Arsenal opened up a five point gap on Spurs and Newcastle and a seven point advantage on Chelsea as they consolidated their grip on third place in the Premier League with a comfortable 3-0 win against Wolves.
Reduced to ten men inside seven minutes, Terry Connor’s beleaguered side never recovered from Robin van Persie’s early penalty conversion and were further stunned when Theo Walcott doubled the advantage just minutes later. Yossi Benayoun added a tidy third in the second half as the Gunners sealed their ninth win in ten games.
As expected a combination of fatigue and a suspension to Laurent Koscielny meant that Arsene Wenger was forced to make a few changes to the team that beat Manchester City. Johan Djourou and Andre Santos came into the side as the boss fielded his 18th different back four combination of the season, while in midfield, Tomas Rosicky was given a break as Aaron Ramsey slipped into the middle and Yossi Benayoun started his second match in succession.
Rooted to the bottom of the table, playing for a manager who seems way out of his depth and having not beaten Arsenal in 32 years, the odds were stacked against Wolves. That being said, given the recent defeat at QPR, there was no room for over confidence on the part of the Gunners.
We started very brightly and from the outset the pace on our right side caused Wolves problems. Sagna whipped in a sumptuous ball inside three minutes which forced a diving clearance from Seb Bassong, while Walcott tested the home side defence with a couple of darting runs.
A further sprint through the middle on 7 minutes forced some of the ‘end product’ Walcott spoke about in an interview in today’s Evening Standard. Through on goal after a Van Persie dinked pass, the winger was bundled over by Bassong inside the box and the ref was left with no option but to send off the on loan Spurs man and award a penalty. Having spanked his last few spot-kicks in the top right hand corner, the captain, who was on a four game goal drought, impudently chipped the ball down the middle to give us the lead. (Foul, Pen & Goal)
Four minutes later and it was 2-0. The home fans were still booing the ref, their hapless boss, the fact they live in Wolverhampton, who knows…anyway Walcott and Van Persie linked up nicely and the former nipped in and slid home a lovely second and his 11th of the season. You couldn’t have hoped for a better start. (Theo goal)
With a man, and two goal, advantage Arsenal unsurprisingly took their foot off the gas. Benayoun and Santos had two half chances either side of a Wolves header, but as the game ticked past the half hour mark it had turned into something of a practice match; only the home side kicking a few of our players up in the air seemed to pique the interest of the frustrated locals before they ironically turned to Ole-ing their side’s occasional periods of possession. Strangely the ‘fuck it’ attitude which filtered from the Molineux terraces seemed to do the trick as Wolves pressed higher up the pitch and stirred into life.
Kevin Doyle got himself booked at what seemed like the fifteenth time of asking, then continued to run round knocking our players over like they were skittles in a bowling alley. Only the half-time whistle brought some relief for the ankle’s of N5’s finest…and a few more boos from the home fans.
Five minutes into the second half Aaron Ramsey added another effort to his portfolio of abject shots when close to goal. Charging into the box the Welshman dallied too long on the ball, scuffed his shot and then as he had the chance to toe poke the ball to a free Benayoun, he played a terrible ball. Credit to the young midfielder he didn’t hide though and he played a part in two further chances for Vermaelen and then Van Persie (after an Arteta burst) inside two minutes.
Ronald Zubar wiped out Benayoun and picked up a booking, before Michael Kightly was cautioned for being a persistent twat. Buoyed by the moaning of their uber-whingy fans, the home side pushed forward and finally created a clear-cut chance. We were sloppy at the back, but thankfully in Wojciech Szczesny we have a keeper capable of match winning saves. Reacting to a header from four yards by Doyle the Pole managed change direction, dive to his right and claw away an almost certain goal. It was a fantastic bit of goalkeeping.
It could have been 2-1, instead it became 3-0. On 68 minutes Van Persie stole the ball from Milijas and immediately fed Song inside the left channel. The Cameroon international controlled the ball nicely and picked out Benayoun on the edge of the area. With a fair bit still to do, the Israeli international showed real composure as he picked his spot passed Wayne Hennessey with a fierce effort which rifled inside the near post. It was his fourth goal of the season and certainly settled any residing nerves.(Yossi’s goal)
The Ox came on for Theo, Ramsey missed a chance from a couple of yards out, then should have had a penalty, before Carl Jenkinson replaced Sagna for only his second appearance in five months. The home fans knew the game was up and left in their droves. The only question was whether Arsenal could be bothered to go for a fourth. They couldn’t.
Three minutes of injury-time passed without much incident before the referee called time on a relatively comfortable night for Arsene Wenger’s team.
A solid and very important three points travel back to London down the M4 (…that might be wrong, my knowledge of Britain’s motorways is up there with Harry Redknapp’s grasp of English).
Good work.
Great, solid win. Can’t complain much about a 3-0 victory. Onward and upward while Spurs continue to play like, well, Spurs. Gotta love it.
Reports of a major twitch attack in N17
Twitchcon 5!
Mind the gap, CUNTS.
Don’t think I’ll ever get bored of shoving that phrase back up their collective arses. Ever.
Fuck this shit. I’m packing my bags and going for the England job.
Your spelling and grammar are way too good for you to actually be ‘Arry Redknapp.
You can’t get the M4 from Wolverhampton!! M6 then M1 surely?
Mind the fucking gap.
Djourou back in form my motm.
Totally agree. When Santos’ got careless he was always there to calmly tidy up. MOTM for me, too. If Squillaci does go and Vertonghen does indeed join us from Ajax, it will provide great competition for those centre half positions. Ever so slightly concerned regarding Ramsey’s clear lack of confidence. To be fair to the kid he’s been usurped by Rosicky this season and just hasn’t had the run of games to prove his quality. He’ll come good though. All in all a great result and now we just need to repeat those first 10 minutes for 90 when we… Read more »
we don’t really need verthogen. we have three world class CB + djourou (who can be world class when in form, like yesterday) + miquel + bartley.
some people thought ramsey could replace cesc and therefore expectations were too high. he’s still young, he clearly has talent, people should give him time. good that rosicky is back in form, that takes some of the pressure from ramsey.
Yeah, was going to say Djourou did his impression of Koscielny and it wasn’t bad at all.
A very welcome three points and pretty comfortable..but what an odd game, felt like a training match at times, still no complaints. I hope we convince Yossi to stay next season, he has shown as much heart and character as anyone else throughout the season, on and off the pitch, I don’t think I’m wrong in saying we have all taken him to our hearts, class act.
Yes. Absolutely. I love YB’s drive and willingness to grab any opportunity AW gives him. For a veteran, he has the passion of youth and he puts the Arshavin of the last two season to shame.
Stonking result and a more important one than the ease with which we won belies.
Arsha-who?
Morning all. Solid performance, 3 points. No prediction by me for the future games, because football can return and bite you in the bottom, so just say.. well done lads. Questions and your opinions please: (1) Should Yossi go or should he stay? (2) Do we really need a new central defender? Jan Vertonghen would be great but think about who we have in reserve, not including Toto) (3) I think we need an elder Stateman of a Goal Keeper, and a Defensive Midfiielder- but then again we do have The Coq, Frimpong and Martinez (4) Striker.. this one is… Read more »
1. I’d like Yossi to stay, he always puts a shift in when he is given the opportunity, he is by all accounts a great influence in the dressing room and as a squad player simply super. ( Could do with a few square meals though the poor lad looking at him). 2. Torn on this one, we certainly could do with getting rid of the Squid – that leaves a slot. Who to fill it, remember we have Miquel and Bartley still as well Vermaelen, Kos, Mert and Djourou, if we get someone in I feel it has to… Read more »
The thing with additions are that currently our judgement is likely to be clouded by the fact that we are on an excellent run. I am not saying we should definitely buy but we would be having a whole other discussion if wewere on a slightly bad run … so its all relative But if I wanted to be objective … Striker: definitely even if Podolski comes in AND Chamakh leaves. Bendtner and Park IMO are goners for sure. Midfielders: With Jack coming back and Daiby hopefully staying fit longer than usual (hah!!) and Frimpong and Coquelin also getting fitter… Read more »
Thanks for the responses.
(1) We should keep Yossi. Important to hold onto players who are experienced, play hard and are sound on all of the fundamentals. Great attitude, hard worker. I can understand why he’d want to play more; he works harder than some of our other players, and puts in a better shift. (2) Probs not. (3) I woulda been happy to get Pepe Reina a season ago (when he said he wanted to leave Liverpool and play for us, due to their poor management), but WS is playing fine now. (4) I would like to see us get a proper, experienced… Read more »
Nice not to have slacked off against a relegation bound team. A comfortable win, though we got a little complacent and sloppy in the second half. I thought Benayoun had a decent game, Santos, not so much.
One question I have: when the game’s well in hand, why doesn’t Wenger take out RVP? No use risking him him it’s not necessary.
I nearly cried when he went down semi injured! Yet again…if hes not comfortable bringing on Park in this kind of situation then is it ever going to happen for him at arsenal?
It’s a good point. I suspect he’s helping him get the golden boot and also you don’t take your captain off unless you reall need to…
He want that little golden shoe, Henry used to keep all those years. Give that jealous man a run in.
At least he’ll keep it away from the Shreky.
I can only guess its because he’s the skipper. Wenger’s still quite the traditionalist in that sense, or so it seems.
Szcz was a beast in net today even though he didn’t have to do much. WHAT A SAVE OFF DOYLE!
Again Wenger…can we keep Benayoun please?
Shows up those unclassy cunts for leaving a player of Yossi’s quality out in the cold. Hope we can keep him he deserves better than to be an employee of those scum, COYG.
Yeah, they are probably missing him right about now.
Hoping he’s done enough with the last two games to keep a starting spot for now. He’s definitely earned it, in my eyes. He’s got two goals in league now, and only what, five starts? Class player. Good spirit about him. Don’t think you can underestimate the class, spirit and intelligence of mature players like Yossi, Arteta, etc. Could be the key for us continuing our good run this coming season.
How on Earth did you get this report up so quickly?! Magic! MAGIC I SAY!
Kudos, anyway. Good performance by the team today – good, not great. Most of the players were fairly solid, I thought, and nice to see Djourou not have any nervy moments, although Santos didn’t have a great one.
Still, can’t complain, it was an efficient performance and they did what was expected of them, simple as that. Onwards and upwards!
Blogs has got minions, you see.
some say blogs has knob-goblins that do his dirty work. They all have Alex Mcleish heads.
That means blogs minions look like testicles 🙁
Solid game, good win. Good squad rotation – nice to have options again. Warm glow all round- watch out Mancs…
seen only sec half. pleased that weve won, but by the look of it from the sec half we need to be worried for next match, players looked very fatigued.
Btw, after this game I think we should sing benayoun permanently. Great game today of what ive seen, nade it to still make some pacey runs in the 88th minute, very pleasing to see him!
At least 4 points from the next 2 games please,then the famous gap will be big enough to swallow Sperz up,never to be seen again!
technically we can still win the title becuase manu lost.
you never know…
Actually I was thinking 2nd place, but your drugs are better than mine!
LOL!!
I was hoping Man City would crumble but I guess 4rd is the best we can play for … never know they have to play New C and Manure lose both games and we win both and the gap is down to 4 … aiight now where did I put my doobie? 🙂
*3rd
@Seb! lol, best come back down to planet Earth now my friend! One step at a time…
TECHNICALLY we can still not qualify for champions league football
# not counting any hens before my eggs hatch…
How about counting Coqs?
I thought Ramsey had a good 2 half.
Involved a lot and good on the ball, just needs to work on his finishing.
Yeah I agree with that. His second half performance was spot on, should have scored on one occasion, really unlucky not too on another – could have had two celebreties dead by tomorrow morning. But his pass and movement in 2nd half was MUCH better than it has been recently, credit to the lad.
Obviously he worked very hard to prove himself. Even when he brought down in penalty box. He didn’t shout for penalty but quickly stood up. I fancy on that. Still young though.
It doesn’t seem that long ago that Theo was getting berated for his finishing. Lovely take tonight though – could get used to that.
pah. Ramsey’s finishing is just the worst of any top-flight player ever. it’s just awful
It’s pretty bad. I don’t mind giving him some minutes here and there, but if we’re serious about winning, we need to be playing guys like Yossi and Rosicky.
I’ve got one thing to say. Did anyone see how cool Rvp took the penalty?
at long last he ended his goal drought. Hurrah!
cooolest penalty of the season
Yep, after a mini goal drought you might’ve thought that he’d smash it as hard as he could down the middle. That pen was sheer class! Cocky fucking brilliant Dutchman!
Now, not only he scores WHEN he wants. But also, he scores HOW he wants.
Wow, that was some rapid match reporting!
Great win, didn’t really get out of 2nd gear. 3 goals and a clean sheet – can’t ask for much more than that. One definite pelanty turned down too, was the ref just being sympathetic towards them? One of the clearest pens you’ll see all season. Rambo unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, props to him for continually getting in good positions. It’ll come!
Now let’s keep this momentum going…
Santos inspired the gays to another good win.
Mind the Gap (Update)
Tottenham Hotspuds now have an Impressive points lead over Arsenal of Minus 5 Points
Oh well at least We’re 5 Points Clear of the Geordies
3-0 to the Arsenal !!!
ps Well done Wigan
Apparently the difference between the “worst” Arsenal team against the best Spurs team in decades is 5 points to The Arsenal.
We definitely must not get complacent
next Monday against Wigan.A win and an 8 point gap but they can play football as shown last night.
My streams were a nightmare blah!!!!!! but a great night for the boys….we need to watchout for wigan next week if we can beat them 8 points to the big team down the road…then we can boil the kettle sit Van, theo and Mr Song down, tell the boys heres champs league football, mr wenger pulls out a shiny red/white pen and says to the lads..input your figures in this box neatly and sign the dotted line and then they all sit down and enjoy the tea with some biscuits while watching some old bloke from North london Twitch like… Read more »
I thought it was the coffee that was going to make or break the deal. No? Other than that small detail everything else sounds like a fantastic plan. 🙂
I think theo is too young to drink Coffee!! and a thumbs down for what?
must be a troll doing the rounds..
Great win…..need to keep going Wigan are on a roll, Chelsea have a tuff run in and distractions so think they are done, Rednapp will also be distracted what with all the migratory birds returning to UK shores, he is a keen twitcher don’t you know!!! My real worry is Alan “am I the only one who thinks my farts smell of roses” pardew and his faustian pact that sees Newcastle still in there despite having the shittist back 4 ever. 70 points and I think we are there. COYG
Ramsey looked a bit more like himself, assured and comfortable on the ball, and back to his old swag that I loved so much. More importantly he was much faster moving the ball, and quick to make decisions, that’s what was letting him down. More of the same, and you can do even better.
I’m not convinced about him either way, yet. Let’s give him the summer to regain his confidence/fitness/form. Too early to say.
St Totteringham’s day when we play Chelsea?
Not quite, as we won’t know Tottenham’s results until later. Even if they lose and we win all of ours and end up being 11 points in front, they’d still have a game to play on us – which would mean that mathmatically, they could still catch us, although a victory at Stoke the following week would ensure that.
Assuming that both Sp*rs and Arsenal win all their remaining games, we cannot celebrate until Norwich, our second to last game.
I heard a fact (not sure how true) that Spurs haven’t won back to back league games since early January. Think we’ll be ok 🙂
Ah – my bad for not diarising the spuds fixtures!!
Hopefully that round of matches then 🙂
Where’s that fuckin gap gone….!?!? Ha ha ha…. Oh, there it is… And what’s this?? The gap now appears to be 5 in our favour… Surely that can’t be right, it was 12 the other way not so long back and the spuds were the best team in the world…. He who laughs last I guess…. And boy are we laughing now….!!! Well played boys….
Good to see Yossi score. I really like the guy. Hope we arrange his signing on a full time basis this summer. Sign him, Lansbury back, add Podolski, Vertongen and Hazzard and we’ll have that Title back from those Mancs’.
Don’t want hazard, he seems like another mercenary we can’t count on when the going gets though, rather m Vila and play song in an attacking midfield area. Now that would be some steel!
Anyway good win gays, yossis goal was my,personal favourite, hope we keep him he always gives 100% when le prof plays him.
0, you’re back? Figured you’d pissed off back to ’67. Bummer. Glad to see your posts still blow.
While I blow myself
The gap has taken the handbrake off a little bit tonight…
I agree we were sloppy at times especially in the second half, but really the commentator must have been rubbing some pasta sauce on his cock because considering we won the game 3-0, he must have said ‘sloppy’ 100 times.
Believe me, I only leave the volume on for the crowd sounds. Wish the commentary was the background sound. Even Theo’s undeserved boos were better to hear.
I bet that was Tony Gayle, the prick.
So apparently I now have an E stalker. Pretty cool. Thanks frog 69. I’m flattered.
i agree it was so frustrating, according to him arsenal were terrible sloppy and slow on the ball and if they were a good team would have won by 20 or more goals, and wolves were brilliant for getting the balls for a few seconds and playing crosses to nobody in the penalty area
might go up to enfield and check out the oxfam shops..
might get a nice ”mind the gap” t-shirt for about 10 pence.
We beat a sheep in wolfe’s clothing really.
Still glad though
Great game. It was never in doubt after the first goal was scored. Earlier in the season we needed 2, if not 3 goals to feel comfortable. The confidence is so high that the result was never in question once we scored. Arsene is a true legend and I for one apologise for doubting his brilliance. If Fergy is anything to go by we need you Arsene for at least another 10 years. We are the only top flight club which do things the right way. Any billionaire can throw money at the premier to try to win it.. Man… Read more »
Wolves Fans made that stadium into a barbaric dog fighting arena. They cheer for every kick, push and fall.
Second penalty was straight.
And What about the disallowed goal of Wigan, Unbelievable. Man Utd are going to win this only because of those inept refs. I dont feel there is a conspiracy against a team, including us, but there is a certain feeling about Man Utd getting those calls in their favour.
dont get it, this shits been going on since the early 90’s, only noww its a big deal? not to mention playing shite and winning.
darn i missed the match.
I must confess nothing would’ve been better of Ψђåt We̶̲̥̅̊ got today,it was ª clean 3 points Α̲̅πϑ 3 goals,A̶̲̥̅♏ more than happy cos Ώ̶̲̣̣̥o̶̲̥̅̊ team would’ve made ♍ƺ happy this much I ℓV̶̲̥̅̊Ξ U guys keep it Α̲̅πϑ Wenger Shld pls keep Benayoun Α̲̅πϑ make more Signings next season Ϟ•̸ill βƸ̴ interesting YEA
what he said
Did you buy your keyboard off a Spud? A sure case of twitchy keys if ever there was one.
Chill guys, he might have some problem with his keyboard layout, or using multiple language typing.
Kudos to Ramsey for getting to his feet very quickly from that foul in the box.
Old man grape you’ve hit the nail on the head. I’m still laughing….
=-D
That was ª brilliant performance don’t know Ψђåt else to say RVP JƱڪτ̲̅ made M̶̲̥̅̊y̶̲̥̅̊ day again cos each win puts ª smile on M̶̲̥̅̊y̶̲̥̅̊ face,Wenger shld pls keep Benayoun Α̲̅πϑ make more signings cos next season Ȋ̝̊̅§ gon βƸ̴ interesting Α̲̅πϑ A̶̲̥̅♏ sure We̶̲̥̅̊ gon βƸ̴ on top ℓV̶̲̥̅̊Ξ U GUYS gunners for life
you going through a tunnel mate?
the game lacked a certain injection of flair later on, ‘pass to me I pass to you then i pass it to the wolves keeper’ No one really wanted to turn and run at someone, or to be precise, no one could be bothered to do so being 2-0 up. I guess after Rosicky’s absolutely brilliant run of form he rightly needed a breather. Ramsey, i feel, did little to force the manager to drop Rosicky on a more permanent basis but all Ramsey needs is a goal and a bit of luck. Benayoun was decent again Walcott was buzzing… Read more »
Hopefully essential wear for the summer
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005C9FU0O/ref=asc_df_B005C9FU0O7387838/?tag=googlecouk06-21&creative=22134&creativeASIN=B005C9FU0O&linkCode=asn
”Customers Who Viewed This Item Also Viewed : … the spuds crying in their little spuddy little fingers again.”
It says the T-Shirt’s ‘Distressed’, probably not as much as the 5pud2 are getting as we reach ever higher…
Thought ramsey was much better during the second half, unlucky not to get a penalty. Hope he doesnt lose confidence becuase of the fans slating him
Response to spaghettilegs, 11 April 2012 10:10PM
”Where are the Wenger Out brigade eh?”
”I can give you their address:
Cave 39
The Spooky Old Woods
Norway”
…lol
I think he’s challenging Nasri to a silverware bet !
SZCZ save was amazing!
It was easy pickings, and why was Rosicky benched?
Did you just ask a question and answer it at the same time? Oh, you cheeky cheeky boy…
Needs some sleepy time.
Could only get a ticket in with the Wolves fans, it was torture watching our fans sing ‘mind the gap’ and not be able to join in.
Their No 7 was lucky to stay on after a two footed lunge I thought. Arteta was brilliantly calming again.
I was a little worried about tonight and after our rampant start my nerves were settled . Was not impressed by some of the wolves challenges a few naughty ones. As for their dullard fans booing wallcot and rvp …. Cretins
did anyone else see theo get absolutely flattened immediately after his second goal? That looked quite meaty, but he just got straight back up like he didnt even notice. Robocott
Remember the power shifting at the first half of the season? Power shifting my ass!
Very nice win and comfortably seen out. I was nervous about it being 2-0 for a long time but I think even if they had scored we could have always got back …. but I would still like to kill the game off ..
Anyways just what my heart needed : no dramatics and a straightforward win.
Wigan will not be easy considering the way they are playing and us being at home will be a good thing … but we cannot afford to be lax the way we were they have quite some momentum … GO GUNNERS!!
Also I thought it was a good performance by Ramsey … he may have fluffed a couple of scoring opportunities but if he keeps his confidence up the goals will come …. I like how AW keeps showing faith in him despite all the negative (and totally unneccessary) shit being thrown at him by some of Arsenal’s own fans …
Save from Chesney was awesome too….
Any test who thinks Ramsy will come good is a blind bastard !! Hopefully a horrific leg injury will wipe that welsh cunt away ! ArseBlog you blind drunk bastard ! Have you no balls to admit Ramsy is Sheit !! Useless stubborn arsenal fans worshipping Ramsy giving him chances ! Give him a rope and let him join speed !!! Most over rated garbage on earth. Makes Denilson look good. The sooner Ramsy breaks a leg the better! Every week we see Ramsy make a fool of himself and his blind few fans !! And after a full season,… Read more »
Mate, you need help.
naaaaww man, he needs to be put down.
your a fool. Ramsey is one of ours so we should back him, and you can stop the crap about Gary Speed. The guy was a bloody good footballer. Just a little troubled in the end
I think he is a drunk sp*rs fan.
Looks like someone was a huge Whitney Houston fan.
@haley Adams
Troll?
Or just let out for the day?
Next step for you sir is serial killing … you thought about seeing a psych doc yet?
Or you just trying to rile things and get responses and then sit behind your computer and smirk as you see people hating on you? either ways I agree please seek help …
I have a feeling this was written on the walls of a mental institution. In shit. By a Spud.
Jeez… he’s not my favorite player (like… AT ALL), and I don’t see him *necessarily* being Arsenal’s answer, but you are a c.u.n.t. Go root for 5pur2, we don’t need your kind here.
I hope that Gibbs is good for the rest of the season because Santo’s had one huge stinker of a game. He did not seem interested in playing offence or defence or touching the ball for that matter.
An easy three points; almost too easy as the team played some sloppy football that I hope does not carry over to the Wigan game.
cheeky lil penalty cap!