Warning Shots

A visibly pumped up Jack Wilshere celebrates his stylish equaliser against City

The tables were turned on Arsenal this weekend as the Gunners conceded a late goal to deny them victory against Manchester City in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates

A second win for the Gunners was snatched away in the 83rd minute of a highly entertaining encounter when City defender Demichelis found himself unmarked at a corner, powering a late header into the net.

Arsenal showed fantastic resolve to battle back from 1-0 down in what will surely be one of the most high-paced, all-action matches of the season.

Arsenal lined up as follows: Szczesny, Mertesacker, Debuchy, Monreal, Koscielny, Flamini, Sánchez, Özil, Ramsey, Wilshere, Welbeck 

A debut for new boy Danny Welbeck (or 'Dat guy Welbz' as the players and social media has taken to calling the striker) and an impressive one at that. Welbeck played the no.9 position beautifully winning headers when required and making incisive runs in behind.

Welbz hit the post in an early effort after some superb pressure from the midfield forced an error. A poor back pass played the striker clean through where he showed composure to deftly flick a lob over an onrushing shampoo model turned goalkeeper Joe Hart, but had to watch as the ball turned off the inside of the post and back into the arms of the England No.1

Welbeck and 60,000 Arsenal fans share a moment of disbelief as the Arsenal striker's chipped effort hits the post

The Gunners were made to a pay for a host of missed chances when in the 28th minute City launched a blistering counter-attack, neatly finished by their talismanic striker Sergio Aguero, who looks to be over the injury problems that plagued his world cup and early season form

The sides went into halftime with the score still at 0-1 to last season's champions, however Arsenal looked the more likely to score throughout the half, the City goal coming against the run of play.

Not to be disheartened by the blow, Arsenal pressed on in the second half picking up where they left off, pressuring the City defense with plenty of neat one-touch possession in the final third.

Jack Wilshere and Alexis Sanchez both had their best games in an Arsenal shirt doing everything right. They chased back possession, broke through tackles and looked hungry for a victory. The physicality they brought to the match is something we haven't seen for a long time; check out this from Wilshere on Samir Nasri.

The equaliser eventually came in the 63rd minute when Wilshere was released on the edge of the box, beating a defender with a feigned shot and drag on his left foot leaving him face-to-face with Hart on the near post. Cue one of the finishes of the season so far in a chip that left the City keeper bamboozled, flapping his arms like a toddler trying to catch a ball.

After that the pendulum had definitely swung in the reds favour and Arsenal had attack after attack, whilst defending well. Nasri replaced Lampard at halftime who looked for all the world like a spent force, his major contribution in his 45 minutes on the pitch was receiving a yellow card for a tactical foul on Ramsey.

Lampard struggled to match the pace of the game in his debut for City

Sanchez got the goal to take Arsenal into the lead on 74 minutes, Arsenal's second of the afternoon and the Chilean's third in as many games for his new club. Wilshere got the assist with a speculative header back into the box which looped over the City defense finding Alexis unmarked at the back post. His first time side-footed volley was a thing of beauty, powering past Hart and into the roof of the net.

For all their effort to get back into the match, Arsenal's intensity dropped off after taking the lead. As is so often the case with Arsenal sides there is a resolve to fight back but worryingly the same defensive frailties which have cost us league titles in the past are creeping back in.

City fought to get back into the game. After winning a corner with 10 minutes to go, a good cross found Demichelis completely unmarked on the penalty spot, the Argentine taking the chance well, guiding the ball into the top right corner. It looked as though Szczesny and Flamini got in each other's way a bit and perhaps the Frenchman may have been able to head the ball off the line had the keeper not got a hand to it.

I thought Arsenal had shaken the tag of poor defensive side after last years dominant display by Koscielny, Mertesacker and Szczesny where the Gunners kept the most clean sheets in the league. Four matches played and Arsenal have already conceded 6 goals, scoring 7.

Chambers came on as a late substitution after Debuchy had to be stretchered off. The Frenchman appeared to over stretch himself chasing a ball and landed awkwardly, rolling his ankle. Debuchy injury reports vary between 2 to 3 months out, but knowing our luck don't hold out for a speedy recovery. This means that Chambers will start right-back with Bellerin promoted to the bench, leaving us with no outright cover at centre back.

Arsenal's injury misfortune has followed them into the 2014/15 campaign despite appointment of new fitness coach Shad Forsythe

There were moments in Saturday's premier league clash with City where I thought this side could be the best Wenger has put together in over half a decade.

The team had pace, power and skill throughout and although a relatively small signing, Danny Welbeck already looks like the missing piece in a handsome jigsaw puzzle of awesomeness.

There were, however, also moments where I thought this team is still missing something to make us true championship contenders, particularly in defense.

A very interesting and worrying statistic is that Arsenal have conceded a headed goal in all four of their matches so far this season. I think this is because of the changes to our fullbacks, compared to last year.

In my opinion Debuchy offers so much more going forward than Bacary Sagna. We saw on the weekend how the Frenchman drew a foul after he skipped past Milner with a clever dummy. That is something Sagna would never do, always looking to cut back inside, slowing the attack down.

However on the flip side Sagna is a better backs-to-the-wall defender than Debuchy, with a greater aerial athleticism that meant he was more adept at dealing with high balls late in the game, even scoring a couple of headed chances last season.

On the other flank Monreal is by no means the quality of Kieran Gibbs, who really has followed in a proud tradition of Arsenal left-backs, a position Wenger unquestionably knows how to scout for.

Although Monreal is of a high pedigree, having been plucked during the mass clearance sale at Malaga along with Cazorla, he always looks a little out of sorts and frantic and was definitely targeted by City.

Combine this with a license for the full backs to get forward and Arsenal have been left exposed countless times already this season. A moment's carelessness in possession, a misplaced pass when we are committed to attacking and the opposing team only have to beat three players en route to the Arsenal goal.

To leave you on a positive note, Arsenal have now scored 5 goals in two matches against City (3 in the Community Shield) suggesting that as an attacking force we are right up there capable of dissecting one of the best defences in the league.

Let's hope we can balance the side a little more and rack up those clean sheets, starting with Dortmund tonight and Villa on the weekend.

Thanks for reading!

Leicester v Arsenal Review

Even the Welsh Jesus couldn't find the winning goal against Leicester

Arsenal lacked bite upfront in a disappointing 1-1 draw against Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

Arsenal missed an opportunity to go into third place by giving away a 1- 0 lead after Alexis Sanchez found the net midway through the first half.

The Chilean scored his first premier league goal for the Gunners, making it two goals in as many games having already scored in Arsenal's 1-0 win against Besiktas in the Champions League qualifiers.

Arsenal lined up as follows: Szczesny, Monreal, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Debuchy, Flamini, Ramsey, Ozil, Cazorla, Sanchez and Sanogo

A surprise inclusion for Yaya after many, myself included, predicted Wenger would go for the same side that played against Besiktas.

Instead Wilshere and Oxlade-chamberlain dropped to the bench and Cazorla and Sanogo started.

The game began brightly for both sides and the game slipped comfortably into an end-to-end affair we are used to seeing when Arsenal are involved.

As we predicted Leicester stuck to the approach that saw them earn a draw against Everton and give Chelsea a tough time at Stamford Bridge.

The crucial moment in the game came when Koscielny and Schlupp were involved in a clash of heads towards the far touchline.

Both players stayed down for some time, however Koscielny looked the more injured and returned to the field wearing what looked like a swimming cap.

The Frenchman appeared to have overcome the incident however he would later find that he hadn't much to Arsenal's cost.

The Gunners took the lead not long after the clash of heads through a great bit of link up play. Santi Cazorla played a crisp lofted through-ball to Sanogo who made a smart, well-timed run finding himself through on goal with only Casper Schmeichel to beat.

Yaya's effort was soft but caught Schmeichel by surprise as he was expecting a lob, the Dane only able to parry the ball across his own goal where Sanchez pounced to slot the ball home.

Arsenal were only in the lead for two minutes however as Leicester immediately struck back.

Arsenal's defence looked sluggish and out-of position when Leicester broke on the counter attack. Leicetser's Ulloa was tracked by Koscielny who then completely lost his man and misread the flight of the ball allowing the Argentine a clear header which, although not the best placed had enough power to go past Szczesny.

Koscielny immediately signalled his intention to leave the pitch, clearly still suffering and even in the minutes leading up to both goals had looked unassured in 50/50 challenges where he would usually clean up.

Although both sides had good chances (the majority of Leicester's coming through Mahrez who looks sharp) Arsenal could have snatched a late goal, as they so often have this season.

Late substitutions for Arsenal saw Oxlade-Chamberlain and Podolski take to the field with about 15 minutes remaining.

This looked to be too little too late as both players struggled to get up to match speed with such little time remaining.

So far this season Wenger has been quick to make substitutions and those he does make go on to have an impact. Perhaps Wilshere needed a rest but I would have brought on the young Englishman in place of Sanogo and moved Sanchez up top and replaced Ozil with either Campbell or the Ox.

The match ended 1-1 but the sense was that this was another game which Arsenal wasted opportunities in front of goal, a clear sign that Wenger must bring in a marquee striker. Let's hope for some assured activity on deadline day!

Leicester v Arsenal Preview

Alexis Sanchez celebrates his first Arsenal goal in a 1- 0 victory against Besiktas

Sanchez will lead the line for Arsenal against Leicester City in the last round of premier league fixtures before the international break.

Arsenal currently sit in 5th place after an opening day victory to Crystal Palace and a hard-fought draw against Everton.

The Gunners are expected to line up as follows: Szczesny, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal, Debuchy, Flamini, Wilshere, Ozil, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sanchez

Oxlade-Chamberlain should see another start after his impressive performance against Besiktas in the Champions League Qualifiers. Alex offers more natural width and a desire to look for the long ball down the line.

Debuchy and the Ox showed a strong understanding midweek and this is something I believe Wenger will look to develop.

I expect Wenger to stick with a similar formation and approach as we saw against Besiktas, where had it not been for some wasted chances we would've won the game far more comfortably.

Expect a high pressing game without the ball and plenty of width with it, with the focus of our attacks coming down the right flank, where the Ox and Sanchez like to position themselves before cutting in.

Looking at the side however what immediately springs to mind is lack of height. Set pieces and defending crosses in open play has been our weakness so far this season (think Hangelaand v Palace and Coleman v Everton).

Leicester aren't the biggest side themselves and under manager Nigel Pearson like to play the ball on the ground, which should suit Arsenal, however it is hugely important that our wide players track back to prevent the opposition from overloading our flanks.

For many Arsenal fans, thinking about Leicester evokes memories of the final match of the Invincibles '04 campaign where the Gunners came back from a goal down to seal their unbeaten season.

Leicester have won just one of 16 Premier League games against Arsenal (W1, D5, L10). Their sole victory was 2-1 at Filbert Street on 23 November 1994.

However the Foxes have begun the season well, earning a 2-2 draw against Everton on the opening day, before losing 2-0 against Chelsea, a respectable scoreline nonetheless against Mourinho's machine.

A bit of excitement on the transfer front for both sides as Leicester have signed former Inter midfielder Esteban Cambiasso on a one year deal. The 34 year old has joined the Foxes after being released by Inter over the summer,  but may be ineligible for today's match due to international clearance proceedings.

There has been a huge amount of twitter activity linking Arsenal with QPR's Loic Remy and Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho: I would love both to sign.

We need a striker who has proven experience in the premier league. Welbeck would've been a stronger signing as indeed would Edison Cavani but it would seem as though both strikers are destined elsewhere. 

As for Carvalho although he failed to impress in Rio, there is enough potential there for him to become a very useful player. He could be eased into the ranks this season and given full license next year having learnt under two of the best in Arteta and Flamini.

Everton v Arsenal Match Review

Two goals in the final ten minutes saw Arsenal enjoy a thrilling comeback against Everton at Goodison Park yesterday to keep their unbeaten record in the league intact.

The Gunners managed to recover from an abysmal start to the game where they were outplayed for most of the first half.

Arsenal lined up as follows: Szczesny, Mertesacker, Chambers, Debuchy, Monreal, Ramsey, Wilshere, Oxlade-chamberlain, Flamini, Özil, Sanchez


Surprise inclusions for Chambers and Oxlade-Chamberlain were surely huge votes of confidence in Arsenal's young English talent. Many expected the centre-back pairing of Koscielny and Mertesacker after its effectiveness last season.


Cazorla and Giroud's demotion to the bench came as something of a shock, particularly considering the pair's fine scoring form of late and wealth of experience against top sides compared to Chambers and the Ox.


The first Everton goal came as the result of slack defending at the far post as Ozil, in his first appearance since returning from a summer break, allowed the Everton fullback to nip in front and get to the well-placed cross first.

Everton should have had a second soon after when striker Mirallas was through on goal, but under pressure from an onrushing Szczesny he screwed the effort wide. A let off for Wenger's men.

The second goal came somewhat fortuitously for the Toffees just before the stroke of halftime. Lukaku appeared to have pushed Mertesacker from behind to gain possession before playing in Naismith who was about half a yard offside. Nonetheless Naismith controlled well and tucked the ball between the legs of our Pole in the Goal.

At 2-0 Naismith's effort looked as though it would be the crippling blow in yet another defeat to a top 6 side, the classic failings of this team looked to have followed them into the 2014/15 campaign.

However yet again this season, Wenger was quick and decisive in changing his side around. At halftime he brought off Alexis Sanchez in order to rest the Chilean who is clearly taking some time to accustom to the league's relentless pace. In his place he brought on Giroud who has been so effective in the number 9 role.

The second half began far more promisingly as Arsenal dominated possession 60% to 40% peppering the Everton goal (we had 13 shots in total). The old adage goes that a 2-0 lead is often the hardest to defend tactically and from the 45th minute Everton looked to sit deep and defend. This allowed Arsenal to gain in confidence and eventually it paid off.

Cazorla and Campbell were both introduced on the 75th minute and suddenly the missing pieces of the jigsaw slotted into place. Campbell brought pace and sharp movement, whilst Cazorla is peerless in looking after the ball in the opposition's final third.

Ramsey, Cazorla and Ozil began linking up well, evidently picking up where they left off and this drew Everton even more central freeing up space for Arsenal's wide players.

The Welsh Jesus finally got the scoring underway in the 83rd minute and suddenly Everton began to look panicked. A great development in this Arsenal side and what I believe is a direct result of their FA Cup final comeback is a real resolve to keep fighting until the final minute.

Our reward came in the 89th minute when Monreal caught up with an overhit cross before sending in a beautifully weighted effort of his own that found the newly highlighted hair of Olivier Giroud who did superbly well to hold off Distin and send the ball whizzing into the net.

In his post match interview Arsene Wenger said: "We had a mountain to climb but we did it well. We came back with togetherness, with calmness and we didn't panic. we came back late but it is a strong point for us."

5 More Things We've Learnt So Far

1. Sanchez still needs plenty of time to adjust

Some players just land with their feet running. Look at Torres for Liverpool, Ba for Newcastle, Tevez for West Ham. I don't think Sanchez is one of those players but strongly believe that when he adjusts to the league's brutal pace and improves his fitness he'll be devastating to the opposition.

2. Trophy success last season has already had an effect on the mentality of the players

The boys in red are winners, with two trophies in quick succession they now know how to get over the line. The way Arsenal fought back from a 2-0 deficit in the FA Cup final showed amazing resolve and I believe this same attitude is already carrying through to their league performances after Ramsey's last minute winner against Palace and the amazing comeback against Everton.

3. Carl Jenkinson looks likely to have another frustrating season on the periphery of the club

Poor Carl. A gunner through and through it looks as though this could be another season without the breakthrough he sorely craves. Loaned out to the Hammers, Carl suffered an injury setback meaning that he will struggle to get much playing time and make the improvements Wenger was looking to see. Debuchy's outstanding performances so far, combined with the promise of Chambers and Bellerin could spell the end of Jenkisnon's time at his boyhood club.

4. Jack Wilshere is in for another tough season from the press

The latest golden child of the England national team, Jack has always been billed as the next Gazza, Wazza, and every other 'azza' going. His bad luck with injury has kept Jack from fulfilling his potential and the media has jumped on every chance to picture the young man out with a cigarette or drinking a beer. If he doesn't put in some dazzling performances this season expect greater emphasis to be placed on his personal life.

5. Giroud has to start. 

Two games now Arsenal have struggled without the talismanic Frenchman leading the line. Not only does he bring goals but he also creates space for others to run in behind as he occupies two defenders at a time. It also looks as though he's added some more technique and close control to his game and after 2 seasons in the premier league this could be season where he shines.

Thanks to Giacomo Detomaso for help with this one! Italian Gunners and fans of Serie A, NBA & NFL follow Giacomo's brilliant blog

ildetonatore.wordpress.com

Twitter: @gdetomaso

Everton v Arsenal Preview

Arsenal take on Everton at Goodison Park this afternoon at 5.30 in the second weekend of Premier League fixtures.

Last season the two sides were embroiled in an intriguing race for fourth place which ultimately saw Arsenal take the final Champions League spot.

Everton had a fantastic season by all accounts and worryingly put in an outstanding performance against the Gunners in this same fixture last year cruising to a 3-0 victory.

However at the Emirates Arsenal were unlucky not to win 1-0 and would have done so were it not for a late equaliser from Barcelona loanee Gerard Deulofeu who produced a sublime finish from 10 yards.

The two sides also faced each in the FA Cup quarter final. The match was played at the Emirates and Arsenal won comfortably by a margin of 4-1. The first half was relatively cagey however once Arsenal scored their second the floodgates opened and the match ended in emphatic style with a brace of goals from Olivier Giroud.

The Arsenal team for today is likely to be as follows:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Monreal, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Debuchy, Arteta, Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez, Wilshere and Giroud

Arsenal's performance last week against Crystal Palace will give the Gunners plenty of confidence as they were able to win ugly. Their slick passing game was by no means at its best, however second half substitutions to bring on Oxlade-Chamberlain and Giroud proved crucial in keeping the pressure on Palace allowing Ramsey to score a late winner.

Although Aaron Ramsey is ineligible for Arsenals Champions League second round tie with Besiktas he is expected to start today and Arsenal will need the Welsh Jesus firing on all cylinders to beat a strong Toffees side.

Everton had a less inspiring start to their 2014/15 Premier League campaign, drawing 2-2 against Leicester. The Toffees lead for most of the second half until an 86th minute equaliser from Leicester's Chris Wood.

Everton twice held the lead but were unable to see the game out against a plucky Leicester side which bodes well for an Arsenal who have plenty of attacking options.

The Gunner's prospects will also be boosted by the return of their German World Cup winners per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukasz Podolski who could all feature in today's match.

5 Things We've Learnt So Far

The premier league season is up and running. Arsenal have played one, won one after a hard-fought match against an organised Crystal Palace side.

Arsenal have also played in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier against Besiktas, drawing the game 0 - 0 in less than favourable conditions.

The Lovely Reds along with Italian journalist Giacomo Detomaso take a look at what we can learn from these early matches..

1. Maybe letting Fabregas go to Chelsea wasn't such a smart idea after all

With Ramsey out of the second qualifying leg and Ozil still not match sharp after a lengthy world Cup campaign, Fabregas would have been the perfect man to come in and lead our midfield.

As it stands he now looks like a member of a drug cartel playing under the tutelage of a man who bayed for his blood whilst at Arsenal.

2. Who needs Bacary Sagna when you've got Debuchy making the right back position his own

Many Gunners were sad to see Sagna go after many standout performances but Debuchy has come in and taken to Wenger's system like a duck to water. He looks calm, composed and potent going forward, everything Sagna had but younger, and with a much better haircut.

3. Calum Chambers has all the potential to be a future Arsenal and England stalwart

At £16m Chambers looks already to be one of the signings of the season. His performances belie his age and he has already worked out a good relationship with Koscielny. His ability to play right-back and his height (6ft 2) mean he could be a potential option at CDM if required. A modern versatile player.

4. Ramsey has picked up where he left off last season but he can't do it all on his own

The Welsh Jesus has scored in his last three competitive games in England (FA Cup final, Community Shield and Crystal Palace) bringing that electric form with him into the 2014/15 season. However he looks as though he desperately needs someone on his level alongside, hopefully the return of Ozil will bring just that.

5.  Sanchez still needs plenty of time to adjust

Some players just land with their feet running. Look at Torres for Liverpool, Ba for Newcastle, Tevez for West Ham. I don't think Sanchez is one of those players but strongly believe that when he adjusts to the league's brutal pace and improves his fitness he'll be devastating to the opposition.

Thanks to Giacomo Detomaso for help with this one! Italian Gunners and fans of Serie A, NBA & NFL follow Giacomo's brilliant blog

ildetonatore.wordpress.com

Twitter: @gdetomaso