Arsenal must pick themselves up against Manchester City

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.

Arsenal looking to qualify to Champions League knockouts with duo set for return

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.

Arsenal take five point lead at Premier League summit

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!

Leading the line...kind of. Olivier Giroud.

Wenger gets it wrong (yet again) in the League Cup

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.

Unhappy birthday: Arsenal 1-2 Borussia Dortmund

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).

Girooooud

Arsenal return to top the table after World Cup qualifiers

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. 

Spot the ball: Ramsey completes the rout 

Arsenal v Napoli: Can Arsenal make it two wins from two games in the Champions League

Firstly, if you haven't seen it, check out this little gem of Mesut Ozil!

http://t.co/MWfZG4HIeA

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.

Marseille 1 - 2 Arsenal

Arsenal finally did enough to see off Marseille in their opening Champions League encounter last night thanks to two second half goals by Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey.

Walcott smashed in a rocket of a shot to open his scoring account for the season, before Ramsey drove through the Marseille half before unleashing a deflected shot past Mandanda, to continue his fine form. In the 90th minute he was then deemed to have caught Andre Ayew in the box (though replays showed he got the ball with Ayew making the most of minimal 'contact') whose brother Jordan scored from the spot.

The home side's goal came too late however as Arsenal ran out winners in this tie, marking their tenth successive away win; a run which dates back to Arsenal's 2-0 win on March 13 against Bayern Munich, and is a new club record.

It also marks Arsenal's sixth successive win on the trot this season as the Gunners haven't lost a game since the opening day of the campaign against Aston Villa.

The Gunners enjoyed periods of control, particularly in the opening twenty minutes, but the hosts looked a little threatening on the attack but their shots were limited and from range, with Arsenal's defence showing significant improvements have been made in this area. Szczesny had little to do but looked assured when needing to make a save.

There was one gasp in the second half however when the keeper and Mertesacker appeared to lack communication, with the tall German looping the ball over the Polishman as he left his line. Fortunately Gibbs read it and headed the ball off the line before a Marseille player could attack.

Walcott had had previous chances and following his recent form, continued to prove his lack of finishing in front of goal, though he smashed in his only goal of the game here. Perhaps he had some anger behind the strike, and quite rightly so for someone who claims to want to be a striker but needs chance after chance to get one goal. However Wenger now believes the Englishman will find his eye for goal and fans will certainly hope so too with Giroud our only other injury-free, recognised forward.

Ramsey was pulling the strings yet again in midfield and being involved in all of Arsenal's movement up and down the pitch. Is there any stopping the Welshman who now has six goals in seven appearances so far this season?

Arsenal will welcome last year's Champions League runner's up Borussia Dortmund, who lost 2-0 away to Napoli last night, to the Emirates in the next European encounter, but despite conceding yet another penalty late on this time around, will be pleased to have their Champions League campaign up and running with three points from the first game.

Arsenal continue to be growing in confidence and this bodes well as attentions now turn back to the Premier League. Dogged Stoke are the visitors to London on Sunday (22/09 - k/o 13:30pm GMT) and may be the next side to feel the wrath of Ramsey and co.

Goals scored:
Walcott (65')
Ramsey (84')

Can anyone stop him? Ramsey drives in Arsenal's second at the Stade Velodrome

The Champions League challenge

The draw for the Champions League Group Stages has been concluded placing Arsenal (seeded 1st) in Group F alongside Marseille, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli.

This will prove a stern test for the Gunners who have often had little trouble in qualifying to the knockout rounds of the competition. Of course I don't think there are many fans who believe the club have the capabilities to win the Champions League just yet, but I am concerned, looking at Group F, that Arsenal will even be able to go on past the groups.

Arsenal struggled against Napoli in the Emirates Cup earlier in the summer, as both sides battled to a 2-2 draw (which included a Giroud overhead kick). Of course that was pre-season and Arsenal didn't look ready for the new season at that point, as proved two weeks later in their opening day disaster against Aston Villa.

Higuain featured that afternoon; the striker reportedly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, before moving to the Italian side. He was booed, and I am sure he will be again when the sides meet in the Champions League. They looked good on the attack, showing the vulnerabilities in Arsenal's lacklustre defence.

Dortmund meanwhile have the likes of Subotic, Hummels, Bender, Blasczczykowski, and Lewandowski and German teams, as we are seeing, are making names for themselves in modern football. They finished second in the Bundesliga last year and were runners up against Bayern Munich in last year's Champions League final which they lost 2-1. Of course the last time we came close to the cup was the final of 2006, but let's not linger our thoughts there.

Flamini re-signs on a three-year deal

In other news, Flamini has signed for the club, making his second spell with Arsenal. He had been training in pre-season after completing his contract with AC Milan, who he signed for in 2008. The 29-year-old is a versatile midfielder who can also play at either left or right back, and I think all Arsenal fans will be pleased to have him back.

Of course supporters still want money to be spent, but time continues to be against Arsene, who has reiterated he is still looking to spend big before Monday's deadline.

2013/14 Champions League Group Draw:

Group A - Manchester United; Shakhtar Donetsk; Bayer Leverkusen; Real Sociedad.

Group B - Real Madrid; Juventus; Galatasary; Copenhagen.

Group C - Benfica; PSG; Olympiakos; Anderlecht.

Group D - Bayern Munich; CSKA Moscow; Manchester City; Viktoria Plzen.

Group E - Chelsea; Schalke; Basel; Steaua Bucharest.

Group F - Arsenal; Marseille; Borussia Dortmund; Napoli.

Group G - Porto; Atletico Madrid; Zenit St. Petersburg; Austria Vienna.

Group H - Barcelona; AC Milan; Ajax; Celtic.  

The draw is made in Monaco