I hope all my readers had a very merry Christmas and enjoyed seeing Arsenal enter the new year top of the Barclays Premier League. It's been a wonderful season so far for us Gooners and this year looks to be very promising indeed.
After suffering a recent dip in form, it looked as though we might be about to drop down away from the title challengers but away wins against West Ham and Newcastle respectively have kept up momentum.
New Year's Day itself saw us leave things late to seal a win at home to Cardiff but it was in a game which we dominated. The same happened yesterday against Tottenham with regards to our domination and we were full deserving in progressing to the next round of the FA Cup
It was one of the best midfield displays I think we've seen all season against Spurs on Saturday and it was great to see Rosicky score his goal! Walcott did well in the striker role and it is disappointing to see him be added to the injury list.
Bendtner has looked more impressive as he returns to the first team and will be incredibly frustrated in picking up his injury against Cardiff, Walcott has hurt his knee, and Podolski is still trying to find full fitness. Giroud will be back next week as he only missed the Totemham match through illness but with Podolski lacking in match fitness and Park our only other striker in the team, Wenger will need to bring in an on loan striker for sure while he has the chance.
The likes of Mandzukic, Chicorito Hernandez, Benzema, and Diego Costa have all been circulating around the media but any deals for these kind of players will be summer moves. Barcelona's Pedro has also been mentioned and he would make a great signing, with the 26-year-old reportedly unhappy with first team involvement at the Camp Nou this season.
Another position I feel certainly needs strengthening for sure is right back. Sagna is strong but he frustrates me a lot. He doesn't look natural on the ball, often looks to pass it back than get to the byline, and often possesses poor delivery when crossing. Jenkinson isn't a reliable back-up either and while he can put in two or three good displays, he is then inconsistent or is prone to mistakes at any point.
We need quality in quantity and so be able to call upon strong players and big names across all positions. This is where Chelsea are strong in being able to have almost two starting elevens. With injuries creeping in, we need strength in depth to be able to keep up with those around us if we are to continue mounting a strong title challenge for the remainder of the season.
Still things are looking good for now and this is an important month with the window open. It still remains anyone's title as our lead is only slender. We're playing good football still though, grinding out results too but we need more goals.
Following the win against Spurs yesterday, Arsenal will play Coventry at the end of the month in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
We take on Chelsea on Monday evening knowing a win will ensure we will be top of the Premier League by Christmas. This would be a great feeling!
Of course, we have been top for most of the season but now to have let Liverpool and Manchester City overtake us as things stand is very disappointing. Only a couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to go seven points clear but in typical Arsenal fashion, we now find ourselves looking up rather than beaming down with such confidence.
Perhaps the pace and strength of the English game has caught up with Ozil, Giroud is struggling to keep up regular high performances, and we aren't able to call upon top class midfield or attacking back-up. In some ways the January transfer window can't come quickly enough.
I will try to analyse the rumours circulating around the media as to who will may be linked with, and Wenger must surely act when the window opens at the start of the new year. The stubbornness of the man though will mean we are unlikely to go for players in order to have strength-in-depth.
Having said that we do have the quality to beat Chelsea, particularly on home soil, and they didn't exactly outplay us in every department during the 2-0 League Cup game earlier this year. Wenger put out a disappointing side against a very strong Mourinho starting XI which was ridiculous. This time we will go out with a very different side and Chelsea are very much an up and down team this year, unlike Man City.
We need to forget about the result last weekend and hopefully the long break we have had will be beneficial this time around.
After Chelsea we play away against West Ham and Newcastle respectively and, based on how we have played for the majority of this season, these are games we should easily be picking up points in. Of course there is the worry we are about to go on a downward spiral, but let's hope not. Let's get back to winning ways on Monday night and look to regain top spot by the end of the year.
Wow...so we cut it fine in progressing to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, but we're through and now have a mass of tough matches as we look to see in the new year.
Perhaps not helped by Arteta's sending off, the thoughts of playing Manchester City next on Sunday, or knowing simply a draw would have been enough for top spot, we were undone eventually by Gonzalo Higuain and Napoli.
Rumoured as one of our major transfer targets last summer, Higuain gave Napoli the lead in Naples on Wednesday night, before Jose Calejon chipped in a last gasp second, but still we qualified from the group in second place with Napoli looking ahead to Europa League action instead.
Gonzalo Higuain opens the scoring.
Borussia Dortmund beat Marseille 2-1 in the other group match, scoring the winner in the last minutes, which edges them in front of us on goal difference. Of course for us, as runners up, we now have to face the reality of playing either Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, Atletico Madrid, or last year's winners Bayern Munich and we shall find out when the draw is made on Monday (16.12.2013).
I've heard Arteta's tackles were "needless" which resulted in his two yellow cards. I feel the Spaniard is not on par with Flamini in the defensive midfield position and I would certainly continue to pick the Frenchman over the Spaniard any day of the week. Having said that I guess Flamini can be a little reckless but he gets more stuck in with a hard but fair mentality which we haven't seen for some years in an Arsenal midfield.
We just had to make sure on Wednesday night that we didn't lose by more than three goals and when the second went in, our hearts both slowed right down and quickened in pace all at the same time. But the referee ended the game to the delight (sort of) of Arsenal fans (perhaps more relief) that we had progressed to the knock-out rounds.
Face of disbelief: Arteta feels the bookings were harsh.
Yes it will be difficult whoever we face but we have done well to be in with a chance of facing those clubs I listed earlier, considering I and a lot others, thought we would struggle in our group as of match-day one. We've proved fans wrong time and time again this season though, so we should take confidence despite Wednesday night's disappointing scoreline.
Of course Wenger has enjoyed reminding us all of the fixture congestion and the trip to Manchester on Saturday will have been in his mind when picking his side to play against Napoli. After City on Saturday we play Chelsea the following Monday (23.12.2013); the first time we have a whole week between fixtures since our loss to Manchester United. 65 hours separate our kick offs from Naples and Manchester and it is certainly going to be tough for us, especially when Manchester City maintain a 100% home record so far this season!
With a trip to Etihad Stadium followed by our home match against Chelsea, we travel to West Ham and Newcastle in the Christmas - New Year week, before hosting Cardiff on New Year's Day. Our F.A Cup campaign will begin against our greatest local rivals Spurs three days later, before we play against Villa; the side against who our season began.
For now let us hope to see our gap at the top of the league increase with a point or three gained against City, and await our fate in the Champions League last 16 draw at he start of next week. The match tomorrow kicks off at 12:45pm, UK time.
Old Boys: Former Gunners Song and Nasri during an Arsenal v Manchester City fixture.
Since my last post a couple of weeks ago (and where has the time gone?) Arsenal have continued their good form with wins in the Premier League against Hull and Cardiff, and most recently earned a 1-1 draw against Everton as we sit five points clear at the top of the table.
Tonight is all about the Champions League however, and we will qualify so long as we don't lose by three goals or more against Napoli. They looked pretty average against us earlier this season, but proved a tough side in our pre-season friendly all the way back in August.
Pre-season is never much to go by however and current form will certainly prove a vital factor. Rafa Benitez's side are third in Serie A with a number of wins, aided by their earlier seven match unbeaten run at the start of the season. They will enjoy playing in-front of their home crowd tonight and so I wouldn't expect us to find it easy. But we've been scoring for fun this season and we are going their with a mentality to get a win and qualify as top of our group.
That said so are Napoli, who have have scored eight in their last three games and they will have former Arsenal target Gonzalo Higuain ready to pounce on any opportunity tonight.
Walcott has returned, and was slowly being reintroduced back into the first team originally around the time of my last post. His pace has obviously given us more in terms of attacking and Bendtner has also featured with Giroud needing a much earned rest.
Fair credit to the Dane too for scoring against Hull. It was clear what the goal meant to him, as he was handed his first Premier League start for Arsenal in 1,005 days!
In our last match however, a draw was probably the fairest result with Everton putting in a wonderful performance against us (somewhat frustratingly), but Ross Barkley will certainly be trying to stake his claim in the England side for next year's World Cup in Brazil. Ozil opened the scoring late on before Everton equalised just two minutes later. They way our defence has been this year though Napoli will do well to break through us tonight.
It will be a great match tonight I am sure, and I fully believe we will progress as group winners. It could be tight but the result will help our momentum and morale as we head into a difficult fixture period.
Ozil scores a brilliant goal to open his Arsenal goal-scoring campaign
in our 2-0 vicotry over Napoli at Emirates Stadium.
I say 'duo set for' but one's already back in contention, while the other's return may only be a couple of weeks away. Of course I'm talking about the returns to bolster our attacking capabilities in Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski.
Theo Walcott came on as a second half substitute against his former club Southampton on Saturday, although Giroud was the forward who grabbed the goals to secure our 2-0 win (albeit with a little help from Artur Boruc!)
Arsenal are currently leading at home to Marseille thanks to Jack Wilshere's brilliant goal after 28 seconds, with our group looking as tough as expected and a win tonight is crucial. We need to make sure we do the business in both matches remaining to be sure of qualifying!
Walcott is on the bench tonight as Wenger slowly reintroduces our pacey winger who will be itching to get on and improve for both club and country bosses. Walcott had been sidelined because of an abdominal injury picked up in September so I can see why Wenger may rest him for most, if not all of tonight. Other good news this week however is the potential return of Lukas Podolski in the coming weeks. Wenger has announced the German attacker has been back in training though isn't ready just yet. Giroud is tiring and Podolski will be a welcomed return when fit, after having been out since August with a hamstring problem.
Back in training: Podolski (far right) back in training with the rest of the squad.
Giroud has stated he is tired, and at this level we can't rely on calling upon Bendtner or Park who will both surely be shifted on one way or another at the end of the season (though preferably in the January window). Walcott's pace offers something different and there aren't many who can keep up with him and Podolski isn't afraid to have a go and is a proven goalscorer. With these two back we'll have the attacking force to keep our momentum and see us go strong into the new year.
Speaking of Bendtner, and Henry's been back training with us now the MLS season has finished and yet I'd still rather see him up at the age of 36 up front than that Danish numpty.
Though tonight's game is too soon for Podolski (Everton next month may be a potential return date) who needs more time in training, Walcott may make another substitute's appearance as we look to secure a win in Group F, and do the double over their French visitor's, who we beat 2-1 on match-day 1 back in September.
Oh and Ozil missed a penalty...and it was poorly taken. Questions are being asked if Ramsey was fouled inside or outside the box which is very much up for discussion as is, I feel, whether he goes down too softly.
It's half time at the Emirates with Arsenal leading 1-0. Enjoy the rest of the game and let's hope we keep or extend our lead and take the points!
Like the old days...Henry and Pires work on their fitness as they train at Arsenal's
London Colney training ground.
At time of writing Liverpool and Everton have just drawn 3-3 in an exciting Merseyside derby, with Liverpool twice having taken the lead in today's lunchtime kick off! This gives us a chance to gain an extra two points on the Reds if we beat Southampton later. I love listening to BBC Radio 5 Live's football commentaries and I'm more than excited for coverage of Southampton's trip up to London. It's Saturday. It's matchday. It's the return of the Premier League!
But The Saints have almost certainly been the surprise package this year. No-one believed we would be top of the table at any stage, and nobody certainly would have expected to see Southampton flying high in third! But they deserve to be where they are with some very good displays this year, having lost just the one league game against Norwich at the end of August.
They're a side currently on an eight-game unbeaten league run with points gained against the likes of teams considered bigger than them in Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea. They'll come to the Emirates Stadium with mental belief because of more international players breaking through (Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Vincent Wanyama, Gastron Ramirez), of course their form, and with ourselves coming off the back of a disappointing loss against Manchester United last weekend.
I think we'll need to pick ourselves up following what happened at Old Trafford. Theo Walcott is finally back and refreshed having not played for England in the recent friendlies and could face the side where he learned the ropes. His pace will certainly give us something though I still doubt a lot of his end product.
A lot is being made of Ozil against Lallana but based on their playing history you'd feel the German would be laughing at the opponent's talent in comparison. But Southampton simply aren't a side to not do your homework on, and I still feel Ozil is adapting to the English game. Thankfully he was rested for Germany's matches and will be fully fit for this afternoon's clash which could prove the difference, although as I said, Lallana will be buoyed by his recent England call up, and midfield battles can prove who determines the points.
Mertesacker missed the Manchester United game last time and so be a big difference to our back four as he has proved this season. Of course he scored the goal which beat England in mid-week with Lambert not exactly causing him problems and so we'll hope for the same again today.
It makes for an interesting match up but Arsenal will need to find composure in front of their own fans quickly and eradicate the disappointment of Old Trafford as we look to gain extra points out in front ahead of Liverpool, the Saints, and Chelsea. Of course United, Everton, Spurs and City aren't all that far away either as the Premier League looks to be as close a run thing as ever. Unexpected and surprising things are happening, and none-more so than Southampton.
Arsenal v Southampton is due to have kicked off as I write this (just gone 3pm) but due to issues on the Piccadilly underground line in London, the kick off has been pushed back 15 minutes.
Ahead of the game: Mertesacker will need to be solid again against high flying Saints
Are Arsenal showing the signs of title contenders? We may
have been sunk by a single Van Persie goal at Old Trafford Sunday before last,
ending our unbeaten league run and undefeated away streak, but we should come
back from the international friendlies full of the confidence we have shown throughout
the majority of the season.
Jack Wilshere may have been talking about his own performances on the club website, but the expectations of Arsenal as a whole are now high themselves, as they've set a standard to be carried on.
Overall there is no doubting the unexpected start to the
2013/14 football season that Arsenal have had. I think I speak for all
supporters who are feeling more confident than in recent years of a solid
campaign. Whispers had been circulating of
invincibility in the league, a feat they conquered exactly ten seasons ago.
They might not be able to do that this year, but having lost only two league games,
and four for the season so far, it makes for something interesting when these
international friendlies are done with. We sit top of the Premier League table,
are oozing in confidence, and playing styles of football not seen in an Arsenal
side for some time.
In contention with Gareth Bale’s move to Madrid, Mesut Ozil’s
transfer to Arsenal was considered the signing of the summer. His quality has
certainly helped to bring out the best in the likes of Ramsey, Cazorla,
Wilshere, and even Giroud has proved a little more deadly with help of the
German assist-master. Club legend and one of our former invincibles, Robert
Pires, revealed on Tribal Football
that Ozil’s “quality” and “experience” at Madrid give Arsenal are shot at the
title race this year.
The Mirror Online were
quick to make us title contenders further after Ozil’s debut against
Sunderland. Steve Simmons and Matt Law write the club even then “served notice
that they deserve acclaim as potential champions”, adding of the improved
performances of Ramsey seeking a place in what has proven to be a rather
exciting looking midfield.
Eurosport believe
this is the Gunners’ year too, showing an example of the side’s ability against
Swansea where “their big players
stepped up and bang, bang, bang, the game was over. Any team who have the
ability to do that consistently will always be title contenders”.
On the other
hand, former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen has made it no secret that he
doesn’t feel our club will be champions come May. Writing in The Telegraph he says, “They will not
end the season as champions” with still work needed on their defensive play.
Hansen adds, “their critical is that they are just not good enough when they do
not have the ball.”
So what’s it like in the camp itself? As much as confidence
is high, Mikel Arteta played down talk of comparisons to that of the 2003/04
side. He told Sky Sports, “I don't think we are at
that level yet, but competition makes everyone work harder so it is a great
thing because it raises the level” but feels firmly about Ozil’s arrival as a
“great message from the club.”
We do look good, but for how long they can maintain their class is anyone’s guess
as we head into Arsenal’s dreaded winter period - if history tells you much.
They were unfortunate in their losses to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester
United while a weakened side saw them go out of the Capital One Cup to Chelsea.
But we proved to be too much for Liverpool who, if they can keep things going,
will certainly be in contention as well next May. If we can keep the quality,
get the likes of Podolski, Ox and Walcott back from injury and defeat the
lesser sides who we’ve struggled to get results against in previous years, then
we’ll have the points to prove the big club we know we are. The league returns on Saturday (23/11) with Arsenal at home to high flying Southampton at the Emirates (3pm kick off).
No Arsenal fan will need reminding of tomorrow's big Premier League clash against the 'mighty' Manchester United.
I use the word mighty very loosely based on David Moyes' side's season so far. They currently lie in eighth position in the Barclay Premier League, eight points behind us who are enjoying life at the top.
Wenger has called things weird without Sir Alex Ferguson in charge of Manchester United but the Red Devils will need to give David Moyes some time to take control of a club of such stature. To be fair to the Scot, he's been doing okay of late - some kind of revival perhaps?
There is still plenty of football to be played and so likewise, Arsenal haven't won the title yet. That would be ridiculous to claim with Liverpool only two points behind at the moment. Chelsea's 2-2 with West Brom this afternoon however helps us to see off other competition for another couple of weeks, but we have to start off by going back five points clear of Liverpool, and then extending the points difference.
We'll take confidence from having been resilient against Borussia Dortmund in the week and gaining our revenge over the German side, following the unfortunate 2-1 loss last month, and our 2-0 win over second-placed Liverpool last weekend.
Javier Hernandez, who Wenger has pretty much denied interest in, may start tomorrow against us with Welbeck sidelined through injury. I'm sure he'll feature at the very least, with Rooney and Van Persie however the likely pairing, and I'm sure I speak for all Gooners who will hope our defence give the Dutchman a torrid time. Flamini could be back tomorrow which will certainly be helpful against United's attacking force.
I'll be keeping up with the Hernandez talk. As I've said before he would be a great asset up-front, particularly with Walcott, Podolski and Sanogo (though is he as useless as Bendtner and Park?) injured. He's hinted at his intentions of leaving Old Trafford but is yet to speak about the issue in the media.
In other news BT Sport have announced their winning bid in providing all Champions League TV coverage for at least three years from the start of the 2015/16 season. As if there wasn't enough money in football, they are taking away the free-to-air coverage of the Champions League meaning there will be only international matches available on ITV, while if you are a sky customer, you'll be losing all Champions League coverage too. It's frustrating as football should be free for all to view but money rules I guess which is the sorry state of the industry. You'd hope Sky would consider lowering their sports package by then due to the competition but I very much doubt that will happen!
With that off my chest,the game tomorrow kicks off at 4:10pm GMT, and is live on Sky Sports...although some of us have the unfortunate reality of being at work which sort of sucks! I'm sure I'll enjoy the result either way though. 2-1 Arsenal win!
It was a good weekend results-wise for Arsenal, not only beating second placed Liverpool 2-0 themselves, but Chelsea lost unexpectedly against Newcastle, while Spurs could only draw with Everton.
Highlights (foreign commentary) from Saturday's win.
In doing so it's a wonderful sight to see us edge just that little more out in front of Chelsea and Liverpool who sit second and third respectively. Beating Rodgers' side on Saturday shows Arsenal are up to the challenge this year by beating the bigger clubs when we have a full strength side out.
We certainly made the most of Liverpool's three at the back system in the first half and it certainly helped us gain momentum. We played the game our way and attacked really well. Cazorla's goal was well taken, albeit through a little luck with his initial header rebounding off the post, but you need that sometimes.
Arteta was in for the instrumental Flamini in the holding midfield role again and he deserved much praise for his display on Saturday. While many questioned Flamini's return to the Emirates, he has helped to boost Arsenal's defensive qualities and organisational play. We've certainly missed him over the last couple of weeks but Arteta was on top form on Saturday in his stead which is promising for a side who lack a lot of strength in depth.
The ever impressive Aaron Ramsey grabbed his tenth goal of the season and potentially another goal of the season contender at the same time. As great as it is for us and for Ramsey, our attackers aren't the ones scoring the goals. Giroud, as much as he has grown more confident in England, still needs chance after chance after chance to put the ball in the back of the net.
The French striker has eight goals to his name but this isn't the kind of stat seen by top class out-and-out forwards. And we can't call upon Bendtner or Park who are far from showing the qualities needed to even play football if I'm being totally honest! Other than Thierry Henry and what Van Persie showed during his time here (when he was fit at least), we haven't had a top class striker who has lit the Premier League alight in recent years. Having said that, he holds the ball up well and brings in others to join attacks but we would be much more ruthless if he didn't need X amount of shots before converting one to a goal himself.
I agree with most others that Wenger still needs to spend on another striker. With Podolski and Walcott still sidelined (and Walcott again needs chances after chances to find the net), Wenger needs to spend big on a household name up front. Of course we had our chances over the summer but then the signing of Ozil wasn't too bad I suppose. But other big names which circulated round the media and in an area we lack in disappeared in Higuain, Rooney and Suarez. Chelsea were reluctant to loan out Demba Ba to us but then Wenger wasn't prepared to match their £3m offer for the move.
I've always liked Javier Hernandez at Manchester United and he's not exactly been a starting choice for them over the years. He's even doubting his future at the club (Telegraph.co.uk - opens in new tab). He's still experienced and is a great striker, often finding goals when he gets chances. I'm surprised there wasn't a Van Persie for Hernandez offer when we sold RVP to the Red Devils, and if the latest news is true, Wenger needs to listen and make a move for the Mexican!
Arsenal travel to Borussia Dortmund for tomorrow night's Champions League encounter. Hopefully we'll be the team to come away with something this time. At the Emirates last month we were robbed by one-counter attack move and we were much the dominant side, particularly in the second half. Hopefully we can take our momentum and confidence to Germany and have our revenge.
Still, Dortmund won't be make things easy at their place but we've an undefeated-away streak to maintain!
It was clear by the starting line-ups who was taking this more seriously, as Chelsea deservedly went on to progress to the next round of the Capital Once Cup with a 2-0 win over the Gunners.
Not for the first time this season, Arsenal were undone by a counter attacking goal that proved enough to knock them out of the Capital One Cup.
Chelsea were by far the superior side on Tuesday night, in what was a wasted evening up the local! Mata scored a well struck shot on the edge of the area in the second half as they sealed their spot in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.
But it was Wenger's usual approach to this competition that helped Jose Mourinho's side get the win and make it three defeats for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this season, with Wenger still without a win against a Chelsea-managed Mourinho.
I am more than with Wenger for his attitude on giving younger players who aren't on loan, a run out if we are against teams further down the football league. But we have all too often seen his thinking in putting out a weakened side against top teams, and it shoots us in the foot. We don't have as much strength in depth as Chelsea and it showed last night, and the likes of Bendtner and Park will surely move on in January or next summer.
Replacing Szczesny, Fabianski had little to do in between the sticks other than pick the ball out the net (twice) while reported want-out Vermaelen started at the back with Jenkinson to the right. An Ozil-less midfield still looked strong however with the likes of Wilshere, Ramsey, Cazorla and Rosicky. Ryo Miyaichi started out on the right wing but he lacked the desire and ability to break past the resilient Blues defence, and Bendtner, try as he might, was his typical self.
The fans cried for Giroud who eventually made way for the Dane but it came too late as Arsenal were already 2-0 down and looking all but out. Even Park made an appearance and that sums up Arsene's lack of passion for the competition. For a side who haven't won a trophy since 2005, and when up against a top side, can Wenger still be so nonchalant?
Nine lives: Mourinho has never lost any of the nine ties against Arsenal in his two
managerial campaigns with Chelsea.
I'm surprised Jenkinson played the full 90 minutes too. It was partially his error that led to Chelsea's opening goal. From our corner, they cleared and Eto'o brought the ball forward. The ball looped up in the air and Wilshere and Jenkinson both backed off the high ball, before the Finnish right back headed a woeful ball back to Fabianski, who was unable to get to the ball before Chelsea's own right back Azpilicueta.
He often needs a run of games under his belt, and simply returning last night against a strong Chelsea side showed he wasn't ready for that kind of match, looking a shadow of the improved player we saw last season.
Wenger will surely take the blame though for the side he chose to put out last night. Having said that, Liverpool are next up in the Premier League on Saturday evening (17:30pm k/o) so you can understand his reasoning for maybe wanting to rest some players. They currently sit two points behind in third (joint second with Chelsea though the Blues have a better goal difference by one), and Brendan Rodgers' side will again not make things easy for us.
However, after the losses against Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, and a less emphatic display against Crystal Palace in-between, fans will be hoping a general dip in form among the who club isn't on the verge of culminating.
Mata (left), once an Arsenal target, proves his point to Mourinho
as the Spaniard sinks us.
Arsenal succumbed to their first defeat in 13 matches as Borussia Dortmund proved to be no walk in the park on match-day three of the Champions League Group Stage.
I felt this could prove to be their toughest fixture yet but they grew in confidence and perhaps, on the night, should have ended up winning the game. Dortmund took the lead, somewhat annoyingly due to poor marking at the back, when Henrikh Mkhitaryan received the ball in space and drilled the ball past Szczesny.
They came with a game plan and succeeded in pressurising Arsenal well, allowing us to have very little time on the ball. Perhaps Arsenal wanted too much time; Ramsey was often found caught in possession which is annoying to watch for someone who is filled to brim with confidence.
Ozil was quiet in the first half and it took me some time to realise he was on the pitch. Arsenal were not up to the standards they have set themselves in recent weeks, while Dortmund were on top of everything.
Still Arsenal drew level thanks to Giroud minutes before half time. Sagna's cross was somewhat flapped by Roman Weidenfeller in Dortmund's goal, and Giroud smashed the loose ball into the goal. Fair play to the French striker for not giving up on the chance, and he got his reward.
Dortmund, for all their abilities in pressurising Arsenal and possession building, looked a little lacklustre when it came to the final ball or troubling the goal. Then again, Arsenal weren't creating too much in the way of clear-cut opportunities either and tiredness, as shown against Norwich, started to creep in.
Thus came the change in Arsenal's momentum as Santi Cazorla came on to replace Wilshere in the second half, and his impact suggested Arsenal would grab a deserved goal and victory. The Spaniard nearly scored himself, with only the upright denying him with a fierce shot from outside the area. But for all their new-found attacking flair, they were caught by a counter-attack sucker-punch inside the final ten minutes. Gündoğan, whose final ball had been poor all game, saw his deep cross volleyed powerfully by Robert Lewandowsi past his Polish counter-part Szczesny in Arsenal's goal.
In what was a very German affair with all of Dortmund's own, plus Ozil and Mertesacker for us, Wenger, who celebrated his 64th birthday today, brought on young Serge Gnabry late on but he had little time to show us his potential. Bendtner also came on as a late substitute as Arsenal hoped to get players forward and find that second goal.
It didn't come however as Arsenal will now feel a little more pressure on them. Napoli secured a 2-1 win against Marseille which now sees Dortmund, Arsenal and the Italian side all on six points in Group F at the half-way stage.
So Wenger would have wished for a better birthday present tonight, but he now begins life as a 64-year-old with thoughts of Crystal Palace, who are up next to face The Gunners on Saturday (26/10 12:45pm k/o BST).
Arsenal have pushed on from their early good form and proved the critics wrong, by establishing themselves as a side ready to fight to keep their place at the top of the table.
Only one game has been drawn since my last review and the side continue to look more and more like the great sides of the past.
Norwich proved to be the next team to be swept aside by our in-form Arsenal, albeit a little lethargic Arsenal side. Looking a little tired, perhaps understandably with players only just returning from injury or international fixtures respectively, they mustered four goals against the Canaries, with some pure class football on display I'm sure Barcelona would be proud of.
We are now eight games into the league (with only one draw and loss), on match-day three of the Champions League Group Stages (already taken six points from six), and are through to the next round of the League Cup. It certainly hasn't been a bad couple of months since the season started.
So since that opening day horror, Arsenal haven't lost a match and, well, we are flying. Liverpool remain our closest threat in second place in the Premier League but with Mesut Ozil's influence on this side, there doesn't appear to be a team who can really match us at the moment.
Alongside Ozil, Ramsey has continued to be one of our best players and he scored yet another well taken goal n Saturday, cutting inside defenders before calmly drilling past Ruddy in the Norwich goal. He now has nine goals in the last 12 matches and there appears to be no stopping him.
Target man Giroud with the in form duo of Ozil and Ramsey.
The Champions League continues tomorrow, and Arsenal are already looking set to progress to the knock-out stages in style. Comfortable wins in Marseille and against Napoli have given us maximum points but last year's finalists Borussia Dortmund are up next tomorrow night (22/10 7:45pm k/o BST). They could be our toughest fixture yet, being a side who reflect Germany's position as a footballing force.
We all thought he was an assist magician rather than a goalscorer, but our own fantastic German Ozil has proved he knows where the net is at the Emirates. He opened his Arsenal account with a wonderful strike against Napoli and grabbed two at the weekend against Norwich. His talents are phenomenal and I'm sure even the stubborn Wenger will be pleased to see paying £42.5m has begun to pay off.
There has been negativity in the media though surrounding Jack Wilshere particularly, who was spotted smoking outside a club following our 2-1 win away to Swansea. Though he might not do his image any good to people who look up to him, he hasn't let this attention get to him as he helped lead England to the World Cup Finals, and has seen his overall form rise in an Arsenal shirt too!
After finding the next for the first time in around three years, he levelled against West Brom prior to the international fixtures and then I think we may have seen goal of the season on Saturday. Wilshere began the move from deep. As we burst forward Cazorla...well see for yourself!
Simply Sublime.
Since my last look at the season so far, Bendtner has slowly been reintroduced to the side - and I don't think many would have expected to see his face any time soon. He first played in the League Cup fixture against West Brom (of which he took and scored the first penalty in the shootout!) and he since featured on the bench a little before coming on as a sub against Norwich. He's in with a chance of establishing himself and, with a little more match experience to build his fitness, needs to prove himself. There will be no third chance.
Outside of Arsenal, England found the ability to raise their game and see off Poland in their final World Cup qualifier to finish top of the table and secure a place at next year's World Cup in Brazil. Gibbs got called up to stand in for (c)Ashley Cole but remained an unused sub with Leighton Baines starting at left back. Kept him fresh for us at least! Anyhow, it will be nice to see if Walcott, Wilshere, Gibbs, and/or Oxlade-Chambrlain get called up to go to Brazil but next year's tournament, regardless, will make for some exciting games to watch.
Arsenal will now play six games over the next three weeks with two against Borussia Dortmund, a League Cup fixture against Chelsea, and Premier League matches against Liverpool and a trip to Old Trafford, plus next weekend's trip away to Crystal Palace.
This period could prove a mammoth task for anyone, but we've continued our exceptional form and don't look like letting go of our focus. And as long as there are no more injuries, particularly up front, there is every chance we can take on all of these sides and take maximum points. There is certainly belief again, from both those involved at the club, and the fans.
We are considered to be title contenders after our great start, certainly alongside Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea (can eighth placed Manchester United close the gap?) Yet could we witness the return of the invincibles? 7/49 games to level the record so far...and counting!
As the Premier League returned this weekend, so did Arsenal's winning mentality as they brushed Norwich aside 4-1 at the Emirates.
Wilshere scored his second goal of the season, before Ozil grabbed a double with Ramsey, on as a substitute, adding a late fourth, and his ninth of the season.
Despite picking up a knee injury midweek, Ozil was declared fit enough to start on Saturday, which also saw the return of Cazorla and Sagna, and Bendtner featured as he replaced Giroud late on.
Congratulations go out to England, after they succeeded in topping their group in the World Cup qualifiers. In what was a tense, but enthralling encounter, seeing off Poland 2-0 ensured their place at next year's major tournament in Brazil. Of course nobody will expect them to go on and compete against the likes of Germany or Spain say, but I think we're seeing more young talent inject something a little more exciting and I can't wait to see the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wacott and Wilshere featuring more, alongside the country's new hero in Andros Townsend (This is no credit to Spurs!)
Having said that, few would have thought Arsenal would have been playing the football and be in the form they are, so who's to say England can't surprise a few.
So Arsenal returned to Premier League action with a good win over the Canaries; a win they knew which would see them go ahead Liverpool on points after they drew with Newcastle in the lunchtime kick off. And Manchester United ey? Who are they I hear you ask.
I think people expected them to be below the level we have associated the Red Devils as being with the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm. His successor David Moyes was hoping to have secured his first back-to-back win as manager but a late Southampton goal put an end to that. They are a force though with talent in the likes of De Gea, Rooney, Van Persie but this is the problem; they lack depth and talent throughout the squad. Fergie, for me, held the key to their success and now he has moved down from his managerial role, their bossiness and stature in the league has certainly slumped.
Are they en-route to do 'an Arsenal'? I don't think many will really see it coming (Van Persie certainly won't be hoping for it) but I have an inkling for some reason they face dark times ahead - something they aren't used to. Here's hoping anyway.
Arsenal play Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday (22/10, 7:45 pm k/o BST), in what will be a great fixture against last year's finalists. Our good form will give us a fine chance and I can't wait to see how we do in what could be our biggest test of the season so far.
He's not had a great couple of weeks, media-wise, has Jack Wilshere? While international football has taken over, he's certainly kept Arsenal fans with something to talk about.
Firstly he was publicly ridiculed for smoking a cigarette outside a nightclub following Arsenal's 2-1 win against Swansea, and then criticised for comments made about what makes a footballer eligible to play for England.
Let's get things straight on the smoking front.
I am not a smoker but neither do I judge those who wish to smoke, either casually or regularly. Jack Wilshere is a human being as well as a footballer. Sound obvious, but many people seem to need reminding of this simple fact.
Smoking isn't recommended as a professional footballer, as is drinking, but everyone enjoys a tipple now and again without it doing damage to your health and the same applies to a cigarette. We all know about the build up of tar and such other horrible things, but one cigarette being smoked outside a club...really?
I get he's a public figure in the football world and may have an image to abide by, but in his own personal life (like I said, don't forget footballers have lives off the pitch too), he should be allowed a break.
Having a puff: The father of two is disgraced by the media for his actions
The 'racist' row if we can call it that, has similarly been met by those on both sides of the fence, but perhaps a little too much negativity has been made of his remarks.
He openly denied that his comments were made about Manchester United's rising star Adnan Januzaj, who faces the options of representing either England, his country of birth Belgium, or his parent's respective country of births Turkey or Serbia. He would be able to represent the English national side from 2018, after living in the country for what would make five years.
The midfielder faced a host of backlash from other sporting professionals including cricketer Kevin Pietersen. The south-African born Batsman quizzed our number 10 on the eligibility of non-ngland born sports men and women playing for England in their respected sports.
But what makes a person English? To me nobody belongs to a country. If you believe the research done into the history of civilisation even, we all descend from Africa. Does that make us African instead? I'm not Wilshere's personal family historian but there would have been a point in time where his family crossed over to England.
I don't think he's racist and for the development of young hopefuls already in England, and for the national team to become a strong side, who's to say even restricting the number of recent foreign born players would be a bad thing?
The highly rated youngster is rumoured to have been offered 60k a week at Old Trafford.
German football has been growing and we are seeing, and have seen the talent and capabilities the national team are producing. So Podolski, Kheidera, Gomez and Klose had / have other nationalities but again this backs up nobody really belongs to a country but they chose a national side who have become second to Spain, whereas we remain a little further behind.
Something still needs to change but England are currently top of the group heading into the final World Cup qualifier against Poland tomorrow (15/10/2013 7:45pm k/o BST) night.
Wilshere need not let all the media focus effect him in a bad way, for no matter what he does off the field, on it is what England fans and Arsenal fans alike will judge him by.
Nicklas Bendtner has spoken of how he feels he is a different person now, via the Arsenal website.
Our number 52 featured against West Brom in the League Cup last month, to make his first Arsenal appearance since 2011. For the last two seasons he has been on loan at Sunderland and Juventus respectively, but his attitude to the game clearly has put himself above who he actually is.
I remember seeing him at Euro 2012 and saw a Bendtner I hadn't really seen in an Arsenal shirt. He was playing well for the Denmark national side, suggesting there is some talent within him.
Talking to Arsenal player, he revealed the birth of his son and other experiences away from the pitch have made him a different person.
The perception of him as a footballer has come down to his attitude and performances on the pitch. Arsenal fans have generally taken a dis-likening to him, but the Dane says the wider perception of him is wrong.
Hands up: No apology as such but Bendtner says he is a different person now
He also denies his comments suggesting he feels he is bigger than the game. Wenger hasn't been able to shift him on though because of his wage demands, and his performances haven't matched his worth, so how good does he think he is?
So are his comments just a cover? It was circulating in the past that he never wanted to put on an Arsenal shirt again. Now nobody appears to want him, and with an opportunity to break into our side, is he desperate to make amends?
For me, with Bendtner coming back into the side, this is his second chance. He now has to prove he is worth something to the team, who are on such a high following their superb undefeated streak. But should Wenger put him back into the Arsenal side? With Giroud our only recognised, injury free striker left in the side (not including Park, I'm sorry), now is a better time than ever for the 25-year-old to up his game. He certainly has a point to prove.
He says he is ready to make the step up and fight. Is he a different person and player now? I suppose there is only one way to find out.
The article and video can be found here (Arsenal.com).
Beardy man: New look, new player?
In other news, Aaron Ramsey has been awarded Arsenal player of the month for September; the third month in a row he has now won the monthly accolade.
The Welshman is certainly deserving of the achievement, who has maintained his fine display on the pitch, week in week out. He scored five goals last month, bringing his total to eight goals, in eleven matches across all competitions.
Arsenal had to claw a goal back after falling behind to West Brom on Sunday; the first time I felt a little concerned this season for them since the opening couple of weeks.
They did well to draw level (1-1) and take a point in the end though as they continued their undefeated streak.
Jack Wilshere got his first goal in around three years for the club to avoid a disappointing result, in a game that might have swung either way. Both sides had spells and opportunities but nevertheless, Arsenal had to settle for the point that sees them joint top of the league alongside Liverpool.
It's the return of the internationals now with England (bore) up against Montenegro and Poland in the next week as they aim to qualify for the World Cup finals which take place next summer.
Gibbs has been called up, and deservedly so, to England's defence with Ashley Cole injured, though Leighton Baines is most likely to get the nod ahead of our left back.
Wilshere, who is buoyed by the returns of Rooney and Sturridge as the BBC are reporting, will aim to be the play-maker who can help to England qualify from Group H though Theo Walcott remains sidelined through injury.
Could the break deter Arsenal from their fine recent performances? A dip in form could always be around the corner for any good team as I wrote a few weeks ago. Regardless, I hope England will qualify and that all our players do well for their respected countries...and not pick up any more injuries in the process!
Arsenal fans will be in anticipation tonight (I'm less interested in Saturdays when we aren't playing!) as they look forward to seeing an in-form Arsenal side return to the Hawthorns tomorrow (6/10/2013, 4:00pm k/o BST).
The Gunners knocked West Brom out of the Capital One Cup at the Hawthorns only a couple of weeks ago (1-1; Arsenal won 4-3 on penalties), and I am sure Steve Clarke will be looking for his side to flip the result in the Baggies favour this time round.
League points are up for grabs this time, rather than a place in the next round of a cup, but we have seen Arsenal play this season as though every game is a cup final.
Ozil and Ramsey have been mesmerising, as a team we have been organised and defended really well, and Giroud is providing more for the team as well as getting goals himself.
Of course the likes of those we'd expect in Arsene Wenger's starting XI didn't feature in the cup fixture last month, so this game is bound to be very different from the last. However, I'd expect Arsenal to continue their fine form tomorrow and return to the top of the Premier League, following Liverpool's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace today which has put them currently a point clear.
After all the transfer talk and media attention it received, I feel I should comment comment on the return of Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has fulfilled his match suspensions, following his bite on Ivanovich last season, and has returned to Brendan Rodgers' first team.
He's been described as one of the top class strikers around and is on-par with Van Persie and on his day, I wouldn't disagree. He opened the scoring today and I know will be a big asset to Liverpool (yet again) this season.
However, I don't feel we have missed out. Arsene's £40,000,001 offer in the summer was rejected, but then he didn't exactly follow up with another offer. As a result, we have since seen Giroud be more consistent in front of goal and other players showing more attacking qualities (Ramsey springs to mind!) Yes Arsenal could do with another striker with injuries to Podolski and Walcott but Liverpool can stick with their number 7.
Bendtner played in the cup game and has since found a place on the bench, but should we really welcome someone back who said they would never want to put on an Arsenal shirt again? The there's Park...but I'm not even sure he's an actual footballer. Who else would make a decent back-up to Giroud?
Other injury news wise, Sagna will be out of action for a few weeks following an injury he picked up against Napoli last Tuesday. I have been impressed with the form of the French defender who has developed well to playing at centre-back when needed. Having come under some criticism, he has been excellent for us, like so many others, this year. Jenkinson will get another chance to prove himself in the right back position, starting with the trip at West Brom tomorrow and Arsenal will be looking to both extend their incredible away, and undefeated runs.
Target man: Giroud has impressed this season. Dare he get injured!
Arsenal 2-0 Napoli: Arsenal celebrate their 10th successive win of the campaign as I look back over Arsene Wenger's reign in charge of the Gunners.
Tonight's 2-0 win against Napoli was the perfect way to celebrate Arsene Wenger's 17 year mark at the club.
The magnificent Mesut Ozil scored a beautiful goal to open his Arsenal account, before teeing up Giroud as Arsenal emphatically saw off their Italian opponents making it 10 consecutive wins.
They are now top of Group F with six points from a possible six, on the day where in 1996 a certain Frenchman was introduced as the new boss at Highbury. Nobody would have predicted the success that would follow under his reign.
Oozing with class: Mesut Ozil scores his first Arsenal goal in the 2-0 win against Napoli
Not particularly well known around the world as he is now, Wenger had managerial and coaching experiences with AS Cannes, Nancy, Monaco and Nagoya Grampus Eight before joining his friend David Dein at Arsenal, where he replaced Bruce Rioch.
He arrived at Highbury inheriting a side with the likes of Bould, Adams, Parlour and Wright, to name a few, and other world class talent would later arrive.
In only his second year in North London, Arsenal did the double with Wenger (and it wouldn't be their only double winning season as we well known). They finished top with a mere point more than Manchester United with players such as Overmars and Petit enjoying their opening seasons in England.
Wenger continued to attract big names to Highbury in Vieira, Bergkamp, Henry, Pires, Ljungberg...I could go on! But Arsene is known for nurturing talent and Thierry Henry is perhaps the obvious example to choose here.
The French winger, as he was then, joined the Gunners from Juventus, but Wenger knew him from his managerial days at Monaco where Henry had played. Arsene was keen to bring in the 22-year-old Henry as a replaceent for Anelka...and the rest is history as they say.
Thierry Henry, one of the best strikers ever to grace the Premier League, signs for Arsenal in 1999.
Arsenal did the double yet again under Wenger in the 2001-2002 season: another magnificent achievement for the club but something perhaps just as great was only two seasons down the line. The Premier League was won in 2002, rather significantly perhaps, with Wiltord securing a win and the title at Old Trafford!
Two years on then and having moulded into a striker and with support in the likes of Bergkamp, Vieira, Ljungbery and Pires, Thierry Henry and co completed what only Preston North End had done 115 years before, and went the whole season unbeaten in the 2003-2004 campaign.
Wenger suggested his side could do this only the year before, but we'll let The Professor off for being a year out. Maybe he might predict something similar again soon? They remained unbeaten going into the 2004-2005 season, and the Invincibles as they became known as, finally managed a staggering 49-game unbeaten run which ended in October 2005.
The club weren't able to maintain their title the following year but instead lifted the FA Cup, with a penalty shoot-out win against Manchester United. The winning spot kick that afternoon, proved to be the last kick in Vieira's Arsenal career. Thus began trophy-less Arsenal.
So despite all the successes, then came the downs as well. 2006 saw Arsenal make a step-up with the big sides in Europe, and for the first time in their history, made the final of the Champions League.
Sol Campbell headed Arsenal in front as they gave their all against Barcelona in Paris. The crazy yet much-loved Jens Lehmann was sent off in the first half forcing Arsenal to play with ten men for the majority of the match, and many still question Arsene's decision to bring off Pires that evening. Eventually, a fatigued Arsenal were undone and Barcelona won 2-1 to lift the trophy.
Disappointment: Champions League defeat
Since then Arsenal have made finals such as the League Cup in 2007 and 2011 but have fallen short while there have been no more Premier League titles to add to their trophy cabinet either.
There is no doubting it has taken time for Arsenal to settle in their new home of the Emirates Stadium. Highbury, in my opinion, remains the home of Arsenal but the Emirates has slowly grown into the hearts of fans since its initial opening in 2006. It is a wonderful stadium but the debt it accumulated had been a crucial factor in Arsenal's ability to spend in order to keep up with the other big clubs in modern football.
Top players have also gone year on year and Wenger has come under huge scrutiny for his attitude in the transfer market. Vieira started the trend having left at the end of the 2004-2005 season, followed by Henry, Nasri, Fabregas, Cole *cough*, Song, Van Persie etc. But this season we have seen the return of Flamini and Wenger finally splashed the cash on Ozil as they look to be considered one of the big threats in the world of football.
However, Arsenal's defence and midfield has more maturity, organisation and stability this year with Flamini's return and with former defender Bould returning to Arsenal in a coaching role. Ozil has to be the signing of the summer and he has been influential in the midfield, with the rest of the squad oozing with confidence and playing world-class football once again.
There is great positivity around Arsenal these days, as they look to master the style of football we haven't really seen for some time at the club. There are signs this could be a promising year for the club, but they have to maintain this fine form.
Arsene's contract runs out at the end of the season, and all those shouts for a change of manager are now gone. Whatever happens between now and next summer, who could really imagine an Arsenal without Arsene Wenger at the helm?
The Professor has kept Arsenal in the Champions League
every season since he has been in charge.
A friend of mine and fellow Gooner (@squeakykygreeky if you're on Twitter) sent this to me, but I have only just seen it! It comes from the warm up prior to Arsenal v Swansea on Saturday. Love it.
Back to the serious stuff however, and in just a few hours Arsenal will host Napoli in their second Champions League Group F game (7:45pm k/o).
The two sides last played each other in the Emirates Cup earlier in the summer with the Italians taking a 2-0 lead before the Gunners fought back to a 2-2 draw.
We've come a long way since then however. They side are playing like the are a different club and have only lost one game all season.
Of course Arsenal will still have to be alert to the threat Napoli pose and Higuain in particular. I am sure he will be the centre of much booing by the home fans, as the Argentine was on the verge of signing for Arsenal in the summer.
Rosicky is back in the side tonight, after remaining sidelined through an injury picked up on international duty last month. The likes of Walcott, Chamberlain and Cazorla are still out through their respective injuries but I wouldn't be surprised to see Serge Gnabry start out on the wing for the third time in a row. The 18-year-old German has played brilliantly since being called up to the first team and I don't think any Arsenal fan would have any qualms about the youngster playing against those with more experience. He's looked like he's been in the first team at Arsenal for a little while himself!
Napoli beat Borussia Dortmund in their opening game, and with Arsenal heading into tonight's game in exceptional form, it makes for a great match up, but one I believe the Gunners will again be victorious in.
Arsenal extended their consecutive away wins to 12 games this evening, and went back to the top of the Premier League, with a well deserved 2-1 win at The Liberty Stadium.
The two sides are well known for their similar styles and I personally had this down as Arsenal's toughest test this season so far, but the Gunners proved they are much harder to break through this year.
A lovely, we'll worked move was finished off by the impressive Serge Gnabry, minutes before Aaron Ramsey (who else?) doubled the lead with a shot into the roof of the net. The defence were undone however as full time approached when The Swans Davies snuck in behind Mertesacker.
It was a tense game from start to finish and though there were few clear cut chances, this was a game where two attacking sides were bound to score. Giroud came closest in the opening half, right at the end of it actually, but he dragged his shot wide of Worm's goal.
Swansea looked impressive, particularly when playing through Shelvey but their final ball lacked and Arsenal were tough in the tackle and applying excellent pressure. Perhaps the travelling fans were initimidating the home support, who could often be heard above the Swansea faithful. I only really heard them make noise through booing whenever Ramsey touched the ball!
Wenger knew a win would put Arsenal in a nice place this weekend with Spurs and Chelsea drawing against each other, Manchester City losing, and Manchester United continuing their sluggish start to the league losing to West Brom (now their worst start to a league season in some time!)
Szczesny had an up-and-down game with his touches and decision making questionable, among making a couple of good saves. In the first half notably, having seen the ball marginally cross the line for a goal kick, had a Swansea player attempt to keep the ball in-play and put the ball inches wide of an open goal. Fortunately the officials made the right call, having seen the ball cross the line but on another day, the confident Szczesny might not have been smiling afterwards.
Ramsey was awarded the Man of the Match award by Sky Sports however Gnabry was an outstanding performer in this game, especially for someone with little experience. Like his fellow teammates, who have played a lot more at this level, he showed the desire and skill needed in a game like this which is very promising. The German finished off a fine move to open the scoring and he was fully deserving of his excellent goal. Let's hope he continues in a similar fashion as Walcott and Chamberlain remain sidelined.
I don't feel Ozil had his greatest game with passes failing more often than we have become accustomed to. He could also have scored his first Arsenal goal but when 1v1 with Worm, the Dutch keeper stuck out a firm hand to deny the German. Ramsey however continued to excel in the midfield and like I mentioned, continued his fine goal scoring form this year to make it four in the league already.
Morale is high and the team are playing excellently from defence to attack. It's the return of the Champions League on Tuesday and Arsenal host Napoli (7.45pm k/o) in their second group stage match.
The two sides drew 2-2 in the Emirates Cup match in the summer but I expect a very different game this time around.
The former Cardiff kid secures the points against the Swans
First of all allow me to apologise for the title...I'm not usually a great fan of using puns. However it was Nacho Monreal's winning penalty kick that sent Arsenal through to the next round of the League Cup last night at the expense of West Brom.
It is bad enough listening to football on the radio, without the use of eyes as comfort to know exactly what is going on, but to say it was tense listening to a penalty shoot-out doesn't quite come close enough. I did a fist pump in celebration as the better half tried to watch TV; I don't think she understood how dramatic it was.
Anyhow, the Gunners will now play Chelsea in the fourth round at the Emirates, where they will hope the home tie will give them the edge over Jose Mourinho's side. But, on recent form, I would still give us chance if the tie was due to be played at Stamford Bridge!
Last night's cup game extended Arsenal's away winning form but it was a contest that, as the game progressed, might have swung one way or the other, before penalties could have been established.
The (and I use the word loosely) 'Great' Dane Nicklas Bendtner played in an Arsenal shirt for the first time since 2011 and he did okay. He has a point to prove, if he is as good as he thinks, and I believe Wenger will give him that opportunity as we now lack in striking options due to injuries.
His hair and facial hair has grown since we last saw him all of two-years-ago. Wilson!!
I managed to catch the very brief BBC highlights late last night, and saw he should have scored late on when 1v1. However he slowed too much allowing an excellent recovering tackle by one of the Baggies' defenders, but from listening to the game as well, he appears to have the mentality and professionalism to come back to the side with the attitude to succeed. He definitely has some rustiness to shake off first!
West Brom looked threatening against an Arsenal side mixed with experience and new, young talent. They held their own against West Brom though which is a good sign. People knew what they would see in Wenger's starting XI and the youngsters impressed.
Bellerin, Miyaichi, Gnabry, Hayden, Olsson, Eisfield and Akpom all featured with Iwobi and unused substitute, alongside loanee keeper Viviano and forward Ju Young Park.
That's right, I said Park! Remember him? I still do not know why Wenger signed the South Korean who never gets a game. He couldn't even get on last night and I would love to question Wenger on where he stands at the club.
However, on the pitch Arsenal took the lead when Bendtner slipped a perfect pass to Eisfield, whose nice touch allowed to calmly slot the ball into the West Brom goal just after the hour mark.
The game had needed a goal, but it then got another ten minutes later. This time, West Brom were level when Saido Berahino found space in the box and headed past Fabianksi. The Baggies man was eager to continue his scoring form, following a hat-trick against Notts County in the previous round.
This made things tense as West Brom began to dominate against a young and tiring Arsenal midfield. They came close with the bar denying them but they could not be separated at the end of 90 minutes or after extra time.
Penalties would decide who would progress to round four.
Reid stepped up first four the Baggies who smashed it high into the roof of the night with Fabianki never having a chance (1-0). Bendtner cooly placed Arsenal's first (1-1), before Rosenberg went down the middle (2-1). Then it looked unlikely to be our night as Gnabry saw his poor effort saved (2-1) and West Brom added their third from Morrison's well placed spot kick (3-1). Olsson scored his penalty to prevent Arsenal's chances slipping away (3-2) but then McAuley hit his penalty wide of Fabianski's left hand post (3-2). Arsenal levelled through Akpom who sent Daniels the wrong way (3-3), Amalfitano then missed (3-3), and Monreal stepped up to strike Arsenal's fifth and winning penalty to send the Gunners through to the next round.
West Brom 0-0 Arsenal (Arsenal win 4-3 on penalties)
Arsenal play away to Swansea on Saturday evening (17:30pm k/o) in the Premier League. Swansea will be looking to move on from their League Cup exit last night, as they fell at the hands of Championship side Birmingham City 3-1.
Jubilance as Monreal's penalty secures a fourth round tie with Chelsea.
