Starting XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs, Coquelin, Cazorla, Rosicky, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud
Subs: Martinez, Koscielny, Chambers, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Welbeck
Alexis Sanchez ended his goal drought as he scored the winner for Arsenal as they overcame relegation-threatened QPR 2-1 at Loftus Road. Olivier Giroud had given the Gunners a deserved lead just after the hour mark before individual brilliance from Sanchez doubled the visitors’ lead. Arsene Wenger’s men appeared to be coasting to victory only for Charlie Austin’s fine finish to set up a tense finale.
Pre-game
Arsene Wenger had been expected to rotate his attack, but it was the same trio that started against Everton – Ozil, Alexis & Giroud – who took to the field at Loftus Road. Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott had to settle for places on the bench alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was rested in place of Tomas Rosicky. Francis Coquelin joined the veteran Czech in midfield sporting a white mask to protect his battered nose. At the back Gabriel started his second game in a row, this time partnered by Per Mertesacker with Laurent Koscielny taking a breather. An ill Wojciech Szczesny stayed at home meaning Emiliano Martinez provided backup to David Ospina.
First half
David Ospina was by far the busier keeper in the opening twenty minutes of a scrappy encounter. In contrast to Arsenal’s limp progress in the final third, QPR appeared ‘more up for it’ with the physical duo Charlie Austin and Bobby Zamora happy to throw their weight around as high balls peppered the Gunners box. Charlie Austin attempted a couple of efforts from long range that our Colombian keeper fielded neatly.
Francis Coquelin snapped into challenges in the centre of the park but when the ball was retrieved his teammates gave it away with metronomic regularity. Tomas Rosicky was particularly profligate in possession; the Czech initially having what in terrace terminology might be described as a ‘mare.
It took until the 22nd minute for Arsenal to finally create an opening of note. Olivier Giroud found space behind the QPR defence to sting Rob Green’s palms with a low cross shot.
By the half hour mark Arsenal had upped the tempo but the home side refused to cower to the tippy-tappy footy of the team in yellow. Matty Phillips coming close with an in-swinging cross from the left that Ospina had to parry away on the dive and Austin hammering a volley inches wide with the Gunners keeper stranded. In between an injured Gabriel was replaced by Laurent Koscielny.
An injury to QPR’s Nedum Onuoha sparked a revival in Arsenal’s ambitions. With the former-City defender receiving treatment after a clash of heads Giroud and Cazorla combined brilliantly on the edge of the box before the Spaniard unleashed a cute volley that Green did well to claw out. Onuoha did not return, Clint Hill coming on in his place just before the whistle.
Second half
Arsenal came out like a team on a mission in the second half twice coming close to breaking the deadlock in the opening minutes. A brilliant Rosicky run and cross found Ozil two-yards out, but the German seemingly tugged from behind by Karl Henry, couldn’t convert. The ball stayed in play and Alexis danced into the box to shoot low at Green’s inside post.
The Chilean, with a seven game goal drought hanging over him, kept plugging away, twice toe-poking wide before the hour mark. On 63 minutes the energy of the summer signing finally paid dividends. A charge towards the box freed Gibbs to shoot from the inside left position and when the ball was blocked it fell to Giroud who swiped home from close range. (1-0)
Buoyed by his contribution Sanchez lashed another effort at Green. He was then stopped a second time by the ex-England number one when clean through. Finally with 21 minutes remaining the Gunners’ little striker got the goal his performance deserved. Given the ball by Gibbs on the left edge of the he buzzed forward, jinking left and right before squeezing the ball in for his 19th goal of the season. (2-0) To the tune of New Order’s (blame us conceding for that gaff) Human League’s 1981 classic “Don’t you want me” the travelling support chanted Alexis’ name with gusto.
Bellerin’s constant probing kept QPR on the back foot, one run and cross ending at the feet of Ozil who hit the post. As happened at the Emirates in December, QPR refused to lie down and when Charlie Austin spun and lashed home from the edge of the box on 81 minutes it set up a grandstand finish. (2-1)
Aaron Ramsey replaced Tomas Rosicky to reinforce the midfield as the game entered the dying stages. Four minutes of stoppage time were a frantic affair with the home crowd desperately urging Chris Ramsey’s side forward, but thankfully we held on.
The win keeps us third and was much much needed in light of the victories for City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Spurs. Our attention now turns to the FA Cup and a quarter-final tie at Old Trafford next Monday.
3 POINTS! That’s all that matters…
Besides, it wouldn’t really have been a proper Arsenal match without the late drama would it?
Yup. Can’t escape having to endure the customary squeaky bum time.
What drama? They scored, game continued like nothing happened! We were barely threatened, but there were a couple of warning signs when they had a couple of good shots because nobody closed them down.
I felt that we sat way deep after their goal, we were lost, not knowing whether to for a 1-3 or just defend our narrow lead…was so obvious as we were in our final third till we got Ramsey in and then we started to wake up…This is what mental strength is about ( do we have enough of it? No…IMO)
Agreed, Alexis breaks the Ozil spell and scores, played very well.
All played great I thought, lots of heart away from home.
Yup, they all worked extremely hard, and never gave up even during spells when we didn’t play particularly well (the opening 20 minutes). Patience and excellent start to 2nd half rewarded.
My only complaint is the manner in which we conceded. Austin was allowed too much time on the ball (just forget now who was defending there…Koscielny?), and Ospina really should be getting to that.
Szczesny or Ospina, the goalkeeping debate rumbles on.
Doubt any keeper would have gotten to that shot. Hit with much venom and pure might. Cracking goal.
Yep, there was a little space for him to shoot but when somone hits that past you it has to go down as a nice goal and one that was somewhat unavoidable.
N.B. Anything is techincally preventable, but mistakes are always going to happen so when it’s a slight thing like that, it matters a whole lot less.
Maybe. I just feel that Ospina was a little slow to react. I feel Szczesny would have saved that. Not saying Szczesny is the better keeper. Just saying that there’s still no clarity on our keeper situation. They’re both good. But good enough for Arsenal?
There’s no way Ospina was stopping that shot. You could have had Ospina, Szczesny, and Gordie Banks all in goal and it still would have gone in. The problem was that our defence, Koscielny in particular, didn’t get tight enough to Austin to prevent his taking the shot. We’d seen the warning signs earlier, and we should have heeded them.
See now that it was Gibbs, I believe, for Austin’s goal.
It was coordination between the two of them needing to mark two players, one of which was out wide. Maybe Gibbs got a shout to go wide from Kos, maybe not. We don’t know.
Austin got a little space, but more importantly took a cracking shot. The players know what and how so pointing fingers is pointless at this, er, point.
That definitely is all that matters – especially after the top 7 all won.
Man United winning again after the ref denied the Magpies the most blatant penalty in recent time…those lot are ripe for the picking they’ve deserved in ages now
The amount of luck they have had this season is ridiculous. I just hope it doesnt cost us against them in the FA Cup. We ve already been stung by that pile of shit from up north.
ManU has been riding its luck for many, many years. Last season is the only recent one I can recall when they’ve ended up where they belong in the Table. Under Fergie they used to be the luckiest bastards around. How else could they have won the League 2 seasons ago with the pile of shit team they had then?
All I can say is I’m really glad Wenger gave Coquelin a chance. He’s a very good defensive midfielder. Very good.
Keeps it very simple, doesn’t he? He seems very sensible in his play.
and i second you on that
Outstanding away performance until QPR scored. Everyone worked their socks off!
Gotta admit Bellerin was so impressive tonight. COYG!
Belle rain outstanding. Gibbs was good too. Got 2 assists didn’t he?
Bellerin was outstanding going forward. What was he like defending though? Can’t remember any highlights.
Did nothing wrong defensively …..in a word “solid”
He had them so constantly on the back foot there wasn’t much defending to do. He was diligent and unspectacular, which is pretty what you want from any player defensively. He looks a lot more confident now too, knowing when to get tight and try and nick the ball and when to drop off. He’s a special one.
Having said that though, it was Gibbs who Ozil’d his way to two assists tonight. Two wonderful full-back performances.
Yes, Gibbs had a great performance going forward, though in my opinion he should’ve done better for Austin’s goal. Just backed off and invited him to shoot. Austin obliged. This isn’t to condemn Gibbs. He’s a good player.
I had Austin down as Kos’s. Gibbs has got the overlap to look out for, although I suppose you could hope that the two of them would react to the circumstances and recognise Austin as the primary source of danger, rather than a 19-year old right back 80 minutes into a Premier League debut where he’s been tortured by Alexis Sanchez all game.
Yes, I see that now. Arseblog also mentions this in the player ratings piece. Didn’t see that initially.
He had them so constantly on the back foot there wasn’t much defending to do.
===
Nicely put.
Defensively Bellerin was very good. He was in the right place at the right time, every time, and that’s saying a lot considering just how far forward he frequently got. There were times when Rosicky had the ball out wide and Bellerin was the player in the box wanting the pass to his feet! But whenever he was up high, as soon as QPR got the ball he sprinted back into position and didn’t give their wingers any space on the ball. He also made a couple of really good tackles. I get more and more impressed with Bellerin every… Read more »
One of the nice surprises of the season. That and Coquelin, of course.
Last week, same time I said “Olivier Torres”. This week, I am saying Olivier Giroud. Nice game from Ballerin as well, great goal from Alexis. Deserved three points.
“Last week, same time I said “Olivier Torres”. This week, I am saying Olivier Giroud.”
So are you going to be so fickle and denounce him the next time he has a bad match, as if it doesn’t happen to all strikers?
Yes, like I was the only one who buried him last week. All I am saying is, he had a bad game, he bounced back, I am glad it happened.
His performance was very Torres-esque though, just because he’s a better striker doesn’t mean you can’t compare his performances to Torres.
I guess by that logic it means we could also call it Benzemesque. Just because he’s not considered as good we can still compare his performance to Benzema, right?
I’ll just stick with Giroudian. He’s a pretty unique skill set, especially when you consider the high quality he has with a few of those skills.
Yep, you certainly could and probably should about this performance, it was a nice bit of poachers movement for his goal.
Please, please tell me you see what’s wrong in that.
Support through thick and thin! I mean I would probably say that if a player was doing bad all season, let alone someone doing fantastic whenever he’s played and has one off game and gets slated.
I don’t. If you actually read what I trying to communicate, I am owning up what I said and I am glad he’s scoring goals again.
“Support through thick and thin!”
Seriously, were not tweens following One Direction.
We support regardless, but when criticism is due it can and should be given. However, the piling on against Giroud was stupid even if he had game horribilis when he least needed it.
Ozil’s turn and shot in the 2nd half *weeps*
Coq’s turn and shot in the 2nd half! Phantom of the opera style!
Saved by the keeper, saved by post and came to nothing. That whole move just deserved a goal. And bloody hell, Ozil would have scored in the first half if not for that cunt Henry tugging back just as he was going to tap in
That should have been a penalty to Arsenal and a second yellow card and goodbye to Henry.
Not that I expect much different from Friend, he got decisions wrong all over the pitch all game long. Throw-ins the wrong way, goal kicks instead of corners, wrong foul calls, missed foul calls, it just goes on and on. At least there was no bias to his incompetence, he was equally crap for both teams.
I think the referees actually really want video replay to help them do their job, but for political reasons they’re unable to publicly give their opinion. This season they’re trying to lower their performance to the point where there will have to be a change, and they’re doing it very well.
This so much. I am sure most know FIFA just stepped in and banned the Dutch FA from using video technology. It’s just so dodgy. Though most of the very top flight games in La Liga and Serie A are very well officiated, the farce that goes on just beneath in terms of officiating is endlessly suspect. The last two weekends I witnessed various calls that looked -there is no way to say this- deliberately wrong. I could give a crap whether bribery is involved or whether (more likely) a referee is determined to steer the game, but those who… Read more »
That would work out, if they’d been noticably worse this season. The only thing that has changed is the media reporting it more because Mourinho has been moaning about it more, they’ve been this bad for a while.
Well, that’s one interesting way of looking at it.
Oh c’mon guys!!! we won! Why can ‘t you just be happy?!?!
It looked for a moment as if Wenger had found his “Full Retard Mode” button again. But no, he had to stick to his “Casual Retard Mode” button and the result is 3 points.
Some people are just never happy unless they have something to be unhappy about.
Ok perhaps a bad joke. I just watched Tropic Thunder and wanted to use the “full retard” concept. I’ll grab my coat and show myself out.
There’s a typo in your name….crazy considering the B and the P are so far away on the keyboard.
Go away.
I think maybe the B in your name should be replaced with a P.
The only full or casual retard around here is you, you nutbar.
Won ugly.
A recurring theme lately
No PS. That wasn’t ugly. We were reasonably comfortable. The scoreline is deceptive. Ozil deserved a goal tonight. Great win.
Wholly disagree given our second half perfomance.
Fully deserved victory.
2nd half performance? We scored twice!
Always have to make hard for ourselves. It’s simple: once we’re 2-0 up we shouldn’t let them even get a whiff of goal. You don’t sit off the ball and give them space as if it was a laid-back practice match. I would like, just for once, to feel comfortable watching the last 10 minutes of the match. Still, three points is three points though.
“It’s simple: once we’re 2-0 up we shouldn’t let them even get a whiff of goal.”
Man, if only you’d told the players that! After all, it’s so simple. If only the players knew they shouldn’t concede!
“I would like, just for once, to feel comfortable watching the last 10 minutes of the match.”
There have been plenty such matches, you just choose not to remember them so you can reinforce this ridiculous belief that so many have, that every team but Arsenal go out there and steamroll their opposition en route to a 5-0 win every week.
No offense, but what you’re saying makes no sense. Not letting them get a whiff of goal is a saying, behind which there are many tactics which neither you nor I fully understand. The fact is that the way the team attacks and defends should depend on the scoreline. For example there’s no need to go bombing forward leaving our defence exposed when we’ve got a comfortable lead. We got complacent today, allowing the opposition too much space, and were punished for it – a problem that obviously needs fixing (need I remind you of the fiasco this time last… Read more »
Maniac is right.
It’s not just about the concept and nerves either. Any manager/team/fan paying attention to how close the race will end up being for the third and forth Champions League spot will have realized (or bloody well should) 3rd to 6th position could easily end up being sorted out by goal difference this year.
One goal scored, one goal saved could be more important to Arsenal (and others) than it has been in years.
I don’t think that was a gift though, it was a small chance that Ausin wellied in but not the awful defensive capitualation we all know and loathe.
Agreed. Where on earth is Monreal though?? We’re missing his defensive stability. Doesn’t switch off and have the odd lackadaisical moment like Gibbs does from time to time at the back.
He was out with a bug as was Szcz.
I’d generally agree, but given how well Gibbs played today it’s a little churlish to complain about missing Nacho.
Another goal for giroud, Alexis back amongst the goals and another superb performance by our young Spanish right back…. Oh and 3 points! Coyg!
And Sky Sports News were trying to tell us that Alexis couldn’t score while playing with Ozil…
pfft!
Well Gabriel is look to understand the arsenal way …. hopes he’s OK
The thing that really impressed me about Alexis today wasn’t his goal (we all know he scores amazing goals, he’d already done it 17 times this season), it was his passing. He just seemed to be releasing the ball a lot quicker today which I thought was brilliant and led to a lot of our silky smooth play in the 2nd half.
Right he was much better in combination play today. Felt like the reason he missed a could of his chances was because he was thinking “assist first”. Nothing wrong with that but could have had a hat-trick today. Love that he scored the clincher with a trademark semi-solo goal and he deserved it for his relentlessnessness today.
I think it was more about the way we were playing second half, when our players are looking for the ball it’s a lot easier to ping it about. Maybe his passing is improving though, can’t say I noticed any major difference myself.
It was his play in general, quicker to dribble and quicker to release.
Alexis often has that stutter/stop motion before he moves. When his confidence is high he then bursts past a defender. When its slow, the stutter is too pronounced and he gets caught trying to pass the defended.
I think he’s best when he doesn’t think and simply drives or dribbles as soon as he receives the ball.
Fuck Junior Toilet. I hope children poo on him. Fuck Zamora too. Cunt.
who hurt you?
Now to knock out those lucky pieces of shit
Jesus Christ. Once again we only do it the hard way!
Thought Coquelin was immense tonight. Gibbs gave QPR’s right side kittens most of the night and same can be said about Bellerin and QPR’s left.
I don’t have the energy to go and dig for Vines of Ozil’s touches in the first half (and those in the second half that led to him hitting the woodwork) but that boy’s a genius. Santi again with some breathtaking close-control but we’re used to that now. Great result, start preparing for Monday night. I still hate United with a vociferous passion.
What happened to Monreal ?
Minor back strain, duh.
Thought the team played okay after we scored. Clear penalty to Ozil not given. That ref just rubs me the wrong way. Other than that not spectacular, but delighted with the win! Coq was outstanding I thought, and overall we looked defensively solid as a unit… Until their goal. Gibbs and Kos should have done better!
Typical…! 🙂
A positive result shouldn’t spare the team from some criticism tonight. On another day we could have drawn or lost to a pretty shit QPR side. This maddeningly frustrating tendency to go break and over commit when protecting a slender lead is gonna kill us.
And I think it’s time to bring in Szcz from the naughty step.
Yeah, the streaming forward at 2-1 did annoy me a little too, but at least we hassled well when we lost it and didn’t commit EVERYBODY forward.
3 points in the bag. everyone saying not a great performance and i ask “would you rather have a great performance and nil points?”… when ure playing away from home i think you need to sit tight and build a strong defensive unit at the back den look for a break to score (exactly what happened).
next stop man utd.. c’mon arse
Totally agreed. We had a “great performance” against the Manc cunts last fall, 68% possession and outshot them 27-2, and lost. Besides, it wasn’t a bad performance today. In the second half, I think we looked close to our best for the most part.
As a massive New Order and Arsenal fan, I’m wondering how I missed out on New Order’s 1981 classic “Don’t You Want Me”? Human League perhaps?? Good (and vital) 3 points mind.
This is going to be some epic run-in finale this season. I predict Wazza and United to be plying their trade on Thursdays next year.
You think they are going to finish that high?
I’m still hoping for at least 2 of the Mugsmashers, Southampton and the Neighbours to finish above them, with the only football for them on Thursdays being watching it on TV.
Heh, yeah, for me though the shame of playing in the Europa League is in an odd way greater than not reaching it if you know what I mean. So I’m rooting for them to get that fifth spot.
I agree. Fifth or sixth for Man Ure would do perfectly for me.
52. Giroud has 52 goals for Arsenal so far.Underrated.
Interesting number, he should get the shirt of the GSTEL now.
He’s playing with a full deck now.
Alexis scored and Arsenal won.. Normal
Service resumed.
No New Order song called “Don’t You Want Me”, think you mean Human League. Just saying.
Must listen to New Order’s version of Don’t You Want Me sometime.
Has that always been his song? Really need to have a crowd noise only audio-channel option instead of listening to co-commentating cuntchops all the time.
FatGooner, this one is for you — Put it on the record here, before the match: how will it go at Old Trafford? Here is my prediction: Giroud Sanchez Ozil O/C Caz Coq Bellerin Boss Per Nacho Ospina And I think we will win 2-1, after conceding possession for the first 20 and then gradually building it thereafter. A lot like the game we all just saw at QPR. Second-best option is a 1-1 with them getting a fluky goal early and us equalizing late. What do you think? I’ve never, ever seen someone more inclined to put his opinions… Read more »
As I’ve said before, I think we’ll lose.
Man U are shit and are there for the taking, but Wenger’s teams seem to have a mental block about travelling to Old Trafford. We are flat-track bullies who don’t fancy it against the better sides – especially away. I expect to see another spineless performance and a defeat. Last season we were the only decent side which DIDN’T win at Old Trafford.
So I forecast 2-1 to United.
If I’m wrong then you can slag me off to your heart’s content on Monday – I’ll be delighted.
Thank you for responding. All is copy-pasted and I’m ready to eat my words on Monday night, if, God forbid, need be.
A good night’s work – but why did we have to make it so hard? We were average in the first half but really took control in the second. We were well worth the two goal lead and really should have put the game to bed with a couple more. QPR were there for the taking (I can’t see them staying up). But then some pathetic defending for the Austin goal, and suddenly we were under pressure. Why do we automatically disappear as an attacking force in these situations? The best way to fight back would have been by scoring… Read more »
If the ref had done his job and sent off Karl Henry (with the associated penalty) in the 47th (?) minute it would have been a hell of a lot easier, and we’d still have been out of sight after the Austen goal.
Other than that, if you consider Alexis’ brain fart when he was one-on-one, and Özil’s hitting the post, we easily could have had 2 more at least.
It wasn’t even so much of a brain fart from Alexis, as musch as it was really tremendous goalkeeping from Green. He anticipated the play perfectly and got out low in Ozil’s way right away, gave him absolutely nothing to shoot at. Didn’t even give him space to go around. Credit where credit’s due.
Fair comment from fatgooner.
Apart from the goal QPR scored, i think we played really well away from home. Credits to Sanchez for ending his goal drought because nobody tries harder than him. Also I thought our fullbacks were very good tonight. Best moment of the match though? Watching Rosicky burn that former spud mug Sandro with his pace. It was like he wasnt even there! Onto the FA Cup lads. Here is hoping United dont luck their way to the semis. Bunch of shite.
It’s not an arsenal game unless you’re hiding behind the couch in the last 5 minutes afraid to look
Coq in the hole…. Salute!
New Order?? Tsk, tsk, Mr Blogs – ‘any fule kno’ that’s the ‘Human League’. I don’t like Blue Mondays (following shit AFC weekend performances).
Nice to see Gibbs being a little more adventurous tonight. Good second half performance. First half very forgettable. 3 points and 7 wins from the last 8 in the PL – great form. Now let’s knock the Mancs out of the FA cup.
Yeah, well done Gibbs. Criticised him recently for not producing in the opposition half and he did great today. Looks like Wenger emphasised how important offensive full-back play would be in breaking QPR’s system down – both him and Bellerin seemed to rise to the challenge today.
Probably the least important comment on here, unless I’m missing an in joke, wasn’t “Don’t You Want Me” by the Human League and not New Order?
Who cares anyway…. 3 points in the bag. Onwards and upwards – 10 PL games left and Man Utd to beat on Monday in the FA Cup.
Welcome to the Arsenal, Gabriel, the trainer’s room is down the hall to the left. Please enjoy your complimentary two-week injury layoff. Namaste.
Well played boys, a great second half. I thought we played with real attacking flair and should have rapped things up earlier with a third goal./
Still no real alarms, when it went to 2:1we handled the situation well. We’ve had a great response after the Monaco game.
Now it time to beat Man Utd at Old Trafford – we’ve not managed that for a while.
TAKE 3 POINTS AND RUN!!!!!!!
I really believe that ozil is getting better. Getting stuck in…defending deep… And still oozes so much class! Alexis was on fire. Total Pitball performance. A solid coq .sorry…expected. Hector is gonna be one hell of a right back! A season under his belt and watch him go! Yeah nervous at the end but hey… London derby! 3 massive points!
Yes, I can see him destroying Manu and Chelski singlehandedly not that he’s got a few touches against the mighty QPR.
Just for the record, the Arseblog News Hound will have to do 100 lines:
“I must not mix up New Order with the Human League”.
Apologies to Human League (and New Order for that matter) for the mistake…Arsenal’s defence will do that to a man. Mind frazzled.
Our whole team should wear masks!
But then we cant see our handsome French bloke
I just wish we would look to take the ball to the corner in the final minute or two instead of trying to force our way into the box to the goal through their whole defense. It led to them getting a dangerous throw in late down near our 18. If it’s a clear chance to score that’s one thing, but be smart about it.
Was it me or did the QPR pitch look tiny lol
That first 20 minutes of first of first half was like when we used to organise a futsal court and 16-20 people would rock up haha
Good win, especially since everyone else won.
Let’s knock United out of the cup now
Their managers face looks like my thumb after a night in the hot tub
The pitch was small and bumpy. I remember one point early on where a QPR defender rolled the ball back to Green and halfway there it started bouncing like a basketball. I think QPR might have borrowed the Crystal Palace groundskeeper for this one, and he brought his full supply of goats and hand grenades with him.
Their manager’s face looks like my sphincter muscle just after a wet fart and just before I wipe it clean.
He is relatively handsome in comparison to the one with a face like rotten bacon
Rosicky had a bad 1st half but made up for it in the 2nd. However, him getting almost a full game means we probably won’t see him at OT. He has the character we need there. And he ups the tempo we play at.
the refs are the worst I can remember this season. How could he not see that shirt pull on Ozil?
Our 2nd half was fluent and pacy, great. Still work to do defensively though. And we need to hit the ground running, not doze through 1st halves.
There was a lot today that Kevin Friend either didn’t see or saw differently from the rest of the world, but at least he wasn’t biased like those cunts Dean and Clattenberg. Friend was equally shit for both sides today.
Blogs, can you please give the stats of the number of matches in which we’ve conceded between the 80th minute and stoppage time and number of goals we’ve conceded within the same period this season. Seems ridiculously high.
Decent performance against an awkward physical side..Usually our Achilles heel but i thought we dealt with them quite comfortably.. Criminal defending for their goal but other than that we were ok.
Bellerin and Coquelin have been our best players since Monaco…Ozil has been our best attacking player (Not including the Monaco game) since his return.
As welcome as the 3 points are, I really miss, even pine for a convincing and stylish win. For now this will do.
COYG
Anyone see that tasty flick from özskill down the sideline. I believe it was past toilette
The Coq wore protection tonight. Nothing got through him.
Gabriel went 3 years at Villarreal without injury.
3 weeks of Wenger’s training methods, a torn hamstring in his 3rd game and 3 weeks out!
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