It was a day where a notable 5-1 drumming of Spurs by Manchester City was forced to take back seat. Danny Welbeck rewarded the Gaffer’s faith in him once again by drawing first blood in the 22^nd minute. Welbeck broke away from Djourou as Anderson chipped a cheeky pass over the backline, taking advantage of Wojciech Szczesny’s hesitation and headed the home side’s first off the bounce. Robert van Persie had a chance to make it 1-1 from the penalty spot, but placed a predictable attempt to the left which was well saved by David De Gea, granting him some redemption after recent performances. United took advantage of the Dutchman’s failure to make any impact and immediately pushed back up the field to see Ashley Young net the host’s second with a mesmerizing  curler in the top right corner.

Welbeck’s performance was short-lived as a hamstring injury forced him off the field only 35mins into the game. A minor concern for United as he was replaced by Javier Hernandez and United simply continued their pace. A further blow to the Gunners struggling fight back was landed in the 41^st minute, as Wayne Rooney’s effortless free kick put the devils up 3-0. Arsenal looked determined to pull one back before halftime and Walcott netted a bit of hope during stoppage time. If Arsene’s halftime motivational deemed it something to build on, he was very sadly mistaken.

Andrei Arshavin and Van Persi saw two great attempts at a comeback go to waste and all seemed to come undone when Rooney copied and pasted a second free-kick in the 64^th minute, followed by Nani’s nonchalant chip past Szczesny to make it 5-1. Park Ji-Sung replaced Nani just after and added a sixth to United’s tally with less than two minutes on the pitch. Van Persie managed to temporarily ease the embarrassment with a clinical finish, but moments later, Arsenal took another knuckle to the gut as Carl Jenkinson was sent off with a second yellow. Arsenal are now averaging a red card per game. At this rate, Wenger will have to spend in the January transfer window just to be able field a team.

Walcott’s negligent challenge on Evra in the box soon after saw Rooney’s easily take penalty yield him a hat trick, his 152^nd goal for United and their seventh of the game.  Arsenal seemed like the kid on the ground covered in blood, while the big kids kept kicking. Young drove through the final sleeper blow in the 90^th minute, as he nailed a monstrous shot into the top right corner from outside the box.

United bowed with an 8-2 finish at game’s end, putting them in top position, above Manchester City with a single goal’s difference. With only 1 point keeping them clear of the relegation zone and a transfer window closing fast, if Wenger hasn’t laid down any contingency plan for the departure of Nasri and Fabregas, Arsenal look destined to face a long season of this sort of bullying.

Nichol Hoekstra

@theKaptiv

Pic: soccernet.com

Why is it then that those who need to do so much in the transfer window have done so little?

It would appear that both the medal decorated Scots and the well-dressed Italian understood their homework assignment, while the Portuguese man, the Englishman and the Frog have walked into the transfer-isle waiting for discount tags.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have welcomed a fair share of new faces. Sir Alex has continuously proved in the past that early preparation has its benefits. A little more than a week ago he claimed the club had completed their spending spree and whether or not that’s true, it’s a healthy psychological advantage. There is still much speculation around the club’s acquisition of Wesley Sneijder, which would be a fantastic bit of business considering they could do with a top shelf player in a more central role. Then again, great progress was made last season despite an average midfield, and if anyone can squeeze the juice out of a Lemon, it’s Fergie. I expect a solid campaign from the Mancs, as always.

Liverpool have been busy shoppers once again, but like the January window, have settled for quality and not quantity from the ‘Roy Hodgson Bargain Bin’. King Kenny has said he’s happy with the squad thus far and when questioned about future purchases this summer, he stated that he is no clairvoyant. Like Fergie, getting settled early and allowing more time to fine tune a completed squad is a fore thinkers attitude, but nine goals down in the last three pre-season friendlies has proved that a little filling of the gaping crater in their defensive line would not be money wasted.  Nevertheless, I’m sure an improvement on 6^th place can be expected.

Manchester City are looking dangerous. Very dangerous. Like a little brother who’s put on a bit of weight, learned a thing or two and can now smack his big brother around a little. They may be a trust fund squad, but they’ve had two seasons to settle in and cull any unnecessary weight. A top four finish and their first trophy in 35 years does outline a strong determination that is beginning to shape them as more of a team and less of an expensive collection of random talent. They’ve invested in proven players this summer and even though they’re struggling somewhat with disciplinary issues, they have a growing momentum that could continue feeding, despite the two little brats upsetting the dinner table.

Harry Red-face seems too hell-bent on complaining about match congestion and trying to hold onto his own players to aggressively improve areas of concern. He’s a wealer ‘n’ dealer by nature and has his name well scribbled in the transfer-rumor mill, but waiting till the final hour to make decisions on those in and those out is going to do little good for the preparation and depth of a team that struggled to maintain a top four position while juggling the mid-week Champions League games last season, especially considering that their Euro games will now be played on Thursday evenings. Unless he gets ink to paper soon, it’s going to be a hopeful start for Spurs at most, not to mention a stunted momentum brought on by fatigue and injury too early on and when they’ll least be able to afford it.

Chelsea, Chelsea FC, where the hell is your money!?!

It would appear that the purchase of Fernando Torres has taught the blues a stern lesson in value for money. It’s not that I don’t think Torres will find his feet again, but waiting for the possibility of an investment to mature doesn’t motivate a generous shopping spree.

Andre Villas-Boas is a top shelf manager, not to mention having learned much under the wing of the “Special One”. When joining the Blues, he made a very clear observation – age is a problem. Chelsea have made a big impact on the Premier League during recent years, but the core collection of these experienced and influential players are looking a little overripe. A fresh injection of youth will be a necessary improvement, especially when having a new boss with new ideas.

They’ve just brought in the 19 year old Barcelona B midfielder, Oriol Romeu, which is a step in the right direction, but it’s not nearly enough yet. John Terry is a soldier, but is already playing on pain medication. Essien is going to miss the start of the season rehabilitating his back. Lampard is looking like a shadow of his former self and Torres desperately needs a midfielder who can bring him back into the game. There’s still the unresolved problem of cohesion and positioning of Torres, Drogba and Anelka.

They’ve tucked away the Asian Cup, which is a great confidence boost for Boas, but it’s not a competition that remotely reflects the intensity of the Premier League. I don’t doubt that they’ll be a continuous contender, but will they have the legs to stay consistent?

Is Arsene Wenger struggling to remember the pin for the clubs online banking account? Arsenal were without doubt the only side who could really have dented United’s progress from midway last season, but the failure to spend on a holding midfielder and possibly a more reliable defender cost them dearly as the second half of 2010-2011 progressed. The club’s money approach seems to work. ‘Keep it cheap. Buy young. Just stay in the top four for Champions League income. We don’t need trophies to make a profit.’ Great for shareholders… not so great for fans.

Gervinho was a good buy. He’s already netted for the club and he’s a physical presence that the Gunners could undoubtedly use more of.  Still, it’s a small support in an already shaky house of cards. Players like Fabregas and Nasri feel they’re matched to players from other clubs who earn far more. They want trophies. It’s understandable. Wenger is looking at a tough season ahead if the foundation of his squad remains uneasy. One would think last season was lesson enough that the clubs transfer philosophy just isn’t sufficient anymore. The Frenchman may be good, but he is damagingly stubborn and weighing up the progress of the other contending clubs, Arsenal may be looking to 4^th place on the table as a position to hope for.

The transfer window is far from over, as we’ve learned in January that a lot can happen in a day, but last minute changes offer little security when a good start in the league is so important. However it unfolds, I do feel an impending change in English football is upon us and we’re in for a firework-filled season.

Nic Hoekstra

@theKaptiv

Pic: skysports.com

Aaron Ramsey’s second-half goal – his first since January 2010 – saw United’s lead remain at just three points from Chelsea, whom they face next week at Old Trafford.

Both sides claimed a penalty at the Emirates Stadium, but the officials were unmoved when first United captain Nemanja Vidic handled the ball in the area and Michael Owen went down following a challenge from Gael Clichy.

Although Ferguson admitted Arsenal had a good case for their own penalty, he felt hard done by.

“It’s too big a game not to get the decisions right,” Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

“It balances out in that respect but I think it was difficult to see that one (Vidic’s handball) but the one at the end, Clichy knew, he put his hands up in horror.”

Ferguson added: “Obviously, it gives Chelsea a major chance now and that’s what happens when you get these decisions.

“They got one at Old Trafford last season so that’s the worry now.

“But in terms of ability – a game at Old Trafford, the supporters will be ready for it – and so will our players.”

The Scot conceded his team had disappointed until Arsenal scored through Ramsey in the 56th minute.

“After that we dominated and I think we deserved something,” he said.

“I think we didn’t use the ball properly but once we lost the goal we were in their half most of the time.”

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: “You can give a penalty [to United] as well. I saw it on television, but I feel it is less obvious than the Vidic one by far.”

Owen himself claimed he was fouled, although he accepted United did not play well.

“Not seen TV replay but don’t need to as I know mine was a pen,” said the former England striker on Twitter.

“Heard people saying Arsenal should of (sic) had one too so can’t complain too much.

“That was a kick in the teeth. We were not happy with our performance but it is important to put today behind us now and focus on things we can affect in the future.

“Still in a great position so time for one final push.”

Owen also observed that all four Champions League semi-finalists lost this weekend, although Ferguson has already vowed to do something about that on Wednesday, when United will try to defend a two-goal advantage against Schalke at Old Trafford.

“We have a big week ahead,” said the United boss.

“Wednesday is a European semi-final second leg and then the game on Sunday, so two massive games.

“We will regroup and freshen it up.

“I will make some changes on Wednesday without question. I will bring Paul Scholes back in, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen.

“We’ll need to do that but I will probably keep my experienced players at the back.”

Should United lose next week, they will surrender top spot, on the slimmest of goal differences, with two games remaining and turn the title race into a two-game shoot-out

“We are in as good a position as you could ever wish for at the start of the season – semi-final of the European Cup, second leg, two-goal lead and go into a home game on Sunday level on goal difference.”

Source: football365.com

The Israeli powered a 90th-minute header past Wojciech Szczesny and then removed his shirt to reveal a picture of his late father Avi, who died in December following a motorcycle accident, before breaking down in tears.

On-loan Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge had opened the scoring in the 38th minute while Kevin Davies also missed a penalty for Bolton at the start of the second half before Robin van Persie netted a 48th-minute equaliser.

The result leaves Arsenal nine points behind Manchester United and three behind Chelsea with only four games remaining.

The first half was a familiar story for Arsenal fans, with the Gunners bossing possession but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities, while Bolton’s more direct approach paid dividends.

Probably the Gunners’ clearest opening came inside four minutes when Cesc Fabregas played in Theo Walcott on the right.

The England man’s strike was parried by Jussi Jaaskelainen and Samir Nasri saw his follow-up effort blocked by a combination of Gary Cahill and Zat Knight.

Arsenal’s pace looked to be the greatest threat to the hosts and from a quick break Fabregas forced Jaaskelainen to tip his 25-yard effort round the post before a Robin van Persie volley was well blocked by Cahill.

Bolton were giving as good as they got, though, and they probably should have been ahead in the 24th minute when Sturridge caught the Arsenal defence napping with a superb through ball for Lee Chung-yong, but the Korean chose to try to pick out Kevin Davies and the chance was lost.

Lee had another golden chance in the 37th minute, with Sturridge again the architect courtesy of a lovely chip into the centre of the box. The winger made good contact eight yards out but Szczesny was off his line quickly and blocked the shot.

There was no denying Bolton from the resulting corner, though, as Sturridge made the breakthrough. Lee’s cross was headed powerfully towards goal by the impressive Cahill and, although Nasri cleared off the line, Sturridge was on hand to head in the ball.

Fabregas almost squared things before half-time but his 20-yard shot cannoned off the post with Jaaskelainen well beaten.

Things got worse for Arsenal in the opening minute of the second half and again it was Sturridge causing the problems.

The striker’s neat turn took him past Johan Djourou and, when Sturridge fell in the box under pressure from the Gunners defender, referee Mike Jones pointed to the penalty spot.

Captain Davies stepped up but his effort was tame and straight at Szczesny, who easily blocked the shot.

It seemed inevitable Arsenal would capitalise on their second chance and little over a minute after the penalty, Van Persie picked up the ball on the right and played a one-two with Fabregas before placing the ball just inside the post.

It was the seventh successive away game in which the Dutchman had found the net – a new Premier League record.

Bolton responded well but they were indebted to their goalkeeper for keeping them level when Nasri ran on to Van Persie’s through ball in the 65th minute.

The Frenchman was in space but Jaaskelainen made himself big to block the initial shot and, although the ball rebounded to Nasri, the angle was too tight and Cahill was able to block his follow-up.

The Gunners pressed but Bolton defended superbly and it was they who created the clear-cut chance Arsenal craved when Johan Elmander took advantage of a defensive slip to run into the box and fire in a shot at Szczesny, who did well to palm it behind.

There was no stopping Bolton from the corner, though, as Taylor’s cross picked out the head of Cohen, who had replaced Sturridge six minutes earlier.

With the game in the 90th minute, the Israeli powered a head into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.

Cohen broke down in tears as he was mobbed by his team-mates but it was Arsenal who were left distraught moments later as Jones blew the final whistle.

Teams

Bolton Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson, Lee, Elmander (Klasnic 90), Muamba (Mark Davies 71), Taylor, Sturridge (Cohen 85), Kevin Davies.

Subs Not Used: Bogdan, Petrov, Moreno, Wheater.

Booked: Muamba, Taylor, Kevin Davies.

Goals: Sturridge 38, Cohen 90.

Arsenal Szczesny, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Song (Chamakh 65), Wilshere (Ramsey 84), Walcott (Arshavin 73), Fabregas, Nasri, van Persie.

Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Squillaci, Eboue, Gibbs.

Booked: Song, Wilshere, Chamakh.

Goals: van Persie 48.

Att: 26,881

Ref: Mike Jones (Cheshire).

Source: football365.com

Pic: telegraph.co.uk

Daniel Sturridge followed through on Gary Cahill’s on-target effort to give Bolton a well deserved 38th minute lead, which looked to be doubled 30 seconds into the second half when Sturridge won a penalty for the home side. Wojciech Szczesny saved the unconvincing effort by Kevin Davies which sparked a well-worked run of play that saw Robin van Persie equalize for the visitors from a Cesc Fabregas delivery just a minute later.

The Gunners continued to gain momentum and with a platter of chances it seemed inevitable that they would grasp the desperately needed 3 points. Bolton’s disciplined defence paid off and saw them snatch the lead as 85th minute sub Cohen headed home the emotional winner.

Chelsea proved to be the only other true contender still remaining in the title race as they not only comfortably slid 3 points clear of Arsenal but saw Fernando Torres break his concerning goal drought just 8 minutes after replacing Didier Drogba.

Both sides created a host of opportunities in what, despite the heavy rainfall pooling on the pitch’s surface, was an open and entertaining game. Didier Drogba laid through a magical pass to Ashley Cole who’s pull back into the centre of the box set Frank Lampard up for a class finish at the stroke of halftime.

The second came in the 83rd minute when Petr Cech’s goal kick fell deep into the West Ham half which saw the loose ball fall into a comfy channel for 70th minute sub Nicolas Anelka to place a well timed through ball to 76th minute sub Torres, who, with a bit of help from the afternoon’s dismal weather, split the defence and drove home his long awaited first goal for the Blues.

The Londoners wrapped up the afternoons display with a flaky square pass by Torres conveniently missing it’s intended target and being picked up by Florent Malouda who drove a determined shot past Green to make it their 9th goal in 3 games.

Manchester United took a step closer to their potential record 19th title with a nervous win over a stubborn Everton. Despite not creating much danger in attack, the Toffees proved a hard wall to breakdown, leaving United persistently banging on, but frustrated.

Fergie’s men had a much needed bit of fortune when Antonio Valencia’s cross was deflected over to the far post where Javier Hernandez placed a composed and tightly positioned header into a narrow space, once again contributing to a another last stretch victory for the Red Devils this season.

Having not put out one of their better performing sides in many years and during a season where lower league clubs have been at the helm of many an upset, one can’t help but admire or be dumfounded by the fact that Manchester United are still this close to claiming another league title.

Arsenal have done themselves no favours in keeping their ambitions alive with only being able to salvage a mere 8 out of 21 potential points since the beginning of March. Arsene Wenger’s players are no strangers to injuries and with the likes of his hefty purse, he could easily have reinforced his backline and central midfield during the January window at a cost that might now seem miniscule were they positioned as United are currently.

Unlike the Gunners, Chelsea have generously spent on reinforcements and have recently seen a fairly positive run of form, having not lost a Premier League fixture since the beginning of March. Still, with United only having four games remaining, they may have been better off spending that money at the beginning of the season and making the Champions League a secondary priority.

Chelsea need to win all four of their remaining fixtures and they’ll want United to lose at least two of theirs if they are to stand any chance of claiming the league title. Not impossible as Carlo Ancelotti believes, but rather unlikely. The matchup between both sides on the 8th of May might not only prove whether Chelsea’s delayed improvement has been in the nick of time or not, but quite possibly be the most exciting game this season and ultimately the league winning decider.

Pic: www.arsenalsite.com

With new majority shareholder Stan Kroenke watching from the directors’ box, Wenger’s side appeared to have snatched a stoppage-time victory when Cesc Fabregas was tripped by Jay Spearing in the penalty area.

Robin van Persie scored from the spot but Arsenal couldn’t keep their composure and there was more drama to come, with Lucas Leiva bundled over by Emmanuel Eboue in the 12th minute of added time and Kuyt converting the spot-kick.

It leaves Arsenal six points behind leaders Manchester United with six games for each side to play and the Gunners’ confidence sure to dip even further after three consecutive draws on their own turf.

“Essentially we have cup final after cup final now,” was Wenger’s assessment of his team’s title chances when he wrote his programme notes.

But they were unable to rise to the occasion and a season that at one stage could have delivered a quadruple will now almost certainly end up with nothing to celebrate.

The hosts were able to recall Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after a finger injury, while Switzerland defender Johan Djourou returned from a dislocated shoulder despite being ruled out for the season when he picked up the problem.

Djourou could have given a penalty away in the opening stages of the match when Spearing went over his challenge in the area, but referee Andre Marriner waved play on.

Another goalless draw for Arsenal appeared unlikely during a burst of goalmouth action which started when Pepe Reina parried Theo Walcott’s drive and John Flanagan had to clear desperately when Van Persie hooked the rebound into the danger area.

From the resulting corner from Van Persie, Laurent Koscielny jumped above Jamie Carragher and headed against the crossbar, with Walcott claiming a handball against Lucas when his follow-up shot.

Van Persie also had the ball in the net when he volleyed home Fabregas’s long pass over the Liverpool defence, but the Dutch forward had been ruled offside.

Liverpool soaked up the rest of the first-half pressure without conceding, although Flanagan and Skrtel were given yellow cards for rash challenges.

Fabio Aurelio also picked up an injury and needed to be replaced by Jack Robinson, meaning the visitors had youngsters in both full-back positions.

After the break Kenny Dalglish’s team threatened to take the lead when Uruguay forward Luis Suarez went on a run and curled his finish just wide. He also tested Szczesny with a long-range effort.

England striker Andy Carroll had looked a threat and Liverpool were breathing a sigh of relief when he went over his ankle but was able to play on.

Carragher, however, needed to be substituted after smacking into Flanagan and getting carried off on a stretcher in need of oxygen and a neck brace.

That accounted for the long period of injury-time, with Van Persie opening the scoring before Kuyt’s leveller with the final kick of the game.

Wenger responded by stalking towards Dalglish to protest that Lucas had dived but the Scot’s angry response quickly brought an end to the coversation.

Source + Pic: timeslive.co.za

Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue put Arsenal into a commanding position at Bloomfield Road but Gary Taylor-Fletcher replied as relegation-threatened Blackpool played for their top-flight lives.

Taylor-Fletcher felt he was denied a penalty but Robin van Persie made victory safe for Arsenal after 76 minutes.

The afternoon started in dramatic fashion as Almunia injured his knee in the warm-up and manager Arsene Wenger was forced to turn to 41-year-old Lehmann.

It was an unexpected 200th appearance in a Gunners jersey for the German, who was recently coaxed out of retirement to provide emergency cover in the title run-in.

Lehmann had little to do in the first half as Arsenal, with captain Cesc Fabregas also back in their starting line-up, overpowered the struggling Tangerines.

Blackpool had an early chance when Ian Evatt headed over from a Charlie Adam corner but after that it appeared Arsenal had no intention of suffering a repeat of their last week’s Blackburn Rovers’ stalemate.

Andrey Arshavin both Van Persie put early shots over before Richard Kingson rushed out to deny Samir Nasri.

It quickly became one-way traffic and the Gunners carved open the Blackpool defence with ease to claim a 17th-minute lead.

Fabregas picked out Van Persie with a superb cross-field ball and the Dutchman crossed for Diaby to sidefoot home from close range.

They grabbed a second just three minutes later as Eboue played a neat one-two into the box with Jack Wilshere and then blasted past Kingson.

Blackpool enjoyed a little spell of possession but were unable to test Lehmann and Van Persie had the next chance when controlled another long Fabregas pass and shot at Kingson.

Kingson needed to be alert again to block an effort by the fleet-footed Nasri after more slick football by the Gunners.

Nasri had another opportunity seconds later when the ball was lobbed back into the box by Fabregas but his volley hit the bottom of the post.

Van Persie took the ball past the outrushing Kingson to set up Diaby but Stephen Crainey got back to tackle.

Some Blackpool fans thought Adam had pulled one back immediately after the restart but his long-range free-kick had struck the side-netting.

The hosts, however, had realised they had little to lose by taking the match to Arsenal and did reply after 52 minutes.

Luke Varney was fouled but play proceeded and Jason Puncheon played in Campbell.

The striker appeared to be fouled by Lehmann as he closed in on goal but the ball ran on for Taylor-Fletcher to fire home.

Blackpool were inspired and poured forward again.

Manager Ian Holloway was furious his side were denied a penalty when Taylor-Fletcher went down under a Laurent Koscielny challenge.

Taylor-Fletcher then headed wide as Blackpool maintained the pressure but Van Persie shot across the face of goal at the other end.

Arsenal made it safe 14 minutes from time as they quickly turned defence into attack.

Campbell shaped to shoot for Blackpool but Sebastien Squillaci won possession and Fabregas released substitute Theo Walcott down the right.

Blackpool struggled to get back and Walcott crossed low into the box and Van Persie made no mistake in front of goal.

Blackpool tried to set up a tight finish but Evatt headed at Lehmann and the Gunners eased to the final whistle.

Source: premierleague.com

Pic: football365.com

Barcelona dominated the match with their slick passing game which stunted anything Arsenal tried to create, and two goals from Lionel Messi and one from Xavi won the game for the Catalans with Sergio Busquets scoring an own goal for Arsenal’s consolation. However it was the controversial sending off of Robin van Persie that helped swing the game in Barcelona’s favour after the Gunners’ fortuitous equaliser.

Arsenal were given a huge boost before kick off as both Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas were declared fit and named in the starting line-up. The Dutchman had been substituted in the League Cup final with a knee problem and Fabregas injured his hamstring against Stoke City a month ago, but both men recovered quicker than expected.

Arsene Wenger made three changes from the side who won the first leg at the Emirates with Bacary Sagna, Tomas Rosicky and Abou Diaby coming in for Theo Walcott, Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboue.

Barcelona lined up without usual centre-backs Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique due to injury and suspension respectively, so Eric Abidal was partnered with Sergio Busquets in defence with Javier Mascherano taking Busquets’ place in central midfield. The Catalans only other change from the first leg saw Adriano come in for Maxwell at left full back.

The match began, as expected, with Barcelona controlling possession and Arsenal looking to break on the counter attack, and the first chance fell to the hosts in the fourth minute. Pedro made a good run in behind the Arsenal defence, he was found with a lofted pass from Xavi but Koscielny recovered well to deny the chance and concede a corner.

Arsenal survived a scare in the 13th minute after a mistake by Johan Djourou allowed Mascherano to release Messi one-on-one with Kosicelny, but the defender muscled the Argentine off the ball superbly. However, he slipped as he attempted to clear the ball but a wonderful sliding interception from Jack Wilshere stopped David Villa getting a shot on target.

With Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola permanently positioned in his technical area, marshalling his troops, the hosts were dominating possession but finding it difficult to break through the last line of the Arsenal defence.

They did test Wojciech Szczesny in the 16th minute from a long range Dani Alves free kick but the Polish keeper was able to gather the ball, but it would prove to be his last involvement in the game, as he was substituted straight away with a finger injury and replaced by Manuel Almunia.

Arsenal’s normally neat and confident passing game was nowhere to be seen as the pressure of chasing the ball seemed to affect them building up their own periods of possession. And Barcelona nearly made their constant pressure pay in the 28th minute, only for a strong tackle from Djourou to deny Messi inside the penalty area after another trademark run. The loose ball fell to Pedro but his left foot shot from the edge of the area sailed over Almunia’s goal.

Five minutes later Barcelona tested Almunia for the first time since his introduction. Xavi released Villa who had found some space between Sagna and Djourou. The Spanish international took the ball to edge of the penalty area, and despite pressure from Djourou, was able to get his shot away but it lacked power and Almunia saved easily.

And the hosts continued to be apply the pressure, and were extremely unlucky not to be awarded a  penalty after Diaby appeared to bring down Messi on the edge of the penalty area. But the referee turned down the Argentine’s appeals, and seconds later a neat passing move saw Villa release Adriano inside the penalty area on the overlap but his fierce left foot drive smashed against the post and rebounded away.

After so much possession and so much domination Barcelona finished the half the much stronger side, with Messi again going close to opening the lead. Andres Iniesta raced away from inside his own half as Arsenal pushed on for the first time in the match. The Spaniard found Messi, who jinked past Clichy but his shot was straight at Almunia who clutched onto the ball gratefully.

Nonetheless, Barca broke the deadlock a minute later after a terrible mistake from Fabregas on the edge of his penalty area. The Arsenal captain attempted to back heel a ball to Wilshere, but it fell to Iniesta, who found Messi with a delightful pass, and what followed was pure magic. Messi controlled the pass, and lifted the ball over the advancing Almunia, before firing a volley into the back of the net to give the hosts the lead at the break.

The second half started as the first had ended, with Barcelona dominant in possession but there were more forays into the hosts’ half from Arsenal to give them hope of getting back into the tie.

And in the 53rd minute they were handed a lifeline, thanks to a mistake from stand-in centre half Busquets. Samir Nasri battled hard down the Arsenal left wing to earn his side a corner, and from the resulting set-piece, Diaby was unable to reach the cross but the ball struck Busquets and the ball flew past Victor Valdes in the Barcelona goal.

A minute later Arsenal were lucky not to go behind again as Villa was released inside the penalty area, but Almunia stayed up and made a good save, before his defenders cleared the ball to safety.

Arsenal’s task was made much harder three minutes after their goal as Van Persie was controversially dismissed for a second bookable offence.

The Dutchman looked to get on the end of a ball over the Barcelona defence but he mistimed his run and was flagged offside. However, the striker controlled the ball and fired a shot wide of goal which referee Massimo Busacca deemed to be kicking the ball away to waste time, and he issued a second yellow card and a subsequent red.

Despite the protests of van Persie and his team-mates that the striker had not heard the whistle, due to the crowd noise, the Dutchman had to make his way to the dressing room and leave his team to withstand more pressure with 10 men.

With Arsenal a man short the Barcelona charge really began, and Villa had two excellent chances to put his side back in front but was denied by Almunia again. Villa’s first chance came when Xavi released him inside the penalty area but as he was about to release his shot, Almunia made a good save. Minutes later Messi released the striker inside the penalty area but again Almunia saved, this time with his body, and Sagna cleared the ball to safety.

However in the 69th minute Barcelona did get themselves back in front through their inspirational captain Xavi. The build-up to the goal was beautiful as the Catalans sliced through the middle of the Arsenal defence as Iniesta glided past two challenges before finding Villa, he rolled the ball first time into Xavi and he calmly fired past Almunia.

And just two minutes later Barcelona extended their lead further after Koscielny brought down Pedro inside the penalty area. Pedro received a pass from Xavi and touched the ball away from the Arsenal defender before being tripped; Messi stepped up to take the spot kick and calmly fired the ball into the bottom corner of the net, with nonchalant ease.

With a lead on aggregate secured, Barcelona began to keep even more possession and chances continued to be created, with two clear opportunities for substitute Ibrahim Afellay.

With seven minutes to play the Dutchman was released by Adriano down the left. He held off the challenge of Djourou but his right foot shot sailed wide of goal. Two minutes later another passing move saw Messi release the young Dutch winger, but this time he was denied by a good save by Almunia.

But it would be the Gunners who were presented with a final chance to win the tie. With three minutes left to play, Wilshere and substitute Nicklas Bendtner broke away from the Barcelona defence before the Englishman cut the ball back for his team-mate.

But the Dane was unable to play the ball away from the backtracking Mascherano, who slid expertly to snatch the ball, as Arsenal’s Champions League died, one again, in the Nou Camp.

Source: goal.com

Pic: football365.com

The France centre back headed home from five yards (meters) out in the eighth minute but the Gunners, who have played one match more than United, also lost Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott to injury at Emirates Stadium.

Fabregas, the team’s inspirational captain, trudged off with a hamstring injury in the 14th minute. Walcott was carried off on a stretcher in the 70th with what manager Arsene Wenger confirmed was a sprained ankle.

Walcott is “definitely out” of the League Cup final against Birmingham on Sunday, Wenger said. Fabregas will be assessed on Thursday but the manager said he is in doubt when the London side aims to end a five-year trophy drought at Wembley.

“It’s impossible to say (how long he will be out),” Wenger said of the Spain midfielder. “It’s a concern that he’s injured but it can happen. It’s part of sport and we have to face it.”

Arsenal, which is still in contention for all four trophies this season, climbed seven points clear of third-place Manchester City and piled the pressure back on United, whose game in hand is against Chelsea on Tuesday.

““We are all feeling pressure going into March. It’s part of being in the position we are in,” Wenger said. “We did the job here in a very professional way. We were intelligent, calm, patient and overall we were resilient when Stoke had their strong moments.”

Despite the match coming only four days before the League Cup final, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger selected his strongest possible side, although he may now wish he hadn’t.

Chief striker and top scorer Robin van Persie was already missing through injury, but the Gunners’ attack didn’t struggle in the Netherlands international’s absence early on against a one-dimensional Stoke team that had limited ambition all match.

Walcott smashed a shot against the post after little more than a minute before Nicklas Bendtner, Van Persie’s replacement, got on the end of a deep corner by Jack Wilshere to cross for Squillaci to head in his first league goal of the season.

Fabregas, who struggled with hamstring problems in December, was then forced to come off, having signaled to Wenger two minutes earlier that he was struggling. Wenger also has the second leg of the Champions League last-16 match at Barcelona on March 8 to worry about.

The rest of the half saw Arsenal dominate possession without finding a cutting edge as mid-table Stoke sat back with 10 men behind the ball, appearing to settle for a policy of damage limitation. The visitors’ only chance was a vicious volley by lone striker Jon Carew that was beaten away one-handed by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny in the 36th.

Arsenal dealt with the trademark long throws of Rory Delap well in the first half but found them difficult to defend after the break, with German defender Robert Huth heading one of them over in the 58th.

“Nobody likes to play Stoke,” said Wenger, whose team’s fluent passing style is the opposite approach to that of Stoke. “They have a very special way of playing the game. I am quite proud that we didn’t concede a goal against them.”

Walcott was fed by substitute Andrey Arshavin in the 64th but with the goal gaping, the England winger – Arsenal’s most dangerous player all night – miscued from a central position 10 meters out.

That was his last meaningful action of the game after falling awkwardly on his left ankle as he was challenged by Dean Whitehead.

A tense last 10 minutes saw Stoke punt some hopeful long balls into Arsenal’s area but Szczesny encountered few problems.

Source + Pic: sport24.co.za

Two goals in the final 12 minutes from Robin van Persie and substitute Andrey Arshavin clinched a dramatic victory for the English Premier League side after Barcelona had taken the lead through a first-half David Villa strike.

The result means Arsenal — thrashed 6-3 on aggregate by Barcelona in last year’s quarterfinals — will carry a narrow lead into Camp Nou when the two sides meet in the second leg on March 8.

“It was one of the special nights because I feel we needed to be a special team,” said Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

“It’s open. We will go (to Camp Nou) and play our game again because you cannot just defend against this team. Our confidence will grow.”

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola said his team had been caught out by the speed of Arsenal’s counter-attacking.

“It was a fantastic game (with) many, many chances for both teams,” Guardiola said. “We created more chances than last year.

“It’s a pity, but we knew they’re a very, very good team. On the counter-attack they’re dangerous. But we have the second leg.”

The thrilling finale capped a superb encounter at the Emirates as arguably the two most stylish sides in Europea laid on a feast of attacking football.

Arsenal started brightly and tested Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes after only five minutes, when a jinking run from Theo Walcott saw the ball transferred to Cesc Fabregas on the edge of the area.

The Spanish maestro flicked an exquisite pass to van Persie, whose angled half-volley from close range forced a good save from Valdes.

The threat of Lionel Messi was never far away however, and the Argentinian star drew a desperate challenge from behind from Alex Song after only seven minutes that earned the Cameroonian a booking.

Arsenal were given a huge let-off on 15 minutes when Messi was sent racing clear after an immaculate pass from Villa.

Messi committed Wojciech Szczesny with a magical feint and beat the Arsenal keeper with a delicate dink but the effort rolled just wide of the post.

Arsenal continued to live dangerously, and Andres Iniesta just failed to find Villa with another penetrative pass along the deck.

After numerous ominous warning signs for Arsenal, the opening goal duly arrived on 26 minutes.

Another eye-of-the-needle pass from Messi sent Villa racing clear and the Spanish World Cup star drilled a low shot beneath Szczesny.

Arsenal’s players appealed for offside as boos rang out around the Emirates, but Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli remained unmoved.

With Barcelona dominating possession, Arsenal’s most promising moments of the half came on the counter-attack, where Walcott’s pace regularly unnerved the visitors’ defence.

The England international was at the heart of a lightning break on 29 minutes that ended with van Persie slicing his shot wide.

Arsenal breathed another sigh of relief on 38 minutes when Messi had the ball in the net, only to be adjudged fractionally offside.

A frenetic start to the second half saw both sides struggle to create clear chances, although Arsenal were grateful when Laurent Koscielny –magnificent throughout — just managed to knock Pedro Rodriguez off-balance as he went clear on goal on 57 minutes.

Arsenal continued to probe for openings on the break however, and a sweeping move ended in a booking for Gerard Pique, who tripped Samir Nasri.

The booking rules the Barca centre-back out of the second leg.

Just when it seemed Arsenal’s labours were to be in vain, van Persie conjured a goal out of nothing on 78 minutes.

Gael Clichy flicked a ball over the top and van Persie went clear wide on the left. Nothing seemed on but the Dutchman spotted daylight between Valdes and the Barcelona goalkeeper’s near post and thundered home a rasping low shot.

With Barcelona suddenly rocking, Arsenal pressed home their advantage, and seven minutes from time their persistence paid off.

Another counter-attack saw Nasri burst clear down the right. The Frenchman checked and weighed his options before picking out Arshavin, who had replaced Song, and the diminutive Russian swept in a majestic winner.

Source + Pic: supersport.co.za