Arsenal: Martinez, Bellerin, Mustafi, Gabriel, Monreal, Xhaka, Elneny, Ozil, Walcott, Alexis, Giroud
Subs: Macey, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Iwobi, Giroud
—
Arsenal eased the pressure after an excellent second half performance and goals from Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud saw them run out 3-0 winners over West Ham at the Emirates this evening.
Arsene Wenger made a number of changes to the team that drew 2-2 with Man City on Sunday. Emi Martinez started in goal ahead of the injured David Ospina, while Mohamed Elneny replaced Coquelin midfield. Gabriel came in for Laurent Koscielny, and Theo Walcott captained the side.
Alexis Sanchez had the first effort on goal in the 4th minute, firing a shot wide from outside the box, before Lanzini curled a free kick right on the edge of our box not far over the bar in the 8th minute.
Mark Noble pulled a shot wide after Gabriel hesitated when the ball broke loose in front of him, and after combining well with Bellerin down the right Walcott saw a shot go straight into the arms of Randolph.
The Arsenal captain was denied a penalty by Martin Atkinson moments later when he appeared to be barged over in the box, but the referee waved play on. As the Hammers broke upfield, Hector Bellerin hauled back Antonio and was shown a yellow card.
Danny Welbeck had a great sight of goal when Alexis clipped a free kick over the wall, but just in front of the keeper he couldn’t make any contact with the ball.
Slaven Bilic’s side were very well organised but when Collins gave the ball away, Walcott should have done better with a clear sight of goal than lash the ball wide of the near post.
Lanzini followed Bellerin into the book for a foul on Walcott, and West Ham’s defence threw bodies at the ball to block goalbound efforts from Bellerin and then Elneny. From the resulting corner, Welbeck got a header on target at the near post, but Randolph was equal to it.
Ozil hit the post from an offside position as the Gunners looked to try and find a goal before half-time, but the teams went in level at the break.
West Ham made a change before the second period, Robert Snodgrass coming on for Antonio, but the Gunners began the half strongly.
There was lovely pass Alexis to Ozil in the box, but his first touch was heavy and that allowed Collins to get back and make a tackle before he shot.
Noble blocked an Alexis effort, Elneny had one blocked, but in the 58th minute we went ahead.
The ball was bouncing around the West Ham box, it came to Ozil outside the area, Ozil took a shot, firing it towards the far corner, and somehow it went through the keeper and into the net. More a goalkeeping error than a great finish but still 1-0.
The lead could have been doubled just two minutes later, Welbeck couldn’t find the finish after great work from Walcott gave him a sight of goal from close range, only to be denied by Randolph.
Mustafi picked up a yellow card for a lunging challenge which saw him get the ball but it was a bit reckless. Welbeck shot wide from a right angle after being set-up by Ozil, and the German was creator again when he crossed for Elneny, but the midfielder’s header was tame and easy for the keeper.
Arsenal were well on top and in the 68th minute got the second goal their dominance deserved. It came from brilliant approach play, a Sanchez backheel set Ozil free down the left, he pulled it back and Walcott was there to finish calmly at the near post. 2-0.
Seconds later it should have been 3-0 when Alexis found a great Bellerin run with a superb pass into the area, but the Spaniard’s finish on the slide trickled just wide.
Martinez made a smart stop from Lanzini as West Ham looked for a response, and Arsenal made their first change when Olivier Giroud came on to replace Danny Welbeck.
Xhaka smashed a shot from 30 yards which the keeper parried away, and as the ball rebounded Monreal looked to be fouled but of course Martin Atkinson played on.
Arsene Wenger made his final changes, Ramsey and Oxlade-Chamberlain coming on for Walcott and Elneny in the 81st minute, and the England man made a big impact within minutes.
He burst through midfield, played it to Giroud who cut inside the defender in the area, and curled a magnificent shot over the keeper and into the far corner. 3-0.
Martinez was called into action again, saving well from substitute Fernandes, and we were denied another penalty when Atkinson ignored a clear foul on Monreal because he’s terrible at his job.
In the end though, a comfortable and much needed win for this Arsenal side.
Credit where credit’s due. The most coherent performance we’ve put together in months. Well done lads!
We are the first PL team to 100 goals in all competitions. Who would have thought that?
I’m Paul, I attached my comment onto the first comment in the thread, even though it has nothing to do with first comment, so everybody will have to read what I say.
I’m Frog, I attached my comment onto the comment attached to the first comment so that everyone can read how much I dislike Paul’s methods.
I’m OnlyGoodInPractice. I’m easily led.
I am original Paul who the fk are you lot?? Yes the one who likes Gibbs…
I thought I’d stick one on here for the sake of it
Too many new “Pauls” on here. I am henceforth and furtherwith changing my name to “Original Paul” I thank you and goodnight. x
I am going to call myself David’s Semen
Don’t do that…
Are you tall Paul? You could call yourself Tall Paul.
You could stop drinking? 🙂
I’m tee total … in a funny mood today …
What?
Yeah
OP
What? 🙂
Is that the equivalent of the 4th place trophy, now that’s probably out of reach?
I am Spartacus.
I’m Paul and so is my wife.
Just gained 2 pts. on ‘pool and 3 on city. 4 pts behind city with a match in hand, 6 behind ‘pool with 2 matches in hand.
I thought Gabriel had a very good match. Let’s hope özil gets a confidence boost from today.
Gabby as left CB is his best position.
Martinez did v.well – a calmer keeper than Osp
Elneny clearly a better footballer than Coq
Ozil was excellent.
Ox should start ahead of Welb/Theo next game
where pigs fly and where refs aren’t stupid cunts that was 5-0 to the Arsenal with those two penalties
My money says Alexis misses one of them.
Well it would have been a good night to miss one.
Goal difference is important! So not good to miss penalties!
Free flowing football at last! Thought Ozil was fantastic tonight both with his attacking play and defensive workrate, also really liked the look of elneny with xhaka in the middle. You can really see why West Ham are doing so badly though, not often at this level that you see our players have so much time on the ball or see so many gaps in a defense.
Not convinced with Elneny. Too many safe passes, doesn’t add anything extra. OK against West Ham but won’t offer much against tougher opposition. I still think we should be trying Iwobi in midfield. Ozil dropped deeper today which made an impact (not Elneny) We still need to find someone who can carry the ball from deep through midfield. Ox has done it to some degree but prefer him as a wide asset. Come the summer, we need to reinforce midfield further. Elneny to me is still an average player, a willing pair of lungs and a hardworker but we need… Read more »
We get it. You don’t like Mo Elneny. Some of us do.
Yeah it get tiring that a thing any mention of Elneny, Santori shows up to write a thesis explaining to us why he dislikes him so much.
What about Flamini?
elneny was average until first half but then he grew into the role . played really well in the second half . elneny may not be flashy but he did his job well and did not leave midfield open like coq
you are right in that he was more forward than ozil but elneny keeps the ball ticking. our game is all about pass and go. he does not panic when ball comes at him..he moves with it and without it. coquelin cant do that. nor ramsey. they dont understand ball circulation.
Something about Xhaka/Elneny just works. They both are great continuity players in possession and Elneny’s stamina is out of this world.
It is hard to judge based on the way West Ham set up if this is a viable pairing for all games but look at the contrast (and bashing Ramsey is not my intent) to our strangle hold on the game after Elneny went off. It is useful when the CMs are within 15 meters of eachother instead of one 40 ahead at the edge of the box.
Xhaka & Elneny from now on too
More like it
Yesss! a w…a wi, a wiii, a ween, A win? Yes thats it, a win. I’d forgotten what they were for a moment there.
About time!
Arsenal win, and win comfortably
At times Arsenal were playing some of their best free flowing football in months
Ozil scores for first goal since December
Sanchez back to his cheeky tricks
Xhaka played 90 minutes and did not get booked
Play like that for the rest of the season, and we might just get into the Champions League and win the FA Cup…
Well played but typical Arsenal.. playing well when pressure is off, not much left to play for and top4 is on the line..
yes but it is a reaction at least…a positive one too. let keep it that way
“Ozil scores for first goal since December”
Yes, but he missed some games though…
Clear penalty at the end there, suppose it’s just karma though after what happened against City. Good win, we needed that. COYG.
Oh hello winning feeling. Much more like it!
Yeah its a win, which in any context is good. That being said, it was a game Arsenal were expected to win, and didn’t feel much joy at the final whistle. Can even see it with the players, little to no celebrations. This side hasn’t much to play for but pride with the league this season. Of course fourth is still possible, but even that wouldn’t bring much happiness to a deflated fan base. The team definitely needs a change of management this summer to kick start the club and clean the slate. Three points aside, the situation is very… Read more »
Go and moan somewhere else.
Why is that? One win against a team badly out of form doesn’t suddenly absolve the team of the past few months. The situation is currently dire and that hasn’t changed because of tonight. People are far too quick to jump on the latest result and criticize those who go against the newly found optimism. If you’re not critical in victory as with defeat you will never progress
Oh fuck off.
Heh you’re quite a witty one
And you’re a moaning git with an inability to take joy from the one moment of decent football this team has managed this year. Because it’s never good enough, is it? Well some of us are over the moon to see the team perform again and for whatever amount of time it’ll last many, many, many of us intend to celebrate that moment. You and your “this isn’t good enough because we’ve been bad for so long” tells no one nothing that everyone doesn’t know already. It’s been painfully obvious for months. PAINFULL! Tonight they were good and it was… Read more »
After years of the same shit, same mistakes and inevitable collapses its very difficult to take much enjoyment against one victory from a struggling side. Sure a wins a win, but it doesn’t mean its cause for celebration. Perhaps if we put ten wins together them it might be. Till then, go fuck yourself.
Don’t want to get behind the team, don’t stick around. No one os forcing you.
It’s because fans support the team that they are frustrated. Clearly one can support the side and not be pleased with current events. Just because supporters aren’t singing off the rooftops doesn’t mean they’re not behind the team. Recognise that
Just because fans are happy with a win doesn’t mean they aren’t aware of the need for change and improvement.
I think I hear that fat cunt at AFTV calling your name now. He’s offering you a slot where you and the rest of them can bask in each others misery.
you support the team? how? by moaning? lol….
Is this seriously for real right now? This is what we have become? Someone has a different opinion than us and we instantly start hurling abuse and calling each other names? Is our club becoming a sad reflection of our current society? Is it cool to be happy and over the moon about our first win in ages tonight? I think so. We pushed around an out of form team in the second half and the goals we scored were fun to watch. I am certainly in a better mood having won. Should this result change how we look at… Read more »
Logical reason: when Arsenal play Wenger’s game effectively, we can beat anyone, rather beautifully, which is why we love watching our Arsenal (and a significant reason why we get the broadcasting revenue we do). Wenger is one of the greatest managers in the game, and with the right support, commitment, and personnel he could return Arsenal to the summit. Illogical reason: Wenger is much loved by those who admire him, an ambassador of Arsenal values, a profoundly interesting human being, and one of the sharpest minds in football. He wants glory for Arsenal more than anyone, is a Gooner through… Read more »
After years of misery, why are you still here Don?
Football is weird. You can hate your team at times and still keep watching. Its not something you toss aside after a few losses. Just because Arsenal aren’t winning doesn’t mean I stop watching. You continue with your team through thick and team, regardless of your feeling towards the team and manager.
Hear hear!
I want your babies Godfrey.
I would but I don’t have a womb.
Your over the moon, cos these pampered snowflakes actually tried. F me 100,s thousands a week and were overjoyed that they tried for once- give us a break!
@kas
No one can grant you a break but yourself. Like I said to Don above, don’t like it? Stop watching and leave.
This year? Think you’re forgetting 1st January!
are you here to be witty and provoke or because you support Arsenal?
Just give it a rest for one minute and enjoy what was a good win, and a great team performance. Arsenal showed everything we’ve been missing these past few games. I particularly enjoyed the way Özil played, and Gabriel bossed it.
Why? Because we are trying to recover from a horrible patch and instead of being encouraging you are being disruptive and negative. Im with Godfrey. Go moan somewhere else.
Agree or not, you are right, this place is pretty knee jerky. The reception to any comment largely depends on the results of the most recent game. Lose? And you would be 100+ in likes. Say the same thing after a win and it’s the very opposite. Win one game and it’s “We need to remember Wenger is a legend. Let’s keep him and he will turn things around”. Lose the next game, the same fans are chanting Wenger Out, frothing at the mouth and frantically retweet the latest video of ArsenalTV. I get there is a time and place… Read more »
Furious with Giroud who offered no hint of celebration. Why we cheered his name afterwards I have no idea.
I bet he’s gutted to hear that! 🙂
Better than Welbeck and all that pace. Can’t finish two sitters.
Why he was clapped off the pitch is beyond me.
Don’t get me wrong I like Welbeck and he has potential but frankly we should be starting Giroud. He’s MORE efficient.
“Two sitters” lol.. just because they’re in the 6 yard box doesn’t make them “sitters” literally “sitters” is implying the ball is “sitting” and you just have to stroke it. That’s not what I saw at all…
still should’ve scored. cannot expect to be gifted sitters every game .
Giroud’s still better!
He’s been injured forever and is as match unfit as they come. Give him enough runs outs and he’ll get there.
have a day off
Blimey were you there they celebrated like fuck what you on about?
Someone could have smashed Monreal in the face with a mallet and Marti Atkinson would have gestured a round ball shape and played on.
I don’t understand why they suddenly become superhero’s when they score or the other teams slack a bit. Where does that confidence go before hands?? Do other teams have to play shit in order for the players to be interested??
We all know they have the talent. Their bravery and trickery should be displayed when things are rough not when it gets piss easy. They all need a bloody head doctor.
If you’ve ever played any team sport competitively then you’d understand…
Well done. Steady controlled start and built up to the right result and well deserved in the end
Great win! We looked good and switched on. Please let Elneny play instead of Coq from now on.
I hate Martin Atkinson. He’s a fucking moron and the game will be better of when he’s gone.
And whatever you do don’t put Ramsey back in team.
He is trying really very hard to be the worst professional ref ever. and succeeding at it too.
3 definite pens not given!
That guy usually loves giving penalties…
He only loves giving penalities AGAINST us. I can’t think of another match since Untied broke our undefeated streak where so many blatantly obvious fouls and penalties by an opponent were not given. There were three stone-cold iron-clad penalties ignored, the last of which should have seen a second yellow for Collins. Alexis got manhandled without a foul being called and yet if any of our players so much as looked wrong at a Hammer, it was a free kick. Five years ago Atkinson was one of the referees I looked forward to seeing. Now I cringe every time his… Read more »
We’ve had plenty of games where the ref has been equally crap (not necessarily worse but on the same level) since then. Most games involving Atkinson, Taylor and Dean, although Clattenberg, Pawson and Mason should get mentioned regularly on that list as well…
That was really very good imho, and it hopefully reminded West Ham of their place in the London scheme of things? COYG! 😉
True, but something else is really wrong with that London scheme. #f.cksp*rs
So Elneny is the key! That and a woeful hammers side.
Nice for Emi as well
Missed a trick…would have been gold dust if your name was Once, Twice, Three times Elneny
Your name is world class.
Great win, some exciting play – good for having a bit of confidence back. Shocking refeering, normally it could cost us a win….3 penalties not given, how could this moron miss the last one?!
Good performance by the lads and at times some free flowing football. The hammers were shit but the Xhaka -El Neny pairing in midfield was nice to see . El neny, even he is no Iniesta can pick up a pass and he is disciplined, he can also keep the flow of game. He is such a better player than The Coq and Ramsey . The latter walked back into the team after an injury again and one can guess he is going be in the starting XI next game ? Martinez looked assured and composed .
Our lads showed some real class by shaking hands with the referee after the whistle.
To be fair they were hamilton handshakes
We won although martin atkinskn is a real sucker.. feel good with a game after so long
I absolutely hate Martin Atkinson. He doesn’t belong on that field or any field unless he’s cutting the grass. Three clear penalty shouts, and especially the last one on Monreal should’ve been a second yellow for that hapless right back. Allowing players to take people out like that and stand on their feet without getting ANY of the ball is what gets people injured. Very happy we won but for some reason I am extra incensed by Atkinson’s total idiocy.
and? so what if an arsenal player gets injured? after all they are soft pansy foreigners who dont like it up em and this is england. this has been happening since eduardo years. the refs allow opposition to kick you all game. you look back in anger? yellow. you dare tackle? maybe even red.
what? you think because youre good at football we will let you humiliate us?
I thought I was dreaming we won one well done lads maybe we still might nick fourth place.
Would have been the perfect night if Sp*rs also lost. Oh well, top 4 is definitely on. The two last places will be between the two Manchesters, Liverpool, and us.
Atkinson et al, can clearly influence results. His lack of protection of Arsenal players and his failure to award penalties, both make it harder for Arsenal to win.
As Untold Arsenal have been pointing out for some time, we are fighting an unfair disadvantage. Is this anti-Arsenal or pro certain other teams. How many points a season are we robbed of?
That might well have been our best effort of the calendar year. We were the better team in the first half, and in the secnod half we were out of sight. I thought the only player who might have had a bit of an off day was Welbeck, which is excusable seeing as he’s still to hit his stride after coming back from two long-term injuries. The rest of the squad were outstanding. Nice to see us get back to our flowing and intricate football. That was a thoroughly enjoyable match to watch, even though that useless cud chomper Atkinson… Read more »
As I said, plenty to play for. The first 3 of potentially 30 points we can grab and make it 81points. Liverpool in third have played two games extra. City are not far away. Even Spurs (with a huge dose of luck) can be caught. A mini collapse of say 3 game losing streak (it can happen as it has with us), and they are suddenly very close to yet another St Totteringham. And we have a crucial 6 pointer with them close to the end. FA cup still to come against City. Not sure what all the fuss is… Read more »
Didn’t get to see the match but how did Elneny do? Reckon he’s pushed Coquelin to the bench?
Great to get a win at last! We were comfortable in midfield for a change, Elneny looked calm and kept the ball moving along, reminded me a bit of Gilberto in his calmness, movement and passing. He always looks busy so our midfield looks livelier. We seemed to get more confident as it went on and although Welbeck missed a couple of chances he looked sharper than in the last two matches. Theo was lively in parts, still nowhere near ruthless enough in front of goal but he makes some fantastic runs and a nice finish for the second.
He did very well. He played the box-to-box role to perfection and had a couple of decent cracks at goal. I don’t think it’ll be so much that Elneny pushes Coquelin to the bench as it will be that Xhaka-Elneny will push Coquelin-Ramsey to the bench.
It’s a bit apples to oranges with the difference in opposition, but Elneny looked quite good to me today. I’d like to see him get the next start based on the merit he earned today. Positionally seemed switched on, chased, and had a few good attacking moments – but not ahead of the strikers and in the 6 yd box, if you gather what I’m saying.
Elneny’s presence was huge. I don’t really fancy le coq without cazorla. Ball retention was soooo much better
People have their biased (and frankly inexplicable) favorites they like to clap off but frankly : 1) Welbeck. What’s all this fuss about pace? Missed two clear cut sitters. Did not offer much hold up play, not terribly involved. Giroud comes on and scores a magnificent goal. I say start Giroud. 2) Elneny. Mostly simple safe passes. Maybe that’s a blessing but he doesn’t add much else beyond another body to chase around. OTOH some people like to criticise certain players who fare far better than aforementioned two. Chiefly today : 1) Granit. Excellent control of the game from deep… Read more »
….So, you would sell our second top scorer, someone who has scored 19 goals ……from a WIDE position…and who consistently scores against the big teams…Man City (twice), Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Chelsea…..Ok then.
P.S. making an idiotic point twice doesn’t make it more palatable…just more idiotic
“People have their biased (and frankly inexplicable) favorites they like to clap off …”
Oh, the irony.
For someone who types so much, I’ve never heard so much rubbish in my life
Finish 3rd, win the FA cup, I still don’t think I would be pleased to see Wenger lead the team out at the beginning of next season. I would still expect us in fail in the really high stakes games against the really big teams
Some people are never happy.
Arsenal scoring three unreplied goals? Ozil with a goal and assist, Xhaka no yellow, is it really Arsenal that i watched?
Please we need performances like this
I love Xhaka’s balls…
There is no goalkeeping error on Mesut’s goal: the rebound is deadly, that’s all.
I must say, your quality of match reports has been dwindling blogs. It is just separate sentences which doesn’t add up to a coherent report. Just saying 😉
Citeh loose, Manure draw, Pooh draw. Arsenal win. Let’s do what we do so well at this time in the season. COYG! Moving forward…
*lose
We made two points up on each of the two teams we are competing with for fourth. Here we go…….COYG!
Credit to Gabriel and Mustafi. Not the most daunting of challenges, but they marshalled it well. Gabriel looked pretty confident and stepped in to stop a bunch of what they actually were able to put forward.
No credit to Atkinson, who pulled out all the stops denying fouls and pens and trying to frustrate us.
Some of the people that post on here are absolute morons, le-grove might be a bit extreme but blimey the melts on here….
Thought Elneny was quality tonight and Xhaka, sometimes too safe but two great performances.
Look how happy Alexis is?
Make him captain I say.
Thought we looked a lot better with Elneny. His link up is under rated and he actually offers for the ball between the lines providing rare off the ball movement. He opened up a lot more room for Xhaka who played very well. Interesting how if the midfield 2 function well together in the build up we look better.
Awful first half. Very good 2nd.
We can finish top 4 this season. And please don’t tell me you’re rather not because of the Wenger situation. Please.
But being brutally honest it’s Liverpool and City we can finish above. The top 2 is done. In my opinion (always have to put that so as not to sound like some kind of know it all).
I don’t think the first half was awful. In fact, I found it very entertaining. We had more of the ball and generated better chances than West Ham. The only reasons we didn’t lead at the half are that Welbeck is still finding his feet after a very long injury lay-off, and that Martin Atkinson is a useless fart snaffler.
Tonight reminded me why I spend hundreds of hours watching this team every year.
people so HAPPY, we may finish top 4, god what awful ambition. The old failure / spin doctor has fooled you all again!
Was happy to see Martinez getting a game, know we had no choice with Cech and Ospina injured but I’ve been very impressed with Martinez in the few games he’s played in the league cup this season. He didn’t have a lot to deal with tonight so no chance he will play next week if the first two are back but I’d like him to get a few more chances as Cech and Ospina don’t fill me with total confidence.
Please do not gloss over the refs’ ineptitude or downright corruption (imo) and laugh it off. If we hadnt scored and west ham took a lead wed be screaming at the players, the manager etc.
3 penalties!
Were at home for fucks sake…and ref gives advantage to visitor?
Would that happen at Old Trafford or stamford bridge? Why arent we making noise about that? Not Wenger obviosuly cause media will love to ignore reality and mock him. Ivan Gazidis? Pull a finger out? Protect the team from Atkinsons and clattenburgs? No?
After starting the season with a few penalties It looks like the refs have agreed that we won’t get any more this season…
Atkinson OUT!
And
Dean OUT!
and
Taylor OUT
etc etc…
Excellent to see Elneny and Xhaka get paired. Elneny is efficient, always provides an outlet, has a huge motor-was truly box to box, had some real offensive ambition, and offered some very deft passes tonight. Anyone who sees something lacking there, relative to our other options, by all means speak up. He’s been vastly under utilized. What is Arsenal’s style? Possession. Among a whole host of other things, that’s what Elneny provides. He doesn’t need to be flashy. He gets the ball from the back to the guys with the flash.
Another great Wenger signing.
I thought El Neny looked great Ina Gilberto-esque way and really complemented a few potential risky moments by Xhaka who also looked good. Nice stuff.
I could whine about why it has taken so long but nah, the lads played well, we won and scored two really top-notch goals. Great performance.
Very important and welcome 3 points. Glad to see the boys get their confidence back.