Arsenal 3 Chelsea 1

Arsenal put in the performance of their season so far, comfortably dispatching their elephant in the closet (no Drogba related pun intended) at home in a must win clash. A full strength Chelsea side came to the Emirates on the back of some very poor results but were upbeat that they could take all three points away from the Emirates as they have done in the past. Chelsea were given a boost in that Didier Drogba, whose goal scoring record against Arsenal stands at 13 in 13 games, managed to beat his reoccurring bout of malaria and the return of Frank Lampard after missing a good part of the season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had earlier in the week issued a rallying cry to his young charges to finish Chelsea off in this must win game and with United, Spurs, Man City all winning, the pressure was on Arsenal to beat Chelsea to keep up with the leading pack.

So it was no surprise for Arsenal to start with Fabianski in goal, a back four of Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny and Clichy while Song, Fabregas and Wilshere manned the midfield and van Persie was flanked by Nasri on the left and Walcott on the right to headed the attack. One would imagine that this would be as close to the first team that we can come up with the notable exception of Chamakh, who was rested but on the bench if needed.

The atmosphere at the Emirates was electrifying, just as a cup final was about to kick off, and the sheer sight of the one and only Thierry Henry making his way into to stadium through the players entrance (as he so often does) gave it a feeling that something special was in order.

And so it was. Drogba was fouled in early as the first minute to let him know that we weren’t backing off him anymore.

Fabregas then put in one of those telepathic through ball’s into the Chelsea box but Ivanovich’s huge frame seemed to put van Persie off.

Arsenal looked calm and composed but Chelsea were quick to pounce when Fabregas lost the ball. Thankfully, Kalou’s resulting cross was poor and that attack come to nothing. Song then floated in a lovely ball over the top but van Persie seemed to fluff his lines and missed the opportunity.

Then came the moment when Drogba got a sniff, in the seventh minute. A loose ball though the middle was cut out by Lampard and fell kindly for Drogba who raced in trying to ease past Koscielny (who was on Drogba like a rash). Koscielny’s persistence and determination to not be bullied off the ball paid off as Drogba dragged his shot wide.

The match then seemed to settle into a battle of attrition with both team equalising each other’s attacks forward and started testing each other out to see who would crack first.

With the first half closing out, Nasri took it upon himself to try and give Arsenal the lead that they deserved when he collected the ball just outside the Chelsea area and shot to the top corner, only to be foiled by an equally brilliant save by Cech on the 41st minute.

Three minutes later, and the Gunners did take the lead as Song, who began the move from deep midfield, exchanged passes with Wilshere just outside the Chelsea box, but all seemed lost when Fabregas was fouled in the box and with the ref not looking the least bit interested to award the penalty, Song stole in just as the Chelsea defenders were about to clear, switched the ball to his preferred foot and fired to the bottom corner giving Cech no chance. 1-0 to the Arsenal as all not in Blue went berserk.

Arsenal were give a scare in the dying moments of the half when Lampard fired the ball into a crowded Arsenal box, and there were cries of handball as the ball ricocheted back off someone, and for all my money, I though ref Mark Clattenburg had awarded a penalty as he blew his whistle. After a brief moment of confusion, it turned out the Clattenburg had really blown for halftime as the Gunners got to keep their well earned lead.

As the second half began, a Chelsea onslaught was expected but it was Arsenal who came out with all guns blazing, harrying the Chelsea midfield and working extra hard to get onto the ball. Arsenal’s endeavour was rewarded in the 51st minute when Fabregas doubled the lead. Essien’s challenge in the Chelsea third of the field forced the ball into Walcott’s path, and just in a flash, the ever ready Walcott was away and squared the ball to an onrushing Fabregas to tap in, when faced one on one with Cech. That was a very smart move from Walcott as Cech seemed to have him covered and Walcott showed great awareness to find Fabregas in amongst the onrushing Chelsea defenders.

Incredibly, two minutes later, it was 3-0 as this time Malouda was caught in possession as Fabregas pounced and released Walcott who finished with aplomb. The crown went wild and Chelsea were well stunned.

Well not well and truly stunned as Ivanovic popped up at the other end and pulled a soft goal back to give Chelsea some hope and really get the nerves going after getting to the end of a Drogba free kick. And so it was 3-1 with a good third of the game still to play and suddenly bitter memories of the Spurs clash came haunting back.

But it was Arsenal again that seized the initiative, putting in an all round defensive performance to keep Drogba and Chelsea at bay. The Gunners still looked more likely scorers as firstly Nasri then Diaby wasted clear cut opportunities to add to the hefty score line as the game drew to a close.

When it did finally end, the Gunners were serenaded with applause and songs of appreciation on this huge win.

Although the team as a whole played extremely well, man of the match has to be Song. His passing was flawless and had the Chelsea defence reeling on more than one occasion. He managed to outmuscle Drogba on more then on occasion (although Koscielny and Djourou had Drogba in their pockets all night as well). Song’s well-taken goal was a massive boost and had Chelsea rocking.

Up next, Arsenal travel to the JJB where Wigan await. Kickoff is 9 am this Thursday morning.

Arsenal p Stoke p

Arsenal’s match against Stoke City was postponed this morning due to sh*t loads of snow adverse weather conditions. The match was called off three hours before kickoff by match referee Lee Mason and we await a rescheduled date.

In stark contrast, Chelsea canceled their match against Manchester United more than a day in advance. Go figure.

Up next, we face Chelsea, with kick off at 9 am on Tuesday morning and I am sure that the Gunners will appreciate the extra time off and prepare well.

Lee Mason, match referee.

United 1 Arsenal 0

Manchester United opened up a 2 point gap at the top of the Premier League table, still with one match in hand, after defeating Arsenal by a fortuitous goal from Ji-Sung Park just before the halftime. Clichy’s hesitation gave Nani a sniff, and though Nani’s cross was lacking, the ball somehow rebounded off Clichy and fell for Park, who reacted quickest and the ball bounced off his head and looped in over Wojciech Szczesny, who was caught in no man’s land but failed despite the best of his efforts to stop United taking the lead.

Szczesny, who was given his league debut due to a hip injury to Fabianski, despite some early nerves in terms of ball distribution looked very assured and kept Arsenal in the match by denying Anderson with a brilliant Schmeichel-esque save and stood brave as Rooney missed a penalty. The 20 year old also denied Rooney late in the match as he tried an audacious chip but Szczesny wasn’t having any of it and saved.

Much was expected from this top of the table clash but not much more of interest was forthcoming as both teams disappointed but Gunner’s came back worse off but with Szczesny’s silverlining.

A full match report can be found on Arsenal.com through here.

Up next, we welcome (without open arms) Stoke City to the Emirates. Kickoff is at 5 am this Sunday morning and a fiery and physical encounter is expected. Stoke apparently will be providing extra “personal security” for their village idiot captain, Ryan Shawcross, while Wenger is clearly insisted that whatever has happened between the clubs since that assault tackle on Aaron Ramsey is now past the club and no such precaution is required. How noble of the Arsenal manager but I have a few more words that will describe the Stoke captain and his manager and a few other of his players (but not all though) but this isn’t the site for it.

Arsenal 3 Partizan Belgrade 1

Arsenal booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League in another nervy performance at the Emirates. Stand in Captain, Robin van Persie, converted from the spot, after being fouled inside the box by Partizan captain in the 26^th minute. All seemed good until Partizan levelled matters in the 52^nd minute, when Cleo put his name on the score sheet with the aid of a deflected shot.

To progress, all Arsenal had to do was match Braga’s result, who were away at the Donbass Arena but were doing their best to get their desired result from Shakhtar Donetsk. The longer Arsenal’s result remained at 1 all, there was always that danger that Donetsk may get a goal to steal a win, knocking the Gunners out.

Enter Theo Walcott. The 62^nd minute substitute, replacing Arshavin, put Arsenal ahead in the 73^rd minute, pouncing in on a defensive error by Partizan. Walcott squeezed his shot in at the far post to calm some nerves. Arsenal’s player of the season so far, Samir Nasri, then made sure of the result when he grabbed Arsenal’s third in the 77^th minute.

Donetsk’s two late goals meant that Braga crashed out while Arsenal qualified second.

The draw for the last 16 will take place on midnight Friday (17/12) where the Gunner’s will face one of either Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern or Shalke. So we will have to take the hard route to Wembley (for the final) but whoever we face, we will have to do it without Bacary Sagna, who managed to get himself sent off in the dying stages of the match for a professional foul.

Up next, Arsenal travel to Old Trafford with a chance to put some daylight between themselves and United at the top of the table. Cesc Fabregas is unlikely to travel, still nursing his doggy hamstring, and neither is Vermaelen. Kicked off is at 8:45 this Tuesday morning, oddly enough.

Arsenal 2 Fulham 1

A stellar performance from Samir Nasri rescued Arsenal in what was another edgy match at the Emirates, this time against Fulham. Nasri’s brace, one in each half, ensured at the Gunner’s went top of the table for the rest of the week as Chelsea could only manage a draw at Everton while United’s fixture away at Blackpool was called off due to adverse weather conditions, aided by a lack of under soil heating at Bloomfield Road. Arsenal’s win also means that the Gunner’s have turned around a massive seven points gap between themselves and previous leaders Chelsea to a two point advantage in their favour.

Fulham, current strugglers at the wrong end of the League table, weren’t expected to provide too much of a challenge for Arsenal but neither were West Brom, Newcastle and Spurs, teams (apart from West Brom) that didn’t play particularly well against Arsenal at the Emirates but still managed to take all three points away.

With no sight of Almunia, Fabianski started in goal and it has to be said that by now, the Pole has confirmed himself as the new Arsenal no.1.  Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci and Clichy slotted in at the back while Wilshere and Song started in midfield flanked by Nasri and Arshavin. Rosicky started in just behind Chamakh in the absence of Fabregas, who is still nursing a troublesome hamstring injury and is targeting a return in time to face United away at Old Trafford.

Arsenal started the match in dominating fashion, as expected, and it wasn’t too long before Fulham keeper, Mark Schwarzer was called into action, saving Arshavin’s attempt in the sixth minute. As good at Schwarzer’s save was, Arshavin should have done better as the Fulham defence afforded him all the space he needed to put Arsenal ahead.

Nasri had a shot blocked a few minutes later but it wasn’t all Arsenal as Zoltán Gera went close with an attempt as Fulham looked to reply.

Nasri poked an effort wide after being put in on goal by Arshavin before the two combined to give Arsenal the lead. Arshavin had put Nasri through in the Fulham box again but up to four Fulham defenders looked to have crowded Nasri out. But Nasri showed deft touches and marvelous close control to leave two defenders for dead before firing past Schwarzer, giving Arsenal the lead with 14 minutes on the clock.

The Gunner’s failed to build on that lead with Arshavin, Song (who missed from 8 yards), Chamakh and even Squillaci unable to capitalise on what looked like nerves on the part of the Fulham defenders and just when it seemed as if the players were taking their feet of the gas pedal a bit, Fulham grabbed an equaliser.

Koscielny and Squillaci were involved in a clash of heads going after the same ball just outside the Arsenal box, which left Koscielny coming off worse for wear. Instead of going down so the ref could stop play, Koscielny played on. He looked dazed and confused and when Song’s tackle on Clint Dempsey was unsuccessful, the American put Diomansy Kamara through onto the Arsenal goal to pull the visitors level despite the best efforts from Clichy and Fabianski.

Koscielny required lengthy treatment and had to be stretchered off as Djourou came on.

Arsenal looked stunned but Chamakh still managed a couple of efforts on goal before the first half ended.

Dempsey had an attempt blocked five minutes into the second half while Rosicky fired wide as both teams looked to seize the initiative.

Arshavin and Dickson Etuhu (Fulham) had unsuccessful attempts on either goals before Robin van Persie replaced Rosicky on the 63^rd minute.

Both sides missed further chances to take the lead as the match started to have a feeling that Arsenal would be made to rue their missed chances earlier in the first half.

With time fast running out, Wenger decided to bring Walcott on for Wilshere to try and use Walcott’s pace to unlock the Fulham defence, which seemed to be holding firm having recovered from their jittery start.

Arsenal were ahead with a minute of Walcott taking the field as Nasri scored his second of the match, a goal that would be considered amongst one of the goals of the season. Van Persie controlled Song’s pass just outside the Fulham box and shaped to shoot but seeing Nasri’s run through, elected to play the young Frenchman in instead. Nasri took the ball in his stride and pirouetted past a couple of Fulham defenders (again) and Schwarzer but seem to have run out of space. Showing exceptional balance, Nasri somehow managed to fire into the net, avoiding an oncoming defender trying to clear off the line, from the tightest of angles. Queue euphoria but the match still had the last quarter to be played.

Both sides again traded blows without either being able to score with Fabianski saving Gera’s goal bound effort on the 88^th minute to earn his team all three points as the match came to a close.

A man of the match performance from Nasri ensured that Arsenal ended a two match losing streak at the Emirates.

Up next, it’s a crunch Champions League match against Partizan Belgrade. Granted that Belgrade are yet to gain a single point from the group and that the match is at the Emirates, a dominant performance will be required to send the Gunner’s through to the next round. While a top of the table finish is highly unlikely, as Braga will need to beat Donetsk at the Donbass Arena where Donetsk haven’t lost in quite some time while Arsenal will need to win, a draw will just as well take Arsenal through. Nevertheless, a win is required after two straight losses to build momentum ahead of crucial up coming league fixtures against United and Chelsea. Kick off is at 8:45 this Thursday morning.

Arsenal 2 Wigan 0 (Carling Cup)

A youngish looking Arsenal side have marched on to the Carling Cup semi’s after defeating Wigan Athletic at the Emirates. An own goal from Wigan skipper Antolin Alcaraz, who headed a Walcott corner into his own net in the 41^st minute and a 67^th minute strike from Nicklas Bendtnerwas enough to see off the visitors.

Arsenal will now face Ipswich in a two-legged semi-final, with the first leg being played at Portman Road on either January 11^th or 12^th with the return leg at the Emirates on either January 25^th or 26^th.

Up next, the Gunners turn their attention back to the Premier League where they will meet Fulham to the Emirates. Kickoff is at 4 am this Sunday morning.