a 3-2 win last season, that game sealed 3rd place and an automatic Champions League spot, the Gunners may not enjoy such luxury of a bad goalkeeper from the Baggies, the team will have to be up for it from kick off.

Team News: WBA: West Brom have doubts over James Morrison (hamstring), but are without Grant Thorne (knee) and Zoltan Gera (knee) until next season.

ARSENAL: Nacho Monreal returns to the squad after knee injury concerns from last match, but Abou Diaby (knee), Walcott (groin) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) are all expected to miss out. Arsenal must continue with their record of conceding fewer goals away from home on Saturday if they are to have any chance of coming tops against WBA, considering Romelu Lukaku's exceptional form for the home team, he can take on defenders and punish any complacency in Arsenal's defense.

Opta stats

1. No team have scored more goals after the 76th minute of matches this season than Arsenal (15).

2.The Gunners are yet to lose a Premier League game that they have taken the lead in this season (W15 D2).

3. West Brom's pairing of Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley have made 32 blocks each this season. Only Ryan Shawcross (33) and Ashley Williams (42) have made more.

Arsenal must now forget their stroll against Reading and be weary of treas Europa League spot chasing Albions as they can pose on the day, or at least they will be aiming to want to secure their highest Premier League finish in history. Can the Arsenal soar high at Hawthorns and secure all three points?

Predicted Line Ups Via SkySports

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4th April 2013 By ArsenalSupremo

Steve Bould has revealed the teams news for the upcoming game with West Brom. The main story is that Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott have resumed training but won't be involved in the game but have a good chance of been available for next week game against Norwich.

Nacho Monreal had a knock to the knee when colliding with the post against Reading but Steve revealed that he should be available for the game.

Previous Story : Video Wojciech Szczesny & Jack Wilshere quiz each other over a cup of tea. Click here

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2nd April 2013 By ArsenalSupremo

At ArsenalSupremo we provide you all the latest interviews with the players and today is the turn of Theo Walcott. At the age of just 24 Theo has already made over 250 appearances for the Gunners and is well on his way of going into Arsenal top 50 appearances for the club however Theo Walcott would love to swap this stat with winning a trophy for the Arsenal.

“I would personally take all of [my] appearances away to win something at this Club,” he told Arsenal Player. “Some people may think I'm mad but I think I'm not selfish. I like to think for the Club and the fans. “Appearances are great but winning things means more. Hopefully next season, when I hopefully reach 300 appearances, there will be a trophy on the end of that. That's the biggest target.

Find out what else he had to say in the video provided below.

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Check out our new feature on the site we look back at the past Arsenal Legends today is the turn of Nwankwo Kanu as we look back on his career and you can now watch all of his goals for Arsenal if you want to find out more Click Here If you want a certain legend to be analysed next feel free to leave a comment below.

video source - www.arsenal.com

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15th March 2013 By ArsenalSupremo

A fantastic performance in Munich but it wasn't enough to see Arsenal through due to the away goals rule. Here are Walcott, Gibbs and Giroud reactions to the game all praising the performance but knew the first leg that had cost them dearly. There were lot of critics of Arsenal's defending in the last few weeks and that the team had given up. Kieran Gibbs says Arsenal answered some of their critics  "We are right to get criticism but we’re not right to be told that we don’t have character in the team,"

Arsene Wenger Post Match Press Conference Click Here

Match Pictures Click Here

Extended Match Highlights Click Here

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