Arsenal: Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Campbell, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud
Subs: Ospina, Chambers, Gabriel, Debuchy, Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Iwobi
__
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table with a solid 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
Olivier Giroud grabbed an early opener from the penalty spot after Theo Walcott was felled by Alan Hutton before Aaron Ramsey finished a fine counter-attack to double the lead before half time. Villa rallied after the break but the Gunners, who looked comfortable throughout, held firm to secure the three points.
Pre-game
Having confirmed on Friday that his side had come through Wednesday’s win over Olympiakos unscathed, Arsene Wenger named exactly the same squad for the trip to Villa.
First half
Six points adrift at the bottom of the table, Aston Villa were well aware of the need for a solid start against the Gunners. Regrettably for new boss Remi Garde, when you pick lumbering oafs like Alan Hutton you’re going to be punished. And so it came to pass.
In the seventh minute Theo Walcott, freed by a fine pass by Mathieu Flamini, used good strength to take the ball on the run and squeeze past the clumsy Scot. The Villa right-back initially resisted the temptation to take out Theo before panicking and doing exactly that with outstretched arms.
Referee Kevin Friend originally waved away Arsenal protestations before rightly pointing to the spot, presumably thanks to a word from his assistant. Olivier Giroud, picking up where he left off in Athens, sent Brad Guzan the wrong way to bag his second penalty of the week. It was the Frenchman’s 50th Premier League goal. (1-0)
The goal set the tone for a comfortable half as the Gunners knocked the ball around crisply without really turning the screw. There was a half chance for Giroud to bag his second from a delicious Ozil set piece only for his looping header to be cleared off the line.
The travelling Gooners were enjoying their afternoon taunting their hosts with hearty renditions of “You’re fucking shit” and “You’re going down with the Chelsea.” In response the home fans resorted to cheering free-kicks, but they soon gave up on that sliver of consolation when Arsenal doubled their lead eight minutes before the break.
A Ramsey challenge in the Gunners half saw Giroud and Ozil find Walcott who in double quick time fed the German bursting through the middle. Arsenal had three men on the overlap as our assist-king gave Guzan the eyes before passing square to Ramsey to knock the ball into an empty net from 12-yards. (2-0)
Second half
Villa looked much brighter in the early stages of the second half. In the space of 11 minutes Rudy Gestede and Scott Sinclair had headed chances and Jordan Veretout and Carlos Sanchez tried their luck from long range.
Sloppiness between Mertesacker and Cech, that luckily for the Gunners led to nothing, further buoyed Garde’s men who continued to knock on the door with a decent strike from Bacuna that clipped the top of the net.
Looking to sure up the flanks Wenger replaced the tiring Campbell and Walcott with Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The latter forced a decent save from Guzan with eight minutes remaining as Arsenal resorted to hitting the hosts on the break.
“We’ll never play here again,” was the chant from Arsenal’s supporters as Villa fans left early in their droves. Hyperbolic maybe, but judging by the Villans’ lack of confidence there’s a decent chance we won’t be there next season at least.
A good day at the office was rounded off by Petr Cech’s 169th clean sheet; a total that sees him equal David James’ record. Tip of the protective headwear to you squire.
Top of the league, pretty comfortable overall! Ramsey tackled in one half, scored in the other half 10 seconds later! Record clean sheet for Cech! Giroud beat Bergkamp to 50 Arsenal PL goals (in one less game)! Ozil’s 13th assist of the season, in under half a season – Thierry has the PL record with 20! Can’t rely on Chelsea to beat Leicester though – if they hadn’t been gifted three points by Mike Dean they would be in the relegation zone. And we would be even better placed at the top. Hopefully Sanchez back, and properly fit, for the… Read more »
Simple enough, top of the league!
Thats right…easy does it!
Is it a coincidence that Giroud has been scoring many goals since he grew out that beard? I think not…
I am also a bearded man because I’m quite bald up top. I’ve been rocking it long before the hipsters were a twinkle in their father’s eyes. On the few occasions I actually shave my beard I fell quite Samson-like in that my powers disappear.
Over in the colonies, the NHL (ice hockey) players all wear beards in the playoffs. It’s a very manly tradition that seems to help the team elevate their game. I say all the Arsenal players grow out their beards, but wonder who would have the hardest time? Gibbs maybe? haha.
Theo shouldn’t.
I don’t think Alexis can grow a beard. But then again, it is Alexis, he might work at it and grow one overnight.
We’ve rallied fantastically despite losing Sanchez but he is a big game player and I for one would be mightily relieved to see him back for the City game, even if it’s off the bench.
I, for one, haven’t got enough of chelsea misery just yet to hope that they beat Leicester.
Just yet? I want their stupid racist noses rubbed into the dirt for all eternity.
Totally agreed, who cares about being top of the table in December for a week, let Leicester have that if it means Chelsea teetering on the brink of the drop zone! We’ll be top in May, that’s what matters.
I think Chelsea can be second.
In every match.
À draw between Chelsea and Leicester so that we get both ways. Me too, I can’t wish victory for Chelsea unless, it is the last game of thé season and that victory would make us champions.
Bergkamp was not an out and out ‘no 9’ like Giroud so hardly a shock to reach 50 one game faster.
True. I’m more interested in seeing how quickly Giroud gets his 2nd half century, assuming his fitness holds up. That would help us compare where Giroud ranks against the previous strikers.
Yes, very nice to see us not drop points against a relegation-threatened team as we have previously this season (Norwich, Chelsea).
Good game. Ozil has to be the most unselfish player ever known. Well played Arsenal
What I actually enjoyed about that second goal was the entire passage of play preceding it, that being inclusive of when we lost the ball on the edge of the Villa box. Every single of one of our boys busted a gut to get back behind the ball, I watched Ramsey, Giroud and Campbell sprint the length of the pitch to be on the edge of our area before even had the players forward to support their momentum. That is why Ramsey was there to win the tackle, why Giroud was there to lay it off to Walcott, allowing the… Read more »
Also a one minute microcosm of reading back what you have typed after a couple of beers. ”They are fighting with each other” ? Sighs. I hope you sober sensible people fill in the gaps 😉
1) Ramsey MOM. Defensively astute and great threat going forward
2) giroud excellent again. That touch on the touchline to keep it in wow
3) koscielny also excellent again. So composed
4) top of the league!
5) okore is a cunt
Completely disagree Ramsey was man of the match, as I thought he was generally poor. He and Flamini lost the midfield battle in the second half and Ramsey gave the ball away at least 3 times on the edge of our box. That might not make a difference against a team as abject as Villa but that happens next week Silva, Toure, Aguero, De Bruyne and Sterling will punish us.
Agree. Giroud was my MOM
Absolute bollocks. You weren’t watching properly
John c likes a weekly ramsey slagging!
I must just have higher standards to you.
Do you think we controlled the midfield in the second half?
And you must not have been watching properly because he did give the ball away on the edge of our box, maybe you should get yourself down to specsavers!
For you to come to the conclusion that Ramsey was “very poor” today, shows that you have a biased agenda and were looking for things to suit your narrative. overall he was superb
Sorry you didn’t say “very poor” you said “poor”, but the point remains
I said generally poor, there was some good and although I’m naturally very happy he scored I’m the kind of guy that prefers my central midfielders to control the balance and tempo of the match and not give the ball away on the edge of our box than turn up in the centre forward position and score.
It’s just my personal preference and I accept you might have yours.
How gutted were you when he scored john c?
It was more the flanks where they had a bit of joy.
They had joy down the flanks because we didn’t control the midfield
Aston Villa are the worst team we’ve ever played in the Premier League. They were shocking.
You’re forgetting Sp*rs.
not sure which song I enjoyed hearing the most from the away end…
“we are top of the league” or “you’re going down with the Chelsea”.
Yes, we’re top of the league!
Congrats to Giroud on his 50th PL goal. <3
Very nice to be top of the league. Well done boys!
Look at a chuffed Campbell on Girouds back. His replacement the Ox came in and absolutely nothing went through him.
Top of the league, clean sheet no 169 for Cech the Mancs lose. …and ferngooner chooses to have a dig at the Ox. ..just enjoy the rasclat win bruv
That’s just how bad he is atm such that we are winning and keeping a clean sheet but Chambo still looks a level below the rest and this is saying something given he was on the pitch for 30 mins.
something needs to change for him and fast!
I absolutely agree with you.. The OX has gone down a level. His first touches were pooooor all game and he didnt track back at all. I thought coming on as a sub you’re supposed to have more energy and help your team mates he was terrible. Campbell will defintely keep his place in this team he works hard. The Ox should learn from Arshavin Arsene does not like lazy players on his wings thats why he prefers Ramsey to the OX on the right and also now Campbell has come in he’s been brilliant. Sanchez Campbell Theo all put… Read more »
i bet you’re the type of guy who was blasting Joel three months ago and claiming the Ox will be world class soon during his latest good patch.
these guys are not machines – just watch Joel having a worse patch soon and the Ox stepping up. that’s why this squad has such quality, when one player dips, the other is there to balance.
No one ever said campbell was not working hard even when he was not doing so well. People weren’t sure of his quality is all. Ox on the other hand, has been guilty of giving the ball away in crucial, crucial situations(monaco loss comes to mind, where he gave the ball away right after he scored, leading to their third in the 3-1 loss). I don’t see any evidence of learning from it. I think Arsene not picking him is a telling clue that he needs to work harder. I don’t see any improvement yet.
Top of the league.
I do want Leicester to win tomorrow though – I’m confident we will certainly finish above them at the end of the season (the vultures are circling their squad for a Jan feast).
Is this our year?? Is it? If Leicester escape Maureen citeh will get them. Then we will stay up for the rest of the season and we even haven’t go half of the team back yet from injury! Wow I need restrain. Can’t believe it’s happening. Fatgoonger please say something
Away fans are the best in the league.
clean sheet!
Clean Sh*t
Not a great game but big 3 points
Decent contained performance by the Arsenal. Ramsey was industrious. Theo put in a decent defensive shift, and even made an interception, an act which blew my mind as I think it was the first in his career. Kos was Kos, Giroud was immaculate. Confidence = delicious first touch. Was a little sad to see Alex not get more of the ball because I really want him to have a good run of form and games. PS: Anybody else notice that Olivier thumps the badge every single game? When in front of the Arsenal fans, after scoring… heck, he probably has… Read more »
In the bedroom he loves the Arse.
Takes the phrase “Up the Arse”quite literally.
http://i0.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/012/132/thatsthejoke.jpg
Top of the league. A great game game to fall back on after a tough game in Europe. If Remi Garde isn’t a regular church goer he soon will be. Honestly don’t think they will be in the premier league next season. Decent rest before the sheikhs next week. COYG!!!!
Feelsgoodman.jpg
Santa is here. Pick your gift
Thumb up Chelsea win or draw (top of the league)
Thumb down Chelsea lose..
Can’t ever wish that Chelsea win a game.
Another defeat for the chavs is always pleasing. Leicester will have there slump preferably after blitzing chelski
Well done asenal fc look girouds last
two games 3 goals plus one today well done ramsey back then m.o.t.m
coyg fans
I know that Flamini isn’t exactly quality, but i have to say, he does give 100% every game.
Once again, ozil with the assist. Ramsey proving a point in the middle, too!
Pleaae include hutton in the bonus rating that follows for his sheer entertainment value – obsession in forcefully hugging walcott, a screaming header to the advertising board off a corner, a stunning ozil-like flick to give us a throwing, etc.
Weekend made if Leicester go two points clear tomorrow.
Top of the league! Let’s stay there.
Where is Fats?
Crying because we won.
Gorging on humble pie and shut-up juice.
Thumbed you up for “shut-up juice” 🙂
I just love this current Arsenal team, they all ooze maturity. They knew a 2-0 lead was enough for the required 3 points, they slowed down a bit in the beginning of the second half knowing fully well that Villa (Villain) will be charged up to try and get something back, but it didn’t work. Great play by the gunners. Now I can have some couple of beer and relax in preparation for the new week. Oh! to be a Gunner!!!
WAIT!!!
Champions league draws tomorrow???? #Gulp# #Beer#
*I’ll get my coat.
Well done asenal fc look girouds last
two games 3 goals plus one today well done ramsey back then m.o.t.m
coyg fans cech equalling david james clean sheet record easy remy garde
Mesut.
Machine.
What an assured performance. Ramsey back on the scoresheet again bodes well. Thought Walcott and Giroud were a dangerous combination. Walcott’s slide rule pre-assist was sublime. And a disciplined performance from the Flamster! What’s not to like?
2ez
I am so accustomed to nervy arsenal games week in and weak out and screaming d hell out when we score…this was a boring yet a welcome rest of nerves for us
To quote Goonerboy on the arseblog comments yesterday: “Except for Ramsey of course. Plays very irresposibly, always seeling others short because of his indecisiveness or asking too much of them because of his stupid flicks that never come off. Needs to be axed big time. Not worthy of the Arsenal jersey. I know what people here are going to say. “Have you seen how much ground he covers up? Have you seen how commited he is in tackles?” ..Yeah but you play for Arsenal solely on the basis of industry.. Alexis is industrious too but at the saem time he’s… Read more »
Yes I remember I strongly disagreed with his comment at the time.
It’s all good! COYG!
Let us all hope that Ramsey starts scoring goals regularly again, brilliant performance from him and all the others.
Our team is in good shape with him in it
Well played guys…..might not be the most exciting arsenal game to watch as it feels like the team is cruising along in 2nd gear mostly but eh, …..3 points, top of the league, qualified in the champion’s leagues against all odds, what more can i ask for?
on a lighter note, i couldn’t help giggling a few times watching flamini (who btw played well imo) “point at things” as described in blogs article….he does seem to that a lot dosent he?…lol
Let’s hope tomorrow the mid table team will give us a hand against one of our rivals for the title. Come on Chelsea, produce a miracle against Leicester.
What was the ref saying to Ozil when was walking off after being subbed??
probably hurry up, that was pretty slow in fairness although they added the time on anyway so….
we’re top of the league!!!
It was more than that…where the fuck are the lip readers on here??? 🙂
Please switch your radar off
Now let us watch the Spuds fuck up their chance to go into the top four. Amen
He was saying ‘please Mesut refuse to be substituted, I am enjoying watching you play’
Great game, great result! Giroud wonderful. Ozil immaculate. Theo definitely gives us something going forward. Ramsey MOM.
Can Ramsey and Coq play together at the base of field?
We are top of the League!!! COYG!!
I don’t care if u guyz thump me down but I still want leicester city to win tomorrow.. I can never wish them well for anything especially with mourinho being the manager…
Arsene would want Chelski to win…he is above being affected by jibes and hate imo.
A draw is the best outcome for us.
Screw that…I’m rooting for a 5-0 loss for Chelsea and Terry’s tears watering the ground as Maureen wallows in abject self-pity and despair.
Time to move Ramsey back to the center?
He has played in the centre for the last few games, since Cazorla was out injured.
I prefer Leicester beat chelsh*t, to make them more suffer, hahahaha, we’ll be the champion in Ma hohoho, and blog, a little OOT, do you ever consider to make forum in this beautiful site ? so we can interact each other more ? Thank you
I want Chelsea to loose and go down to relegation places. I love Arsenal!
I definitely want Leicester to win, they’re great fun to watch, and anything that turns the screws on old misery bollocks is Ok by me.
It’s simple math:
If Leicester win, we’ll be 18 points clear of Chelsea
If Chelsea win, we’ll be top of the league and a point ahead of Leicester but 15 points ahead of Chelsea
If they draw, we’re level with Leicester and 17 points clear of Chelsea
I want to be 18 points clear of Chelsea – we can make up the point with Leicester soon enough
Point behind Leicester* I meant to say
I will mostly be spending my Sunday afternoon / Monday watching That Second Goal on constant replay. My oh my. Rambos tackle, Theo’s Ozil impression, and Ozil’s dummy to let the ball run to…..Ozil. Ridiculous.
I’m drunk
haha
Ozil at 42.3m that’s money well spent! De Bruyne for 55m. Alexis for 35m. Martial for 36m Walcott for 15m. Sterling for 49m How much we spent on Campbell? Under 2m Wenger has made his fair share of poor signings but crucially he does not spend high on them which minimises impact to the clubs bottom line. United has spent 250m in signing under Van Gaal. You think Arsenal can afford to make that sort of mistake without impacting who we can bring in down the line? City sign expensive English players to meet home grown only to sell them… Read more »
Rammini. So far so good. Steep test next game against City of course but Flammini IS discipline, he doesn’t try to do what Coquelin can, works within his limits and improves on his strengths (passing completion) Ramsey is fantastic from the middle in a deeper role. Flammini affords him room to go forward but he also adds energy supporting the older player defending. Crucially he can take advantage of his strengths in vision and passing sitting deeper and gives us a second playmaker to Ozil much like Santi. They are finding their own equilibrium and playing to their own strengths.… Read more »
Tomorrows match in order of preference: Leicester draw so we stay top, Leicester win because I hate the chavs and their specialist in failure of a manager, chav victory with the only bonus that Maureen will be sick that he helped to keep us top of the table ?
Congrats to my man Giroud. What’s the meaning of his gesture of ‘Six’
His c*ck size, in cm.
You can’t have everything, and he is too good looking.
He does it to make the rest of us feel better.
And sp*rs lost too, all is right in the universe
remi garde is a fucking gooner. you heard it here first.