Tag: the Gunners

Arsenal edge out Newcastle in FA Cup win

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

The Gunners finally broken their visitors resistance after the 100 minute mark with crucial goals from Emile-Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Arsenal looked bright and breezy in the opening stages with Reiss Nelson and Nicolas Pepe testing Martin Dubravka.

But despite the positive start in North London the game descended into a slug fest after the break with half chances for Willock and Andy Carroll.

The introduction of Smith-Rowe tipped the balance for Arsenal in the extra 30 as the England U20 international superbly fired home.

Newcastle threw the kitchen sink at it in the final minutes but Arsenal wrapped it up in last few seconds as Aubameyang tucked home his first goal in over a month.

Full Time at the Emirates Stadium it’s Arsenal 2 Newcastle 0

Arsenal power past West Brom with 4-0 win at The Hawthorns

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

The Gunners look set to move up into the top ten in the coming week as a late brace from Alexandre Lacazette put the gloss on a dominant performance in the West Midlands.

Arteta’s team were on the front foot right from the start in this one with Sam Johnstone called into early action to deny Hector Bellerin and Bukayo Saka.

And with all the traffic heading in one direction it was only a matter of time before Arsenal edged ahead as Kieran Tierney netted a superb opener.

The Scotsman raided forward from full back, turned Darnell Furlong one way and then the other and curl home a beauty past Johnstone.

And with The Baggies unable to offer resistance, Saka tucked home a brilliant second.
Lacazette’s delayed pass released Emile Smith-Rowe and his cutback was buried by Saka.

Arsenal kept on coming and coming before the break with more Johnstone keeping the score down as he denied Lacazette and Rob Holding.

And the Arsenal avalanche showed no signs of slowly after the break before Lacazette finally made it three.

Saka was right at the heart of it once again Semi Ajayi deflected his cross onto the post before Lacazette pounced to tuck home.

Arsenal smelt blood in the final stages as Lacazette volleyed home Tierney’ cross for Goal No.4 as Sam Allardyce’s miserable start continues with The Baggies.

Full Time at The Hawthorns it’s West Brom 0 Arsenal 4

Arsenal secure crucial 1-0 Premier League win at Brighton

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

The Gunners will now kick off the New Year in 13th place after Alexandre Lacazette secured a vital three points.

Despite showing signs of moving in the right direction in recent weeks, the Gunners were second best in the first half, as Brighton created the better chances.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s low drive was the best Graham Potter’s team could muster in the first 45 with Bernd Leno equal to his effort.

Arteta’s side did slowly begin to turn the tide after the break as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tested Robert Sanchez and Gabriel Martinelli fired over.

And as Arsenal found themselves in the ascendency late on, Lacazette grabbed his chance to put them in front.

Bukayo Saka’s driving run had the Brighton defence on the back foot and Lacazette collected his square ball to fire home.

Neither side were able to create a grandstand finish on the south coast as Arsenal grabbed back to back wins for the first time since the opening day.

Full Time at the Amex Stadium it’s Brighton 0 Arsenal 1

Premier League: Brighton vs Arsenal

Posted on by Matt Cunningham

The Gunners haven’t won in their last 5 Premier League meetings against Brighton, but, will be hoping to change their fortunes as they look to bounce back from their 7-game winless spell prior to Boxing Day.

Brighton, on the other hand, are in a rut of their own, without a win in their last 6 league fixtures and are still in search of their first home win of the season.

Speaking after the win against Chelsea, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted he felt responsible for his clubs “draining, frustrating and painful” form.

Tomorrow’s fixtures come as the first of a run of games that his side will have identified as winnable or potentially must-win as they face West Brom, Crystal Palace and Newcastle in the following weeks.

The game is an 18:00 pm kick-off at the Amex on Tuesday 29th December.

Premier League: Brighton vs Arsenal

Posted on by Matt Cunningham

The Gunners haven’t won in their last 5 Premier League meetings against Brighton, but, will be hoping to change their fortunes as they look to bounce back from their 7-game winless spell prior to Boxing Day.

Brighton, on the other hand, are in a rut of their own, without a win in their last 6 league fixtures and are still in search of their first home win of the season.

Speaking after the win against Chelsea, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted he felt responsible for his clubs “draining, frustrating and painful” form.

Tomorrow’s fixtures come as the first of a run of games that his side will have identified as winnable or potentially must-win as they face West Brom, Crystal Palace and Newcastle in the following weeks.

The game is an 18:00 pm kick-off at the Amex on Tuesday 29th December.

Premier League: Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea

Posted on by Matt Cunningham

Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty before Granit Xhaka’s superb free-kick doubled Arsenal’s lead just ahead of the break.

Chelsea, looking to stay hot on the heels of the chasing pack, were caught out again after 56 minutes when Bukayo Saka clipped home a third.

Mohamed Elneny drilled a fierce effort against the crossbar before Chelsea pulled a goal back after 85 minutes through Tammy Abraham, who was ruled onside by VAR after initially being flagged offside.

Gunners keeper Bernd Leno produced a fine save from Jorginho’s penalty in stoppage time as Arsenal closed out a first league win since beating Manchester United away at the start of November.

Before kick-off, the Gunners announced defender Gabriel was set to miss the next three matches due to self-isolation after being flagged as a close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19.

Brazilian duo David Luiz and Willian were said to be “unwell”, but both recently returned negative tests.

The result sees The Gunners climb to 14th in the table whilst Frank Lampard’s Chelsea drop to 6th.

Premier League Preview: Arsenal v Chelsea

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

The Gunners host local rivals Chelsea on Boxing Day and defeat could see them slide right down into the drop zone.

But it’s not all bad news for the Spanish coach ahead of this tie, with club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s return offering a welcome boost.

Swiss international Granit Xhaka is also back for this one but whether or not that’s a good thing remains a conundrum for Arteta.

As for Chelsea, Frank Lampard’s side looked back to their slick best against West Ham and he could go for a largely unchanged line up.

The only real issue for him appears to be at full back with Reece James and Ben Chilwell both out.

Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta is set to keep his place as James’ replacement on the right with Emerson drafted in to cover at left back.

And it’s all good to go under the Tier 4 lights at 5.30pm on Boxing Day at the Emirates Stadium.

Everton deepen Arsenal’s Premier League woes with 2-1 Goodison Park win

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

The Gunners are facing the very real prospect of Christmas on the brink of the relegation zone as Yerry Mina header pushes the Blues up to second.

On a night of few chances at either end of Goodison Park, it was the hosts that hit their stride early on, as Michael Keane slammed a spectacular effort wide.

And with all the traffic heading in one direction in the opening half hour, it was Everton that edged in front on 28 minutes.

Former Gunner Alex Iwobi’s whipped cross caused problems in the Arsenal box and the unfortunate Rob Holding diverted home past Bernd Leno.

The visitors struggled to bounce back from that, but Arteta’s side were given a massive helping hand just after.

Everton failed to clear their lines at a corner and Tom Davies caught Ainsley Maitland-Niles in area, with Nicolas Pepe confidently tucking home from the spot.

But that proved to be merely a temporary reprieve for Arteta on his return to Goodison as Mina powered
Everton ahead again before the break.

Arsenal did look to up the tempo and haul themselves into again after the restart as David Luiz skidded against the post and Joe Willock flashed on wide.

Bukayo Saka did carve out a chance in added time but Toffees keeper Jordan Pickford was equal to it as Arsenal boss Arteta faces a tense few weeks ahead.

Full Time at Goodison Park it’s Everton 2 Arsenal 1

The Gunners are facing the very real prospect of Christmas on the brink of the relegation zone as Yerry Mina header pushes the Blues up to second.
On a night of few chances at either end of Goodison Park, it was the hosts that hit their stride early on, as Michael Keane slammed a spectacular effort wide.
And with all the traffic heading in one direction in the opening half hour, it was Everton that edged in front on 28 minutes.
Former Gunner Alex Iwobi’s whipped cross caused problems in the Arsenal box and the unfortunate Rob Holding diverted home past Bernd Leno.
The visitors struggled to bounce back from that, but Arteta’s side were given a massive helping hand just after.
Everton failed to clear their lines at a corner and Tom Davies caught Ainsley Maitland-Niles in area, with Nicolas Pepe confidently tucking home from the spot.
But that proved to be merely a temporary reprieve for Arteta on his return to Goodison as Mina powered Everton ahead again before the break.
Arsenal did look to up the tempo and haul themselves into again after the restart as David Luiz skidded against the post and Joe Willock flashed on wide.
Bukayo Saka did carve out a chance in added time but Toffees keeper Jordan Pickford was equal to it as Arsenal boss Arteta faces a tense few weeks ahead.
Full Time at Goodison Park it’s Everton 2 Arsenal 1

Premier League: Arsenal vs Southampton

Posted on by Marley Anderson

The Gunners have usually been in excellent form in midweek games this season, winning all six of their Europa League fixtures, but woeful against Premier League opposition, losing four of their last five league games as pressure mounts on Arteta.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored more goals against Arsenal at the Emirates than for them so far this season, but will continue to be relied upon as Southampton visit the capital.

Granit Xhaka will be suspended after ridiculously getting sent off against Burnley on Sunday for grabbing Ashley Westwood around the neck. Whether or not that improves the Gunners’ chances of a result remains to be seen.

Arteta will definitely be without Thomas Partey with a thigh injury, while Nicolas Pepe is also suspended. Reiss Nelson has a chance of returning after a head injury, but Sead Kolasinac is unlikely to make the squad.

David Luiz will be assessed after missing the 1-0 defeat to Burnley with the after effects of a concussion injury sustained in that horrific clash with Raul Jimenez, while the game will come too soon for Gabriel Martinelli, who has stepped up his recovery from an ACL injury in the past week.

As for Southampton, Ralph Hassenhuttl has a fully fit squad to choose from, which seems entirely in keeping with everything going well at St Mary’s at the minute.

Danny Ings and Nathan Redmond are both available after injuries recently, and the pair combined for Saints’ third goal against Sheffield United at the weekend.

A win for Hassenhuttl could send Southampton top of the table for the second time this season, albeit for a maximum of two hours as Liverpool and Spurs play at Anfield ten minutes after the full-time whistle goes at the Emirates.

Arsenal need a win to affect things at the other end of the table, as they bid to pull themselves away from a relegation battle that is starting to tighten up.

Defeat coupled with a win for Brighton could send the Gunners as low as 16th, while a much-needed win could see them leapfrog Leeds United into 14th and stop the rot.

Arsenal take on Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, December 16th. Kick-off is at 6pm

Arsenal suffer damaging 1-0 defeat at home to Burnley

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

This result will only ramp up the growing pressure on Arteta in the weeks ahead as the Spaniard has picked up just one league win in two months.

The Gunners struggled to get into any sort of rhythm in the first half as Rob Holding nodded over and Alexandre Lacazette brilliantly tested Nick Pope.

Arteta looked to have rattled a few cages during the break at the Emirates as Pope was called into quick action to deny Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

But just as the hosts looked to be edging themselves towards breakthrough, Granit Xhaka’s brain fart derailed their efforts.

The Swiss international tangled with Ashley Westwood before losing his head and grabbing the Clarets man by the throat as Graham Scott flashed a red card.

Arsenal looked to cling on from there as Burnley smelt blood in the closing stages.

But it wasn’t to be as Arteta’s miserable was completed as Aubameyang flicked home from a corner………….but unfortunately for the Gunners skipper it was at the wrong end.

Full Time at the Emirates Stadium it’s Arsenal 0 Burnley 1

Premier League Preview: Arsenal v Burnley

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

The Gunners have won just once in Premier League action in two months and Mikel Arteta is in desperate of a positive result against the Clarets.

The Spaniard rested the bulk of his stars for their Europa League win over Dundalk in midweek with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka and Hector Bellerin returning.

But he will still be without the suspended Nicolas Pepe for this one, with Thomas Partey and David Luiz both facing late fitness tests.

For the visitors, manager Sean Dyche is a creature of habit, and he could name an unchanged team from their draw at Everton last week.

Robbie Brady has shaken off a dead leg in time to travel with Ashley Barnes the only potential change for Dyche.

Kick Off is 7.15pm on Sunday night at the Emirates Stadium

Premier League Preview: Arsenal v Wolves

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

The Gunners have won just once since the start of October in Premier League action and Mikel Arteta is certain to rotate his options.

Nicolas Pepe misses out through suspension, with Alexandre Lacazette set to return to the starting team as his replacement.

Bukayo Saka and Willian are also back in full training and should start, but Thomas Partey and David Luiz are expected to miss out.

For the visitors, Santo and his players are also stuck in a rut, with one win in four in the league.

But the Portuguese boss is set to stick to his guns in North London, with skipper Conor Coady the only change to his side, replacing Matt Kilman in defence.

And it’s all set for a 7.15 kick off on Sunday night at the Emirates Stadium.