Honorable Exit, Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City

I regret to announce that Arsenal have finished their Carling Cup campaign this season.  The lads of North London put on a tremendous display at the Emirates Tuesday evening and although they were defeated, sent the clear message that money can't buy quality football.

A sellout crowd welcomed Mancini's line-up of football mercenaries and it was strange to see the names Toure and Nasri among those listed on the "Away" roster.  The Professor elected to field a youthful side, as is his custom in this tournament and the Arsenal youngsters would outshine them all by the game's finish.  This was a big game and the both sides tested each other early on.  Within ten minutes, Arsenal had what would be one of their best opportunities of the game.  Chamakh worked wide and played on Coquelin whose low cross was met by Park at the far post.  The Korean ratcheted a good shot but the keeper managed to claw it away in the nick of time.  Right at thirty minutes, the Ox delivered a fine shot towards the top corner and again Man City's GK was somehow equal to the task.  The first half became a showcase of attacking football, but the break left both sides goalless.  Forced to chose between the two, perhaps the Gunners produced a more convincing display.  

The second half picked where the first left off; the teams exchanged shots but the scoreline was unaffected. Halfway through, Gervinho was brought on for Park, shifting Benayoun to a more central role.  Arsenal immediately gained the advantage.  Chamakh had another go and Frimpong was beastly in his midfield play.  His dogged possession and grit allowed you to forget that Nasri was his midfield oppostion.  Gervinho closed in on goal only to be squeezed out by Toure.  Vermalen was brought on with ten minutes remaining.  Someone had to win the contest, it might as well have been Arsenal!  With everyone thrown forward, Djourou's misallocated cross came at precisely the wrong time.  Once the Citeh' regained the ball, their counterattack developed in a flash.  The opponent surged forward, easily slipping through a threadbare defense.  It was a heartless goal.  The home crowd lifted their team, knowing it was hardly a fair result.  With moments remaining, Gervinho sent in a perfect cross.  However, Chamakh failed to commit and the chance went begging.  Loss in the Cup, and at the hands of Man City...certainly a tough pill to swallow.  But our boys can hold their heads high; this was a job well done.  

Implications:  it was certainly a fine show by a young Arsenal squad.  They looked better than their opponents and there's comfort in knowing what is effectively your second string outplayed the most expensive lineup in the Premier League.  In about two weeks, Arsenal face City in the League...what could we see here??  Arsenal's current League form is incredible and if they hold pace, should give City a good run for their money.  The missing element of the Carling Cup loss was a lack of killer instinct in the final third.  But here's the thing: Man City can't front a much stronger line-up, Arsenal sure as heck can!!  So, its a trip to Wigan over the weekend.  This one's not in the bag, but Arsenal should expect all three points from a team battling relegation.  Greece and Olympiacos at midweek; Arsenal has already locked top of the group, even with a loss here.  That'll be a good opportunity to rest some starters, good experience for the fringe players, and then...a rematch!  Let's see how those moneybags hold up in two week's time!!  Oooh To Be a Gooner!!!!

Arsenal 1-1 Fulham...It'll Have to Do

It proved a frustrating night for the Gunners as goals from Thomas Vermalen on both ends saw the Cottagers escape Emirates with a point.  The draw has checked the progress of Arsenal's upward gait but all things considered, it could have been worse.

Arsenal controlled the pace early on, with Arshavin netting an offside goal around four minutes.  Dempsey & Co. countered with efforts of their own and the Fulham midfield proved bullish on the evening.  Walcott soon ignited a burst of pressure from the hosts but the Cottagers were able to cope.  A Fulham strike five minutes from time forced a full-stretch save from Szczesny and Arsenal responded with a ball headed just wide at the half.  It was not convincing football from Gunners and the visitors began sniffing for all three points, discontent with the prospect of sharing them.  

The American nearly found the net ten minutes after the break but Dempsey's touch was weighty.  Van Persie leveled a good cross on the hour but a tight defense soon scurried it away.  The midfield tangle had abated and Fulham found themselves a goal to the good, thanks to a ill cleared ball whiffed right into the net by Vermalen.  The Professor shifted to attack mode and curious fans were left wondering what could have been as Schwarzer greedily quenched several good chances by the Gunners.  Santos had been a touchline threat all evening and at 80 minutes combined with Gervinho to supply the resident Dutch wonder.  Surprisingly, Van Persie's trademark touch had abandoned him tonight and he hacked the ball skyward.  Encouraging signs at least, and a goal to follow.  The persistent Walcott lifted a powerful cross that smacked clean off the face of Vermalen besting Schwarzer in the process.  It was a villain to hero performance for the Belgian whose countenance glowed red even after the final whistle, attesting to the ferocity of Walcott's cross.  Arsenal should've been awarded a penalty in stoppage time as an obvious handball in front of goal was casually dismissed.  Such was the quality of officiating on the night, but the Arsenal pressed the offensive to the final whistle.  It wasn't enough and the Gunners were forced to settle for a point a piece, Fulham at least earning their share of the spoil.  

No time to sulk, its two games a week til Christmas and the Gunners go toe to toe with Man City in the Carling Cup.  Next is a trip to Wigan in the League on Saturday.  A feverish pace, but thats how it is in the quest for four different trophies.  Come on you Gooners!!  Teach Mancini's men a thing or two!!

Gunners Ditch Dortmund, Arsenal 2-1 Borussia Dortmund

Its on to the Knockout Round of UEFA's Champion's League!!  Wednesday's win over the German champions make it 12 successive seasons that the Gunners have progressed to the final stage of the tournament.  In a classic battle, the two sides determined the fate of Group F as Robin Van Persie lifted the Arsenal once more, his brace sealing the doom of this top-notch Bundesliga squad.

Dortmund were still high from their big win over Bayern Munich and their confidence showed.  Right away, Lewandowski managed a fierce shot followed in quick succession with an effort by Shinji Kagawa. The visitors allowed Arsenal no breathing space and Klopp's boys were out for blood.  The Gunners could muster little more than a determined defense in the first half, their only offensive foray being a sparkling run  by Theo Walcott.  Dortmund regrettable lost the services of Sven Bender and Mario Gotze early on, but they did not seem inhibited in the least.  No goals, but plenty of pace.  So ended the first half.

Determined defending won the day

Dortmund began right where they had left off, several strong chances with Kagawa leading the charge, but the Arsenal's defense was again matched with the challenge.  Then came a moment of brilliance that would certainly decide the match.  Ramsey hit a wall in the midfield and poked the ball back for Alex Song.  In what certainly became the most inspired assist of the season to this point, Song zipped down the left side losing one marker, danced in the heart of the Dortmund defense, shook several more defenders and chipped a cross to the waiting Robin Van Persie.  The Dutchman nodded in his 16th of the season, that goal proving perhaps the most decisive to date.  Arsenal looked to bury the fixture on the hour, but some last-ditch defending by Hummels robbed Gervinho of a spectacular goal.  Arsenal pressed to extend their lead as Song began yet another triumphal march downfield.  It was all there but the finish as Walcott fired wide, missing by inches.  With all the pressure from both sides, there were certainly more goals to be had.  An Arteta corner kick was moved on by Vermalen, allowing Van Persie to continue his flawless form, grabbing another with four minutes left to play.  Dortmund were sapped but Kagawa snatched an opportunist's goal once the Arsenal back-line had effectively switched off.  The goal would prove the last kick of the match.

Van Persie strikes again!

Arsenal are through and with Marseille's loss clinch the top spot.  The higher seed will likely ensure easier opposition in the next round.  Its disappointing to Dortmund's run come to an end, however.  They're a very entertaining side and have a great deal in common with Arsenal.  With little time to savour the victory, Arsenal host Fulham in the League and then the infamous Manchester City in the Carling Cup.

Well done Arsenal!!

A Carling Comeback, Arsenal 2-1 Bolton

It doesn't have to be pretty...

The 'Carling Kids' have done it again!  Arsenal dispatched Bolton Tuesday with a brave performance and have progressed to the Carling Cup Quarterfinals.  In an odd twist of fate, Bolton's goal came from a former Arsenal Academy player, Fabrice Muamba.  The competition may stiffen from here on out, but the cup run looks promising as Arsenal await the drawing this Saturday.

All told, the first half was pretty tame stuff.  Perhaps the best news for Gunners fans was the return of center-back Thomas Vermalen a.k.a. 'The Vermanator' into Arsenal's starting lineup.  As usual, it was a youthful side put forth in the cup from the hosts.  Arshavin was given freedom to roam behind the lead striker, much like his role in the Russia national squad.  Arsenal enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages and Ju Young Park had several sharp cracks at goal in the first half.  Darren Pratley led the charge as Bolton briefly asserted themselves but when as the rain began to fall, the hosts resumed dictating the pace of the match.

A wet but content crowd of almost 57,000 vocalized their support throughout the match and they were certainly given more to cheer about in the second half.  However, two minutes from the restart, it was Fabrice Muamba of Bolton who would draw first blood.  It would be interesting indeed to discover Wenger's thoughts as he watched the ball pop into the roof of the net, having come from the boot of a former Arsenal Academy lad.  A sparkling goal and individual effort to be sure...thankfully, the Wanderer's lead would last only five minutes.  Arshavin orchestrated the attack from his free-form position culminating with a retaliatory strike that leveled the game.  The ever-smiling Russian shared the ball and the joy five minutes later when he fed the ball to a crashing Ju Young Park whose clever timing had kept him onside.  The South Korea skipper looped a swerving shot round Bogdan that just squeaked in the far post.  The Professor's face revealed his pride (and relief) but Arsenal were soon forced to defend their lead.  Gary Cahill, the summer's would be Gunner, provided a constant goal threat despite his defensive role in the lineup.  As Bolton pressed to tie the game, Fabianski was tested on several occasions.  Bolton swapped in Chris Eagles and Robbie Blake (both signings Owen Coyle brought along from his Burnley side) and Arsenal countered with Ryo Miyachi and Oguzhan Ozyakup.  Promising runs by each team, but the story of the match had already been told.

Its on to the next round for Arsenal, with eight teams left in the competition.  The selection draw takes place on Saturday and odds are the Gunners will draw a stiff Premier League rival.  That tie falls short of top priority at the moment, however.  Saturday, the Battle for North London commences as the Gunners travel to Stamford Bridge in the London Derby, and then host Marseille Tuesday in the Champions League.  Come on You Gunners!!

A Silver Lining At Last, Arsenal 3-1 Shrewsbury Town

It was a day of first at the Emirates this afternoon.  As usual, Wenger used the Carling Cup tie as an opportunity to give Arsenal's young talent a first team debut.  In a nervy first half, the League Two Lions were first to nick the scoresheet and the young guns were lucky to have kept them at bay.  The Shrews ousted Derby and Swansea to book their ticket to Emirates and there was an upset brewing in the early stages.  However, the Professor and his youthful crew held on and staged a resilient comeback to liven the fans and silence some critics.  Its on to the next round!!

Shrews draw first blood

After a pair of Arsenal chances in the first five minutes, it was all Shrewsbury and they stole the lead in only the 17th minute.  The North London youngsters were looking shellshocked as the traveling Shrews fans made themselves heard.  With less than 47,000 in attendance, Emirates was not its usual self this evening.  However, the Shewsbury end was euphoric.  As the minutes ticked away, the host's backline were finally able to settle down and see off the pressure of the Lions attack.  That patience would be rewarded.  In the 34th minute, it would be two Arsenal defenders responsible for leveling the game and restoring some much needed confidence.  A well timed cross came in from Jenkinson on the right and Kieran Gibbs was there to bury his header into the net.  In 57 games for Arsenal, the goal was Gibbs very first.  The score gave the hosts confidence to build on, but the visitors were hardly abated.  A young Arsenal set to work, intent on reaching the next round.

Young Guns fight back

After the break, it was Arsenal who emerged from the tunnel the stronger side.  Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain had been the most promising young gun on the pitch for most of the evening.  In the 58th minute, he secured his status as man of the match.  From a distance of about 25 yards, he collected a short pass, then let loose a screamer of a shot.  Shrewsbury keeper Smith was able to get across, but the shot proved too hot to handle.  "The Ox" was into the books and onto the scoresheet with his first senior debut.  Ryo Myachi was subbed in with nearly twenty minutes to play.  Yossi Benayoun ended the competition by slotting in Arsenal's third goal with only ten minutes of regulation to play.  All three goals were the first recored by the Arsenal players.  At full time, the hosts had seen off a fiery display by the visitors from Shropshire.

The youthful Arsenal squad played well and responded accordingly to early pressure from Shrewsbury.  Oxlaide-Chamberlain was wonderful to watch and is well on his way to a regular first team spot.  Also, Francis Coquelin put on an impressive show.  The only complaint from Arsenal fans may be that Ryo was given only 20 minutes in his debut, but i'm confident we'll see more from him in the future.  Give credit to Shrewsbury Town.  They certainly scared and silenced Emirates early on, and stunned the hosts with chants of "Are you Wrexham in disguise??"  The Lions gave Arsenal plenty to do and the League Two side should be proud of their performance.  Hopefully, Emirates will host them again before too long.  Well Done Shrews!!  And best of luck in the League!!

More Carling Cup News:
Man U trounced Leeds United 3-0.  Stoke bested Tottenham 7-6 on penalties.  Newcastle fought off three Notts Forrest comebacks to win 4-3.  Bolton bettered Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park.  The Wolves thumped Millwall 5-0 and Burley came back to beat MK Dons 2-1.

In today's fixtures, Championship Brighton take on Liverpool.  The Bluebirds of Cardiff City battle Leicester City.  Chelsea duel with Fulham and West Brom travel to Everton.  Finally, the Manchester Millionarios take on cup holders Birmingham City.

And...Two Steps Back, Arsenal 3-4 Blackburn

It was a dark and dreary day at Ewood Park, much like the football fortunes of Arsenal as of late.  The Arsenal attack showed some real promise, having nearly pulled level in stoppage time.  However, two own goals was simply too much to overcome for the visitors.

On paper, it looked to be a simple confidence building exercise for the Gunners.  Blackburn were dead last in the table and Arsenal were fresh off a frustrating but solid draw at Dortmund in the midweek.  Things were beginning to look up and the first half reflected such.  With only ten minutes gone, Gervinho scored a brilliant goal.  Opting for touch over power, the Ivorian slid a trickling ball past the keeper inside the far post.  Almost a mirror image of the previous strike, Blackburn's Yakubu delivered a creeping ball past Szczesny to pull the hosts level.  Arsenal maintained possession and pulled in front once again.  Ramsey found room on the right of the final third and picked out Arteta in the box.  The Spaniard punched the ball high into the roof of the next.  The Gunners now played with intent and sought to kill off the fixture.  Try as they might, the two goal lead evaded them going into the break.

The second half seemed extracted from an entirely different game and the Arsenal squad looked an entirely different team.  Within four minutes, Blackburn were chomping at the bit having equalized for the second time.  A deep foul allowed the hosts a well placed free kick and an indifferent Arsenal defense watched the ball come off Song's knee and go quietly into their own net.  Before the hour mark, Blackburn pulled ahead as Yakubu netted his second on the day.  While replays certainly indicated the Rover man was offside, it doesn't really matter if the line judge didn't call it.  Arsenal responded immediately, but the offensive led to a Rover's counterattack...which led to another Arsenal own goal.  Blame it on the weather, blame it on the new signings and team chemistry, it doesn't matter what you blame it on: there is never an excuse for two own goals.  To their credit, the Gunners responded well.  Song made way for Chamakh and he found the net after four minutes.  A lifted cross from Van Persie was all he needed to push his header through.  A frenzied finale saw two excellent chances by Van Persie and Mertesacker thwarted by Robinson.  The comeback was not to be.  Blackburn escaped with all three points, whether the result had been earned or gifted. And the North London Gunners had certainly earned theirs.  

It was just that sort of day...

Its gone from bad to worse for Arsenal in the Premier League.  The loss marked a record-breaking poor start for the Gunners in the domestic campaign.  Thankfully, next on the docket is League Two's Shrewsbury Town in the Carling Cup.  A win here could be a shot in the arm for the ailing Arsenal side but the hosts had better not take the Shrews lightly.  Both clubs celebrate their 125th anniversary this season and it should be a lively tie.  In recent years, Wenger has opted for a youthful side in this competition, but since wins have been in such short supply, we could see an experienced XI take the field at Emirates Tuesday afternoon.  It should be a good match and hopefully Arsenal can regain some lost confidence ahead of Saturday's match against Bolton.