ARSENAL FANS BLOG

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs ARSENAL 1-1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:32:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs ARSENAL 1-1

DATE : March 27th, 2010
VENUE : St. Andrew Stadium

BIRMINGHAM CITY GOALS :
Download Birmingham City Goal by Kevin Phillips - 90"
ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Samir Nasri - 81"

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

A deflected, injury-time equaliser from Kevin Phillips put a large dent in Arsenal's title chances at Birmingham on Saturday.

Arsène Wenger's side seemed to have ground out a crucial victory when substitute Samir Nasri fired home with nine minutes left. It was due reward for the visitors' tenacity this afternoon in one of their toughest fixtures of the remaining campaign.

However all their good work was undone in the dying seconds when, quite incredibly, Bacary Sagna's attempted clearance hit Birmingham substitute Phillips and ballooned over Manuel Almunia.

It was unfortunate for the visitors who, while not at their best, were clearly the better side on the day.

The last time Arsenal played here a 90th-minute equaliser lethally weakened their title chances. Wenger's men would have gone eight points clear in February 2008 had they held out in the final minutes.

This late equaliser, coupled with Chelsea's thumping 7-1 win over Aston Villa, means Arsenal ended the afternoon three points off the team at the top. With Manchester United entertaining Bolton a few hours later, the Emirates Stadium side were likely to be more than a win away from the leaders by Sunday.

A recent reflection on the title race should warn anyone from writing off Arsenal just yet - especially as Manchester United and Chelsea play each other next Saturday.

However their margin for error is now wafer-thin.

Wenger's team selection was always going to be interesting this afternoon. With Thomas Vermaelen suspended, the key decision was at centre back and, in the end, the manager retained the pairing that had ended last week's win over West Ham.

Alex Song was pulled back alongside Sol Campbell so Denilson became the holding midfielder. Abou Diaby completed the central trio.

Elsewhere Wenger made like-for-like swaps - Bacary Sagna for Emmanuel Eboue, Tomas Rosicky for Nasri and Theo Walcott for Andrey Arshavin. The moves were made to freshen up the side but, as a by-product, they also made Arsenal much more attacking.

The return of Eduardo had dominated the pre-match build-up but, in the end, the Croatian began on the bench this afternoon.

Birmingham came into this game with a proud home record. Chelsea and Manchester United had both been held to draws earlier in the campaign. But, with title race so tight, Arsenal simply had to exceed the exploits of their main title rivals.

And they went for it right from the start.

In the third minute, Cesc Fabregas fed Rosicky on the overlap and his low cross was diverted goalwards by Diaby at the near post. If the ball had not hit Lee Bowyer then the Arsenal just might have snatched an early lead.

The visitors continued to ask all the early questions but gradually Birmingham flexed their considerable muscle.

The home side won a succession of free-kicks and, from one in the 10th minute, Denilson's clearance found Craig Gardner, who drove over the bar.

Walcott had a shout of penalty when Liam Ridgewell pushed him over on one of his many excursions into the area. The England winger was already starting to have an influential game.

In the 18th minute, he muscled in front of Scott Dann and went clear for a split-second. However Joe Hart rushed out to block his shot on the edge of the area.

By now, Arsenal were starting to turn the screw again. They penned Birmingham back into their area for a couple of minutes before, midway through half, Sol Campbell thundered a header over the bar from a Fabregas corner.

However this organised and resilient Birmingham side would not be restrained for long.

On the half-hour Bowyer robbed Denilson in midfield and Jerome's drive was brilliantly turned around the post by Almunia. It would be the only genuine save of the first half.

The ex-Cardiff striker had already given the Arsenal defence as much trouble as they wanted. In the 37th minute, he escaped once more on the left and, despite the attentions of Campbell, forced a regulation stop from Almunia.

As half-time approached the tension rose. Arsenal had seen Clichy and Song booked in a tetchy first half.

Those two would spend the second period on a knife-edge. With points so precious, the visitors' title bid was in exactly the same position.

The tension did not dissipate in the opening stages of the second half. If anything it increased.

It took 10 minutes for either side to create a chance. Rosicky darted through the Birmingham defence and fed Diaby. He swivelled into space on the edge of the area and fired first-time. Unfortunately it was straight at Hart.

It seemed that Arsenal were starting to crank up the pressure but, in fact, the chance heralded Birmingham's clearest opportunity of the game.

Denilson fouled Gardner in the centre circle. Barry Ferguson floated free-kick to the far post where the sliding Roger Johnson clipped a lofted volley across Almunia and against the far post. The ball bounced back into the area and hit the knee of Scott Dann before billowing over the bar.

It was a huge let-off for Arsenal and perhaps it precipitated the changes that followed. Wenger swapped both of his wide men, Rosicky and Walcott, for Arshavin and Nasri.

The tide was soon entirely behind Arsenal. They were pressing for the breakthrough with persistence, pushing Birmingham onto the backfoot.

Arshavin's first touch was to shovel a ball back into the path of Nasri, who shot tamely at Hart. Before that Bendtner had failed to anticipated Johnson missing Sagna's right-wing cross.

Diaby planted the ball in the net from range but referee Howard Webb ruled it out for a foul in the build-up.
Arsenal needed more so, with 10 minutes left, Wenger called for Eduardo to come on.

The Croatian trotted over the bench to get stripped. But before he could get on, Arsenal scored. Nasri collected the ball on the right and drove towards the area before letting fly.

The ball flew into the far corner of the net and the Frenchman raced towards the Arsenal fans who were already in a state of delirium. In the wake of the goal, Wenger told Eduardo to sit down again.

Birmingham tried to respond but could not muster much. In fact Arsenal should have killed it off. First Fabregas' fierce free-kick was batted away by Hart then Nasri burst through and tried to find Arshavin when he should have gone for goal. The Russian miscued from close range.

It seemed Arsenal were about to hold on but there was a sting in the tail.

In the second minute of injury time, Birmingham clipped an angled ball into the area. Sagna's clearance hit Phillips and the scrambling Almunia could not stop the ball finding the net.

It was a horrible goal to concede and a horrible end.

The solitary point means Arsenal have fallen off the pace in the title race.

There is still time for them to recover but, from here on in, Wenger's men must be immaculate.

Arsenal lost two vital points here today but they have not lost hope.

ARSENAL vs WEST HAM UNITED 2-0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 02:03:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs WEST HAM UNITED 2-0

DATE : March 20th, 2010
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Denilson - 05" or Here or Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas (pen) - 82" or Here or Here

EXTRA :
Penalty Incident and Thomas Vermaelen Red Card

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs West Ham United Full Match First Half or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal vs West Ham United Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here

Download from Rapidshare:
Download Arsenal vs West Ham United Full Match Part 01
Download Arsenal vs West Ham United Full Match Part 02
Download Arsenal vs West Ham United Full Match Part 03
Download Arsenal vs West Ham United Full Match Part 04
Download Arsenal vs West Ham United Full Match Part 05
Download Arsenal vs West Ham United Full Match Part 06
Download Arsenal vs West Ham United Full Match Part 07
Download Arsenal vs West Ham United Full Match Part 08

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs West Ham United Highlights Match or Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Ten-man Arsenal went the top of the Premier League table with a tense 2-0 win over West Ham on Saturday evening.

There seemed little problem for almost the entire first half. Denilson fired home after just five minutes and the home side went on to produce a regal display.

However a minute before the break the game changed when Thomas Vermaelen was sent off after conceding a controversial penalty. It was Arsenal's first red card in 68 games.

Although Manuel Almunia made a wonderful save from Alessandro Diamanti's spot-kick, the home team still had a nervy second half to negotiate.

They did it manfully. Apart from Carlton Cole's post-rattling drive, West Ham were kept at a distance. Arsenal sealed the win seven minutes from time when Matthew Upson handled and Cesc Fabregas fired home from the spot.

Wenger's men will drop to third if Manchester United and Chelsea both win their games on Sunday. However even draws could be damaging enough.

Arsenal simple refuse to take the easy route to the title right now. They keep on digging themselves into holes and then finding a way out.

It is heart-stopping and heartening in equal measure.

But their character is shining through.

Wenger made two changes from the side had that beaten Hull so late the previous Saturday. Fabregas (hamstring) and Alex Song (suspension) were back.

Numerically, they replaced Abou Diaby and Bacary Sagna. But in actual fact, the new recruits both came into central midfield so Samir Nasri moved out to the right and Eboue filled in behind him.

This may have been the late game on Saturday but it was the earliest fixture affecting in the title race. Arsenal had been playing catch-up more often than not in recent weeks. Today they finally could put a little pressure on the others.

And it took them only five minutes to start the process.

Denilson received the ball just outside the area, exchanged passes with Bendtner and fired low in the corner. It was the Brazilian's sixth of the season in only his 20th game, not bad for a defensive midfielder.

As usual, he celebrated with a Samba.

The goal was the highlight of a brisk, open start. Bendtner's drive and Alessandro Diamanti's free-kick whistled wide at either end. In the ninth minute, Nasri's chip found Denilson in space 12 yards out. He went for the spectacular and, this time, failed.

Arsenal were fast, fluent and irresistible in the early stages. Eboue threaded a cross-shot beyond the far post through a crowded area and a delightful midfield move only ended when Bendtner's first-time pass just squirted clear of the onrushing Fabregas.

West Ham were on the back foot. Yes Junior Stanislas went clear on the right and his low cross was inches too quick for the sliding Mido. But that, and the early free-kick, was about it for the opening 44 minutes.

Despite the result at Hull last weekend, Arsenal's performance had been patchy. This was very different. Today, Wenger's men were in the groove. Everything seemed effortless. There was always a pass available when they attacked and always a block on hand when they had to defend.

As half-time approached the home team dropped intensity. Still, the only potential problem was the narrowness of the lead given their dominance.

Four minutes before the break they nearly remedied that. First Gael Clichy swept down the left and a near post flick from Fabregas dribbled across goal before Fabio Deprela dealt with the danger. Seconds later, Arshavin picked out the Spaniard at the far post but the West Ham defence were on him before he could get his shot away.

After that the half seemed happy to drift to the break.

But this thriller would end with a twist.

In the dying seconds, Arsenal lost a player and so nearly the lead.

A long ball forward caught them napping. Franco and Vermaelen tussled for the ball and the Italian muscled himself just in front of the Belgian. The Arsenal defender definitely made contact inside and outside the area but the decision was still debatable.

Certainly the penalty AND red card seemed harsh in the circumstances. But the laws of football left referee Martin Atkinson little option once he had blown for the foul.

Wenger felt passionately enough about the decision to seek out the referee as he went off at half time.

That, however, was not the immediate concern. Diamanti had won West Ham a point from the spot at Upton Park. This time he would be denied.

Almunia flung himself to his left to make the save. It was a massive moment in the game and, who knows, maybe the season.

However Wenger's men still had to negotiate the second half.

The good ship Arsenal had been sailing on a millpond for 45 minutes. The remaining 45 would be played out on choppier water.

Certainly it started that way. West Ham had early pressure but Wenger had brought back Alex Song to centre half and the reshuffled defence had enough about them to smuggle away any danger. The closest the visitors came in the opening 20 minutes of the half was a couple of pot-shots from Diamanti.

By then Arsenal had wrestled the initiative. Denilson had a long shot deflected wide and Fabregas went close with a free-kick.

Just before the hour, Wenger brought off Bendtner for Diaby and pushed Arshavin up front. An interesting move but if anything it helped Arsenal create the better chances.

Campbell forced Robert Green into a smothering save with a towering header from Fabregas' free-kick. Twelve minutes from time, Arshavin weaved his way into the area and again force the West Ham keeper into action.

By now Zola had brought on Benny McCarthy and Carlton Cole. He was cranking up all the pressure he could muster.

The latter bundled through the Arsenal defence and fired a low shot against the outside of the far post.

With 10 minutes left the game was in the balance. It was the type of situation in which Wenger's men had buckled in the past.

Yet again this team showed they are made of stronger stuff.

Upson handled Fabregas' just inside the area as the captain tried to clip a pass through to Eboue. This time the decision was obvious and Fabregas buried the penalty.

This was another triumph in adversity, another display of guts and spirit.

But that is standard fare for Arsenal right now and if they continue it until May 9 they might just keep their current position.

* Vermaelen is expected to receive a one-match ban and will miss the trip to Birmingham next Saturday

WENGER REACTION :

On the 2-0 victory...
"I believe we had an outstanding game. We played with class and spirit and we kept our nerve when the situation became difficult. So overall we have shown a good attitude, good maturity, and in the important moments in any department we were decisive. I think about the goalkeeper, I think about when we had to move Alex Song to centre back, everybody adapted very well to the situation and technically I believe we were outstanding today."

On West Ham's penalty and Thomas Vermaelen's red card...
"I was upset about both. I felt it was very harsh. We have seen this situation so many times in the game without it being punished at all."

On Manchester United and Chelsea's games on Sunday...
"What we can do is win our games and watch the games in a relaxed way tomorrow and see what happens. We knew a long time ago we had to win our games and we do that in a very, very pleasant way because we play our game and when we have to calm it down we do it. We have improved on the maturity side of our game, when we have to accelerate we can still find the resources and overall I believe what happened today will only add to our belief and our quality in the future games."

On Manuel Almunia...
"He has taken a lot of stick, not always justified I believe. He had a few problems at the start of the season but in the last two or three months I have found him to be outstanding and credit to him, he has silenced the critics."

On the Premier League title race...
"We are not under any special pressure because we are beyond expectation. We want to win the trophy because we are all conscious we have won nothing yet and the hunger is there, the talent is there and I think the nerves are there. So all we can do is rely on the other results of the other teams, so the only thing we can do is master our own results. When you are a footballer you always want to win championships and trophies. People don't realise how young we are. This team will win, the sooner the better. We have a good chance to do it this year. It will be exciting, tight and the response we gave today in the second half was very important in future games."

On Vermaelen's suspension and William Gallas' injury...
"I hope it won't be a problem but we cannot continue to lose centre-backs, that is for sure. You cannot have six centre-backs at a football club because that doesn't make sense. So at the moment we don't have Gallas and today we have lost Vermaelen. Sol Campbell was outstanding but to repeat the games could become a problem for him so I think I have to give him a big holiday next week to recover. He is very important to us and I think it was a very good signing.
"Everybody said I didn't sign anybody and now you can see that I signed somebody. His experience is vital in the dressing room. You need it especially when we get to the period we are in, it's important you have players like Campbell and Almunia who are very influential. They have done it before so players listen to them."

On Alex Song dropping to centre-back...
"I think he was absolutely outstanding. It looked so easy to him to play in this position. I know he can play there, but he was outstanding in midfield earlier in the game. I have no fear to continue with him at centre-back."

On if his side needed the adversity in the match...
"I agree with you. I must say we lost our urgency. I think they were a bit distracted by all the fuss about the draw yesterday. We had not the right urgency. When we were down to 10 men we became more urgent in the second half."

On Robin Van Persie...
"I think he will be back this week. We sent our fitness coach out to Holland where he has been having his rehabilitation. Physically he looks very sharp but we aim at least to wait a month."

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, pakman, waldek83_1983, MacGuyver, andybg

ARSENAL VS FC PORTO 5-0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:22:00 +0000

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL VS FC PORTO 5-0

DATE : March 09th, 2010
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

DOWNLOAD ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Niklas Bendtner - 10" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Niklas Bendtner - 25" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Samir Nasri - 63" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Manu Eboue - 66" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Niklas Bendtner (pen) - 90" or Mirror Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs FC Porto Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs FC Porto Highlights Match First Half or Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs FC Porto Full Match First Half or Mirror Here or Here
Download Arsenal vs FC Porto Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here or Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Nicklas Bendtner grabbed a timely hat-trick as Arsenal reached the Champions League Quarter-Finals by overwhelming Porto 5-0 at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Dane had been profligate against Burnley at the weekend but he hit the mark early on this evening and never looked back.

Andrey Arshavin set him up for goals on 10 and 25 minutes. That overturned Porto’s 2-1 advantage from the first leg, yet the visitors still had enough about them to ask serious questions of Arsenal at the start of the second half.

But, just past the hour, a superlative strike from Samir Nasri broke their hearts. Three minutes later, substitute Emmanuel Eboue stole a runaway fourth and Bendtner grabbed a personal third from the penalty spot in injury time.

This could have been a nervous night for Arsenal but, in the end, it was nothing of the sort.

They reached the last eight of the Champions League for the fourth time in five seasons with something to spare.

Wenger’s men are riding the crest of a winning wave right now – and this result will only help.

However bigger tests lie ahead.

The Frenchman made five changes from the side that had beaten Burnley on Saturday. Four of them seemed to be rotation - Eboue, Mikael Silvestre, Denilson and Theo Walcott for Bacary Sagna, Sol Campbell, Abou Diaby and Arshavin. The only new availability was Alex Song, who was fine for Europe despite his domestic ban. He replaced Denilson as the defensive midfielder.

To borrow a phrase from Sir Alex Ferguson, this was ‘squeaky bum time’ for Arsenal. That 2-1 defeat at Porto had left both sides with potential for progression so the tie began on a knife-edge.

Wenger’s side had been their own worst enemies in Portugal three weeks ago. Now they were back amongst friends they had to take advantage.

And that is exactly what they did in a comprehensive first half performance.

Arsenal were simply irresistible in the opening stages. They pinned Porto back in their own area and threw themselves into the act of finding the opening goal.

Nasri had an early effort blocked and, from Bacary Sagna’s swirling cross, Arshavin’s bullet header forced Helton to bat the ball beyond his own post.

Arsenal clearly fancied the job tonight and, on 10 minutes, they cashed their first pay cheque.

Almunia’s long clearance was nodded back to Nasri by Arshavin. The little Russian then turned on his heels and raced into the area to receive the Frenchman’s return pass. Just as Arshavin reached the ball so did keeper Helton and covering defender Nuno Coelho. Their collision saw the ball slither out to Bendtner, who gleefully stabbed home. It was just the tonic the Dane required.

It did his team no harm either.

After the euphoria of the goal had subsided, Helton was still receiving treatment. The Brazilian stopper had been accidentally clipped by Arshavin in his follow through.

Diaby fired over from a right wing corner as Arsenal started their search for an immediate second then, midway through the half, Arshavin’s low driven cross flew undisturbed across the face of the area.

By now, Porto were stirring. Hulk and Falcao had seen long-range shots smothered meanwhile, on another occasion, Silvestre Varela had escaped dangerously on the right of the area.

However if Arsenal had shot themselves in the foot at Estadio do Dragao three weeks ago, Porto’s aim was equally errant in the 25th minute.

There was nothing on when Diaby lost the ball on the left and Fucile seemed seeing it out for a throw. However at the last minute the midfielder changed his mind and swiveled a pass forward.

However he only found Arshavin. The Russian weaved a route past three defenders before cutting the ball back for the unmarked Bendtner to stab home.

In a tie of bizarre goals this one just about topped the lot!

Until now, Arshavin had been architect of Arsenal’s lead. But, 11 minutes before the break, he got his angles all wrong. Nasri sprinted through the Porto area to reach the byline. His cut back went through the legs of Rolando and found Arshavin who thumped his effort high over the bar.

Seven minutes from the whistle, Hulk robbed Clichy on the right thumped an angled shot into the chest of Almunia.

But although Porto knew they had to start pushing forward, their attacks were sporadic.

Just before the break Bendtner tried to curl home his hat-trick goal but Helton tipped the ball unconvincingly around the post. From the corner, the 31-year-old redeemed himself with a sharp, low stop from Diaby’s header.

In injury time, Nasri forced another decent save from Helton. The Porto keeper had been overworked in the opening half and Arsenal had just the advantage they needed.

The visitors tried to change the game after the break. They threw on striker Christian Rodriguez for defender Coelho and started to push forward.

It made a difference.

For the first time on the night, the visitors built up a head of steam. Although Song’s long shot forced a fumble from Helton, Falcao had already done the same thing to Almunia. Meanwhile Hulk was making hay down the left.

Arsenal were starting to get nervy. On the hour Rodriguez’s header was nudged into the hands of Almunia by Nasri, who was standing on the far post.

Three minutes later, the Frenchman would kill the tie.

When Diaby tapped a pass to Nasri on the right, the 22-year-old was faced with three defenders.

He decided to go through them. Bobbing and weaving he found a path between all three before planting a low drive just inside the far post.

It was perhaps the goal of the season.

Then, with Porto still reeling, Arsenal grabbed a fourth. The home side cleared a corner and Arshavin won the ball in midfield before sprinting straight at an undermanned visiting defence. The 28-year-old waited for Eboue to overtake him and then weighted his pass superbly. The Ivorian skipped past the keeper and put Arsenal into the last eight.

His work done, Arshavin was replaced by Walcott.

By now Porto were spent. The Englishman had a shot blocked and Sagna fired over. In injury time, Eboue was brought down and Bendtner stroked home from the spot.

It was the last kick of the game. Arsenal were through and the Dane was utterly redeemed.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, koora

ARSENAL vs BURNLEY 3-1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:33:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs BURNLEY 3-1

DATE : March 06th, 2010
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 34" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Theo Walcott - 61" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Andrey Arshavin - 90" or Mirror Here

BURNLEY GOALS :
Download Burnley Goal by David Nugent - 51" or Mirror Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Burnley Full Match First Half
FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Burnley Full Match Second Half
For those of you who may have issues downloading from Midupload, try using the Mozilla Firefox Plug-In Downthemall:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201

Or, try using JDownloader:
http://www.brothersoft.com/jdownload...ad-171166.html

Or Download from rapidshare:
Download Arsenal vs Burnley Full Match Part 1
Download Arsenal vs Burnley Full Match Part 2
Download Arsenal vs Burnley Full Match Part 3
Download Arsenal vs Burnley Full Match Part 4
Download Arsenal vs Burnley Full Match Part 5
Download Arsenal vs Burnley Full Match Part 6
Download Arsenal vs Burnley Full Match Part 7
Download Arsenal vs Burnley Full Match Part 8

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Burnley Highlights Match

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Theo Walcott scored the all-important goal as Arsenal beat Burnley 3-1 at Emirates Stadium on Saturday to draw level on points with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.

Cesc Fabregas fired the home side into a first-half lead but then hobbled off before the break. As a result his participation against Porto on Tuesday night may be in the balance.

However Arsenal kept their composure and should have seen off the Turf Moor team long before they equalised through David Nugent five minutes after half-time.

Walcott, who had come under fire for his England performance in midweek, gave the home side the lead 10 minutes later with a classy finish. Arsenal created a barrel-load of chances all afternoon but they only felt truly comfortable when substitute Andrey Arshavin fired home in injury time.

Like last week, this was a vital win tainted by an important injury.

However Arsenal's title bid remains on target.

It was almost a week since Aaron Ramsey had broken his leg but the issue was clearly still lodged deep in Arsenal hearts. The side came out with "Get Well Soon Aaron" on specially-made T-shirts meanwhile a banner in the crowd urged the players to "Do it for Rambo".

The absence of Ramsey and the suspension of Alex Song had created vacancies in midfield. The fit-again Denilson (calf) came in for the Cameroon international while Samir Nasri was moved into the centre to replace Ramsey. Tomas Rosicky returned on the left.

Sol Campbell (groin) was switched for Mikael Silvestre at centre half meanwhile there was rotation at right back with Bacary Sagna dropping out and Emmanuel Eboue dropping back. Walcott also came back into the side.

Before that furious fallout had drawn the all the back page headlines, Arsenal had actually won a vital football match last Saturday. The visit to Stoke was seen as one of the toughest of the remaining fixtures and Wenger's men had come through at the death.

A four-goal win would put Arsenal top at the final whistle today. But any kind of victory would do. The title race was entering its final quarter and Wenger's side had a strong a case as anyone.

They certainly started this game as if they meant business.
In the opening minutes, Fabregas prodded Bendtner clear. However the Dane was under pressure and his shot was deflected wide. From the corner resulting corner Rosicky drifted a volley just wide.

Although Clarke Carlisle's header tested Manuel Almunia in response, Arsenal's start had been as bright as the watery sunshine around Emirates Stadium this afternoon. And once again, Walcott was a livewire on the right.

In fact that flank was Arsenal's best outlet in the opening stages. After 14 minutes, Eboue's elaborate backheel allowed Fabregas to fire across the face of goal.

It seemed that the home side would take over but they didn't. In fact Burnley troubled Almunia a couple of times from distance through Daniel Fox and Martin Paterson.

The second of those efforts came after a long delay after Nasri collided with Burnley keeper Brian Jensen. The Frenchman would recover and, in the 34th minute, supply the opening goal.

Faced with the massed ranks of the Burnley defence, the former Marseilles man chipped through an expert pass for Fabregas to collect. The captain timed his run to perfection and volleyed home adroitly. The Spaniard's goal ratio is now better than one goal every two games this season.

It should have 2-0 a minute later. Fabregas slid a pass to Eboue who was overlapping on the right. He cut the ball back but the sliding Bendtner skewed the ball wide.

It would be the last contribution Fabregas made this afternoon. He pulled up shortly afterwards and was replaced by Abou Diaby. With Porto arriving on Tuesday for a knife-edge Champions League tie, Wenger will be a worried man during the next couple of days.

The loss effected Arsenal until the break but they were renewed after it. Again Walcott was the architect.
First he sent over a deep cross that an unmarked Bendtner nodded wide from eight yards out. Then the England man raced into space and fired inches over the bar.

Arsenal's second seemed to be minutes away so Burnley's equaliser was nothing short of a shock. The home side cleared a corner and Leon Cort's long, bouncing header somehow found Nugent in the area. The ex-England striker flicked a shot over Almunia and into the net. Except for a pocket of Burnley fans in one corner, Emirates was aghast.

Walcott was still Arsenal's best option and he did his best to remedy the situation. First he set up Bendtner then he tried himself only for Jensen to turn the ball wide.

On the hour, he finally found the net.

Bendtner nudged a pass to Walcott on the right. The 20-year-old cut inside Fox and fired a low, left-foot shot into the far corner. It might have been only his second goal of the season but the strike smacked of class.

Arsenal immediately went in search of another. They clearly did not want to be caught out once again.

Andrey Arshavin, who had replaced Rosicky, fired wide. Meanwhile Bendtner seemed to have embarked on his own individual crusade for a goal. The Dane was having a hit-and-miss afternoon but his tenacity was admirable.

He should have scored at the far post from Walcott's low cross but could only fire wide. Then he chased down is own mistake and eventually thumped a rising shot in the arms of Jensen.

When he was replaced by Eduardo with 15 minutes left, Bendtner got a rousing reception.

The Croatian should have killed the game with 12 minutes left but, from another Walcott cross, he nudged the ball beyond the far post.

The narrowness of the lead fired Burnley's optimism in the latter stages. They kept going and stretched the Arsenal defence at times, however Almunia was only troubled once.

In the dying minutes, Fox fired over the corner and the keeper's punch fell to Steven Thompson who fired over the bar. A massive opportunity.

Arsenal were still creating, and missing their own. Seconds later Arshavin sidefooted wide. In injury time, the Russian finally ended the argument with a low drive.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, pakman, waldek83_1983, MacGuyver

STOKE CITY vs ARSENAL 1-3

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:40:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

STOKE CITY vs ARSENAL 1-3

DATE : February 27th, 2010
VENUE : Britannia Stadium

ARSENAL GOAL :
Download Arsenal Goal by Niklas Bendtner - 32" or Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas (pen) - 90" or Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Thomas Vermaelen - 90" or Here

STOKE CITY GOAL :
Download Stoke City Goal by Pugh - 8" or Here

EXTRA :
Aaron Ramsey Bad Injury Video or Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Stoke City vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Mirror Here or Here
Download Stoke City vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Stoke City vs Arsenal Highlights or Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal moved within three points of leaders Chelsea with a sensational 3-1 comeback at Stoke on Saturday.

However in the process Aaron Ramsey picked up a nasty-looking injury.

The visitors began the afternoon in familiar fashion. Rory Delap fired across a ninth-minute throw-in and Danny Pugh steered home a header at the far post.

It was the third successive time they had conceded via the Irishman's unique talents in the early stages at the Britannia Stadium.

This time, however, Arsenal's response was magnificent. They fought their way back into the game and then imposed their football.

Nicklas Bendtner guided home a header to equalise just after the half-hour. The visitors continued to dominate for the remainder of the half and the start of the second.

They seemed set to take over when in the 65th minute Ryan Shawcross flew into a tackle with Ramsey. The Welshman was stretchered off, the Englishman sent off.

Wenger later described the injury as a "bad fracture'. The whole situation was worryingly reminiscent of Eduardo's injury at Birmingham two seasons ago.

The incident threatened to stifle Arsenal's revival. They came into the game with a chance of making up significant ground following Manchester City's win at Stamford Bridge earlier in the day.

In the final minute, Pugh handled Alex Song's through-ball and Fabregas kept a cool head to slot home the penalty. In injury time, Thomas Vermaelen stumbled home a third from a few feet out.

It was the cue for intense, emotional celebrations from visiting fans.

Arsenal won three key points this afternoon but, at the same time, they have lost an important talent in their increasingly realistic title bid.

By kick-off, Chelsea's defeat at home to Manchester City had been fully digested. The Stamford Bridge encounter was a lunchtime affair while this one began in the early evening. The sound of opportunity knocking must have reached the Arsenal dressing room in the intervening time.

However, in a footballing sense, the Britannia Stadium is arguably the most inhospitable environment you could find in the Premier League.

Arsenal had been well-beaten twice on this ground in the past 14 months. Another defeat, especially in such opportunistic circumstances, would severely dent their title hopes. But of course, victory would do exactly the opposite.

With William Gallas (calf) still out, Wenger swapped Mikael Silvestre for Sol Campbell at centre half. Bacary Sagna returned at right back so Emmanuel Eboue moved forward. Theo Walcott dropped to the bench.

Each of Arsenal's recent defeats had been set up by early goals from Delap throw-ins. The issue had been much-discussed in the build-up to this game but, despite that, Arsenal were caught out in replica fashion after only nine minutes.

This time, the Irishman's Exocet was nodded on by Shawcross at the near post and Pugh arrived unmarked at the far post to steer home a stooping header.

It was an all too familiar tale.

Chances were scarce in the following 15 minutes, every Delap throw-in was greeted with cheers by the home crowd and trepidation by the Arsenal defence. However from then on they always muddled the ball out and kept Stoke to one blocked effort from Ricardo Fuller
.
Arsenal seemed intimidated and needed time to gather themselves.

In the 25th minute, Fabregas tried his luck from range and a hesitant Thomas Sorensen batted the ball around his right-hand post. A couple of corners later the Spaniard nearly floated an effort towards the top corner with the keeper worried.

It seemed that Arsenal had finally found their feet and, more importantly, their passing game. But that had only come about by matching Stoke's strength.

Gael Clichy and Vermaelen had physically rolled up their sleeves on a bitterly cold Staffordshire night. The rest of the team had done the same thing mentally.

The visitors began to pepper the Stoke penalty area. The home side coped with most of them but the persistent pressure gradually drew them into their shell.

An exquisite Arsenal goal only helped that process.

Fabregas floated in a cross from the right flank for Bendtner, who kept both his balance and his wits about him to guide a gorgeous header back past Sorensen.

The visitors were vibrant. Eboue, Ramsey and Fabregas continued to play purposeful patterns just outside the home penalty. Only a stray Stoke leg or, in fairness, well-timed tackle prevented Arsenal taking their lead.

Fabregas fired a free-kick into the wall five minutes before half time. It was a poor return for all their dominance after the equaliser but it was more than Stoke had mounted.

When the half-time whistle blew, Arsenal were in the ascendancy.

The trend continued after the break with Ramsey having a half-shout for a penalty in the opening minutes when he tumbled under challenge from Abdoulaye Faye.

As the hour approached, Arsenal were still pinning Stoke back into their own area.

In the 58th minute, Eboue fired in a rocked-fuelled effort from 25 yards and, yet again, Sorensen was somewhat unconvincing as he tipped the ball over the bar.

A couple of minutes later Song was booked. It was his 10th domestic caution of the season and means he will miss two games.

But much, much, much worse was to come.

In the 65th minute, Ramsey and Shawcross flew into a challenge. The Welshman was left crumpled in a heap and received immediate medical attention. The Stoke defender was shown a straight red card. The Arsenal players were distraught, particularly Vermaelen. It was a horrid echo of Eduardo's broken leg at Birmingham two seasons ago.

Rosicky replaced Ramsey and the game got underway again. However the atmosphere was flat.
Wenger brought on Walcott and Eduardo. The latter should have scored with three minutes left. Song scooped a pass forward and the Croatian lashed a shot wide from eight yards out. Given Ramsey's injury, the goal would have been ironic and important in equal measure.

However Arsenal were now beating on Stoke's back door. They got their chance to break through with 50 seconds of normal time remaining. Bendtner tried to clip the ball through but it hit Pugh's outstretched hand.

Fabregas had missed against Stoke in the match against Emirates Stadium. This time he fired low to Sorensen's left. The keeper guessed rightly but the ball found the corner. It was the Spaniard's 16th goal of the campaign.

The captain raced to the away fans and roared his celebration. They responded in kind.

A couple of minutes later, there was a repeat performance when Sorensen spilled a shot and Fabregas turned the ball back for Vermaelen to, almost unknowingly, stab the ball home from close range.

This was a magnificent, potentially, season-changing win. But it had come at a heavy price.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, reMad

ARSENAL vs SUNDERLAND 2-0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:04:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs SUNDERLAND 2-0

DATE : Pebruary 20th, 2010
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Niklas Bendtner - 27" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas (pen) - 90" or Mirror Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 1
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 2
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 3
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 4
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 5
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 6
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 7
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 8

Other Source :
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 1
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 2
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 3
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Part. 4

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Sunderland Highlights Match

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Before kick-off against Sunderland, Arsenal needed a win and Nicklas Bendtner needed a goal.

Both got what they wanted this afternoon.

The Dane slotted home the all-important opener in the 27th minute following fine work from Emmanuel Eboue. It was only his second Premier League goal of an injury-hit campaign and provided the platform for his team to get over that midweek disappointment in Portugal.

This was a simple, straightforward victory. Sunderland had a couple of clear-cut chances but they should have been buried by an Arsenal side in full flow. However the tension remained until Cesc Fabregas scored a penalty in injury time.

Still no matter. With Manchester United losing at Everton, Wenger's team are now two points adrift of the second-placed side. They are still six shy of leaders Chelsea, who won comfortably at Wolves.

But Arsenal will not be shaken off in the title race just yet.

Wenger performed major surgery on the side beaten 2-1 at Porto on Wednesday. The dangers of Champions League lethargy had been clearly demonstrated at Goodison Park half-hour earlier, and the Frenchman clearly wanted to freshen his team.

OK the return of Manuel Almunia (finger) and Alex Song (knee) from injuries meant Lukas Fabianski and Denilson dropped to the bench. In addition Abou Diaby, who had collected a knee problem in Porto, was replaced by Aaron Ramsey. But Tomas Rosicky, Bacary Sagna and Sol Campbell were rested in favour of Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Eboue and Mikael Silvestre.

If Wenger's squad was as thin as many suggested then we would find out this afternoon.

In truth, the first half was barely a test. Arsenal ended it leading by just one goal but their domination was almost total. They started at a bracing pace and, barring one major chance, never looked like loosening their grip.

The one-way traffic began in the fourth minute when Fabregas carved a pass into the path of Walcott. He was in a foot race with George McCartney. No contest. The Arsenal winger sprinted himself a yard clear and fired inches past the far post.

Shortly afterwards Samir Nasri raced down the left and his cross so nearly found the climbing Bendtner. Then, from a short corner, the Frenchman's angled drive hit McCartney and bounced narrowly wide.

Arsenal's pace, both individually and collectively, was troubling Sunderland. In the 15th minute Walcott chased down and then muscled off McCartney but with little help available could only fire straight at Craig Gordon. Bendtner flashed the rebound inches wide of the far post.

The Dane was now fully recovered from his groin injury and starting to provide the muscular presence the team required. However, on a personal front, Bendtner needed the confidence of a goal.

That should have come in the 17th minute when a flowing move down the right ended with Fabregas tapping a simple pass to the unmarked striker. He took a touch and let fly. However McCartney slid in to deflect the ball high on the bar.

Silvestre booted the ball clear after Fraser Campbell's half-blocked shot ran loose in the area. However Arsenal were utterly in control of this game and attacking at will.

Sunderland's defence lacked nothing in terms of commitment but their organisation this afternoon was awful. It was little wonder they had spiralled down the table in recent months.

You thought they could not last for long... and they didn't.

In the 27th minute, Eboue, who had enjoyed a sparkling start at right back, darted between McCartney and Darren Bent then divided the same pair with a low cross to the far post. The unmarked Bendtner tapped home with simplicity and then, quite rightly, he ran straight to Eboue to celebrate.

Arsenal looked to capitalise on Sunderland's troubles and continued to pour forward. It nearly cost them a goal in the 39th minute when Kieran Richardson's pass split the Arsenal defence and Jones went one-on-one with Almunia. The Trinidad international waited until he could see the whites of the keeper's eyes but failed to hold his nerve. He dragged his effort horribly wide.

Just before the whistle, Walcott, who was enjoying a fine first half, nearly found Bendtner but the sprawling Gordon intervened.

The only nagging concern from the first half was the slender lead Arsenal's comprehensive display had produced. After the restart, Wenger's side tried to remedy that with some urgency.

Fabregas drifted a free-kick through the area, past the diving Vermaelen and, unfortunately for Arsenal, just beyond the far post. Walcott then saw a low shot turned around the same upright by Gordon.

Just past the hour, Walcott was brought down just outside the area and Vermaelen's free-kick was punched clear by Gordon.

Arsenal's were still threatening a second but there remained a certain vulnerability to long balls over the top. In the 63rd minute Gordon's clearance was nodded on by Jones for Bent. Silvestre tailed the Englishman and Almunia stood up well to block his shot from point-blank range. Sunderland claimed Bent had been hauled back.

Still, it was a crucial save and, if it were needed, hammered home once again the needed for a second.

Shortly afterwards, the inventive Eboue reached the byline and cut the ball back for Ramsey. The Welshman's powerful drive was deflected for a corner. In the minutes that followed, Nasri saw a shot saved and another effort fly wide.

With 15 minutes to go Sunderland might have got on level terms. Jones won the ball just outside the area and his cross was miskicked by Bent eight yards out. The Englishman was flagged offside but he had not known that at the time.

In the dying seconds, Vermaelen was somehow adjudged to have fouled Jones and, from a dangerous position, substitute Bolo Zenden fired his free-kick against the wall.

Injury time was looking like being fast and intense before Campbell fouled Fabregas on the right of the area. The captain slotted home his 15th goal of the campaign from the spot.

At last, Arsenal could breathe easily.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, pakman, waldek83_1983, MacGuyver

FC PORTO VS ARSENAL 2-1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:32:00 +0000

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH

FC PORTO VS ARSENAL 2-1

DATE : February 17th, 2010
VENUE : Estadio do Dragao

DOWNLOAD ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Sol Campbell - 18" or Here or Here

DOWNLOAD FC PORTO GOALS :
Download FC Porto Goal by Lukasz Fabianski (og) - 11" or Here or Here
Download FC Porto Goal by Falcao - 51" or Here or Here

Extra : Fabregas Interview After Porto Match

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download FC Porto vs Arsenal Highlights Match

Other Source :
Download FC Porto vs Arsenal Highlights Match First Half
Download FC Porto vs Arsenal Highlights Match Second Half

FULL MATCH :
Download FC Porto vs Arsenal Full Match First Half
Download FC Porto vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half

For those of you who may have issues downloading from Midupload, try using the Mozilla Firefox Plug-In Downthemall:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201

Or, try using JDownloader:
http://www.brothersoft.com/jdownload...ad-171166.html

Full Match Download Other Sources :
FC Porto vs Arsenal Full Match Part 1
FC Porto vs Arsenal Full Match Part 2
FC Porto vs Arsenal Full Match Part 3
FC Porto vs Arsenal Full Match Part 4
FC Porto vs Arsenal Full Match Part 5
FC Porto vs Arsenal Full Match Part 6
FC Porto vs Arsenal Full Match Part 7
FC Porto vs Arsenal Full Match Part 8

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal went down 2-1 at Porto in controversial fashion on Wednesday night.

They trailed after just 11 minutes of this Champions League Knockout Round first leg when keeper Lukasz Fabianski fumbled Silvestre Valera's cross over his own line.

However they got back on level terms almost immediately when Sol Campbell, playing his first Champions League game since the 2006 Final, nodded in from close range.

It had been an open, nerve-jangling first half but the visitors seemed set to take over after the break. They would probably have led if Tomas Rosicky's strong claims for a penalty had been heard.

In the end the result swung on the events of the 51st minute. That is when Fabianski was ruled to have picked up Campbell's back pass and Falcao scored from a quickly-taken free-kick. Arsenal, and particularly Arsène Wenger, complained loudly that the referee should not have allowed play to restart that swiftly.

Right or wrong, that decision will be the lasting memory of this game.

Of course, Wenger's side can all but erase it if they secure safe passage to the last eight with a stereotypical "1-0 to the Arsenal".

That is all they have to do.

Their fate will be in their own hands on March 9 even if it did not always seem that way this evening.

Wenger's team selection had been hemmed in by a run of injuries in the build up to this game. From the team that had won 1-0 against Liverpool a week earlier, Manuel Almunia (finger), William Gallas (calf), Andrey Arshavin (hamstring) and Alex Song (knee) all dropped out.

Meanwhile a lingering hamstring problem meant Eduardo did not make his anticipated return.

The upshot of all this was that Campbell made only his second start since return to the Club. Fabianski and Denilson return to their familiar roles while Samir Nasri and Tomas Rosicky flanked the spearhead striker, Nicklas Bendtner.

Arsenal arrived with troubled memories of Estadio do Dragao. In 2006 they had limped through their group with a goalless draw on Matchday Six. Last season, they had been beaten 2-0 in a meaningless rubber.

Since then Porto had continued their policy of summer sales. Their team this evening had important differences but then, given their injuries, Arsenal were much-changed too.
In the circumstances, everyone expected a cautious, cagey affair.

Everyone was wrong.

In the opening exchanges, Arsenal might have conceded twice. They recovered slightly then did go behind in the 11th minute.

It started in the third minute. Falcao motored past Campbell on the left but the Englishman recovered to slide the ball from under the Columbian's feet as he was about to shoot.

It fell to Ruben Michel just outside the area. He got away a fierce shot but by that time Thomas Vermaelen had recovered his position. The Belgian made a crucial block.

Worse was to come. Seconds later Valera stormed down the right and his deflected cross fell to Hulk, who dragged a shot inches past the far post.

Arsenal were away from home, understrength and under pressure. They needed a release.

Nasri did his best to provide it. In the fifth minute he cut through the Porto defence and fed Fabregas eight yards out only for Bruno Alves to prod the ball behind at the vital moment. Seconds later the Frenchman toe-poked an effort forward but Helton held on.

It seemed that Arsenal had come through unscathed after an early assault.

However they then conceded a self-inflicted goal.

Once again Valera attacked down the Porto right. The 23-year-old skipped past his marker and, once again, had time to pick out his target.

Fabianski moved out to anticipate a ball into the heart of the area. But, intended or not, Valera's cross was fired directly across the goal just two yards out. It meant Fabianski had to dive back from where he had just come and attempt to shovel the ball away. Unfortunately the Polish international could only fumble the ball over the line. A horrible-looking goal to concede.

In fairness, Arsenal's recovered almost immediately.

Bendtner whistled a deflected shot inches wide of the angle in the 16th minute. Fabregas raced over to take the corner. The captain was clearly in an urgent mood this evening.

His kick was flicked on by Vermaelen to Rosicky at the far post. The Czech midfielder nodded the ball back into the danger area and Campbell headed home from three yards out.

It was an enormous goal. Away goals in Europe always are but this one settled Arsenal after the shakiest of starts.

Rosicky's rasping cross-shot forced Helton into a full-length save a couple of minutes later. Clearly the visitors now fancied the job.

Fabianski redeemed himself somewhat by pawing away a shot from Micael and then clutching a high, hanging free-kick in the midst of a crowded area.

The liberty of opening half-hour had now been shackled. It was still a decent, attacking game but the opening stages had been reminiscent of the last 10 minutes of an FA Cup replay not the start of a crucial two-legged Champions League tie.

In the 35th minute, Fabregas floated over a free-kick and Bendtner's back header forced the backtracking Helton to tip the ball over the bar. It had been a hell of a half but Arsenal finished it in the ascendancy.

The second period started the same way, Bendtner hacked over the bar and then Rosicky had strong claims for a penalty after Varela chopped him down on the right of the area.

But once again Arsenal undid their own good work. In the 51st minute, Fabianski was adjudged to have picked up a backpass from Campbell and Porto were awarded a free-kick just inside the area. The referee demanded the keeper return the ball immediately and, with Arsenal undermanned and ill-prepared, the kick was squared to Falcao who gleefully tapped home.

It was a highly controversial goal. The key was whether the referee had indicated the kick could be taken quickly. Wenger certainly felt that had not happened and the manager was ticked off by the official before play restarted.

Arsenal were on their uppers again. Hulk and then Raul Meireles forced fine low saves from Fabianski.

But they had steadied themselves somewhat by the time Theo Walcott replaced Rosicky in the 68th minute.

Arsenal were now finding space on the flanks and asking questions of the Porto defence. But buoyed by a belligerent crowd, the home side stood firm.

Eboue replaced Nasri for the final stages and in the last minute his cross so nearly found the unmarked Fabregas five yards.

That was that type of night for Arsenal. The little things did not quite go for them.

And, of course, one very, very big moment had gone utterly against them.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, koora

ARSENAL vs LIVERPOOL 1-0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:43:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs LIVERPOOL 1-0

DATE : Pebruary 10th, 2010
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Abou Diaby - 72" or Mirror Here

Others Video Clip :
Arsenal Chance - 26"
Lucas Leiva Shoot - 48"
Tomas Rosicky Shoot - 65"
Babel Chance - 86"

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Full Match First Half or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here

Other Links :
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Full Match Part 1
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Full Match Part 2
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Full Match Part 3
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Full Match Part 4
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Full Match Part 5
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Full Match Part 6
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Full Match Part 7
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Full Match Part 8

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Highlights Match First Half
Download Arsenal vs Liverpool Highlights Match Second Half

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Despite rumours to the contrary, there is life in Arsenal’s Premier League season.

Defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea in eight days left Arsène Wenger’s side playing catch-up before a crucial game with in-form Liverpool this evening.

While never at their best, a resilient Arsenal rolled up their sleeves and responded with a rejuvenating win.

The only goal came 18 minutes from time when Tomas Rosicky’s inviting cross was RSVP’d by Abou Diaby’s header at the far post.

By way of celebration, half the Arsenal side piled on top of the Frenchman.

It was relief to the power of 10.

This was Wenger’s 300th Premier League win and the 450th of his Arsenal career. But the only stat to manager cares less about is the distance between his team and top spot.

Chelsea’s defeat at Everton and Manchester United’s draw at Aston Villa mean that gap is down to six points. Meanwhile Arsenal have now opened an eight-point divide between themselves and Liverpool in fourth.

This result can not make up for the disappointments of the past two Sundays but it does suggest Wenger’s optimism has credence.

It seems we have a three-horse title race once again.

Wenger made a couple of changes from the side beaten at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Bendtner started his first game since limping off against Tottenham on October 31. The Dane was the focal point of the attack so Andrey Arshavin dropped to the left flank. Meanwhile Emmanuel Eboue was back in the starting XI for the first time since December 19. The Ivorian had come off the bench in the defeats against Manchester United and Chelsea. Before that, he had been in Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations. As a result of those inclusions, Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna dropped to the bench.

In the early stages, the atmosphere off the pitch was indicative of results on it. The travelling fans were in full voice, the home supporters were relatively muted. Arsenal’s season had been shaken by those two successive defeats while Liverpool were unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games.

Neither side could afford defeat and that anxiety affected the opening quarter.

The opening minutes were lively enough however with the two sides exchanging half-chances from right wing free-kicks. First Steven Gerrard’s ball ricocheted off Bacary Sagna and Manuel Almunia had to make a flying interception then, at the other end, William Gallas nodded over from a fine delivery from Cesc Fabregas.

After that the game fell into a malaise. Arsenal had enough of the ball but perhaps there was a nagging fear of conceding on the break as they had against Chelsea and Manchester United. Certainly they were more reticent to go forward.

The chance that broke down the mental barrier came in the 20th minute. The stumbling Arshavin sent Bendtner clear on the right of the area. The Dane had a glimpse of goal but slashed his shot over the bar. Soon afterwards Nasri saw a goal-bound effort charged down for Pepe Reina flapped at a cross and Arshavin blazed over.

At the other end, Maxi Rodriguez latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the area and cracked his effort high.

The flurry of chances did not last. It did not help that Wenger was forced to make a change just after the half-hour. Nasri had gone to ground for no reason early on and immediately Rosicky was sent out to warm up. Eventually the French midfielder acceded to his injury.

To be honest, that was about it for the opening half. Arsenal were far from fluent and, on a freezing North London night, the first 45 minutes never got above lukewarm.

However the opening seconds of the second period would promise much more. In fact the first 15 minutes were pretty much end-to-end.

Arshavin reached the byline early on but blasted his shot high into the sidenetting. Lucas Leiva nearly found an immediate response however his fierce shot flew inches over the bar.

The chances were starting to come now yet nerves still seemed to be affecting both sides this evening. David N’gog raced clear on to Gerrard’s chip through. The Frenchman had a yard on Clichy and Gallas but the latter produced a wonderfully-timed challenge to slid the ball away at the crucial moment. Such interventions are fast becoming a trademark this season for Gallas.

Seconds later, Rosicky went clear on the left for an instant but his touch was too heavy and, just before the hour, the galloping Bendtner tried to steer home a shot only for Reina to block with his legs.

All of a sudden it seemed a game of football seemed to have broken out.

Bendtner went down under Daniel Agger’s challenge but referee Howard Webb booked the Dane for simulation. A couple of minutes later the striker laid the ball back for Rosicky to crack a drive inches over the bar.

This game was now an entirely different animal. The tension of the first half remained but invention had been added. Neither side were functioning at their best but Arsenal had the edge.

Walcott substituted Arshavin with 23 minutes left. Wenger had now replaced two of his front men and the only one remaining who was struggling for fitness.

It seemed that Bendtner would have to soldier on this evening.

And he did.

In the 72nd minute, the 22-year-old found himself surrounded and under pressure in the area but retained the presence of mind to feed a clever ball to Rosicky on the right. The Czech midfielder had time to pick his target. His chose Diaby at the far post. The Frenchman eluded his marker to power home a header. It was his seventh goal of the season and undoubtedly the most important.

In the wake of the goal, Liverpool finally threw off their shackles. They piled forward but there were only two heart-in-mouth moments before injury time – when Gerrard went down in the box and when substitute Ryan Babel slipped his marker before firing goalwards from 25 yards.

It was a dipping, swerving, curling effort but Almunia touched it on to the bar. A pivotal save.

The second half had been dramatic enough but there was one more twist.

In the dying embers of injury time Gerrard somehow won at free-kick five yards outside the area. Fabregas was booked for protesting the decision and then the Englishman’s effort hit the Spaniard’s outstretched hand as he jumped in the wall.

Liverpool complained when the whistle blew seconds later but no one could dispute the character of this victory tonight.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, pakman, waldek83_1983, MacGuyver

CHELSEA vs ARSENAL 2-0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:36:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

CHELSEA vs ARSENAL 2-0

DATE : February 07th, 2010
VENUE : Stamford Bridge

CHELSEA GOAL :
Download Chelsea Goal by Didier Drogba - 8"
Download Chelsea Goal by Didier Drogba - 23"

FULL MATCH :
Download Chelsea vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Mirror Here or Here
Download Chelsea vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Chelsea vs Arsenal Highlights or Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal have it all to do in the title race.

Sunday's 2-0 defeat in West London leaves Arsène Wenger's side nine points adrift of the Stamford Bridge outfit with just 13 games left to play.

The Chelsea goals this afternoon came, as ever, from Didier Drogba. The Ivorian touched home John Terry's header as early as the eighth minute. Arsenal had significant pressure after that but, as against Manchester United seven days earlier, they conceded a crucial second on the break.

In the 23rd minute, Frank Lampard's ball found the galloping Drogba, who cut inside and thrashed a shot past Manuel Almunia. It was his 12th goal in his last 10 games against Arsenal.

At the time, it was hard on the visitors territorially but, this afternoon, a ruthless Chelsea punished Arsenal whenever they had the opportunity and, in Drogba, they have one of the best strikers in Europe.

Only the bar denied him a hat-trick when he fired in a free-kick 10 minutes from time.

Despite this result, no-one should discount Arsenal's aspirations just yet. That happened last time they lost to Chelsea at the end of November. But the assumption was entirely wrong.

This has been a rollercoaster of title race. Expect more ups and down before May.

Wenger's side showed two important changes from the one well beaten by Manchester United a week ago.

Fit-again Abou Diaby replaced Denilson in central midfield while Theo Walcott began on the right of the attacking trio instead of Tomas Rosicky. It was only the fourth Premier League start of the season for the England international.

Apart from Michael Essien and Jose Bosingwa, Chelsea had all their major names available.

This was a huge afternoon for Arsenal. Despite the hype, their awesome foursome of fixtures did not have to define their season - but unfortunately it seemed that it might.

The goalless draw at Villa 10 days ago had been worthy enough but the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United last Sunday had been comprehensive. It poured pressure on today, the hardest fixture of the quartet. With ever-improving Liverpool due at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal certainly needed a massive improvement from their display seven days earlier.

In fairness, they started well enough. As early as the fourth minute Bacary Sagna clipped a cross to Fabregas in the D. He fed Nasri and the Frenchman fired wide from the left of the area.

Until their opening goal, Chelsea had only caused Arsenal minor scares. But the strike would prove to be a telling moment.

Gael Clichy bumped Anelka on the right and Drogba fired in the free kick. Walcott nodded it behind for a corner that Florent Malouda floated to Terry. The Chelsea captain rose highest and powered a header toward the far post where Drogba touched home.

Despite the goal, the visitors went on to enjoy the lion's share of possession and territory. They won a succession of corners and, in the 16th minute, should have equalised. Fabregas found space on the right and floated an angled pass to Arshavin. The Russian met the ball with a powerful, sidefoot volley from eight yards. It was too close to Cech, who kicked the ball away.

Arsenal were playing well. Their tails were up and they fancied the job.

Then they got caught on the break.

Lampard carried the ball clear from another Arsenal attack. Drogba latched on to his pass and roared up the right. He cut inside Clichy and Vermaelen before thumping home from eight yards out. It was a great finish but, on the balance of play, it was a stolen goal.

In response, Fabregas fired wide after another promising move but by now Chelsea's cushion was making them more expansive. Ashley Cole burst through into the area only to be bundled off the ball by the backtracking Walcott.

Until the break, Arsenal soldiered on but, as ever, Chelsea's defending was excellent. Throughout the first half, the visitors had got in promising positions but only once had they truly tested Cech.

Wenger's men had been losing at the interval in this fixture last season but came back to win. They attempted a repeat job straight away when Diaby cracked an effort wide and just before the hour Nasri burst through only to be denied by Ashley Cole on the edge of the area. However, in between, those efforts Drogba set up Malouda to drive narrowly wide.

Once again, Arsenal were cranking up the pressure and penning back Chelsea. Wenger added to that anxiety by withdrawing Walcott and bringing on Nicklas Bendtner. As a result, Arshavin dropped to the left and Nasri went right.

Almost immediately after coming on, the Dane was clipped by Ricardo Carvalho just outside the area. Fabregas fired in a low free-kick that went through the wall but was beaten away by Cech. An excellent save given the keeper would have seen the ball only after it had emerged through a thicket of legs in a crowded area.

Then Wenger threw on Rosicky and Eboue for Diaby and Sagna. But by now Chelsea seemed comfortable with their cushion once more.

Ten minutes from time, Drogba cracked a free-kick against the bar from 25 yards and then Anelka hacked a shot high.

It was an indication that Arsenal's challenge had wained. At the whistle, the visitors could only lament what might have been had they taken their chances... and Chelsea had been less lethal.

Wenger's side are not out of the title race but their ascent must now be super steep.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, reMad

ARSENAL vs MANCHESTER UNITED 1-3

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:54:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs MANCHESTER UNITED 1-3

DATE : Januari 31th, 2010
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Vermaelen - 80"

MANCHESTER UNITED GOALS :
Download Manchester United Goal by Manuel Almunia (og) - 33"
Download Manchester United Goal by Wayne Rooney - 37"
Download Manchester United Goal by Park Ji Sung - 53"

Download ALL GOALS Arsenal vs Manchester United in One File Here or Mirror Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Full Match or Mirror Here

Other Links :
Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Full Match Part 1
Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Full Match Part 2
Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Full Match Part 3
Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Full Match Part 4
Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Full Match Part 5
Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Full Match Part 6
Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Full Match Part 7
Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Full Match Part 8

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Highlights or Mirror Here

Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Highlights Match First Half or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal vs Manchester United Highlights Match Second Half or Mirror Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal suffered a major blow to their title hopes by losing 3-1 to Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Arsène Wenger's side were undone in the first half when Manuel Almunia touched home a cross from Nani then Wayne Rooney grabbed another on the break eight minutes from half-time.

Any chance of a revival seemed to be extinguished when Ji-Sung Park sprinted clear and slotted home in the 52nd minute.

Thomas Vermaelen's strike hinted at some sort of comeback with 10 minutes remaining however Arsenal could muster no more.

This defeat leaves Wenger's men five points adrift of leaders Chelsea and four behind their conquerors this afternoon. With over a third of the season to go that gap is still very catchable however Arsenal have only taken one point from the opening two fixtures in their ‘awesome foursome' and that is a concern.

Still Manchester United did not win the title last year because they bested the Big Four. Maybe Arsenal can do the same thing.

A win at Chelsea next Sunday will do much to repair the damage to Wenger's side this afternoon. Right now it may seem fanciful but it is no more than they got last season.

Defeat, however, may leave an unbridgeable divide between Arsenal and the top two.

The pre-match team-sheet was a matter of major concern for the home supporters. At Villa on Wednesday, Thomas Vermaelen had hobbled off in the first half. In his post-match press conference that night, Wenger had said, best case, it could be nothing to worry about but, worst case, it was a broken leg. It turned out to be the former but his involvement in this game was still a massive doubt. In the end he played and his potential deputy, Sol Campbell, did not make the bench.

There was also a question mark over Alex Song. The midfielder was not injured. The issue was fatigue after the rigours of the Africa Cup of Nations. He too started while Emmanuel Eboue, who had been on duty with the Ivory Coast at the same tournament, was named as a substitute. Aaron Ramsey dropped to the bench to accommodate Song. Samir Nasri, the two-goal hero in this fixture last season, replaced the injured Eduardo.

Of course, Arsenal v Manchester United is not capable of being a mundane affair. Games between the two sides had maybe lost some meaning in title terms over recent years however the importance of this one was undisputable. Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea had all led the Premier League in the past 10 days. This was a proper three-horse race and Wenger's men would be facing the other two in the next eight days.

The pre-match tension around Emirates Stadium suggested that everyone knew it was time to deliver.

Arsenal were the first to show. In the third minute, Wes Brown nodded the ball into the path of the scampering Arshavin on the left. He teased the Manchester United defence before curling a shot beyond the far post.

However the visitors already seemed to have an ominous quality about them today and they would create a couple of dangerous opportunities down the right in the minutes that followed.

In the eighth minute, Darren Fletcher raced forward on the overlap. His low cross went through Vermaelen and was inadvertently cleared by Wayne Rooney with William Gallas in close attendance.

A minute later they would create another chance in an identical position. After escaping Clichy, Nani found himself in acres of space on the right. He had time to look up before cutting the ball back. Once again it was played at pace across the face of goal. Only the intervention of Song stopped Michael Carrick slotting home at the far post.

Arsenal had yet to settle. But just before the quarter-hour, Arshavin was on the end of another lightning attack down the left. Again he cut inside Brown and went for curler towards the far post. It was inches wide.

The Russian was back in the central attacking role and appeared to be relishing it. He was certainly heavily involved. Midway through the half, Fabregas strode through the midfield, shrugged off Paul Scholes and fed Arshavin. Once again he fooled his marker only this time he miscued his effort horribly.

You thought Arsenal were gradually working their way into the game. But, in fact, the visitors would impose themselves once more.

Only a wonderful interception from Gallas prevented Paul Scholes going clear inside the area then Ji-Sung Park's cross was deflected into the path of Nani on the right of the area but the Portuguese midfielder drove wide.

The 23-year-old was having an eye-catching game and it was no surprise that he was behind the opening goal. He flicked the ball between Clichy and Nasri on the right-hand touchline then danced past Denilson to reach the byline once more. You can only assume that Nani was trying to reach a couple of players at the far post when he clipped the ball high over Almunia. The keeper tried to tip it over but only succeeded in diverting the ball into his own net.

The goal had been coming but Arsenal were still stung. Fabregas saw his drive diverted by a stray leg in a crowded area then Arshavin set up Gallas but his path was blocked. Manchester United pounced on the ball and spread it quickly to Nani on the right. He found Rooney scampering through the midfield and the England striker swept home his 20th Premier League goal of the campaign. Arsenal had been caught by the classic breakaway goal they'd put the patent on in the Wenger era.

The sliding Arshavin rifled a shot past the post shortly afterwards however, five minutes from the break Manchester United should have added a third. Rooney cut the ball back from the left-hand byline and Scholes helped it on to the unmarked Nani just inside the area. His drive was deflected past the far post by Vermaelen.

Song bundled through in injury time and drove a shot past the post. At the break, Arsenal needed an injection of composure, guile and steel.

But there would be no panacea.

In fact, seven minutes after the restart, Park made the home side feel even more sickly. Fletcher lofted the ball over the high line the Arsenal defence were holding and the Korean scampered through. Rooney was racing to join the attack and that drew Clichy's attention. The Frenchman was left covering both players and so Park toyed with the idea of a pass. However in the end the Manchester United midfielder went for it alone and fired low into the bottom left-hand corner.

It seemed to be the killer goal.

Arsenal did what they could to respond. Fabregas fired inches over and Song stretched Edwin van der Sar. The Cameroon international also cracked an effort just wide.

They were all worthy efforts but were all from distance. You sensed that, with a 3-0 goal advantage, Manchester United were happy to let Arsenal try their luck from that range.

On the hour, Wenger made an attacking substitution - Theo Walcott for Denilson. Ten minutes later, he threw on Bendtner and Eboue for Rosicky and Nasri.

The pattern was now set for the remainder of the game. Arsenal would have ample possession and press forward, Manchester United would soak up everything and take what they could on the break.

Sixteen minutes from they time, that tactic nearly saw them grab a fourth. Rooney went marauding across the halfway line and then sprinted clear as Eboue stumbled. Fortunately for Arsenal he dragged his shot wide.

The game seemed to be limping to a conclusion when Arsenal scored. With 11 minutes left, Fabregas fed a quick free-kick to Nasri on the left. His high, hanging cross was nodded out by Jonny Evans to Vermaelen just outside the area and the Belgian hooked home a shot via the leg of the Irishman.

Suddenly we had a game again. Fabregas floated over a corner and Walcott saw his header booted away by Evans.

Gallas should have set-up a grandstand finish but, in the dying seconds of normal time, he sent a backward header wide when he only had Van der Sar to beat.

However before that, Almunia's weak clearance nearly handed Nani the goal he deserved then, deep into injury time, Rooney slid a shot inches past the far post.

Emirates Stadium was understandably muted a full time, except for a pocket of travelling fans in the away end.

They had much to celebrate. Meanwhile Arsenal must simply steel themselves for next Sunday.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, pakman, waldek83_1983

ASTON VILLA vs ARSENAL 0-0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:58:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ASTON VILLA vs ARSENAL 0-0

DATE : Januari 27th, 2010
VENUE : Villa Park

EXTRA VIDEO CLIP :
Chance for Aston Villa - 4"
Denilson Shot - 9"
Fabregas Hit the Post - 45"
Stewart Downing Header - 50"
Arsenal Chance - 61"

FULL MATCH :
Download Aston Villa vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Mirror Here or Here
Download Aston Villa vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Aston Villa vs Arsenal Highlights --- "soon"

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal began their ‘awesome foursome' with a goalless draw at Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

In the next fortnight Arsène Wenger's side take on a quartet of the Premier League's finest in a spell that could define their title bid.

They opened that run with an attacking, exciting but ultimately even contest this evening. Villa drew a stunning save from Manuel Almunia in the opening minutes and had the more persistent pressure throughout. However the visitors hit the woodwork in each half - via Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky respectively - and nearly stole all three points at the death. They are now unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games.

Arsenal had to throw on a rusty Sol Campbell in the first half after Thomas Vermaelen hobbled off. Wenger will also be pleased at the return of Nicklas Bendtner after three months out. But that only happened when Eduardo pulled up injured.

So while there are certain positives and negatives to take in, the mathematics (and Chelsea's victory) mean Arsenal have dropped the third.

Of course Wenger always knew that the key games in this spell come on Sunday against Manchester United and the following weekend at Stamford Bridge.

It seems that crunch time has now arrived.

Not surprisingly there were wholesale changes to the Arsenal side that had lost to Stoke on Sunday. That was the point of the XI sent out at the Britannia Stadium.

More pertinently, there was just one alteration from the team that had gone top of the table by beating Bolton a week earlier - and even that was enforced. Aaron Ramsey replacing the injured Abou Diaby.

Meanwhile Bendtner was back on the bench. His first involvement of any sort since October 31 following groin trouble.

Villa had swarmed all over Arsenal in the early stages of this fixture last season and were unfortunate to lead by just one goal at the break.

They started in very much the same vein this evening. The home side should have taken the lead within three minutes, Gabriel Agbonlahor escaped in the left-hand channel and drove a low shot towards the far corner. Almunia thrust out an instinctive hand to touch the ball past the upright.

It was arguably the best save the keeper had made this season.

Villa were quicker, sharper and looking more determined. Arsenal were on the back foot. They had pockets of pressure but it took the visitors the best part of half an hour to reach an equilibrium.

In the ninth minute, Rosicky turned the ball back to Eduardo, whose bobbling shot was shepherded out for a corner by Richard Dunne. When it came in Denilson fired wide.

But three minutes later, Vermaelen brought down Emile Heskey and Ashley Young curled a free-kick a foot or so wide.

Both Arsenal centre halves were being overworked. Gallas tangled with Agbonlahor on the edge of the area but referee Lee Probert waved play on. The Frenchman was already looking like a stand out player while Vermealen seemed to be struggling after receiving treatment for a leg injury.

It was no surprise when the Belgian hobbled off in the 34th minute and Campbell came on.

That change came seconds after Ashley Young fooled Clichy on the right and, with numerous options in the centre, lofted a ball to the far post. The onrushing Stewart Downing could only sidefoot a shot high over the bar. A waste.

Villa continued to pepper the Arsenal area for the reminder of the half but the visitors started to dig themselves a foot hold in the game.

On the stroke of half time they nearly stole the lead. Fabregas dribbled across the face of goal and slid an angled shot past Freidel and against the base of the post. The ball bounced out towards Rosicky but Ramsey went for it as well. Eventually the Czech international took control but, by then, the area was crowded and he hacked his effort high over the bar.

It was Arsenal's best chance of the half but the visitors still needed the break more than the home side.

They returned refreshed.

In the opening seconds, Arshavin and Clichy combined for the Frenchman to send in a low cross but Friedel beat Fabregas to the ball at the near post.

However a couple of minutes later, Villa should have gone ahead. Young's cross deflected off Gallas and flew over Sagna to Downing at the back post. It seemed the simplest of headers but the former Middlesbrough winger nodded meekly wide. Downing had now enjoyed the two clearest opportunities of the game and had missed them both.

Young's diving header was another indication that Villa had wrestled control of the game once more.

But just then, on the hour, Arsenal nearly scored. Arshavin fled down the left, outpaced the Villa defence but Friedel blocked his shot. Fabregas picked up the rebound and fed Rosicky. The Czech midfielder saw his drive cannon down off the underside of the bar and bounce away.

Before that chance, Eduardo had pulled up while chasing down a clearance and had indicated he needed to come off. After it, Bendtner replaced him.

Arsenal now seemed to have found some impetus. Fabregas saw a deflected dive drift wide while Ramsey and Arshavin had a couple of promising moves snuffed out at the last.

However this was a difficult game to call. As soon as one side began dominating, the other came back.

The final quarter of the game began with Villa on top. However although they won a flurry of free-kicks and corners the home side could do little with them.

Nasri replaced Rosicky and, almost immediately, saw a long range effort deflect wide.

The game built to a mighty crescendo with Arsenal marginally the better side.

In injury time, a fairy tale was quashed when Campbell pounced onto a loose ball in the area only to see his swivelling shot blocked.

The whistle blew seconds later. This was a decent point certainly, but is it enough?

We'll find out in the next 10 days.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, reMad

STOKE CITY vs ARSENAL 3-1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:22:00 +0000

FA CUP MATCH

STOKE CITY vs ARSENAL 3-1

DATE : Januari 24th, 2010
VENUE : Britannia Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Denilson - 41" or Download Mirror

STOKE CITY GOALS :
Download Stoke City Goal by Ricardo Fuller - 2"
Download Stoke City Goal by Ricardo Fuller - 78" or Download Mirror
Download Stoke City Goal by Dean Whitehead - 86" or Download Mirror

FULL MATCH :
Download Stoke City vs Arsenal Full Match First Half
Download Stoke City vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half

Download Stoke City vs Arsenal Full Match in One File - 200MB

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Stoke City vs Arsenal Highlights Match First Half or Mirror Here
Download Stoke City vs Arsenal Highlights Match Second Half or Mirror Here

Download Stoke City vs Arsenal Highlights

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal are out of the FA Cup.

Arsène Wenger's side went down 3-1 in a thunderous Fourth Round tie at Stoke on Sunday.

Both managers were true to their pre-match promises. Arsenal were a mixture of experience and youth while the home side were at full-strength.

Stoke took the lead within 70 seconds when Ricardo Fuller nodded home a trademark Rory Delap throw-in. By half time Arsenal had recovered from the shock and, just before the whistle, equalised through Denilson.

But Stoke were the stronger side in the second half and so it was no surprise to see Wenger make a triple substitution midway through the half. Such boldness had won the Third Round tie at West Ham earlier this month.

Today, however, it did not work. Mamady Sidibe set up Fuller for his second in the 78th minute then, just before the end, Dean Whitehead's goal killed off any comeback.

Wenger's team-sheet, especially the bench, had suggested the Frenchman was not prepared to throw away this competition, therefore defeat is a blow.

However, all along, the manager admitted his priorities lay elsewhere.

If Arsenal win the Premier League or Champions League this season then today's defeat will have been worth conceding.

It was not a case of ‘if' Wenger would throw in youngsters this afternoon. It was a case of how many.

There were debuts of varying kinds. Jay Emmanuel Thomas made his first start of any sort after warming the bench for a number of times in recent games. Francis Coquelin began a game outside the Carling Cup for the first time while this was Sol Campbell's second debut after re-joining the club earlier in the month. Of course the centre back was actually making his 198th appearance for the Club. His last had been at the 2006 Champions League Final.

Armand Traore, Lukasz Fabianski, Mikael Silvestre and Carlos Vela all needed a run. The surprise was the retention of Cesc Fabregas and Denilson in central midfield.

Meanwhile subsitutes Andrey Arshavin, Eduardo, Tomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey seemed to represent a sizeable insurance policy.

Stoke were a full strength, literally. Tony Pulis had said he would put out a Premier League team. Arsenal knew what was coming.

The same could be said of the opening goal.

With little over 30 seconds on the clock the home side won a throw in. It was exactly the same position from which the scored in the opening minutes during last season's League game.

As ever Delap's throw was long, powerful and flat. Fuller stole in front of the onrushing Fabianski to send a diving header into the top corner of the net. Exactly 70 seconds had elapsed.

Young, away from home and losing, understandably Arsenal went into their shell for a time.

Stoke, however, looked to kick on. They continued to pepper the Arsenal goal with crosses and throw-ins. Only Campbell's toe-poke prevented Fuller's cut-back finding Sidibe in the middle of the area.

Gradually the visitors did find their feet but chances were scarce.

Theo Walcott set up Vela to shot but Danny Higginbotham nipped in then Denilson had an effort blocked from long-range.

However no team wrestles control from Stoke without a fight. In the 35th minute, Fuller burst past Silvestre in the area and the Arsenal defender appeared to clip him. Replays suggested the Frenchman had been fortunate. It would be a crucial moment.

Four minutes before the break, Glenn Whelan fouled Vela on the left just outside the area. Fabregas shaped to swing the free-kick to the gaggle of players at the far post. Instead he squared to Denilson on the edge of the area. The Brazilian's low drive was deflected but it found a way through a crowded area and into the corner of the net. It was his fourth goal of the season.

Arsenal now had the impetus. They forced a flurry of corners late in the half but, despite the pressure, Thomas Sorensen was untroubled.

Level pegging was just about fair at the break.

However the opening minutes of the second half belonged to Stoke. Campbell slid in expertly to cut out Danny Collins' cross. Then Fabianski brilliantly blocked Fuller's close-range header from Whelan's corner.

Sorensen tipped over from Fabregas' 25-yard drive but it was an oasis in a desert of Stoke pressure. Fuller thumped an effort over the bar as the home side tried to muscle another goal.

It was developing into a good, old-fashioned FA Cup tie. Fittingly it even began raining.

Stoke had the edge but Arsenal were still having their moments. Emmanuel Thomas nodded Vela through on the left of the area but the Mexican could only hook a shot across the face of goal.

But, straight after that, Sidibe slid a cross toward Matthew Etherington at the far post only for Frances Coquelin to divert the ball out for a corner.

Wenger clearly realised his side were started to lose their way so, midway through the half, he made three changes - Arshavin, Ramsey and Eduardo came on for Walcott, Emmanuel Thomas and Coquelin.

With 18 minutes left Stoke might have regained the lead but Delap's chest down was heavy and Silvestre slid in to intercept. The Frenchman got caught for his trouble and needed lengthy treatment.

As they had at West Ham in the Third Round, you sensed the substitutions would change the game. They helped set up Vela but the Mexican was dispossessed six yards out. However replays suggested the ball hit the hand of Danny Collins in the aftermath.

It seemed that Arsenal were about start taking over.

Wrong.

In fact Stoke would take the lead and then kill the game.

With 12 minutes left, Sidibe stormed down the right and clipped a delicate cross into the middle of the area. It drifted between Campbell and Eastmond for Fuller to guide home his second of the game.

Ramsey thumped over when well-placed but, with four minutes left, Stoke grabbed a third. Eastmond was caught in possession and Etherington fed Dean Whitehead a simple tap-in.

Substitute Tuncay netted a fourth at the death but it was flagged offside.

Shortly after that the whistle blew. Arsenal were out.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, koora, arsenallist

ARSENAL vs BOLTON WANDERERS 4-2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:50:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs BOLTON WANDERERS 4-2

DATE : January 20th, 2010
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Rosicky - 44"
Download Arsenal Goal by Fabregas - 53"
Download Arsenal Goal by Vermaelen - 65"
Download Arsenal Goal by Arshavin - 85"

BOLTON WANDERERS GOALS :
Download Everton Goal by Cahill - 6"
Download Everton Goal by Taylor (pen) - 28"

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers Full Match First Half or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers Highlights Match Second Half or Here

Download Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers Highlights Match in One File or Mirror Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal are top of the Premier League with Chelsea had one game in hand.

Arsène Wenger's side produced a stunning four-goal comeback to beat Bolton at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday and overtake Chelsea by virtue of goals scored.

In the build-up to the game, the manager had charged his side with task of going top but, after 28 minutes of this pulsating affair, that dream was in tatters.

Bolton took a shock lead in the seventh minute when Gary Cahill struck from close range. Just before the half-hour, Denilson fouled Chung-Yong Lee and Matthew Taylor squeezed home a penalty.

Tomas Rosicky tossed Wenger's off-kilter side a lifeline with a long-range drive just before half time. But, after the restart, the home team were irresistible.

This was storming, storming Arsenal.

Seven minutes in, Cesc Fabregas burst through and steered home shot from an acute angle then, just before the hour, Thomas Vermaelen lashed home a loose ball after a corner.

It seemed that would be that and, frankly, most of us would have settled for it.

However five minutes from time, Andrey Arshavin bulldozered through the Bolton defence to fire home that crucial fourth.

Of course, in itself, this table means nothing. The last time Arsenal were top, on August 28, it was worth little either. Standings only lead to silverware in May.

But it does show Wenger's men are cast-iron contenders - strong in mind and body. These back-to-back games with Bolton have been mighty tough but Arsenal have come through.

Going top means they are now there to be shot at themselves of course. However, if tonight is anything to go by, this side is armour-plated.

Before kick-off, Wenger's only changes saw him bring in experience for youth. From Sunday's side, Craig Eastmond and Armand Traore dropped out; Denilson and Gael Clichy came in. It was the Frenchman's first start since the 3-0 victory over Tottenham on October 31.

Theo Walcott was named in the squad for the first time since December 27 but he only made the bench.
Bolton's main change was a surprise. Despite a lively game on Sunday, Ivan Klasnic dropped to the bench.

There was a strange lethargy about the Emirates Stadium early on. Transport delays meant the ground filled up late and there was little buzz just before kick-off.

Arsenal's start was entirely in keeping with that. Yes, early efforts from Abou Diaby and Arshavin warmed the hands of Jussi Jaaskelainen early on but the saves were pretty regulation.

Bolton, meanwhile, had purpose. They clearly fancied the task tonight and their industry got them a goal in the seventh minute.

Arsenal had a couple of chances to clear a left-wing free-kick. From the second, Clichy skied his attempted clearance and Kevin Davies' nodded the ball down for Cahill to sweep home. A poor, poor goal to concede.

The home side were utterly stung. They were in danger of turning down an open invitation to go top.

In fairness, Cahill's goal woke them up. It was about time. In the 12th minute Rosicky's touch sent Cesc Fabregas clear on the left of the area and, as Bolton appealed for offside, the Spaniard's bounced a shot off Jaaskelainen when he should have scored.

Two minutes later, Diaby sent a raking ball to Eduardo just outside the area. With few outlets the Croatian went for what ice-hockey fans would call a slap-shot. It flew inches over the bar.

While Arsenal had yet to find their composure they had at least created a head of steam. In the minutes that followed Arshavin bobbled a shot just wide and Zat Knight sent a hurried clearing header inches over his own bar.

But, as on Sunday, the first half was open, exciting and attacking with Bolton playing a full part.

In the 16th minute, Vermaelen fouled Davies and Taylor's free-kick fully extended Almunia.

That duel would be repeated 11 minutes later. Again Bolton were afforded too much space in the area and Denilson brought down Chung-Yong Lee. A crystal clear penalty.

Almunia guessed correctly when Taylor stepped up to take the spot-kick however the ball still found a way into the corner.

It was looking bleak for Arsenal but, on the upside, they were certainly creating clear enough chances to get themselves back in the game.

In the 36th minute, Fabregas' meandered through most of the Bolton midfield before setting up Eduardo 10 yards out. The stumbling Croatian tried to steer the ball into the far corner but his effort lacked the strength to beat Jaaskelainen.

Five minutes from the break, Fabregas scooped a free-kick into the area and, off-balance, Davies nodded the ball against his own bar.

It was turning into a curious game. Arsenal were far from fluent and trailing 2-0 but they could have scored four themselves by this point.

At least, when they did get on the scoresheet, it was a goal of quality. Fabregas, as ever, was the instigator, darting inside his marker and feeding the ball out to Rosicky on the right. The Czech midfielder was 30 yards out and tightly marked. But showing exquisite balance he jinked some space and lashed home a rocket of shot.

Emirates ignited, the game was alive. Arsenal poured forward until the whistle but could not find an equaliser.

The impetus was still with them when the game restarted. Bolton had a few minutes of early pressure but Arsenal had retained all the urgency created from Rosicky's rocket.

Seven minutes after the break, they found an equaliser.

As he has done so often in recent weeks, Gallas stormed forward to supplement to the attack. The Frenchman's challenge on Mark Davies won the ball but left the Bolton midfielder in a heap. Gallas played on and eventually Fabregas bundled his way inside the six-yard box before sliding an angled shot through the legs of Jaaskelainen and into the far corner.

While Arsenal celebrated, the keeper raced to the referee to protest. Gallas had appeared to tread on Davies' ankle and, after lengthy treatment, the youngster was carried off.

The home side now had the bit between their teeth. Fabregas crashed an effort inches over the bar and, in the 65th minute, their comeback proved irresistible.

Fabregas floated over a corner from the right and Vermaelen's high, hanging header was touched back into the Belgian's path by Diaby. The centre half swung a determined foot at the ball from 10 yards out. His contact was not perfect but he was so close to goal that the sliced shot bounced off the inside of the far post and flew into the net.

It was Vermaelen's sixth goal of the season and undoubtedly the most important.

Having worked so hard to get the lead you could understand Arsenal easing off the gas a little.

It seemed for a while that this tall tale would not have its happy ending.

However five minutes from time Arshavin withstood a couple of half-hearted Bolton challenges to fire home the fourth.

In the dying seconds, the Russian should have made it five but he spurned the support of substitute Theo Walcott to go for goal alone. It was a rare wrong move for Arsenal in the second half.

The home fans left Emirates Stadium singing ‘we are top of the League'.

Of course they were right but their team had taken them on one hell of a journey to get there this evening.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery, arsenallist

BOLTON WANDERERS vs ARSENAL 0-2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:56:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

BOLTON WANDERERS vs ARSENAL 0-2

DATE : Januari 17th, 2010
VENUE : Reebok Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 28" or Mirror Here or Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Fran Merida - 78" or Mirror Here or Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Mirror Here
Download Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal Highlights

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal are closing in on the top of the Premier League table.

Arsène Wenger's side carved out a hard-fought 2-0 victory in a crucial fixture at Bolton on Sunday. If they do the same thing in the return game at Emirates Stadium in midweek they will go ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United.

It could be a significant moment in their season.

It is highly appropriate that today's result should put Arsenal in such a strong position because this was a title-winning kind of victory.

The visitors were under pressure for sustained periods of this game. Bolton, under new manager Owen Coyle, quizzed their opponents at the start of each half but Arsenal always had an answer. A well-worked goal from Cesc Fabregas gave them a vital lead just before the half-hour then, 12 minutes from time, substitute Fran Merida fired home a game-clinching second.

‘Fluent Arsenal' were not present at the Reebok today. Bolton would not allow that. Instead, ‘dogged Arsenal' took their place and they were determined enough to create a couple of opportunities for their undoubted class to shine through.

It is a method that has brought the Premier League title to Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge in recent years.

And it looks like Arsenal might have copied the formula this season.

Before kick-off, Wenger's team news was significant. Going into Friday's training session, the manager knew he would be without Alex Song (international duty) and Denilson (rib). However in training that day he lost Aaron Ramsey to a muscular problem and subsequently Samir Nasri suffered a hamstring injury.

That situation heralded the call-up of Craig Eastmond. The 19-year-old had played in the defensive midfield role with some distinction in the Carling Cup earlier in the campaign but this was his first Premier League start.

Elsewhere, Fabregas returned after hamstring trouble and Tomas Rosicky, fresh from his crucial equaliser last week, started on the right. Gael Clichy was back in the squad for the first time since October 31 but only made the bench.

Both teams emerged to a barrage of drums. Clearly the plan was to have the Reebok Stadium rocking for Coyle's opening fixture.

The Scot nearly had a dream start. Within 45 seconds of the whistle, Chung-Young Lee and Fabrice Muamba set up Kevin Davies in the area but Fabregas popped up in the six-yard box to hack the ball clear. The early moments certainly belonged to the home side but Arsenal soon imposed themselves.

Fabregas and Rosicky belted the shots wide and then Jussi Jaaskelainen had to rush out then bat ball away from the scampering Eduardo.

Arsenal were looking inventive going forward and, in the 12th minute, that should have won them a penalty. Eduardo curled in a low cross from the left-hand side and Fabregas flicked the ball away from Jaaskelainen. In his follow-through the keeper swept his feet around to bring down the Spaniard. Referee Phil Dowd waved play on as the floored Fabregas rolled around in frustration.

Bolton's best attacking avenue was down their right-hand side. In the 20th minute Armand Traore was caught in possession and Tamir Cohen's cross was fumbled behind by Almunia. The Israeli then hacked over the bar and Ivan Klasnic forced a low save from Almunia.

However despite a decent amount of possession, most of the quality was still coming from Arsenal, with Arshavin a growing influence. The Russian saw his low cross dribble inches away from Eduardo then he cut inside his marker only for his attempted curler to be deflected wide.

Arsenal seemed to be laying down preparatory work for a goal.

It arrived in the 28th minute.

Diaby darted into the area but lost the ball. Eventually it fell to Fabregas who kept his cool to play a delightful one-two with Eduardo and the pick his spot with a low shot into the corner. It was the Spaniard's 13th goal of the season.

In the 31st minute, Arsenal nearly grabbed a second. Fabregas' deep corner fell to Eastmond on the edge of the area. The midfielder met the ball with a sidefoot volley. It was a pacy effort than found a path through the crowded area only for Jaaskelainen to clutch the ball on the line.

Fabregas had claims for another penalty shout shortly afterwards when he was clipped by Zat Knight. The Arsenal captain tussled with Matt Taylor afterwards both got a lecture from referee Dowd.

Rosicky and Paul Robinson were booked shortly afterwards as tempers flared momentarily.

As half time approached both sides had chances to score. First Lee's low shot forced Almunia into a sharp save then Arshavin's cutback was tapped past the far post by the stumbling Fabregas with the goal gaping.

It was an open opportunity but no better than the one Bolton carved out in injury time.

With his back to goal, Klasnic nodded the ball over Gallas and Almunia had to thrust out a hand to stop him prodding home the equaliser. It was an unprepossessing save but it preserved Arsenal's lead as they went into the break.

As in the first half, Bolton were off the blocks much the quicker after the restart and, again, they were inventive down their right-hand side. Lee got in a number of worrying positions and fired in probing crosses. The most dangerous for Arsenal came when Gallas' outstretched leg diverted the ball towards the far post and the diving Almunia had to intercept.

Bolton were turning the screw and Arsenal were struggling to keep them off.

In fairness the visitors kept clear chances to a minimum. The best came just before the hour when Klasnic freed Taylor on the left of the area but the midfielder blazed his effort over the bar.

Gallas slid a header over the bar and Eduardo nearly profited from Arshavin's left-wing cross but undoubtedly Bolton were in the ascendancy.

Just past the hour, Fran Merida replaced Eastmond and Diaby dropped into the holding role. Gradually Arsenal flexed their muscles once more.

However in the 70th minute Bolton might have got on level terms when Gavin McCann's lofted pass found Taylor midway inside the Arsenal half with a clear run on goal. The former Portsmouth midfielder did not realise the extent of his isolation and snatched at an early shot. It rolled harmlessly wide and the opportunity went begging.

Wenger then brought on Clichy for Rosicky to shore up Arsenal's left flank. A wise move. With 15 minutes left, Vermaelen, who had been outstanding in defence this afternoon, curled a free-kick on to the top of the net.

Three minutes later, they got the crucial second. A sweeping move ended with Eduardo clipping a inviting cross to the far post. It was flicked off Gary Cahill's head and Merida collected with his left foot before steering home a cross-shot with his right. It was another silky finish from a small Spanish central midfielder.

Bolton were now spent. Taylor rammed an effort over the bar but, in truth, Arsenal cruised home.

This used to be a bogey ground for Wenger's men but this was their fourth straight win at the Reebok.

Times are clearly changing.

And, on Wednesday, the lead in the Premier League might do the self-same thing.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery<

ARSENAL vs EVERTON 2-2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:36:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs EVERTON 2-2

DATE : January 09th, 2010
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Denilson - 28"
Download Arsenal Goal by Rosicky - 90"

EVERTON GOALS :
Download Everton Goal by Osman - 13"
Download Everton Goal by Pienaar - 81"

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Everton Full Match First Half
Download Arsenal vs Everton Full Match Second Half

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Everton Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Everton Highlights Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Chris Harris

Tomas Rosicky grabbed an injury-time equaliser as Arsenal twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Everton in a thunderous affair at Emirates Stadium.

It seemed for much of this afternoon that Arsène Wenger's side were about to fall to their fifth Premier League defeat of the campaign.

On a freezing North London day, Arsenal were caught cold in the ninth minute when Leon Osman powered home a header from Landon Donovan's corner.

The home side gradually roused themselves and equalised just before the half-hour when Denilson's drive deflected past Tim Howard.

In the second half, both sides threw all their resources at the task of grabbing the three points as a snowstorm enveloped Emirates Stadium. With nine minutes left, Everton appeared to have won the game when Steve Pienaar burst clear and produced the cheekiest of finishes to beat Almunia.

However, in the second minute of stoppage time, Rosicky's drive clipped Lucas Neill and flew past Howard.

The point keeps Arsenal third whereas a win would have taken them second and within touching distance of leaders Chelsea.

However, whatever your perspective, you cannot deny that Everton were well worth their draw this afternoon.

Meanwhile the critics will argue Arsenal slipped up in the snow today.

Certainly this was an opportunity missed. Yet when the performance is off-key, a team rely on guts and spirit to pull them through in adverse conditions. That is what Arsenal did today.

They are still in thick of the title race.

Wenger made six changes from the side that had come from behind to beat West Ham last Sunday.

Manuel Almunia, Armand Traore, Denilson, Samir Nasri, Abou Diaby, Andrey Arshavin all returned. Lukasz Fabianski, Alex Song, Mikael Silvestre, Jack Wilshere, Fran Merida and Carlos Vela made way. Rosicky was on the bench having recovered from his hamstring injury.

The snow that had caused the midweek postponement had not shifted in the intervening days. The temperature had not changed, so it was never going to.

As a result, the Club had employed people with blowtorches to melt stubborn ice around the stadium area. It was still bitterly cold however and, as if to prove a point, a snow storm blew up just before kick-off.

Arsenal were the form side but Everton settled the quicker. Louis Saha nodded the ball into the net in the opening minutes but was rightly flagged offside. Shortly afterwards he collected a raking pass from Pienaar, shook off the stumbling Thomas Vermaelen but fired wildly over the bar.

Apart from Diaby's wayward cross-shot the home side had been caught napping early on.

And, in the 13th minute, they were caught cold.

Donovan swung a corner into the middle of the area and the diminutive Osman stole in front of William Gallas to thunder in a header. Denilson was stationed on the far post but could not prevent the ball going in.

The goal enlivened the crowd and they did their best to impart that urgency on their team.

It started to work.

Diaby lofted a ball over the defence to Gallas at the far post. The centre back clipped the ball past Howard but Leighton Baines hooked clear.

By the midway point of the first half, Arsenal were starting to stir. They had begun creating pressure but, when the equaliser came, it was more luck than judgement.

In the 28th minute, Nasri curled in a cross from the right. Arshavin and Eduardo then set up Denilson to fire goalwards. The Brazilian obliged and his effort deflected off Osman to leave Howard flat-footed.

Arsenal were now in the ascent. Eduardo had claims for a penalty after playing hopscotch through the middle of the Everton defence. The striker then saw a sliding effort hit Howard's legs. It was flagged offside, wrongly according to replays.

Everton had gone into their shell since the equaliser but they nearly regained the lead in the 36th minute when Almunia misjudged a right-wing hanging cross from Phil Neville and Tim Cahill's header bobbled dangerously across the area before being hacked to safety.

This was turning into a blood-and-thunder affair. Both sides had an admirable effervescence given the conditions.

After half time, the snow became thicker and the pace became faster.

Eduardo tried to weave his way through again and poke the ball through to Ramsey inside the area. His touch beat Howard but took him wide. By the time his cross came in the keeper had recovered.

Meanwhile at the other end, Saha was still Everton's cutting edge. The French striker darted past Traore and Gallas in the 62nd minute but his deflected shot curled inches wide of the far post.

Three minutes later, Wenger brought Rosicky on for Ramsey and the Czech international nearly made an instant impact. Sagna sent over a deep cross from the right and Howard batted the ball away from Rosicky's head.

Arsenal were now stepping up their game. Traore's low-cross fizzed across the area and, from the resulting corner, Rosicky's drive fell to Vermaelen, who saw a fierce goalbound shot blocked. Then, after firing narrowly over, Denilson claimed a penalty when he was clattered in the area.

By now the crowd were singing ‘jump up if you love Arsenal'. It was 50 per cent devotion and 50 per cent necessity.

With 15 minutes left, Cahill reached the byline and cut inside only for Diaby to intervene. Arshavin did likewise at the other end, only this time his cross was scrambled away for a corner.

This was a toe-to-toe scrap now. Both sides were going for three points without flinching. The only ‘settling' being done was by the snow on the pitch.

With nine minutes left, Everton grabbed a second. Cahill spotted Pienaar streaking through the middle and the South African raced half the length of the pitch to go one-on-one with Almunia.

The Spaniard has just ‘set' himself when Pienaar made his move. The midfielder lifted his effort over the crouching keeper and into the net. An exquisite finish.

From the kick-off, it was nearly 3-1. Under challenge from no-one, Denilson collapsed in the centre circle and James Vaughan raced through. This time Almunia stood up to make a crucial stop.

The Brazilian was stretchered off and replaced by Fran Merida. Seconds later, Pienaar fired inches over the bar.

The injury precipitated five minutes of stoppage time. In the second of those they grabbed the leveller when Rosicky's drive clipped Lucas Neill and flew past Howard. It set up a grandstand finish.

A nasty collision between Traore and Almunia took the steam out of the finale.

But, at full time, Arsenal had to be happy with the point they had obtained.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery<

WEST HAM UNITED vs ARSENAL 1-2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:24:00 +0000

FA CUP MATCH

WEST HAM UNITED vs ARSENAL 1-2

DATE : Januari 03th, 2010
VENUE : Upton Park

PORTSMOUTH GOALS :
Download West Ham United Goal by Diamanti - 45" or Mirror Here

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Aaron Ramsey - 78" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Eduardo - 83" or Mirror Here

FULL MATCH :
Download West Ham United vs Arsenal Full Match First Half
Download West Ham United vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download West Ham United vs Arsenal Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download West Ham United vs Arsenal Highlights Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

It took a five-minute turnaround at West Ham on Sunday to send Arsenal into the FA Cup Fourth Round.

Arsène Wenger's side struggled for the first hour at Upton Park and trailed to Alessandro Diamanti's breakaway goal on the stroke of half time.

It looked like Arsenal might be following Manchester United out of the FA Cup at the first opportunity.

However, with 12 minutes left, Aaron Ramsey added to his blossoming reputation with a fine strike on the turn. Five minutes later, Eduardo steered a perfectly-placed header into the top corner.

The comeback has been sparked by the introduction of Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby in the 65th minute. Before that, Wenger's much-changed side had struggled to impose themselves on an equally-altered West Ham outfit.

It made for an unedifying spectacle and the only true quality was crammed into the final 15 minutes.

Still, at full time, the Arsenal fans sang loud and long while Wenger punched the air.

Both clearly still value the FA Cup.

With two crucial Premier League games coming up, the Frenchman had promised sweeping changes. Certainly his team selection smacked of protectionism.

Manuel Almunia, Armand Traore, Andrey Arshavin, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby all dropped out. Meanwhile the absence of Philippe Senderos from the squad suggested the Swiss defender had failed that pre-match fitness test on his injury foot. As a result, Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas resumed their partnership at centre-back.

The incoming players were Lukasz Fabianski, Carlos Vela, Fran Merida, Mikael Silvestre and Jack Wilshere.

It may have been bitterly cold at Upton Park but the portents for this game were good. A shockless Saturday had already been blown apart by Manchester United's defeat to Leeds earlier on Sunday. Meanwhile the last meeting between the two sides in this competition - an FA Cup Sixth Round replay in March 1998 - had been a thriller.

However the first half this afternoon could not have brought a greater contrast.

In fairness both sides had major changes but neither settled in the opening quarter. In truth there was little to report except for Merida's tame shot in the 10th minute.

Gradually Arsenal exerted their authority. The visitors enjoyed the greater territory and possession but could do precious little with it.

In the 16th minute, Ramsey's shot deflected over off Matthew Upson and then Vela's drive did likewise. Arsenal got the in the right position on a number of occasions but, too often, their delivery let them down.

Gradually West Ham made their presence felt. In the 25th minute Junior Stanislas whipped a free-kick just over the bar and then Fabianski acrobatically tipped Diamanti's cross away from Luis Jimenez.

Just before the half-hour, Ramsey and Wilshere worked a short corner. Robert Green tipped the former's cross away from Song at the back post. However the ball fell to Vermaelen, who blazed over when he should have hit the target.

But that was a rare highlight. To be honest, it was a poor half with neither side enjoying any type of fluency.

Even the opening goal was scrappy. In the first minute of injury time Radoslav Kovac steered a ball towards Diamanti in the centre. Arsenal pushed up for offside but the Italian had just stayed legal.

He went one-on-one with Fabianski but the Polish keeper guessed correctly. He got a hand on Diamanti's shot but could not prevent it trickling inside the post.

Not surprisingly the home side came out fired up for the second half. Frank Nouble spanked a shot wide and then Stanislas forced a flying save from Fabianski.

Arsenal were still sluggish. In the 53rd minute, Eduardo's swivelling shot was deflected over the bar by Upson but that was the extent of their opportunities in the opening quarter of the second half.

In fact West Ham now seemed the side more likely to score. Had the home side been blessed with a more experienced strikeforce this afternoon, they might have extended their lead.

In the 65th minute, Wenger made changes. Nasri and Diaby came on for Merida and Wilshere.

It had an immediate effect. Seven minutes later, Diaby and Song combined nicely in the left-hand channel. Both of them drew excellent saves from Green.

Shortly afterwards, Nasri hacked a shot over the bar. A horrible finish but at least Arsenal were imposing themselves now.

Twelve minutes from time, they equalised. Song, who was Arsenal's best player on the day, fed Vela in the area. The Mexican nudged the ball to Ramsey who fired a shot into the far corner.

Against the odds Arsenal were back in it. Then, five minutes later, they won it.

Vela sent over a teasing cross from the left-hand side and Eduardo stole in front of his marker to arc a header into the top corner of the net beyond Green's despairing dive.

Shortly afterwards Song rifled an effort over the bar and Eduardo nodded wide.

The visitors had gone 80 per cent of the game creating little but now they were manufacturing chances galore.

Vela, who had assisted for both goals, was next to try his luck. However his low drive was booted off the line with Green beaten.

At full time, the Arsenal fans had found a new hero. They chanted the name of Ramsey. Along with Song, the Welshman had been the visitors' best player on the day.

While Arsenal's performance had been patchy both deserved to be on the winning side this afternoon.

And, more importantly, Wenger's men continue revel in their winning habit.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery<

PORTSMOUTH vs ARSENAL 1-4

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:08:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

PORTSMOUTH vs ARSENAL 1-4

DATE : December 30nd, 2009
VENUE : Fratton Park

PORTSMOUTH GOALS :
Download Portsmouth Goal by Belhadj - 73"

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Eduardo - 27"
Download Arsenal Goal by Samir Nasri - 41"
Download Arsenal Goal by Aaron Ramsey - 68"
Download Arsenal Goal by Alex Song - 81"

Download All Goals in 1 File Right Here :
Download All Goals Portsmouth vs Arsenal 1-4

EXTRA Video Clips :
Boateng Chance Saved by Manuel Almunia Min.10
Arshavin Shot Min.11
Abou Diaby Chance Min.19

FULL MATCH :
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Here or Here
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Here or Here

Another Mirror :
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Full Match Part. 1
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Full Match Part. 2
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Full Match Part. 3
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Full Match Part. 4

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download Portsmouth vs Arsenal Highlights Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Watch out Chelsea, Arsenal are coming for you.

Arsène Wenger’s side closed within four points of the leaders with a comfortable 4-1 win at Portsmouth on Wednesday night.

After soaking up early pressure, Eduardo’s deflected free-kick gave the visitors the lead just before the half-hour. Then, three minutes from half-time, the Portsmouth defence afforded Samir Nasri ample time to slam home a second from the edge of the area.

A superb solo strike from Aaron Ramsey in the 69th minute should have killed the game yet Portsmouth grabbed a goal from Nadir Belhadj almost immediately. However Alex Song’s header ended any argument nine minutes from time.

This was Arsenal's third successive victory by a three-goal margin. During December they have shrugged off the absence of Robin Van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and now Cesc Fabregas to rebuild realistic title aspirations.

If they win their game in hand, a home fixture against managerless Bolton next Wednesday, the gap at the top will be down to one point. By the next time Chelsea play, Arsenal could be breathing down their neck.

Not a bad way to end the decade.

Before kick-off, news filtered around the press box that Fabregas would be out for only 10 days. If true it would be a blessed relief. Player and manager had no regrets about the downside of his two-goal 27-minute cameo against Aston Villa but tonight Arsenal had to pay the price.

Of course, the Spaniard had not started against Villa so the only actual change from that team saw Denilson drop out with a back problem and Ramsey came in. The Welshman’s elevation was telling. After all he is perhaps the prince to Fabregas’ throne at Emirates Stadium right now.

Meanwhile, Tomas Rosicky was back on the bench after recovering from his hamstring problem.

This was a tricky game for Arsenal. After the win at Liverpool they had gone to Burnley, an equally hostile environment, and brought back a point. There was a similar euphoria after the 3-0 win over Villa on Sunday. However a draw was not enough this evening and the home side started with dynamism.

They created sustained pressure but only had one chance to show for it. That came in the ninth minute when Alex Song slipped trying to collect Traore’s pass on the halfway line and Kevin Prince Boateng sprinted into space in the right hand channel. He had Frederic Piquionne in the middle but decided to fire towards the near post. Manuel Almunia needed a strong hand to turn the ball aside.

The home side failed to build on the chance and gradually Arsenal started to turn the screw. They won a succession of corners but only created a flurry of half-chances. Andrey Arshavin hacked an effort over, Eduardo nodded well wide and Bacary Sagna saw his low drive fail to penetrate a forest of defenders in the area.

The clearest effort came in the 19th minute when Eduardo cut the ball back to Abou Diaby on the corner of the area but the Frenchman’s sidefoot shot was beaten away by Asmir Begovic at the near post.
Portsmouth were now on the back foot. Boateng sprang the offside trap for a split second but he lost his footing at the crucial moment. Arsenal would follow that chance by taking the lead.

In the 29th minute, Aaron Mokoena fouled Ramsey on the edge of the area. Eduardo tried to bend the free-kick into the far corner but Younes Kaboul attempted to intervene. The former Spurs centre back could only steer the ball inside the other post. The goal was full of fortune but it had been coming.

The strike knocked out what stuffing was left in the Portsmouth side. Belhadj fired an optimistic effort well wide but the home side’s lack of confidence was plain to see.

Three minutes from the break, Arsenal’s second goal merely hammered the point home. The Portsmouth defence stood off Eduardo in the area so he had ample time to find Ramsey. The Welshman, also unchallenged, squared to Nasri, who fired home from 15 yards. It was the Frenchman’s first goal of the season and it had been all too simple.

At the break, Portsmouth appeared to be a beaten side.

In fairness, they raised themselves as best they could after the restart. Belhadj thundered an effort wide in the opening stages but the home side could not follow it up.

You felt Arsenal were always in control. In the 69th minute, they proved it. Ramsey picked up the ball in midfield, skipped past the weakest of challenges then thumped home a shot from 22 yards. It was cracking goal from a player who only turned 19 on Boxing Day.

Portsmouth grabbed a goal five minutes later when Anthony Vanden Borre cut the ball back for Belhadj stab home a shot.

But it was a mere blip. These are dark days for Portsmouth, who had been served with a winding up order by HM Revenue & Customs on the afternoon of the game. The home fans were singing songs against the Club’s owners for much of the second half.

Their defence hardly helped the situation. Nine minutes from time, Nasri crossed to an unmarked Song, who steered his header into the far corner. The goal, like the game, had been handed to Arsenal all too easily.

At the full time, the visiting fans had their own song to sing -‘We’re going to win the League’.

Right now, they have a convincing argument.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery<

ARSENAL vs ASTON VILLA 3-0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:48:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs ASTON VILLA 3-0

DATE : December 27nd, 2009
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 65"
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 81"
Download Arsenal Goal by Abou Diaby - 90"

ALL ARSENAL Goals in One File - Download Here or Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Full Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Full Match Second Half or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Highlights Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :

By Chris Harris

How much can you do in 27 minutes?

If you're Cesc Fabregas, that's how long it takes you to come off the bench, galvanise your team, score two world-class goals and then limp off with a possible recurrence of the hamstring injury which delayed your introduction in the first place.

The captain's magnificent cameo was bittersweet for Arsenal but it saw off Aston Villa in style.

Fabregas curled an exquisite free-kick into the top corner to give his side the lead after 65 minutes and rounded off a quickfire counter-attack with nine minutes left to secure a significant victory.

Abou Diaby iced the cake with a well-taken third in stoppage time to leave Arsène Wenger's side four points behind Chelsea at the top of the Premier League - with an all-important game in hand.

Four short weeks ago Arsenal's title challenge was seen by some as a joke. After 13 points from a possible 15, that same quest for the Premier League is deadly serious.

While Chelsea falter, the Gunners are flying. Whether Fabregas' injury is serious enough to clip their wings remains to be seen.

Before kick-off the gossip centred around the Spaniard. Would he be fit to return after injury? The answer was, er... kind of. The captain was deemed OK to take his place among the substitutes but not in the starting line-up. We would have to wait for his heroics.

There were two changes on the pitch though, both at full-back: Bacary Sagna stepped in for Emmanuel Eboue while Armand Traore shrugged off a hamstring problem of his own to replace Mikael Silvestre.

It was a sign of Wenger's respect for Villa that he gave this encounter the same billing as a traditional ‘Big Four' clash. And no wonder. Villa won here last November and have already beaten Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool this season.

While the visitors dreamed of completing a ‘Grand Slam', this was a chance for Arsenal to put clear, blue water between them and Martin O'Neill's side. And there was an extra incentive: Chelsea's latest stutter - a goalless draw at Birmingham - presented another chance to eat into their lead at the top of the table.

Villa's counter-attacking was decisive on their last visit and that threat had to be quelled. But Wenger still demanded the "audaciousness to attack" ahead of the game and his players granted their manager's wish with a sprightly start.

An early free-kick from Samir Nasri caused consternation in the Villa box and Thomas Vermaelen tested Brad Friedel as the ball dropped beyond the far post. Seconds later Diaby span past his marker on the edge of the box and squared for Eduardo. The Croatian turned his own man expertly but his shot lacked power and direction.

It was the kind of chance a confident Eduardo would have snaffled but he was left holding his head in his hands while Wenger span with frustration on the touchline.

Arsenal pressed on. Denilson fizzed an effort over the bar from 20 yards following a well-worked short corner between Eduardo and Nasri. But Villa, having weathered the early storm, began to make inroads of their own.

Emile Heskey scuffed a shot wide in the 10th minute after his excellent knock down had been bundled back by Gabriel Agbonlahor. Ashley Young saw a shot deflect off Bacary Sagna and loop agonisingly wide. And Carlos Cuellar should have done better than slap his left-footed effort off target after the impressive James Milner picked him out on the edge of the box.

Pacy, muscular and disciplined, Villa looked proper top-four material. But Arsenal soon hit back.

And with Andrey Arshavin on the periphery, Nasri and Diaby took the fight to Villa.

First Nasri clipped in a free-kick which Diaby rose to head just over. Then their slick exchange in the 24th minute left Nasri in space inside the box but Stephen Warnock's sliding challenge averted the threat. And on the half-hour Denilson teed up Nasri for a dipping volley which took a deflection and looped just over the bar.

Moments later Diaby's skill and persistence and Denilson's tenacity earned a free-kick on the edge of the box. The Brazilian dusted himself off to hammer a shot into Villa's wall; the ball fell into the path of Sagna and his howitzer whistled just over.

It was compelling stuff, and Arsenal were gaining the upper hand. Their grip strengthened when Fabregas emerged from the bench 11 minutes into the second half. His first contribution? A 40-yard free kick which flew just over the bar.

The captain galvanised his team, not least Arshavin. The diminutive duo were in tandem immediately as Fabregas picked out the Russian for a turn and shot which Brad Friedel did well to palm away.

That was solid keeping but a defensive mix-up almost cost Villa dear on the hour mark.

Arshavin set Eduardo away on the left and, as Luke Young waited for Friedel to claim, Fabregas nipped in. He slipped the ball to Eduardo but the Croatian's goal-bound shot was hacked clear by Cuellar.

With 25 minutes left, the deadlock was broken. Fabregas won a free-kick 22 yards out after his jinking run was illegally halted by Richard Dunne. The skipper picked himself up and curled an exquisite effort into the top left-hand corner with Friedel grasping at thin air.

Alex Song sliced a shot over the crossbar as Arsenal pressed on and another classic finish from Fabregas sealed the points nine minutes from time.

Traore arrowed a diagonal pass into the path of Theo Walcott on the right and the substitute slid the ball into the path of Fabregas, who had charged through the centre at full pelt. He barely broke stride to slam a lot shot past Friedel and double Arsenal's lead.

The Emirates erupted but, almost immediately, there was concern. Fabregas was hobbling as he celebrated and, within four minutes, the Spaniard had been replaced by Aaron Ramsey.

It was a sad end to an extraordinary performance from the Arsenal captain. He was the catalyst for a priceless victory; his return cannot come soon enough.

Not that Arsenal did badly in his absence.

Diaby, probably the game's second most impressive performer, slotted home a fine goal of his own in stoppage time.

It capped an almost perfect day.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery<

FIFA Team World Cup 2009 Final

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:58:00 +0000

FIFA Team World Cup 2009 Final
Estudiantes La Plata - FC Barcelona = 1-2

First Goal for Estudiantes La Plata by Boselli - 37'
Barcelona Goal by Pedro in the last minutes - 89'
Barcelona Winning Goal by Lionel Messi - 114'

First half highlights - MULTIUPLOAD
First half highlights - Rapidshare | Mediafire | Megaupload
Extra Time Highlights - MULTIUPLOAD

ARSENAL vs HULL CITY 3-0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:52:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs HULL CITY 3-0

DATE : December 19nd, 2009
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Denilson - 45"
Download Arsenal Goal by Eduardo - 59"
Download Arsenal Goal by Abou Diaby - 80"

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Full Match First Half or Here or Here
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Full Match Second Half or Here or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Highlights Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Arsenal closed the gap on their title rivals with a hard-fought 3-0 win over Hull at Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

Arsène Wenger's side struggled early on but Denilson gave them the lead with a gorgeous free-kick on the stroke of half-time. Then, after Manuel Almunia had saved Geovanni's penalty, Eduardo tapped home on the hour and Abou Diaby made the points safe with a well-worked third with 11 minutes to go.

After their defeat at Fulham earlier in the day, Manchester United are now just two points ahead of Arsenal having played one game more. Wenger's men are also five shy of Chelsea, though the Stamford Bridge side visit struggling West Ham on Sunday.

Still, this was a nice cruise into Christmas. After that humbling defeat to Chelsea in the final fixture of November, Arsenal have responded by taking 10 points from 12 in December.

The Stamford Bridge side are understandable favourites to win the title at the moment but, in recent weeks, Wenger's side have looked like becoming their most dogged pursuers.

This race is only half run of course but, if they continue this form, Arsenal will be breathing down Chelsea's neck right until the end.

Wenger's side showed three changes from the side that had squeezed out a draw at Burnley in midweek. Cesc Fabregas scored Arsenal's goal at Turf Moor before hobbling off with a hamstring problem. His injury allowed the fit-again Denilson to come straight back into the side on a bitterly cold North London evening.

Theo Walcott dropped down to the bench and Eduardo came in. Somewhat surprisingly the Croatian was not employed up front but on the left. Andrey Arshavin remained in the central attacking role with Samir Nasri moving out to the right.

The final change was like-for-like - Emmanuel Eboue replacing Bacary Sagna at right back.

After defeats for Liverpool and, in particular, Manchester United earlier on Saturday, Arsenal once again welcomed Hull with opportunity knocking. Having said that, Arsenal would have been top of the table on September 27 last year had they beaten Phil Brown's side - and we know what happened then.

Early on the visitors would, once again, show little respect for their higher-placed hosts. Hull were perky in the opening stages. Their only notable opportunity came in the fourth minute when Diaby was dispossessed by George Boateng and Craig Fagan rifled a shot just wide.

However it was more than Arsenal were creating.

It took the home side 13 minutes to manufacture something of consequence. It came when Arshavin, Eduardo and Nasri set up Diaby just outside the area. The Frenchman's shot deflected wide.

Shortly afterwards, Nasri himself thumped an effort into the chest of keeper Boaz Myhill.

Midway through the half, Eduardo curled a glorious shot just beyond the far post from the corner of the area. It was the first real touch of quality in the game.

The Croatian had been out of the side recently but, tonight, he was the closest to lighting Arsenal's touch paper. He shone again on the half-hour when he bamboozled the Hull defence and exchanged passes with Nasri before being muscled out in the area.

As half time approached, Arsenal were finally starting to warm up. The same could not be said of the crowd. London was in the middle of a cold snap and the exterior of Emirates Stadium was sprinkled with snow.

In the 40th minute, Arshavin's left-wing cross was nodded wide by Alex Song. But for the attentions of Eduardo, the Cameroonian might have scored.

A goal seemed some way away but, just before half-time, two free-kicks in exactly the same place reshaped the game. First Geovanni fouled Arshavin just outside the area and an unsightly melee broke out. The end result was bookings for Nasri and Stephen Hunt then the Frenchman sent the free-kick into the wall.

In injury time, Boateng brought down Diaby on virtually the same blade of grass and Denilson curled in a cracking free-kick into the corner of the net.

It was the Brazilian's third goal of the season - all of which had been scored from around 25 yards.

Three minutes after half-time, Arsenal might have killed the game.

There seemed little on when Arshavin sent in a regulation ball to Eduardo's feet. The striker's turn was poetry in motion but, having gone clear he could only stutter a shot wide. It was a glaring miss, the type of one that sometimes proves pivotal.

And it nearly did.

In the 56th minute Silvestre was adjudged to have hauled down Fagan as they tussled for a left-wing cross. It looked innocuous but referee Steve Bennett pointed to the penalty spot.

Geovanni's slow run-up smacked of placement over power but Almunia guessed correctly. He dived to his right to pull off a fine save then Hunt nodded the rebound wide.

Emirates Stadium celebrated as though justice had been done.

Three minutes later, the crowd were on their feet again. Diaby and Song played a give-and-go in the left-hand channel. The Frenchman's cutback was turned in by Eduardo from two yards out.

That ended Hull's resistance and, 11 minutes from time, Diaby nailed down the coffin lid. He exchanged passes with Song and Arshavin then held off his marker before firing home. A lovely goal.

Substitutes Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey might have added more in the final stages. At the other end, Hunt's drive forced another fine save from Almunia.

The full-time whistle was welcome. Arsenal had the points and, frankly, the frost-bitten crowd probably needed to thaw themselves out.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery

BURNLEY VS ARSENAL 1-1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:25:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

BURNLEY VS ARSENAL 1-1

DATE : December 16nd, 2009
VENUE : Turf Moor Stadium

BURNLEY GOALS :
Download Burnley Goal by Alexander (pen) - 28"

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 7"

FULL MATCH :
Download Burnley vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Here
Download Burnley vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Burnley vs Arsenal Highlights Match

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

“If you want to win the League we must go to Burnley and win.”

Arsène Wenger’s pre-match words were unequivocal but his players could not follow his orders and lost ground in the title race on Wednesday night.

Cesc Fabregas capitalised on Andre Bikey’s defensive dawdling to fire Arsenal into an early lead and the visitors could have scored two or three more in the opening 15 minutes.

But they didn’t, and Burnley hit back. Just before the half-hour, Thomas Vermaelen clipped Bikey and Graham Alexander’s penalty gave Manuel Almunia no chance.

Vermaelen, Andrey Arshavin and Fabregas all went close in an open encounter but Arsenal lost their captain to injury just before the break and could not find a winner against a spirited Burnley outfit.

A draw at Turf Moor is hardly terminal – the Clarets have only lost once at home this season – but, as Wenger pointed out, these are the kind of games champions win.

Despite a short recovery period since Sunday’s win at Liverpool, the Arsenal manager made just two changes to the side that started on Sunday – both enforced. Denilson (back) and Armand Traore (hamstring) joined a lengthy injury list so in came Abou Diaby and Mikael Silvestre. Emmanuel Eboue, back from a hamstring problem, took his place on the bench alongside a surprise inclusion – Youth Cup-winning captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

Burnley away may lack the glamour of that visit to Merseyside but, as far as Arsenal’s title pretensions were concerned, it was just as important. There is no point turning it on in the second half at Anfield simply to come a cropper elsewhere in the North-West three days later.

Relaxation was certainly not an option against a Burnley side who had lost just once at home all season and claimed the prize scalp of Manchester United here in August. And lest we forget, Burnley were the scourge of the big boys – Arsenal included – in the Carling Cup last term.

The snow which dusted large chunks of the south-east had not found this corner of Lancashire but, make no mistake, it was a chilly night at Turf Moor.

Hat, scarves and gloves were abundant in the stands. On the pitch, Arsenal shook off the cold and made a quick start.

Clarke Carlisle’s miskick and Tyrone Mears’ dawdling let Fabregas in before a minute was up but the former made amends with a sliding clearance. Then a lack of communication between Vermaelen and Almunia ended with the Belgian’s back-header looping over the Spaniard, who clambered back to paw the ball against the bar.

Arsenal learned their lesson; Burnley patently did not. In the seventh minute, Bikey read Fabregas’ pass to Abou Diaby and intercepted on the edge of the area. But instead of clearing, he dithered. Fabregas stole the ball back and rolled it into the bottom corner.

Arsenal’s captain continued to enjoy himself. Two minutes later he collected Diaby’s pass on the run, juggled it over a defender and lashed a left-foot shot into the side-netting. Then Samir Nasri charged through the centre only for a heavy touch to let him down at the crucial moment. And a purple patch for the visitors concluded when Nasri touched a crossfield pass to Arshavin and the Russian slammed a low shot against the post.

Arsenal could have been three up inside 15 minutes. In the event, they had to settle for one. Burnley sensed a way back into the game.

They found it just before the half-hour. Bikey was transformed from villain to hero when he beat Vermaelen to a 50:50 challenge inside the box. The Belgian caught the Cameroonian and Alexander smashed the penalty down the centre.

Arshavin almost provided an instant riposte. Fabregas skipped away from two challenges and slid the ball into the Russian’s path. Jensen was alert, narrowing the angle and then blocking the shot.

But Burnley were more than matching their guests. The impressive Steven Fletcher brought runners into the game and Arsenal’s defence was turned far too often for their liking. Only a vital interception from William Gallas denied the Scot a tap-in after Wade Elliott had escaped down the left and crossed low into the six-yard box.

Fabregas, the game’s most impressive performer, sadly did not last beyond the 42nd minute. He walked gingerly to the touchline and Aaron Ramsey entered the fray.

Despite losing their captain, Arsenal finished the half strongly only to see Jensen deny them twice in a minute. First the Dane blocked Arshavin’s close-range prod after Silvestre’s picked out the Russian’s run. Then Vermaelen powered a header towards goal only to see Jensen tip the ball over brilliantly.

The second half started in far more scrappy fashion with Gallas, Fletcher and Bikey lining up to fail from long distance. But slowly and surely, Arsenal’s passing found its zip and purpose.

As the hour approached, Alex Song picked out Nasri 30 yards out and he found Theo Walcott in acres of space. The England man, still lacking sharpness after his injury lay-off, fired high and wide.

Chris Eagles went much, much closer at the other end, bursting past Silvestre and Nasri on the right before hammering a shot against the near post. Then Fletcher span and shot just over.

The same man had the ball in the net with 20 minutes remaining but he was thwarted – incorrectly – by the linesman’s flag.

By now Eduardo had replaced Walcott and he almost latched onto Nasri’s through-ball with 13 minutes left. Once again the hulking frame of Jensen denied Arsenal. Moments later Nasri and Arshavin picked their way through the Burnley defence but the latter’s cut-back just evaded Eduardo.

You could make a case for either side taking the spoils as the clock ticked down.

Eagles fizzed one over from 20 yards and Arsenal probed on the edge of the Burnley area, looking for that killer pass. But the closest the visitors came was Eduardo’s free-kick which forced Jensen into yet another save with two minutes left.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, Kooora, rossonery

LIVERPOOL VS ARSENAL 1-2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:14:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

LIVERPOOL VS ARSENAL 1-2

DATE : December 13nd, 2009
VENUE : Anfield Stadium

LIVERPOOL GOALS :
Download Liverpool Goal by Dirk Kuyt - 41" or Mirror Here or Mirror Here or Mirror Here

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Johnson (og) - 50" or Mirror Here or Mirror Here or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Arshavin - 58" or Mirror Here or Mirror Here or Mirror Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Highlights Match First Half
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Highlights Match Second Half

FULL MATCH :
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Here or Here
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Here or Here

Other Sources :
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match Part 1
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match Part 2
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match Part 3
Download Liverpool vs Arsenal Full Match Part 4

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Once again Andrey Arshavin was Liverpool's chief tormentor as Arsenal barged their way back into the thick of the title race with a 2-1 comeback win at Anfield on Sunday.

The little Russian striker scored four times in this fixture last season but it brought the visitors only one point.

This afternoon, Arshavin struck once, albeit it a cracker in to the top corner, to complete a barnstorming Arsenal victory.

Dirk Kuyt had deservedly put the home side in front five minutes before the break after Manuel Almunia had palmed out a free-kick from Fabio Aurelio.

Arsenal's equaliser - an own goal from Glen Johnson - was full of good fortune. But their winner was 100 per cent class.

With Manchester United and Tottenham losing three points at the weekend plus Manchester City and Chelsea letting slip two apiece, this was always going to be a massive chance for Wenger's men.

They are now third, three points behind Sir Alex Ferguson's side with a game in hand.

If Arsenal beat their next five opponents - winnable trips to Burnley and Portsmouth then Hull, Villa and Bolton at home - they can expect to be Chelsea's nearest challengers by January 6.

A fortnight ago, when the Stamford Bridge side won 3-0 at Emirates Stadium, that looked miles away.

But now Arsenal are looking credible title winners. They are six points off Chelsea with that spare fixture in their back pocket.

The race is on again.

Continuing injury problems left Wenger with few options in his team selection before the game. In the end he left his two returning players - Abou Diaby (calf) and Eduardo (thigh) - on the bench.

Arshavin retained his role up front after an impressive display against Stoke last weekend. Alex Song was back from suspension.

Liverpool were at full strength. The only doubt was the level of fitness that Fernando Torres had retained during his six-week absence with a hernia injury. Steven Gerrard, their pivotal player, had returned in midweek against Fiorentina.

Saturday's results had opened up an opportunity for both of these sides and they started like they knew this was a massive moment in their respective seasons.

The early pace was breathtaking, full of snapping challenges and earnest endeavour. However chances were few and, when they did come, they went Liverpool's way.

In the 12th minute, Gerrard broke clear on the right with Torres in space to the left of him. The Englishman's pass was straight to the feet of the Spaniard who had the very definition of a one-on-one with Almunia. The striker seemed certain to score but he sidefooted limply into the arms of his compatriot. You have to a think a less rusty Torres would have put Liverpool in front.

A couple of minutes later, the home side had confident claims for a penalty when Gallas felled Gerrard. However Referee Howard Webb played on.

The Liverpool captain had lost the ball before he went down. That is probably the only thing that saved Arsenal.

Almost immediately Aurelio clipped Sagna on the right and Thomas Vermaelen nodded over from Cesc Fabregas' free-kick.

It would be their best chance of the half. The visitors attacked with ingenuity but would only have sporadic success. Arshavin was closely shackled by Daniel Agger while Aurelio stalked Walcott with a dogged determination.

By the time, the first half had reached halfway, Liverpool were taking control. Almunia was under pressure from a number of free-kicks and corners while Glen Johnson was an increasing influence.

The England right back made his way into the Arsenal area on a number of occasions but the most eye-catching opportunities saw William Gallas make a timely interception then Gerrard had his shot blocked by Song.

Five minutes from half-time, the opening goal arrived. Denilson fouled Gerrard 30 yards out and Aurelio floated in the free-kick. Alumina could only bat the ball out to Kuyt and the Dutchman chested the ball down before threading shot into the net through a crowded area.

At the break, Arsenal might have been feeling a little sorry for themselves but their response was positive.

In the opening stages they sustained pressure for perhaps the first time in the game - and that pressure would tell.

Arshavin nodded wide and then Fabregas fired low at Pepe Reina.

Then, five minutes in, Arsenal got lucky.

Nasri raced onto Fabregas' ball on the right-hand side. His cross deflected off the tumbling Jamie Carragher, hit Johnson and then trickled in.

It was fortunate but Arsenal had grafted for their luck. As the team ran back to their own half, Arshavin spoke to Gallas, Fabregas and Song in the strongest terms. The Russian clearly fancied a comeback.

Eight minutes later, we found out just how much.

Fabregas fed Arshavin on the corner of the area, the Russian tricked an inch of space from his marker Johnson and fired a rocket of a shot high into the net off inside of Reina's right-hand post. It was trademark Arshavin, there was immense power but little backlift. It was as good as any of his four last season - and just as important.

Liverpool responded as you might expect. Pressure and urgency. But there was a suddenly tension in their play and in the stands.

Wenger replaced Walcott with Diaby to stiffen his side in the tackle. It helped Arsenal cope but Liverpool's storm quickly blew itself out.

To be honest, Almunia was a caretaker as much as a goalkeeper in the final stages.

Arsenal held on with relative ease and there were few real alarms. At full time, the visiting fans were in full voice.

Their songs lasted long after the teams had left the pitch.

Their side had offered the right response this afternoon and, just maybe, paved the way for a proper assault on the title in the New Year.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery

OLYMPIACOS VS ARSENAL 1-0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:49:00 +0000

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH

OLYMPIACOS VS ARSENAL 1-0

DATE : December 09nd, 2009
VENUE : Karaiskakis Stadium

OLYMPIACOS GOALS :
Download Olympiacos Goal by Leonardo - 47"

EXTRAS :
Chance for Galletti min.20
Chance for Villa min.69

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Olympiacos vs Arsenal Highlights Match or Mirror Here

Other Sources :
Download Olympiacos vs Arsenal Highlights Match First Half
Download Olympiacos vs Arsenal Highlights Match Second Half

FULL MATCH :
Download Olympiacos vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Here
or Here or Here
Download Olympiacos vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Here or Here

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Arsenal's youngsters left Athens with nothing to show for a valiant performance at Olympiacos on Wednesday night.

Having won Champions League Group H on Matchday Five, Arsène Wenger had decided to field a scratch side in Greece. He started with five teenagers - including two debutants - and the average age was 21. A figure skewed by the presence of 32-year-old Mikael Silvestre at centre back.

It was the youngest ever side fielded in the Champions League, beating the record set by Ajax six years ago.

By contrast, Olympiacos were motivated by both the point they needed to qualify for the Knockout Stages and the vocal backing of the imposing Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.

They got the goal they required just after half-time when Leonardo charged through and drove his shot under Lukasz Fabianski. However, for much of the game, it was Arsenal who impressed.

They forced the Greek champions to play on the counter-attack in the first half. After they went behind Carlos Vela spurned a couple of chances to equalise and, at the death, the impressive Aaron Ramsey saw an effort kicked off the line.

Wenger could have asked for no better European finishing school than this. It was one of the few games in the season that Arsenal could afford to lose so the manager took advantage.

The benefits may not be apparent for a few years to come but, make no mistake, this could have been a turning point in the careers of a couple of players on show.

It was worthwhile exercise.

Wenger had pretty much named his line-up before kick-off. The defence was 50 per cent made of 18-year-old debutants - Tom Cruise and Kyle Bartley - while other youngsters such as Jack Wilshere, Fran Merida, Kerrea Gilbert and Vela and were given another run-out.

For differing reasons, Alex Song, Theo Walcott, Lukasz Fabianski and Mikael Silvestre all needed games.

There would be a temptation to call it a Carling Cup side. But Arsenal had generally fielded stronger sides than this in their ‘fourth competition' this season.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas had been named as part of the squad but, in fact, he was ineligible because he had been on loan at Blackpool at the start of the season. Therefore Arsenal only named six substitutes.

In his pre-match press conference, Wenger had mentioned that the best way to quieten the famous Olympiacos atmosphere was to play good football.

It may have been a very different side but the Frenchman's brand was stamped all over this Arsenal team in the opening stages.

They were neat, tidy and confident. But the closest they came to scoring was when Antonis Nikopolidis batted away a rising drive from Walcott.

Shortly afterwards Oscar Gonzalez set up Kostas Mitroglou to sidefoot an effort over the bar. It was a decent chance but it had been snatched on the break. Arsenal, young and fearless, were actually pushing back the Greek champions.

At the quarter-hour, the balance of play had done little to affect the volume in the stadium. The home fans were still drumming, singing, shouting and waving flags. Arsenal were booed when they were in possession.

And, as Olympiacos started to impose themselves, the volume only grew louder. In the 17th minute, Luciano Galletti floated over a corner and a shot from Avraam Papadopoulos hit Olof Mellberg.
Generally, though, Olympiacos were looking most dangerous on the break and, in the 19th minute, one such raid saw them nearly take the lead.

Mitroglou stormed down the left and picked out Galletti at the far post. The Argentinean leapt impressively but could only bounce a shot into the sidenetting. Soon after that Dudu slammed a shot over the bar.

Those chances notwithstanding, it had been a very encouraging start from Arsenal. Yes, they were reliant on the well-known strength of Song and Walcott was starting to impress, but the youngsters were playing full roles.

The England international may have gone clear on a couple of occasions but the bounce went against him. His Cameroonian counterpart also drove a shot high from range just past the half-hour.

But as the interval approached, Olympiacos grew in influence. Just before the whistle, a well-worked move saw Giorgos Galitsios freed down the left flank. His deep cross was met by the flying Raul Bravo. The former Leeds midfielder never had the effort under control and it went well over.

It had been 45 minutes of hard work but the Arsenal side could be proud of what they had achieved.

However the harshest of lessons was meted out within 90 seconds of the restart.

Bartley dispossessed Gonzalez effectively enough in midfield but the interception fell kindly for the onrushing Leonardo. The Brazilian sprinted clear of Gilbert and tucked his shot under Fabianski.

It was the goal Wenger must have feared having got to half-time relatively comfortably. But perversely, Arsenal should have equalised three minutes later, Ramsey broke clear on the left and, despite two pursuers, managed to square the ball to the unmarked Vela. His shot had power but was straight at Nikopolidis.

As the hour-mark passed and went, Arsenal looked a little tired. But they were still creating chances and Ramsey was at the hub of most of them. The Welshman was in an eye-catching mood tonight.

Midway through the half he curled a gorgeous ball into the path of Walcott but the striker was muscled off by Bravo. From the resulting corner, Ramsey saw his header saved.

In the 70th minute, Merida's slide-rule pass gave Vela a glimpse of goal. Unfortunately for Arsenal, he prodded the ball over the bar. A golden opportunity.

The game was now becoming more and more open. Fabianski clawed down a shot from Leonardo and, with 14 minutes left, Mitroglou's shot beat the Polish keeper but drifted wide.

However it was Arsenal who might have stolen a point with a minute left. Merida's low right-wing corner meandered through to Ramsey at the far post and the Welshman's effort was booted off the line by Leonardo.

There would be no fairy-tale ending tonight.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery

ARSENAL VS STOKE CITY 2-0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:30:00 +0000

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL VS STOKE CITY 2-0

DATE : December 05nd, 2009
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Andrey Arshavin - 26" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Aaron Ramsey - 80" or Mirror Here

EXTRAS :
Missed 1 on 1 chance for Arsenal min.3
Missed Penalty Kick for Fábregas min.20
Nice save from Sørensen min.50
In the post for Arsenal min.63

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match First Half or Here
or Here
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match Second Half or Here or Here

Other Sources :
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match Part 1
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match Part 2
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match Part 3
Download Arsenal vs Stoke City Full Match Part 4

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Arsenal bounced back from their recent disappointments with a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Stoke at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsène Wenger's side took the initiative in the opening stages and never really let go with emergency striker Andrey Arshavin at the hub of everything.

The Russian won a penalty in the 21st minute but Cesc Fabregas' effort was well-saved by Thomas Sorensen.

In the end it did not matter. Five minutes later the pair combined for Arshavin to guide home a shot then, midway through the second half, the latter set up substitute Aaron Ramsey for Arsenal's second.

It was decent way to celebrate the Club's 100th match at Emirates Stadium and Wenger's 500th Premier League game in charge.

Win No 293 was no classic but, after back-to-back 3-0 defeats, Arsenal needed a safe, well-deserved victory over a decent Premier League outfit to revive their self-esteem.

That is exactly what they got.

So crisis over? No, there never really was one. Arsenal lost a game last weekend and won one this weekend.

If dogged efficiency is the only way to rebuild their title challenge then this was a decent start to the process.

In recent times, Wenger has made a habit of losing strikers to injury and, unfortunately, the trend continued today. Eduardo had picked up a muscular problem in training on Friday and dropped out. As a result Arshavin was given the lead role.

Alex Song also stepped down through suspension. The replacements were Emmanuel Eboue and Tomas Rosicky.

Today Arsenal needed a win of any sort by any means and they started like they meant business.

Within five minutes of the start, Sorensen had twice denied Arsenal and both opportunities involved Arshavin.

First the Russian bundled his way on to Fabregas' pass but his first touch was heavy and the goalkeeper spread himself sufficiently to block his toe-poke.

A couple of minutes later, Arshavin threaded a ball through to Nasri. With his angle narrowing, the Frenchman tried his luck. Sorensen had made sure his angles were correct.

It was all Arsenal but, these days, Stoke are not a side to be overawed. They imposed their game on the hosts and, as ever, Rory Delap's throw-ins were at the forefront of their attacks.

The Irishman flew in a number of Howitzers that caused consternation in the Arsenal area. Almunia dealt with some, his defence dealt with others. Between them, they got the job just about done.

Arsenal weathered the storm and looked to have got their just rewards midway through the half.

In the 21st minute, Arshavin was clipped by Salif Daio just outside the area and then by Delap inside. He was felled by the latter and referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot.

It was the first penalty that Arsenal had been given in the Premier League since Stoke had visited in May.

And they missed it.

With Eduardo joining all the other strikers on the sidelines, the task fell on the shoulders of Fabregas, who was making his 250th Arsenal appearance. His contact was good but, as the old cliché goes, it was the right height for Sorensen, who saved well to his left.

It was a blow but, as it transpired, not a mortal one. In the 26th minute, Arshavin fed Fabregas then raced into the area to collect the return ball. The stand-in striker used all his strength to hold off his marker before steering a cross-short beyond Sorensen and into the far corner of the net.

It was Arshavin's seventh of the season, no more than his side had deserved and, a minute later, it should have been 2-0.

Armand Traore crossed from the left and Diao's near-post touch beat Sorensen but the ball bounced off the far upright. It fell back invitingly for Fabregas, who had the goal at his mercy. Except, that is, for Eboue, who blocked his shot on the line.

Arsenal were now stretching Stoke down the flanks. They played with a tangible confidence until the break however the closest they came to extending their lead was when Fabregas fired across the face of goal and then Nasri hacked an effort over the bar in injury time.

There had been no obvious sign of an injury to Rosicky in the first half but the Czech international failed to appear after the restart. Vela was a straight replacement on the left hand side of midfield.

Arsenal were still effervescent. There was a likable spark about their work this afternoon. All they needed now was the second goal they merited. Arshavin's swivelling snapshot nearly provided it five minutes after the restart.

Shortly afterwards, Eboue hobbled off and Aaron Ramsey came on. Arsenal continue to have no luck with injuries.

As the game reached the hour-mark, the only problem was Arsenal's failure to put the game to bed.

This was illustrated immediately afterwards when Tuncay burst clear. However the Turkish striker needed to control a high, hanging through ball and, by the time he had, Gallas had time to pull off a well-timed block.

Arshavin remained by far Arsenal's leading light. In the 64th minute, he should have got that second. Vela's cross through a crowded area found him at the back post. The Russian's shot was fierce and goal-bound but Abdoulaye Faye deflected it against the bar.

Shortly afterward, Thomas Vermaelen bundled a header wide at the far post.

The second goal arrived just as Stoke were starting to seriously look for the equaliser. The move started way back when Vela slid in to win the ball, eventually it worked its way to Ramsey, who exchanged passes with Arshavin before firing home from the edge of the area. It was the third goal of his Arsenal career.

Arshavin should have made it 3-0 but Andy Wilkinson slid in to block and he was about to pull the trigger.

The Russian proved his worth this afternoon - as had his team.

Now both must build on this performance.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery

MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL 3-0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:09:00 +0000

CARLING CUP MATCH

MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL 3-0

DATE : December 02nd, 2009
VENUE : City of Manchester Stadium

MANCHESTER CITY GOALS :
Download Manchester City Goal by Carlos Tevez - 50" or Mirror Here or Here
Download Manchester City Goal by Shaun Wright Phillips - 69" or Mirror Here or Here
Download Manchester City Goal by Vladimir Weiss - 89" or Mirror Here or Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Manchester City vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Here
Download Manchester City vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Arsenal are out of the Carling Cup.

Arsène Wenger's side were brave and bold at Eastlands on Wednesday night but, in the end, the class of Manchester City was telling.

This Quarter-Final was goalless until five minutes after half-time. That is when Carlos Tevez darted in from the left and drove a stunning shot into the top corner of the net.

Arsenal responded manfully but Man City's second punctured arguably their best period of the game. Like the first, Shaun Wright-Phillips' goal was class. The former Chelsea winger raced up the right and drove stunning shot high into the other corner.

Man City's strength, power and quality was apparent all night but Arsenal's usual mix of youngsters and squad players gave them a real test.

The third goal, from substitute Vladimir Weiss at the death, gave the scoreline a skew the visitors did not deserve.

The statistics will say this is Wenger's third defeat in their last four games. But, at least, the manager will be able to draw a number of positives from this one.

Before kick-off the Frenchman had named a side with as much experience as he could muster. Alex Song dropped back to partner captain Mikael Silvestre at centre half. Armand Traore and Emmanuel Eboue reprised their recent first-team run-outs in the full back positions. However there were younger heads further forward.

Craig Eastmond (18) retained his Carling Cup role as the holding central midfielder with Aaron Ramsey (18) and Tomas Rosicky (29, admittedly) just in front. Fran Merida (19) and Jack Wilshere (17) occupied the flank while Carlos Vela (20) was the lone front man.

For their part, Manchester City were at full strength. All their major summer signings -Tevez, Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry and, of course, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor - were on display.

In the opening stages, their quality was apparent. The home side bossed the opening quarter but, for all that, they only created one chance. It came in the seventh minute, when Barry sent over corner from the right and Adebayor stole in front of Song to power in a firm, downward header. Lukasz Fabianski gathered on the goal-line at the second attempt.

Arsenal rallied briefly after that with Wilshere setting up Ramsey to shot from distance. However in the 20th minute, Wright-Phillips robbed Silvestre on the right-hand byline and Craig Bellamy pulled his shot inches beyond the far post with Fabianski. A crystal clear opportunity.

Until this point, Arsenal had not created a chance worthy of the name. That changed in the 22nd minute when Wilshere sent Vela scuttling into the area. The Mexican striker beat Lescott to the ball but could only stab his shot over the bar. For a finisher as classy as Vela, it was decent opportunity.

But Man City were still ominous every time they went forward and, in the 24th minute, Tevez might have provided the perfect response to Arsenal's adventure. The Argentinean teased and then beat both Silvestre and Eastmond before forcing Fabianski in to a decent save at the near post.

However, as the game become more open, Arsenal became much more competitive. Vela continued to cause consternation in the Man City defence and, just after the half-hour, Eboue darted into the area and forced the first real save out of Shay Given.

Wright-Phillips had been testing Traore to the limit all night. Just before the whistle, the Frenchman was booked for a late challenge on the Englishman. From Barry's free-kick, Song headed just over his own bar.

At the break, Arsenal could congratulate them on a job well done but only half done.

And some of that work would be undone five minutes after the restart. Rosicky lost possession and Tevez collected on the left flank. He darted inside Eboue and Song before curling a sumptuous shot into the net off the underside of the bar.

It was just what Arsenal did not need.

They responded as best they could. Rosicky headed high and Ramsey blazed a decent effort over the bar.

However Adebayor might have killed the tie in the 56th minute.

Arsenal were caught out by Bellamy's early cross and Fabianski's attentions distracted the Togolese striker who diverted the ball wide.

No-one could accuse the visitors of not chancing their arm. Just past the hour Rosicky sent Eboue clear on the right and his cross was nearly touched home by Vela. Seconds later Merida's cross was just too high for Ramsey, who sent his header wide with the goal at his mercy.

Arsenal were now pushing back their older, more experienced opponents. So Man City's second was entirely against the run of play.

Wright-Phillips collected the ball on the right showed a burst of speed and, from the corner of the area, slammed a shot high into the far corner of the net.

It was an unstoppable effort and, unfortunately for Arsenal, curtailed their best period of the match.

As brave as Arsenal had been, you sensed the game was up.

Eleven minutes from time, Song might have seen red for a last-man foul on Stephen Ireland. In the end the Cameroonian only got a yellow card. However it was his fifth caution of the season and subsequently he will be suspended for Saturday's game against Stoke.

Arsenal continued to search for something from the game but, as the seconds ticked by, their pursuit seemed more and more fruitless.

It also created gaps at the back. Three minutes from time, Bellamy drew fine save from Fabianski. Shortly afterwards the Welshman set up substitute Weiss to slam home a third.

Merida bashed a shot against the bar in injury time. It was typical of Arsenal's evening.

Undoubtedly, they had been beaten by the better side on the night but the visitors deserved credit for the performance the youngsters had put in.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery