Arsenal won their 4th game in a row with a remarkable 7-3 win over Newcastle at the Emirates this evening.
There was one change from the team which beat Wigan. Per Mertesacker fell ill this morning and was replaced by Laurent Koscielny, other than that it was the same starting XI with Theo Walcott retaining his place as the central striker.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had Arsenal’s first attempt of the game in the opening minute, dragging a shot wide after an early break from Jack Wilshere. And the Gunners looked busy in the early stages with crosses from Sagna and Cazorla having to be dealt with.
The game then settled down into familiar tedium, Arsenal struggled to find space and did little with it when they did. Newcastle had the best chance when Ba headed over the Ba (hah) from a corner. It was not a sign of things to come.
But in the 20th minute Arsenal went head. Lukas Podolski sent a lovely pass down the inside left channel for Theo Walcott to run onto. He drove forward into the box and in a manner very reminscent of Thierry Henry passed it into the net to the open the scoring. 1-0.
It wasn’t a half of much action, and it was Arsenal who had the next chance in the 37th minute. Again Walcott was set up by Podolski, he rode a challenge into the area but on his left foot couldn’t find a finish with just the keeper to beat and Krul saved easily.
Chiek Tiote then troubled Szczesny with a shot from distance which the Polish keeper bashed away for a corner, and Arsenal should have gone further ahead when they cleared it and Theo Walcott broke. With just one Newcastle defender in front of him, and well into the Newcastle half, he just had to play in Cazorla, but the pass was terrible, behind the Spaniard and Newcastle got it clear.
We were punished for that a couple of moments later when Newcastle were awarded a free kick just outside the box, Demba Ba took it, it deflected off Jack Wilshere’s head (he really should have just headed it away, not his finest moment), and past Wojciech Szczesny. 1-1. And the vistors could have gone in ahead when Ba again got a free header from a corner but put it over the bar.
Arsenal had the first chance of the second half. After a bright move we worked it from right to left, Podolski played in Gibbs, he shot from a tight angle but Krul stood up well and saved.
And in the 50th minute we went ahead. Lukas Podolski won a header from a Newcastle throw, Santi Cazorla played it across goal to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and his low shot back across the keeper nestled into the bottom corner. 2-1.
Theo Walcott wasted another good chance to create something. Having won the ball in midfield he had options, particularly Podolski who was free, but he greedily took it on and rolled a tame shot wide. And just like in the first half, Arsenal were immediately punished when Marveaux tapped in Obertan’s low cross at the back post to make it 2-2.
Although Kieran Gibbs will be blamed, we were outnumbered in the box, Jack Wilshere could see the overlap, looked directly at Marveaux and didn’t do anything to get back to cover.
But a few minutes later, the England man then made up for his howlers with a great run into the box and a chipped cross which came back to Lukas Podolski to head home from close range. 3-2.
The lead lasted just as long as you would expect as Arsenal target Demba Ba stole in at the back post to sidefoot home. Again Arsenal’s defending was poor, this time Gibbs to blame as he allowed the Newcastle man to get ahead of him as Marveaux’s cross came in. 3-3.
Amazingly, Arsenal were ahead just 4 minutes later. More good play saw Gibbs get into the box and although Podolski missed his cut back, it came to Walcott who swiveled and smashed it into the top corner to make it 4-3.
Arsenal brought on Giroud for Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey for Podolski before Theo Walcott had a chance to get his hat-trick but his shot was deflected just inches wide. He then turned provider for Oliver Giroud, firing in a great cross from the right hand side which the Frenchman headed home from close range. 5-3.
It wasn’t over yet though, the Frenchman latched onto a loose ball after a Walcott run, took it outside and smashed it home with his right foot to make it 6-3. And just moments later Walcott got his hat-trick with quick feet in the box, lifting it past Krul to make it 7-3.
“Sign him up, sign him up”, sang the Arsenal fans about Walcott. If only were that simple!
A remarkable game, in all aspects, and three great points. I’m knackered even watching it.
Have a good one, Gooners.
This game sums up why we won’t win anything
fuck you troll.
except for the 4th place Trophy… we still got a chance there
If you can’t enjoy a thrilling game of football , especially one in which we scored 7, then I dare say you’re missing the point.
I fell asleep at half time
Should have never woken up!
Talking about Sp*rs I assume?
We don’t need another striker! Giroud and Theo score them for fun. If Walcott is getting sold (which I obviously hope he isn’t) his price has just gone up another 10 million.
it might have done if he had a bit longer left on his contract…
He’s a Utd fan just ignore the tool.
This is how sad some Sp*rs cunts are. They wait and refresh their browsers until the match report comes out just to put in an insult as the first comment. Pathetic.
Don’t be jealous
You know spud balls, I enjoy scoring 7 but the best result is a 5pud2.
Being a spud sums up why you won’t win anything. Idiota.
Fuck you small testicles.
Wonder who the faggot that gave you thumbs up?
Definately just a mistake.
happens to me sometimes, im reading on the phone…theres something i wanna give the thumbs up, while my finger covers both thumb up and down….voila, before u know it i pressed thumbs down!
3 pts, and +4 goal difference.
do behave, please.
I see theo scored three and assisted 2
The frenchman scoring but
Alex and lukas too
And i think to myself
What a wonderful world
ban please, this dude got nothing to do here. doesn’t even elaborate on his bullshit comment
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
No, he’s right you are a bit of a cunt.
Fuck off tiny balls
Looks like Clive Allen’s back again. Yawn.
u must be a newcastle fan trolling here !!
Why do you bother supporting arsenal? go fuck yourself
nevermind.. a sad pathetic spud obviously
Mental
Barmy
Entertainment
Good on ya Ricey.
Does this mean he’s a Sir now?
Like Sir Chesney?
Because 1-0 is too mainstream. COYG!!!!
oh my gunner style……
Where are all the people saying Theo out now? Start of the season, everyone wanted him out. Easily replaceable…yeah right. Sign him up.
Go and read all my previous posts. I rate Walcott as a goal a game player. Even when he was partnered with TGSTEL I wanted him to play in the middle.
He scores when he wants and he makes assists too.
Lots of posters on here have said he must go because he is useless greedy and disloyal.
If he doesn’t accept what he’s offered and behaves like a greedy cunt he’ll be replaceable. It would be unfortunate for both parties, but probably more so for Walcott himself, I could well see him do a hleb. I think he’s a very good player, but not consistent enough to be named in the same league as our really big players of past great Arsenal teams. Of course I hope he stays and proves me wrong though.
Madness. Few other words to describe it with.
I was convinced we wouldn’t win at 3-3. How wrong I was…
This obviously feels great, but I don’t think we should go overboard. We had a mid-week rest that Newcastle didn’t, and their fatigue from around 70 mins onwards showed. All our goals from then on originated in us being quicker in midfield tackling/counterattacking. Before Walcott completed his hat-trick, he chose the wrong option numerous times which kept Newcastle hoping that they could close our 1-goal lead throughout the majority of the game. This is not going to happen every week, so there is room for improvement. I would say that our ability to grind out results like the 1-0 at… Read more »
oh i dunno about banning that idiot….must be terrible for Clive Allen that he’s got nothing better to do.
Same as that felt we fucked up again, if that’s the input Henry has on Walcott we should get him on the coaching staff
Theonel messi
Thiego Maracott
…or Téle…
Now now, don’t get carried away.
Fucking beautiful..!! Sign da ting
Ok, now we have to sign up Walcott.
No questions.
Great! I just hope we ll sign somebody else too.
Loved the offence today. Walcott, Giroud, Cazorla, Podolski, Wilshere all played very well.
Thrilled with the win!
How good was Walcott’s last goal? 😀 However, we can’t defend without Mert.
SIGN DA TING THEOO!
Single word game review : Mental !
ARSENAL4LIFE
Blogs should do the antidepressants based review for this game. or some other meds.
poldi played like an unleased caged beast……
right on
yup…poldi was fantastic but the whole team was playing like they really meant business this time and wanted to show the world …dare I say this but
Our Arsenal Is BACK with VENGEANCE!!!!
Funny how that ridiculous second half changes perception because at half I thought we were lackluster, and even though the Newcastle goal was courtesy of a wicked deflection, they deserved to be level.
Seven goals. Three points. Let’s carry some momentum into the New Year.
But the defending especially for the last 2 goals conceded left much to be desired. But attacking wise, we could have scored a few more like the Giroud shot that hit the upright…
Getting ready for Bayern maybe 🙂
Oh To be A Gunner!!
giroud! feel so good for him, he’s always been this quality, but today the finishing was on his side and he got the goals his play deserves. or so i thought until that crossbar shot at the end.
Not sure how many others noticed, but he was on a perfect hat trick, since the first two were with his head and right foot. Really deserved it, worked hard too keep the ball too. Great display, especially in his first game back.
Isn’t it lovely having a striker to bring off the bench?
The Walcott bashing on the Liveblog was pretty poor.
Pathetic if that’s true, but its been the same for most of the season on this site by the people that run it.
Yes, but they love ramsey. Thats important.
What bashing? He has a great game like this. Then he has several completely anonymous ones. Do I want him to sign? Absolutely. Do I want him at 100K +? NO. Even after today the answer is still NO.
Great player but he is going to move on for more money than he’s worth so he can warm City or ManU’s bench. So ‘effe’ him.
you are an idiot
He’s the leading scorer, was last seasons second. Fans like you have been screaming for him to come good and now he is you say fuck him off. Ridiculous.
Replace him with who and for what amount in fransfer and wages?
Dont take anything away from theo today, He had poor game last weekend I agree. but today he had 3 goals 2 assists. and the 3 games he started upfront he either had a goal or an assist which is not at all bad. Marvelous performance! 4 Goals 4 assists in 3 games he played upfront, He might have a point. COOOOOOOOOOYYGGGGGGGGG!!
Theo was fantastic today all his Three yes Three goals were class and a great assist. I want him at Arsenal. In a couple of year 100k will seem cheap
@weedwacker, Thanks for the insightful response.
@Voldermort, I understand where you are coming from man. And I love him as a player but I can not get my head around paying his asking price. And you’re absolutely right, replace him with who? But ffs sake, where does it all end if the club bends over to every puffed up player and greedy agent that goes on a good streak?
Look he’s not going to ‘sign da ting’ so let’s move on.
Dgaj, I know what your saying mate, but where does it stop? At some point we have to pay these players to keep them, someone will think theo is worth 100k a week and will get the best out of him, while we will sign a cheap replacement like we normally do for xx amount of millions pay them 60 k a week on 5 year contract and add them to the dead wood we already have. We could be saying the same about jack in years to come or the ox, I’m not saying its right that we pay… Read more »
@dgaj – Any attacker with his level of contribution will ask for that money. They will cost millions in transfer fee as well.
@ voldemort
I hear you man. Just burns me.
A hattrick in his third match starting as a CF, and so much bashing. Barely any words of praise. 3 goals and an assist, surely the same stats from Cazorla would draw plenty of praise. Regardless, amazing performance from the Arse. I thought the defense didn’t do as badly as the 3 goals might suggest, but we fell asleep after scoring each of the first 3 goals. Nice to see the ruthlessness at the end though. Giroud a bit unlucky not to get his hattrick as well. One last note, thought Ramsey had a great performance from the minute he… Read more »
Ramsey had at least one great moment when in the 83 minute, with the game 4-3, he tracked back from the Newcastle corner at full speed and won possession. The Emirates crowd gave him a rousing round of applause.
I don’t think there was unfair Walcott bashing. He made a lot of mistakes, fucked up some great chances, but more than made up for it in the end. I wouldn’t say he played out of his skin today on the whole, but he had some moments of brilliance and made them count. You’ll do well to notice that he came alive as Newcastle faded towards the end, but credit to the boy for punishing them
Well you cant really say anything bad about him after the game can you. But the truth is when it was 3-3 the game was pretty open. And at that time it should have already been killed by us and Theo had his share of fault that that wasnt the case. I mean sometimes its so damn obvious he is playing for himself and not the team. Like before he scored the hattrick, i thought to myself i wouldnt be suprised to see him shoot from that angle just to try for a hattrick. And he called a guy to… Read more »
Thats the kind of play you would expect from someone who is trying to prove himself. I dont mind. If he stays, i hope he continues. If he scores for theo, the arsenal win so its alright with me.
I totally agree. But then if he tries to score for Theo instead of passing for The Arsenal and fails to score due to his position being much worse.. Thats where this particular motivation is dangerous.. And i believe we have already seen that this season.
Im not Theo hater. I just fear he doesnt want to do everything for the club and the win of the club, which is what they all should be doing.
If he signs and then continues and works for the club im gonna be delighted for sure.
Aye. Sure Walcott is inconsistent. But, spare me us the malice.
That game was a gem and will be remembered by me forever. It kept playing games with my emotions and then at the end it provided a special holiday gift. Thanks Arsenal. Woohoo.
Sign da ting!!! COYG
bac and gibbs werent at their best today well defending wise but great game
Yes, Gibbs was not good today and they scored two without Gibbs covering well.
Gibbs is a great one on one defender, hes quick and strong and determined, but off the ball he easily loses focus and this game it caused two goals
i loved how demba ba kissed the emirates turf. i’m looking forward to him doing that alot more wearing red and white
He’s not coming. Plus, I would rather have/keep Walcott
He’s coming.
Wenger said he wasn’t interested in him so that means he’s definitely interested in him. Surely you know the drill by now.
Fuck me! Fuck me!! Fuck me!!!
I would, but I already came watching those goals.
where, how, and when exactly miss ?
Santa came late but hell he came with a bang!!
I saw Bould smile! that’s how exciting it was!!!
And he smiled togehter & at the same time with AW….that was priceless!!
Mental game.
This should be a turning point. If 7 goals in 1 match doesn’t give you confidence, I don’t know what will.
COYG!
Hello Walcott haters!
You still think that he is asking too much?
although I dnt think that he shpuld start every game as a CF.
He is a high level player!
Theo is making the club look a complete bunch of fucking idiots, now we are going to sell a player that people have been crying to come good for years and now he finally is people say he’s playing for a move. The boy can’t win with fans like us.
Fans need to ask why is arsene playing brought the middle now he’s leaving? Is it just to up his price in the market.
Said before we won’t no how much we need him until he’s gone.
Yes. 100K is too much and not thinking he’s worth what he’s asking does not equal hating him.
Really mate shut up
Read the match report on this site, any other player that scored 3 great goals and 2 assists would have been lauded and hailed a hero, Theo’s contribution seemed grudging to me. Says it all.
I feel absolutely blessed to be a Gooner right about now. Games like these remind why I became a fan of this fabulous club in the first place. Fantastic game by Walcott, Giroud was very very unlucky not to grab a hattrick himself. Overall, the team showed great passion to answer every equalizer with goals. Lets use this momentum to start a great run, who knows what we’re capable of when we’re at the top of our game? More of the second half, less of the first, and we’re golden.
We sure do choose the best time for thrillers
Ive got a lot on my mind but ill keep this short and sweet…
Sign da ting
Sign.Him.Up
Still standing in the ground shaking my head. May be doing that quite a bit tonight.
Fuckin Radio Rental game.
what a game! Ba can be a very gud addition
How many goals for Theo this season?
Nah, let him go, LOL.
Oh can i just add :
We didn’t score 10
We conseded 3
WENGER OUT !
ARSENAL4LIFE
Proud of the spirit of all the players. really did not stop. credit to them all and the manager.
Can’t help but wonder why Theo doesn’t contribute like this when playing on the wing, when all his goals originated from him being out wide.
Happy for Giroud as well. that will shut the doubters up for a bit
I wanted to watch porn after 3-3. You dunno how many times I had spasms after scoring 4 to 7.
After giving up the lead 3 times, we score 4 more. You can blame Gibbs, you can cry about Walcott’s eventual departure or you can see we have a game in hand over spurs and either Chelsea or Everton are going to drop points tomorrow and things are looking good for the Gooners.
That was ridonculous.
Won’t say no to the three points though. *Yoink*
Feel sorry for Giroud though. Would have been one of the quickest hat-tricks I’ve ever seen. This match is how supporting The Arsenal should be. Up the gooners!!
Insane.
Can’t recall a game when Sagna struggled so much.
I know he looked really dazed and confused, which is completely unlike him. I almost felt that we needed to bring Jenks on. Let’s just hope its a on/off.
Agreed. Sanga had a rough night.
I just read Arseblog’s Newcastle preview. :0
Theo. Sign. Da fucking…Ting.
Not sure what’s to dislike about that…
Brilliant!
Let’s make it 5 wins in a row on new years day!
ME VERY VERY HAPPY!!
The ruthless gooners are BACK!!!
5 star performance from everyone…loved every second of it.
Theo was exceptional, if he had passed little better we would have easily scored 10
No complaints!! Wenger must be happy…two of his CF scored 5…FIVE!!!
Please more of the same attitude and spirit till the end of season.
COYG!!
Happy. My unhealthy man crush on Theo aside, fuck the Sp*ds! Gtfo of 3rd place!
Was following the match on the live blog when few minutes b4 full time , the scores read 5-6.my heart jumped right into my mouth for a second and I just managed to stop myself from biting into it. Then I went to live scores and saw the score was 7-3.almost fainted with joy. No one does it like Arsenal!COYG!!!!
What a second half! Come on you Gooners!!
NO REMORSE!!! NO MERCY!!! WE HAVE WALCOTT!!! WHO’S VAN PER$IE?!!!
Thougt Poldi had a very good game, in fact his best game since arriving at Arsenal imo. Also showed again that we really need to keep ahold of Theo – although unfortunately I don’t think we will.
Downside was yet again conceding silly goals due to sloppy defending. We really shouldn’t be letting in 3 goals at home against the likes of Newcastle.
excellent late xmas pressie!
COYG
If you don’t you’re stuck on the bench listening to Frimpong chat about dench
I don’t even know whr to start. The doom from Bradford is gone for sure. Though on a sombre note, even if we play like this every game this season, we won’t win the league (again) and that is not a great thing. Though for this match, yes great from the lads and lets hope we get a good run in the two cups and if we keep playing like this no reason y we shouldn’t. Well done…grt performance. Oh and I know theo was grt but still not sure he is worth 100 grand a week. how abt a… Read more »
When Ivan gets around to telling Stan what the score is, he’d be scratching his head trying to work out how we’d won by a converted touchdown versus a field goal.
Combine that with the holiday season Armoury balance sheet, and it’s enough for him to wank on his waffles.