This morning saw the completion of the round of sixteen fixtures of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Brazil as expected qualified for the last eight but they had to work hard before seeing off a determined Chile side which took them all the way to the penalty shootout.
David Luis put the host in the 18th minute but Alexis Sanchez made the most of a mistake in the Brazil defence to level the score just after the half hour mark.
The host could have gone out when in the last minute Sanchez played through Mauricio Pinilla but his shot came off the bar, much to the dismay of Chilean travelling supporters.
There was no more goal and the match had to be settled through penalty shootout. Julio Cesar saved the first two Chile penalties but their opponents quickly levelled the score again when Willian missed and Claudio Bravo saved Hulk's effort.
Brazil Neymar put his side in front again which put the pressure back on the Chileans. Their next penalty take, Gonzalo Jara beat Julio Cesar with his effort but much to his horror the ball hit the post and went out.
It will be another South American side in the last eight for Luiz Filipe Scolari's side in the form of Colombia.
Jose Pekerman's boys saw off Uruguay which had to play without their talismanic Luis Suarez, banned for four months after the biting incident during their last group match against Italy.
Two wonderful goals from James Rodriguez sealed their place in the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
Holland meanwhile booked their place in the last eight with a dramatic finish to their match against Mexico. The north american team had gone ahead when Geovani Dos Santos scored three minutes into the second half with a well taken shot from outside the box.
Mexico goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa performed heroics again to put the Dutch at bay but he was helpless when Wesley Sneidjer's volley from a set up by Klaas-Jan Hunterlaar levelled the score two minutes from time.
Then in stoppage time a controversial incident involving Arjen Robben saw referee awarding Holland a penalty which Huntelaar converted to break Mexican hearts.
Louis Van Gaal's men now are going to take on surprise package, Costa Rica in the last eight after the Central Americans knocked out Greece.
Bryan Ruiz put Costa Rica ahead seven minutes after the start of the second half and they looked set for a win as the match entered stoppage time.
However the plucky Greeks kept on trying and scored the equaliser when centreback Sokratis Papastathapolous took full advantage of a spill by Costa Rica goalkeeper, Keylor Navas.
Extra time did not produce further goal and penalty shootout was required to settle the match. The first three penalty takers from both sides were successful before Joel Campbell slotted the fourth one for Costa Rica.
Navas then saved Theofanis Gekas' effort and when Michael Umana converted his, history was created as his country became the first Central American side to qualify to the last eight at the world cup.
France were made to sweat by Nigeria but they put out an efficient performance but were kept out most of the time by the Nigerian goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama.
However it was his single mistake that led to France opening the score when his weak touch from a corner saw the ball fell to Paul Pogba who calmly headed the ball into the goal.
From then on it always looked like the French which going to qualify and to add further salt to their injury Joseph Yobo accidently put the ball past Enyeama as he tried to prevent substitute Antoine Griezmann from getting it.
The Germany versus Algeria clash would always had their Gijon encounter in 1982 as the backdrop. This time around the Algerians also managed to push the German to the limit, forcing the match into extra time.
However, two minutes into the added period Andre Schurrle's improvisation broke the deadlock as he adjusted himself to get to a Thomas Muller low pass into the box.
Algeria pushed hard but they conceded again as the match entered its last minutes of extra time through Mesut Ozil who took the second bite of the cherry after the first one by Schurrle was cleared of the line.
Then to add to the drama, Algeria managed to score one at the death through substitute Abdelmoumene Djabou but it was too late. Thus it was a mouthwatering clash between the French and the Germans at the Maracana on 4 July.
The last day of the fixtures saw both matches went into extra-time. Switzerland did not bow to Argentina as expected but a defensive lapse saw the ball went to Lionel Messi and he took full advantage by setting up Angel Di Maria who finally put one past the Swiss goalkeeper, Diego Benaglio.
Then the clash between Belgium and the USA also saw no goals scored during normal time but it was indeed the most entertaining match between the eight.
It was an inspired substitution by Belgium head coach, Marc Wilmots who sent on Romelo Lukaku for the hard working but tiring Divock Origi.
It was his running that opened up the Yankees defence that allowed Kevin De Bruyne to score three minutes into extra time. Lukaku himself scored the second in the 105th minute.
Jurgen Klinsmann then sent his own substitute, Julian Green at the end of the first period of extra time. The Bayern Munich youngster who will turn twenty this month reduced the deficit in the 107th minute but the USA could not find their way past Thibaut Courtois again to force the match into penalties.
...
Wednesday, 2 July 2014
Friday, 27 June 2014
The World Cup Starts Now!
For some football fans, the real World Cup only start after the completion of the group stage when the draw for the last sixteen was completed. Prior to the tournament began, many have thought the usual suspects would be there.
However, they would not have thought the line-up would not have the names such as Spain, Italy and to a certain extent England missing from the match-ups.
The Spaniards followed the precedence by the Italians in South Africa when they became the third defending champions failing to make it out from the group stage. France also suffered the same fate in Japan/Korea in 2002.
Host Brazil will be facing Chile, which performed admirably with wins over Australia and the most notable one, against Spain that sent Vincente Bosque's men out.
It would not be easy for Jorge Sampaoli against the host but from their display in their group matches, Chile would not be any pushover and Brazilians should brace themselves for a possible early elimination, though it would be quite remote on paper.
Colombia finished at the top of their group with a perfect record are looking forward to their encounter against fellow Latin side, Uruguay.
The 1930 and 1950 winners are still smarting after losing their talisman, Luis Suarez when the striker was suspended from all football related activities for four months.
Oscar Tabarez's side lost their opening match against Costa Rica without Suarez who had not recovered sufficiently then from a minor operation. They won the remaining two matches with the Liverpool man playing a vital role.
Thus, Jose Pekerman hopes that his side can take full advantage of Suarez absence to qualify for the quarter-finals where the winner between Brazil and Chile will be waiting for them.
Holland built on their 5-1 demolition of Spain in their opening match to win their group with a perfect record. Their opponent, Mexico managed to hold their own against the host Brazil and defeated a good Croatian side to qualify to the round.
It will be an interesting meeting between the two sides in Fortaleza though Luis Van Gaal would be seen as the favourites though geographically it could be a Mexican advantage.
The winner of the clash between Costa Rica and Greece will be a new name in the World Cup history as both sides have never qualify for the stage before. Thus it will be everything to play for in this meeting in Recife.
As a Gooner, I hope it will be the Central Americans that go through with Joel Campbell playing a significant role in it.
Group E winners, France will fancy their chance against Nigeria in Brasilia after a strong showing during their group matches. However it will depend on which Nigeria will turn up for the match.
If based on the performance against the Argentinians then Didier Deschamps could have his work cut out for him. Otherwise it will be there for the French to get their hands on a place in the last eight.
On the same day, a repeat of one of the significant upset in the World Cup will take place in Porto Alegre when Germany take on Algeria.
The African side handed The Germans a humiliation in Espana 1982 when they won their match 2-1. However Algeria failed to progress when Austria lost to West Germany in their last match in what many saw as a conspiracy between the two European neighbours.
This time around it will be more or less the same with Germany are the favourites again but Algeria have proved they are capable of competing against good sides, pushing Belgium all the way before losing and holding Russia to a draw that booked their place in this round.
But it will take a brave man to bet against Joachim Low progressing to the last eight.
The last day of the round will see Argentina taking on Switzerland and it will be hard to see the winner of this match other than the two time world champions.
However it will be a different story between Belgium and the USA with both should fancy their chance of progressing to the next round.
...
However, they would not have thought the line-up would not have the names such as Spain, Italy and to a certain extent England missing from the match-ups.
The Spaniards followed the precedence by the Italians in South Africa when they became the third defending champions failing to make it out from the group stage. France also suffered the same fate in Japan/Korea in 2002.
Host Brazil will be facing Chile, which performed admirably with wins over Australia and the most notable one, against Spain that sent Vincente Bosque's men out.
It would not be easy for Jorge Sampaoli against the host but from their display in their group matches, Chile would not be any pushover and Brazilians should brace themselves for a possible early elimination, though it would be quite remote on paper.
Colombia finished at the top of their group with a perfect record are looking forward to their encounter against fellow Latin side, Uruguay.
The 1930 and 1950 winners are still smarting after losing their talisman, Luis Suarez when the striker was suspended from all football related activities for four months.
Oscar Tabarez's side lost their opening match against Costa Rica without Suarez who had not recovered sufficiently then from a minor operation. They won the remaining two matches with the Liverpool man playing a vital role.
Thus, Jose Pekerman hopes that his side can take full advantage of Suarez absence to qualify for the quarter-finals where the winner between Brazil and Chile will be waiting for them.
Holland built on their 5-1 demolition of Spain in their opening match to win their group with a perfect record. Their opponent, Mexico managed to hold their own against the host Brazil and defeated a good Croatian side to qualify to the round.
It will be an interesting meeting between the two sides in Fortaleza though Luis Van Gaal would be seen as the favourites though geographically it could be a Mexican advantage.
The winner of the clash between Costa Rica and Greece will be a new name in the World Cup history as both sides have never qualify for the stage before. Thus it will be everything to play for in this meeting in Recife.
As a Gooner, I hope it will be the Central Americans that go through with Joel Campbell playing a significant role in it.
Group E winners, France will fancy their chance against Nigeria in Brasilia after a strong showing during their group matches. However it will depend on which Nigeria will turn up for the match.
If based on the performance against the Argentinians then Didier Deschamps could have his work cut out for him. Otherwise it will be there for the French to get their hands on a place in the last eight.
On the same day, a repeat of one of the significant upset in the World Cup will take place in Porto Alegre when Germany take on Algeria.
The African side handed The Germans a humiliation in Espana 1982 when they won their match 2-1. However Algeria failed to progress when Austria lost to West Germany in their last match in what many saw as a conspiracy between the two European neighbours.
This time around it will be more or less the same with Germany are the favourites again but Algeria have proved they are capable of competing against good sides, pushing Belgium all the way before losing and holding Russia to a draw that booked their place in this round.
But it will take a brave man to bet against Joachim Low progressing to the last eight.
The last day of the round will see Argentina taking on Switzerland and it will be hard to see the winner of this match other than the two time world champions.
However it will be a different story between Belgium and the USA with both should fancy their chance of progressing to the next round.
...
Monday, 19 May 2014
It's Finally Over
I intentionally delayed writing about our FA Cup win on Saturday night or rather Sunday morning over Hull City, ending our nine year wait for a major trophy since the last time we won one, ironically also the FA Cup.
Nothing beat the winning feeling, seeing your beloved team lifting the trophy, ending all jokes about the dusty trophy cabinet which I think would still be the envy of most clubs with the content inside.
However, being Arsenal they did not their fans have it easy.
After nine years of painful wait, coming close on a number of occasions The Gunners conceded two goals within seven minutes of the match starting.
Both came from Hull City centre-backs with James Chester reacting quickly to a mishit volley by Tom Huddlestone to divert it past Lukasz Fabianski. Then Curtis Davies was first to a loose ball after his team-mate, Alex Bruce's header hit the post.
Bruce himself could have got his name on the scoresheet when he connected with the ball from a corner but Gooners around the world was relieved to see Kieran Gibbs headed the ball away off the line.
Then Arsenal were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position when Santi Cazorla was fouled. The Spaniard picked himself up and his effort had Allan McGregor beaten all the way to reduce the deficit.
The goal lifted Arsenal and from that moment I felt that we would win the cup. Though I was careful not to show it too much.
It was frustrating to see we could not find the final pass to really level the score. Frustration too when referee, Lee Probert ignored a couple of good calls for penalty as Steve Bruce's men tried desperately to hang on to their lead.
Ironically, the equaliser came when Probert made another wrong call by awarding us a corner when it should have been a goal-kick to Hull City.
From it Laurent Koscielny escaped from his marker and volleyed home the ball that came his way off the back of Chester after Yaya Sanogo had won the header.
2-2 and I was really hoping that we could end it within regulation time. I almost had my wish fulfilled with Olivier Giroud and Gibbs had chances to score the winner.
Nevertheless it went into extra-time.
At that time the winning feeling was still with me but we must find the winner soon and not let it go to the penalty shootout.
Then came the combination play that was worthy of winning a cup final. Sanogo was picked up with a pass from the middle and he played the ball to Giroud who in turn set up Aaron Ramsey, whose first time touch was enough to beat McGregor.
I knew this was going to be the winner though Hull City came twice to spoil it towards the end of extra-time.
We held on nevertheless and at the final whistle ARSENAL ARE WINNERS again!
...
Nothing beat the winning feeling, seeing your beloved team lifting the trophy, ending all jokes about the dusty trophy cabinet which I think would still be the envy of most clubs with the content inside.
However, being Arsenal they did not their fans have it easy.
After nine years of painful wait, coming close on a number of occasions The Gunners conceded two goals within seven minutes of the match starting.
Both came from Hull City centre-backs with James Chester reacting quickly to a mishit volley by Tom Huddlestone to divert it past Lukasz Fabianski. Then Curtis Davies was first to a loose ball after his team-mate, Alex Bruce's header hit the post.
Bruce himself could have got his name on the scoresheet when he connected with the ball from a corner but Gooners around the world was relieved to see Kieran Gibbs headed the ball away off the line.
Then Arsenal were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position when Santi Cazorla was fouled. The Spaniard picked himself up and his effort had Allan McGregor beaten all the way to reduce the deficit.
The goal lifted Arsenal and from that moment I felt that we would win the cup. Though I was careful not to show it too much.
It was frustrating to see we could not find the final pass to really level the score. Frustration too when referee, Lee Probert ignored a couple of good calls for penalty as Steve Bruce's men tried desperately to hang on to their lead.
Ironically, the equaliser came when Probert made another wrong call by awarding us a corner when it should have been a goal-kick to Hull City.
From it Laurent Koscielny escaped from his marker and volleyed home the ball that came his way off the back of Chester after Yaya Sanogo had won the header.
2-2 and I was really hoping that we could end it within regulation time. I almost had my wish fulfilled with Olivier Giroud and Gibbs had chances to score the winner.
Nevertheless it went into extra-time.
At that time the winning feeling was still with me but we must find the winner soon and not let it go to the penalty shootout.
Then came the combination play that was worthy of winning a cup final. Sanogo was picked up with a pass from the middle and he played the ball to Giroud who in turn set up Aaron Ramsey, whose first time touch was enough to beat McGregor.
I knew this was going to be the winner though Hull City came twice to spoil it towards the end of extra-time.
We held on nevertheless and at the final whistle ARSENAL ARE WINNERS again!
...
Monday, 14 April 2014
Relief and Joy, Arsenal in the FA Cup Final
It was deliberate, writing this a day after our success in qualifying to our first FA Cup final since 2005.
Perhaps it was to be more objective, having let everything sunk in before saying whats on my mind. Furthermore, it would let me know who we will be facing in the final scheduled for May 17.
With us being the highest ranking club left in the competition, it would be hard to ignore the favourite tag despite us on a run of four matches without a win, with two heavy defeats at Chelsea and Everton still fresh on Gooners' mind everywhere.
Thus, Wigan came out of the tunnel without as much pressure despite they were the holders after upsetting Manchester City in last season's final. They repeated the same success over City in the earlier round.
The Latics in my opinion would pose a very serious threat to our trophy ambition this season.
When I saw the name Yaya Sanogo starting for The Gunners, the phrase that immediately came into my mind was 'typical Wenger'. However, the rest of the team was very much the first choice. Perhaps more due to unavailability of many personnels rather than by choice.
We dominated possession but in the end of the first 45 it was still no goals but Sanogo forced Scott Carson into making a few key saves while Lukasz Fabianski was not really forced to work hard at the other end.
Then on the hour mark, in a typical Arsenal self-destructive pattern, the usually reliable Per Mertersacker committed a foul on Callum McManaman inside the box.
The thought of another humiliating defeat immediately came across my mind. We were not playing well but enough to get us through unless a bad turn of event occurred.
And this was the kind of a bad turn of event.
Jordi Gomez who had to wait before taking the resulting spot-kick was not affected and sent it past Fabianski who went the right way but was beaten by sheer pace of the kick.
The introduction of Kieran Gibbs for the injured Nacho Monreal added more pace on the left and when Olivier Giroud came on to partner Sanogo in a 4-4-2 formation Arsenal looked livelier.
It was almost a throwback to the George Graham era with the number of long balls we launched into the Wigan area. However, it helped us to get the ball more into the danger zone and it paid off.
Mertersacker atoned his earlier mistake when he adjusted well to meet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shot that was going wide to divert it past Carson.
It was a delayed celebration on my part as I was kind of waiting for something that could ruin it: a linesman's raised flag, a whistle indicating a foul in Wigan's favour.
But nothing of that sort happened. The goal stood and I blurted "Yeah!" but it was more of a relief rather than a full blown joy.
It was after all, still 1-1 and anything could happen in the FA Cup.
No more goal was scored until the end of the ninety minutes and the subsequent thirty though Ox could have clinched it with a shot that came off the bar.
I was wishing for a settlement via a goal rather than a penalty shoot-out but my wish was not His command and at the end of extra-time, the score stood at 1-1, our fifth match without a win.
The two Fabianski saves brought loud cheers from me, as were the strikes by Mikel Arteta and Kim Kallstrom. Jean Beausejour and James McArthur found the back of Fabianski's net but Giroud's low strike past Carson set up Cazorla for his most important contribution in the Arsenal shirt.
The Spaniard did not disappoint and it will be the Hull City Tigers for us on May 17.
There were many negative vibes from non-Gooners but I don't care. We are in the final and we have every right to celebrate. We have yet to end the trophy drought but it is something to look forward to, barring any turn of bad event.
COYG!
Perhaps it was to be more objective, having let everything sunk in before saying whats on my mind. Furthermore, it would let me know who we will be facing in the final scheduled for May 17.
With us being the highest ranking club left in the competition, it would be hard to ignore the favourite tag despite us on a run of four matches without a win, with two heavy defeats at Chelsea and Everton still fresh on Gooners' mind everywhere.
Thus, Wigan came out of the tunnel without as much pressure despite they were the holders after upsetting Manchester City in last season's final. They repeated the same success over City in the earlier round.
The Latics in my opinion would pose a very serious threat to our trophy ambition this season.
When I saw the name Yaya Sanogo starting for The Gunners, the phrase that immediately came into my mind was 'typical Wenger'. However, the rest of the team was very much the first choice. Perhaps more due to unavailability of many personnels rather than by choice.
We dominated possession but in the end of the first 45 it was still no goals but Sanogo forced Scott Carson into making a few key saves while Lukasz Fabianski was not really forced to work hard at the other end.
Then on the hour mark, in a typical Arsenal self-destructive pattern, the usually reliable Per Mertersacker committed a foul on Callum McManaman inside the box.
The thought of another humiliating defeat immediately came across my mind. We were not playing well but enough to get us through unless a bad turn of event occurred.
And this was the kind of a bad turn of event.
Jordi Gomez who had to wait before taking the resulting spot-kick was not affected and sent it past Fabianski who went the right way but was beaten by sheer pace of the kick.
The introduction of Kieran Gibbs for the injured Nacho Monreal added more pace on the left and when Olivier Giroud came on to partner Sanogo in a 4-4-2 formation Arsenal looked livelier.
It was almost a throwback to the George Graham era with the number of long balls we launched into the Wigan area. However, it helped us to get the ball more into the danger zone and it paid off.
Mertersacker atoned his earlier mistake when he adjusted well to meet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shot that was going wide to divert it past Carson.
It was a delayed celebration on my part as I was kind of waiting for something that could ruin it: a linesman's raised flag, a whistle indicating a foul in Wigan's favour.
But nothing of that sort happened. The goal stood and I blurted "Yeah!" but it was more of a relief rather than a full blown joy.
It was after all, still 1-1 and anything could happen in the FA Cup.
No more goal was scored until the end of the ninety minutes and the subsequent thirty though Ox could have clinched it with a shot that came off the bar.
I was wishing for a settlement via a goal rather than a penalty shoot-out but my wish was not His command and at the end of extra-time, the score stood at 1-1, our fifth match without a win.
The two Fabianski saves brought loud cheers from me, as were the strikes by Mikel Arteta and Kim Kallstrom. Jean Beausejour and James McArthur found the back of Fabianski's net but Giroud's low strike past Carson set up Cazorla for his most important contribution in the Arsenal shirt.
The Spaniard did not disappoint and it will be the Hull City Tigers for us on May 17.
There were many negative vibes from non-Gooners but I don't care. We are in the final and we have every right to celebrate. We have yet to end the trophy drought but it is something to look forward to, barring any turn of bad event.
COYG!
Sunday, 23 March 2014
The Morning After
It is the morning after Arsenal conceded six at The Bridge.
Not the way to celebrate Arsene Wenger's 1,000th match in charge and certainly not the way to calm the nerve of Gooners around the world of seeing our chance to become the league champions again on the verge of evaporating yet again.
I would not use the wrongful dismissal of Kieran Gibbs as the reason for our defeat. Instead it was us that pushed the self-destruct button with wayward passes that gave the ball to the home side to use so effectively against us.
But it is always suicidal when you kept giving away possession to the array of talented players wearing blue on the pitch last night.
The only thing was that: would there be an array of talented players wearing blue if not for the cash injected by the Russian oligarch that saved the club from ruins in the last decade.
I remained steadfast in my belief that south west London club would not be be able to attract household names to wear the colour blue of not for Abramovich's rubles.
It was like a CHEAT that you use when playing computer games when you have the ultimate wealth that put you on a level way above everybody else.
All the sudden you are able to buy players at exorbitant prices from clubs that are all too willing to accept monies for players that most of the time were not really worth the amount paid for them or the salary that were paid for them.
At the same time you are also able to buy players and put them in cold storage just to prevent other clubs from having the services of such players so that you would have an easy path to the league title.
However it was not entirely their fault too as it is one of human traits to be greedy, especially with the wads of dollars being waved in front of you.
So I would not apologize for labelling the club Steroid FC because just like the banned substance, the billions of pounds injected into the club gave them the unfair advantage.
Of course now there's Steroid FC 2, also wearing blue albeit a shade lighter.
Thus I would not hide my pride of seeing Arsene reaching his thousand match in charge despite the scoreline. Under all circumstances, he is still the best manager around, not just on the pitch but also from economics perspective.
CONGRATULATIONS ARSENE!
...
Not the way to celebrate Arsene Wenger's 1,000th match in charge and certainly not the way to calm the nerve of Gooners around the world of seeing our chance to become the league champions again on the verge of evaporating yet again.
I would not use the wrongful dismissal of Kieran Gibbs as the reason for our defeat. Instead it was us that pushed the self-destruct button with wayward passes that gave the ball to the home side to use so effectively against us.
But it is always suicidal when you kept giving away possession to the array of talented players wearing blue on the pitch last night.
The only thing was that: would there be an array of talented players wearing blue if not for the cash injected by the Russian oligarch that saved the club from ruins in the last decade.
I remained steadfast in my belief that south west London club would not be be able to attract household names to wear the colour blue of not for Abramovich's rubles.
It was like a CHEAT that you use when playing computer games when you have the ultimate wealth that put you on a level way above everybody else.
All the sudden you are able to buy players at exorbitant prices from clubs that are all too willing to accept monies for players that most of the time were not really worth the amount paid for them or the salary that were paid for them.
At the same time you are also able to buy players and put them in cold storage just to prevent other clubs from having the services of such players so that you would have an easy path to the league title.
However it was not entirely their fault too as it is one of human traits to be greedy, especially with the wads of dollars being waved in front of you.
So I would not apologize for labelling the club Steroid FC because just like the banned substance, the billions of pounds injected into the club gave them the unfair advantage.
Of course now there's Steroid FC 2, also wearing blue albeit a shade lighter.
Thus I would not hide my pride of seeing Arsene reaching his thousand match in charge despite the scoreline. Under all circumstances, he is still the best manager around, not just on the pitch but also from economics perspective.
CONGRATULATIONS ARSENE!
...
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Sweet Win at Liberty
Away wins don't get much tougher or taste much sweeter than this.
A quote taken from David Cross' collumn after the win at the Liberty Stadium last night. It was not an easy place to go and get all three points with me saying even a point would be considered huge.
Nevertheless, three points are on the board with Aaron Ramsey scoring yet again. Much sweeter for him it was against the rival of his previous club, Cardiff City.
Serge Gnabry opened his scoring account and this spoke well about Arsene Wenger's faith in youth. We hope the young German will continue his scoring touch for us.
Top of the league. Would you ask for more?
...
A quote taken from David Cross' collumn after the win at the Liberty Stadium last night. It was not an easy place to go and get all three points with me saying even a point would be considered huge.
Nevertheless, three points are on the board with Aaron Ramsey scoring yet again. Much sweeter for him it was against the rival of his previous club, Cardiff City.
Serge Gnabry opened his scoring account and this spoke well about Arsene Wenger's faith in youth. We hope the young German will continue his scoring touch for us.
Top of the league. Would you ask for more?
...
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Arsenal Through on Penalties
Winning 4-3 on penalties is not so bad considering the line-up Arsene Wenger picked in the first place.
Nicklas Bendtner made his first appearance for The Gunners since 2011 and played a pivotal role in creating the opening for Tomas Einsfeld to score on his competitive debut in the 61st minute.
Ten minutes later West Brom equalised and no more goals were scored for the remainder of the match.
It was not the most welcomed way to settle the tie with the memories of going out on penalties at Bradford still linger strong. Bendtner scored the first one but with Serge Gnabry missing the next one, one could feel that we could be eliminated tonight.
However the home side proceeded to miss their last two kicks and Nacho Monreal stepped up to the plate and converted his to ensure Arsenal would progress to the fourth round.
It will be Chelsea next at the Emirates.
Nicklas Bendtner made his first appearance for The Gunners since 2011 and played a pivotal role in creating the opening for Tomas Einsfeld to score on his competitive debut in the 61st minute.
Ten minutes later West Brom equalised and no more goals were scored for the remainder of the match.
It was not the most welcomed way to settle the tie with the memories of going out on penalties at Bradford still linger strong. Bendtner scored the first one but with Serge Gnabry missing the next one, one could feel that we could be eliminated tonight.
However the home side proceeded to miss their last two kicks and Nacho Monreal stepped up to the plate and converted his to ensure Arsenal would progress to the fourth round.
It will be Chelsea next at the Emirates.
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