Arsenal Update

The creative cannon at The Beautiful Game has gone silent in recent weeks but its high time we catch up on all things Arsenal.  My last post left off with the anniversary game against Everton, a 1-0 win that witnessed perhaps Van Persie's finest goal of the season.  Now a lot has happened since then; the holiday season proved a bit of a mixed bag for the Gunners.  Here's a brief recap:

Dec. 18th-Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal (EPL)
<> A bitter loss as the Gunners fought hard, only to be burned by a very late counterattack.

Dec. 21-Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal (EPL)
<> A weary Arsenal slugged out a gritty win with a Benayoun strike three minutes from time.

Dec. 27-Arsenal 1-1 Wolverhampton (EPL)
<> A spirited Wolves side earned a point at the Emirates, despite an early goal by Gervinho and being reduced to ten men.

Dec. 31 Arsenal 1-0 Queens Park Rangers (EPL)
<>  The Gunners edged promoted QPR, but the win was less than convincing.

Jan. 2 Fulham 2-1 Arsenal (EPL)
<> The new year began with dissappointment as Fulham robbed the Gunners of a certain 3 points.  Craven Cottage erupted as the home side netted two goals in the final five minutes of regulation.

'The King' returns!!

Jan. 9 Arsenal 1-0 Leeds (FA Cup)
<> 'King Henry' restored morale with a classic Arsenal goal.  Fresh in on loan, the Legend converted a beautiful ball from Song to lift the Gunners to the next round of the FA Cup.

Jan. 15 Swansea 3-2 Arsenal
<> The Swans shocked Arsenal with a resilient comeback from Van Persie's 5th minute goal.

Jan. 22 Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal
<> A late goal derailed another terrific Arsenal performance.

Jan. 29 Arsenal 3-2 Aston Villa
<> With a stunning second half salvo, Arsenal completed a dramatic comeback with three goals in seven minutes, including an RVP brace of penalties.

Feb. 1 Bolton 0-0 Arsenal
<> A good game all told, but the points go begging as a stubborn Bolton leave Arsenal winless in four league matches.

That about does it! The Arsenal seems to have weathered quite the ugly patch and will need a run of excellent form to recoup their losses.  However, that fourth Champs League spot is well within reach if the Gunners find consistency and reclaim a few key players from injury.