Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table by a further two points. With the Merseyside derby producing an epic 3-3 draw in the day’s earlier kick-off, Arsenal knew they had to and were able to exploit Liverpool dropping points to double the gap over their closest competitors.
Following the narrow defeat to Manchester United a fortnight ago, it was crucial that Arsene Wenger’s men produce a display that would reaffirm their serious desire of ending their lengthy trophy drought.
An injury-free international period meant that Arsene Wenger was entitled to a similar availability as he was before the break. The only absentee was the suspended Mathieu Flamini. The other alteration to the squad was the inclusion of Theo Walcott who had been sidelined since September.
Jack Wilshere nearly gave his side an early lead after he managed to hit the post when he poked the ball over Artur Boruc. Soon after, Ramsey also hit the woodwork after executing a perfect flick from Ozil’s low-cross.
Artur Boruc provided the main talking point of the game. The Polish goalkeeper who was left feeling humiliated a few weeks ago after conceding a shot from distance by Asmir Begovic was once again left disgraced at his monumental error. Oliver Giroud capitalised on the Pole’s poor dribbling abilities by nicking the ball and coolly slotting home the opening goal of the match.
The Saints nearly equalised when Mikel Arteta failed to clear which presented Adam Lallana with a chance to shoot straight at the Arsenal goal.
Jay Rodriguez went close before the break after showing excellent control before concluding the move with a smooth flick, Szczesny instantly dived low to make the save.
Former Southampton man, Theo Walcott, was greeted in the 70th minute with a warm welcome from both sets of supporters for his service to both clubs. Before the match Wenger confirmed Walcott was fully-fit but lacked game time. Twenty minutes seemed fitting for the young Englishman to make his long-awaited comeback.
With Mauricio Pochettino’s men mounting further pressure on the home side Arsenal knew they had to strengthen their slender lead. Arsenal did not have to work hard before they were awarded a penalty following Jose Fonte’s shirt-pull on Per Mertesacker. Olivier Giroud took spot-kick responsibility as Mikel Arteta had been substituted only minutes before. The Frenchmen stood up and netted his and Arsenal’s second of the contest.
The resultant victory and three points mean Arsenal strengthen their lead over the chasing pack with many of the other title contenders still yet to play this weekend. Next, a home fixture against Marseille in the group stage of the Champions League awaits Wenger’s high-flying Arsenal squad.
Written by: James Harrod
Twitter: @goonerscore
Blog: http://goonerscore.wordpress.com/
Following the narrow defeat to Manchester United a fortnight ago, it was crucial that Arsene Wenger’s men produce a display that would reaffirm their serious desire of ending their lengthy trophy drought.
An injury-free international period meant that Arsene Wenger was entitled to a similar availability as he was before the break. The only absentee was the suspended Mathieu Flamini. The other alteration to the squad was the inclusion of Theo Walcott who had been sidelined since September.
Jack Wilshere nearly gave his side an early lead after he managed to hit the post when he poked the ball over Artur Boruc. Soon after, Ramsey also hit the woodwork after executing a perfect flick from Ozil’s low-cross.
Artur Boruc provided the main talking point of the game. The Polish goalkeeper who was left feeling humiliated a few weeks ago after conceding a shot from distance by Asmir Begovic was once again left disgraced at his monumental error. Oliver Giroud capitalised on the Pole’s poor dribbling abilities by nicking the ball and coolly slotting home the opening goal of the match.
The Saints nearly equalised when Mikel Arteta failed to clear which presented Adam Lallana with a chance to shoot straight at the Arsenal goal.
Jay Rodriguez went close before the break after showing excellent control before concluding the move with a smooth flick, Szczesny instantly dived low to make the save.
Former Southampton man, Theo Walcott, was greeted in the 70th minute with a warm welcome from both sets of supporters for his service to both clubs. Before the match Wenger confirmed Walcott was fully-fit but lacked game time. Twenty minutes seemed fitting for the young Englishman to make his long-awaited comeback.
With Mauricio Pochettino’s men mounting further pressure on the home side Arsenal knew they had to strengthen their slender lead. Arsenal did not have to work hard before they were awarded a penalty following Jose Fonte’s shirt-pull on Per Mertesacker. Olivier Giroud took spot-kick responsibility as Mikel Arteta had been substituted only minutes before. The Frenchmen stood up and netted his and Arsenal’s second of the contest.
The resultant victory and three points mean Arsenal strengthen their lead over the chasing pack with many of the other title contenders still yet to play this weekend. Next, a home fixture against Marseille in the group stage of the Champions League awaits Wenger’s high-flying Arsenal squad.
Written by: James Harrod
Twitter: @goonerscore
Blog: http://goonerscore.wordpress.com/