ARSENAL GOAL VIDEO

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs ASTON VILLA 3-0

DATE : December 27nd, 2009
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 65"
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 81"
Download Arsenal Goal by Abou Diaby - 90"

ALL ARSENAL Goals in One File - Download Here or Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Full Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Full Match Second Half or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Aston Villa Highlights Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :



By Chris Harris

How much can you do in 27 minutes?

If you're Cesc Fabregas, that's how long it takes you to come off the bench, galvanise your team, score two world-class goals and then limp off with a possible recurrence of the hamstring injury which delayed your introduction in the first place.

The captain's magnificent cameo was bittersweet for Arsenal but it saw off Aston Villa in style.

Fabregas curled an exquisite free-kick into the top corner to give his side the lead after 65 minutes and rounded off a quickfire counter-attack with nine minutes left to secure a significant victory.

Abou Diaby iced the cake with a well-taken third in stoppage time to leave Arsène Wenger's side four points behind Chelsea at the top of the Premier League - with an all-important game in hand.

Four short weeks ago Arsenal's title challenge was seen by some as a joke. After 13 points from a possible 15, that same quest for the Premier League is deadly serious.

While Chelsea falter, the Gunners are flying. Whether Fabregas' injury is serious enough to clip their wings remains to be seen.

Before kick-off the gossip centred around the Spaniard. Would he be fit to return after injury? The answer was, er... kind of. The captain was deemed OK to take his place among the substitutes but not in the starting line-up. We would have to wait for his heroics.

There were two changes on the pitch though, both at full-back: Bacary Sagna stepped in for Emmanuel Eboue while Armand Traore shrugged off a hamstring problem of his own to replace Mikael Silvestre.

It was a sign of Wenger's respect for Villa that he gave this encounter the same billing as a traditional ‘Big Four' clash. And no wonder. Villa won here last November and have already beaten Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool this season.

While the visitors dreamed of completing a ‘Grand Slam', this was a chance for Arsenal to put clear, blue water between them and Martin O'Neill's side. And there was an extra incentive: Chelsea's latest stutter - a goalless draw at Birmingham - presented another chance to eat into their lead at the top of the table.

Villa's counter-attacking was decisive on their last visit and that threat had to be quelled. But Wenger still demanded the "audaciousness to attack" ahead of the game and his players granted their manager's wish with a sprightly start.

An early free-kick from Samir Nasri caused consternation in the Villa box and Thomas Vermaelen tested Brad Friedel as the ball dropped beyond the far post. Seconds later Diaby span past his marker on the edge of the box and squared for Eduardo. The Croatian turned his own man expertly but his shot lacked power and direction.

It was the kind of chance a confident Eduardo would have snaffled but he was left holding his head in his hands while Wenger span with frustration on the touchline.

Arsenal pressed on. Denilson fizzed an effort over the bar from 20 yards following a well-worked short corner between Eduardo and Nasri. But Villa, having weathered the early storm, began to make inroads of their own.

Emile Heskey scuffed a shot wide in the 10th minute after his excellent knock down had been bundled back by Gabriel Agbonlahor. Ashley Young saw a shot deflect off Bacary Sagna and loop agonisingly wide. And Carlos Cuellar should have done better than slap his left-footed effort off target after the impressive James Milner picked him out on the edge of the box.

Pacy, muscular and disciplined, Villa looked proper top-four material. But Arsenal soon hit back.

And with Andrey Arshavin on the periphery, Nasri and Diaby took the fight to Villa.

First Nasri clipped in a free-kick which Diaby rose to head just over. Then their slick exchange in the 24th minute left Nasri in space inside the box but Stephen Warnock's sliding challenge averted the threat. And on the half-hour Denilson teed up Nasri for a dipping volley which took a deflection and looped just over the bar.

Moments later Diaby's skill and persistence and Denilson's tenacity earned a free-kick on the edge of the box. The Brazilian dusted himself off to hammer a shot into Villa's wall; the ball fell into the path of Sagna and his howitzer whistled just over.

It was compelling stuff, and Arsenal were gaining the upper hand. Their grip strengthened when Fabregas emerged from the bench 11 minutes into the second half. His first contribution? A 40-yard free kick which flew just over the bar.

The captain galvanised his team, not least Arshavin. The diminutive duo were in tandem immediately as Fabregas picked out the Russian for a turn and shot which Brad Friedel did well to palm away.

That was solid keeping but a defensive mix-up almost cost Villa dear on the hour mark.

Arshavin set Eduardo away on the left and, as Luke Young waited for Friedel to claim, Fabregas nipped in. He slipped the ball to Eduardo but the Croatian's goal-bound shot was hacked clear by Cuellar.

With 25 minutes left, the deadlock was broken. Fabregas won a free-kick 22 yards out after his jinking run was illegally halted by Richard Dunne. The skipper picked himself up and curled an exquisite effort into the top left-hand corner with Friedel grasping at thin air.

Alex Song sliced a shot over the crossbar as Arsenal pressed on and another classic finish from Fabregas sealed the points nine minutes from time.

Traore arrowed a diagonal pass into the path of Theo Walcott on the right and the substitute slid the ball into the path of Fabregas, who had charged through the centre at full pelt. He barely broke stride to slam a lot shot past Friedel and double Arsenal's lead.

The Emirates erupted but, almost immediately, there was concern. Fabregas was hobbling as he celebrated and, within four minutes, the Spaniard had been replaced by Aaron Ramsey.

It was a sad end to an extraordinary performance from the Arsenal captain. He was the catalyst for a priceless victory; his return cannot come soon enough.

Not that Arsenal did badly in his absence.

Diaby, probably the game's second most impressive performer, slotted home a fine goal of his own in stoppage time.

It capped an almost perfect day.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery<

FIFA Team World Cup 2009 Final
Estudiantes La Plata - FC Barcelona = 1-2



First Goal for Estudiantes La Plata by Boselli - 37'
Barcelona Goal by Pedro in the last minutes - 89'
Barcelona Winning Goal by Lionel Messi - 114'

First half highlights - MULTIUPLOAD
First half highlights - Rapidshare | Mediafire | Megaupload
Extra Time Highlights - MULTIUPLOAD

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL vs HULL CITY 3-0

DATE : December 19nd, 2009
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Denilson - 45"
Download Arsenal Goal by Eduardo - 59"
Download Arsenal Goal by Abou Diaby - 80"

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Full Match First Half or Here or Here
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Full Match Second Half or Here or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Highlights Match First Half or Here
Download Arsenal vs Hull City Highlights Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke



Arsenal closed the gap on their title rivals with a hard-fought 3-0 win over Hull at Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

Arsène Wenger's side struggled early on but Denilson gave them the lead with a gorgeous free-kick on the stroke of half-time. Then, after Manuel Almunia had saved Geovanni's penalty, Eduardo tapped home on the hour and Abou Diaby made the points safe with a well-worked third with 11 minutes to go.

After their defeat at Fulham earlier in the day, Manchester United are now just two points ahead of Arsenal having played one game more. Wenger's men are also five shy of Chelsea, though the Stamford Bridge side visit struggling West Ham on Sunday.

Still, this was a nice cruise into Christmas. After that humbling defeat to Chelsea in the final fixture of November, Arsenal have responded by taking 10 points from 12 in December.

The Stamford Bridge side are understandable favourites to win the title at the moment but, in recent weeks, Wenger's side have looked like becoming their most dogged pursuers.

This race is only half run of course but, if they continue this form, Arsenal will be breathing down Chelsea's neck right until the end.

Wenger's side showed three changes from the side that had squeezed out a draw at Burnley in midweek. Cesc Fabregas scored Arsenal's goal at Turf Moor before hobbling off with a hamstring problem. His injury allowed the fit-again Denilson to come straight back into the side on a bitterly cold North London evening.

Theo Walcott dropped down to the bench and Eduardo came in. Somewhat surprisingly the Croatian was not employed up front but on the left. Andrey Arshavin remained in the central attacking role with Samir Nasri moving out to the right.

The final change was like-for-like - Emmanuel Eboue replacing Bacary Sagna at right back.

After defeats for Liverpool and, in particular, Manchester United earlier on Saturday, Arsenal once again welcomed Hull with opportunity knocking. Having said that, Arsenal would have been top of the table on September 27 last year had they beaten Phil Brown's side - and we know what happened then.

Early on the visitors would, once again, show little respect for their higher-placed hosts. Hull were perky in the opening stages. Their only notable opportunity came in the fourth minute when Diaby was dispossessed by George Boateng and Craig Fagan rifled a shot just wide.

However it was more than Arsenal were creating.

It took the home side 13 minutes to manufacture something of consequence. It came when Arshavin, Eduardo and Nasri set up Diaby just outside the area. The Frenchman's shot deflected wide.

Shortly afterwards, Nasri himself thumped an effort into the chest of keeper Boaz Myhill.

Midway through the half, Eduardo curled a glorious shot just beyond the far post from the corner of the area. It was the first real touch of quality in the game.

The Croatian had been out of the side recently but, tonight, he was the closest to lighting Arsenal's touch paper. He shone again on the half-hour when he bamboozled the Hull defence and exchanged passes with Nasri before being muscled out in the area.

As half time approached, Arsenal were finally starting to warm up. The same could not be said of the crowd. London was in the middle of a cold snap and the exterior of Emirates Stadium was sprinkled with snow.

In the 40th minute, Arshavin's left-wing cross was nodded wide by Alex Song. But for the attentions of Eduardo, the Cameroonian might have scored.

A goal seemed some way away but, just before half-time, two free-kicks in exactly the same place reshaped the game. First Geovanni fouled Arshavin just outside the area and an unsightly melee broke out. The end result was bookings for Nasri and Stephen Hunt then the Frenchman sent the free-kick into the wall.

In injury time, Boateng brought down Diaby on virtually the same blade of grass and Denilson curled in a cracking free-kick into the corner of the net.

It was the Brazilian's third goal of the season - all of which had been scored from around 25 yards.

Three minutes after half-time, Arsenal might have killed the game.

There seemed little on when Arshavin sent in a regulation ball to Eduardo's feet. The striker's turn was poetry in motion but, having gone clear he could only stutter a shot wide. It was a glaring miss, the type of one that sometimes proves pivotal.

And it nearly did.

In the 56th minute Silvestre was adjudged to have hauled down Fagan as they tussled for a left-wing cross. It looked innocuous but referee Steve Bennett pointed to the penalty spot.

Geovanni's slow run-up smacked of placement over power but Almunia guessed correctly. He dived to his right to pull off a fine save then Hunt nodded the rebound wide.

Emirates Stadium celebrated as though justice had been done.

Three minutes later, the crowd were on their feet again. Diaby and Song played a give-and-go in the left-hand channel. The Frenchman's cutback was turned in by Eduardo from two yards out.

That ended Hull's resistance and, 11 minutes from time, Diaby nailed down the coffin lid. He exchanged passes with Song and Arshavin then held off his marker before firing home. A lovely goal.

Substitutes Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey might have added more in the final stages. At the other end, Hunt's drive forced another fine save from Almunia.

The full-time whistle was welcome. Arsenal had the points and, frankly, the frost-bitten crowd probably needed to thaw themselves out.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

BURNLEY VS ARSENAL 1-1

DATE : December 16nd, 2009
VENUE : Turf Moor Stadium

BURNLEY GOALS :
Download Burnley Goal by Alexander (pen) - 28"

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 7"

FULL MATCH :
Download Burnley vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Here
Download Burnley vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Here

HIGHLIGHTS MATCH :
Download Burnley vs Arsenal Highlights Match

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

“If you want to win the League we must go to Burnley and win.”

Arsène Wenger’s pre-match words were unequivocal but his players could not follow his orders and lost ground in the title race on Wednesday night.

Cesc Fabregas capitalised on Andre Bikey’s defensive dawdling to fire Arsenal into an early lead and the visitors could have scored two or three more in the opening 15 minutes.

But they didn’t, and Burnley hit back. Just before the half-hour, Thomas Vermaelen clipped Bikey and Graham Alexander’s penalty gave Manuel Almunia no chance.

Vermaelen, Andrey Arshavin and Fabregas all went close in an open encounter but Arsenal lost their captain to injury just before the break and could not find a winner against a spirited Burnley outfit.

A draw at Turf Moor is hardly terminal – the Clarets have only lost once at home this season – but, as Wenger pointed out, these are the kind of games champions win.

Despite a short recovery period since Sunday’s win at Liverpool, the Arsenal manager made just two changes to the side that started on Sunday – both enforced. Denilson (back) and Armand Traore (hamstring) joined a lengthy injury list so in came Abou Diaby and Mikael Silvestre. Emmanuel Eboue, back from a hamstring problem, took his place on the bench alongside a surprise inclusion – Youth Cup-winning captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

Burnley away may lack the glamour of that visit to Merseyside but, as far as Arsenal’s title pretensions were concerned, it was just as important. There is no point turning it on in the second half at Anfield simply to come a cropper elsewhere in the North-West three days later.

Relaxation was certainly not an option against a Burnley side who had lost just once at home all season and claimed the prize scalp of Manchester United here in August. And lest we forget, Burnley were the scourge of the big boys – Arsenal included – in the Carling Cup last term.

The snow which dusted large chunks of the south-east had not found this corner of Lancashire but, make no mistake, it was a chilly night at Turf Moor.

Hat, scarves and gloves were abundant in the stands. On the pitch, Arsenal shook off the cold and made a quick start.

Clarke Carlisle’s miskick and Tyrone Mears’ dawdling let Fabregas in before a minute was up but the former made amends with a sliding clearance. Then a lack of communication between Vermaelen and Almunia ended with the Belgian’s back-header looping over the Spaniard, who clambered back to paw the ball against the bar.

Arsenal learned their lesson; Burnley patently did not. In the seventh minute, Bikey read Fabregas’ pass to Abou Diaby and intercepted on the edge of the area. But instead of clearing, he dithered. Fabregas stole the ball back and rolled it into the bottom corner.

Arsenal’s captain continued to enjoy himself. Two minutes later he collected Diaby’s pass on the run, juggled it over a defender and lashed a left-foot shot into the side-netting. Then Samir Nasri charged through the centre only for a heavy touch to let him down at the crucial moment. And a purple patch for the visitors concluded when Nasri touched a crossfield pass to Arshavin and the Russian slammed a low shot against the post.

Arsenal could have been three up inside 15 minutes. In the event, they had to settle for one. Burnley sensed a way back into the game.

They found it just before the half-hour. Bikey was transformed from villain to hero when he beat Vermaelen to a 50:50 challenge inside the box. The Belgian caught the Cameroonian and Alexander smashed the penalty down the centre.

Arshavin almost provided an instant riposte. Fabregas skipped away from two challenges and slid the ball into the Russian’s path. Jensen was alert, narrowing the angle and then blocking the shot.

But Burnley were more than matching their guests. The impressive Steven Fletcher brought runners into the game and Arsenal’s defence was turned far too often for their liking. Only a vital interception from William Gallas denied the Scot a tap-in after Wade Elliott had escaped down the left and crossed low into the six-yard box.

Fabregas, the game’s most impressive performer, sadly did not last beyond the 42nd minute. He walked gingerly to the touchline and Aaron Ramsey entered the fray.

Despite losing their captain, Arsenal finished the half strongly only to see Jensen deny them twice in a minute. First the Dane blocked Arshavin’s close-range prod after Silvestre’s picked out the Russian’s run. Then Vermaelen powered a header towards goal only to see Jensen tip the ball over brilliantly.

The second half started in far more scrappy fashion with Gallas, Fletcher and Bikey lining up to fail from long distance. But slowly and surely, Arsenal’s passing found its zip and purpose.

As the hour approached, Alex Song picked out Nasri 30 yards out and he found Theo Walcott in acres of space. The England man, still lacking sharpness after his injury lay-off, fired high and wide.

Chris Eagles went much, much closer at the other end, bursting past Silvestre and Nasri on the right before hammering a shot against the near post. Then Fletcher span and shot just over.

The same man had the ball in the net with 20 minutes remaining but he was thwarted – incorrectly – by the linesman’s flag.

By now Eduardo had replaced Walcott and he almost latched onto Nasri’s through-ball with 13 minutes left. Once again the hulking frame of Jensen denied Arsenal. Moments later Nasri and Arshavin picked their way through the Burnley defence but the latter’s cut-back just evaded Eduardo.

You could make a case for either side taking the spoils as the clock ticked down.

Eagles fizzed one over from 20 yards and Arsenal probed on the edge of the Burnley area, looking for that killer pass. But the closest the visitors came was Eduardo’s free-kick which forced Jensen into yet another save with two minutes left.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, Kooora, rossonery

CARLING CUP MATCH

MANCHESTER CITY VS ARSENAL 3-0

DATE : December 02nd, 2009
VENUE : City of Manchester Stadium

MANCHESTER CITY GOALS :
Download Manchester City Goal by Carlos Tevez - 50" or Mirror Here or Here
Download Manchester City Goal by Shaun Wright Phillips - 69" or Mirror Here or Here
Download Manchester City Goal by Vladimir Weiss - 89" or Mirror Here or Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Manchester City vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Here
Download Manchester City vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Here

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke


Arsenal are out of the Carling Cup.

Arsène Wenger's side were brave and bold at Eastlands on Wednesday night but, in the end, the class of Manchester City was telling.

This Quarter-Final was goalless until five minutes after half-time. That is when Carlos Tevez darted in from the left and drove a stunning shot into the top corner of the net.

Arsenal responded manfully but Man City's second punctured arguably their best period of the game. Like the first, Shaun Wright-Phillips' goal was class. The former Chelsea winger raced up the right and drove stunning shot high into the other corner.

Man City's strength, power and quality was apparent all night but Arsenal's usual mix of youngsters and squad players gave them a real test.

The third goal, from substitute Vladimir Weiss at the death, gave the scoreline a skew the visitors did not deserve.

The statistics will say this is Wenger's third defeat in their last four games. But, at least, the manager will be able to draw a number of positives from this one.

Before kick-off the Frenchman had named a side with as much experience as he could muster. Alex Song dropped back to partner captain Mikael Silvestre at centre half. Armand Traore and Emmanuel Eboue reprised their recent first-team run-outs in the full back positions. However there were younger heads further forward.

Craig Eastmond (18) retained his Carling Cup role as the holding central midfielder with Aaron Ramsey (18) and Tomas Rosicky (29, admittedly) just in front. Fran Merida (19) and Jack Wilshere (17) occupied the flank while Carlos Vela (20) was the lone front man.

For their part, Manchester City were at full strength. All their major summer signings -Tevez, Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry and, of course, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor - were on display.

In the opening stages, their quality was apparent. The home side bossed the opening quarter but, for all that, they only created one chance. It came in the seventh minute, when Barry sent over corner from the right and Adebayor stole in front of Song to power in a firm, downward header. Lukasz Fabianski gathered on the goal-line at the second attempt.

Arsenal rallied briefly after that with Wilshere setting up Ramsey to shot from distance. However in the 20th minute, Wright-Phillips robbed Silvestre on the right-hand byline and Craig Bellamy pulled his shot inches beyond the far post with Fabianski. A crystal clear opportunity.

Until this point, Arsenal had not created a chance worthy of the name. That changed in the 22nd minute when Wilshere sent Vela scuttling into the area. The Mexican striker beat Lescott to the ball but could only stab his shot over the bar. For a finisher as classy as Vela, it was decent opportunity.

But Man City were still ominous every time they went forward and, in the 24th minute, Tevez might have provided the perfect response to Arsenal's adventure. The Argentinean teased and then beat both Silvestre and Eastmond before forcing Fabianski in to a decent save at the near post.

However, as the game become more open, Arsenal became much more competitive. Vela continued to cause consternation in the Man City defence and, just after the half-hour, Eboue darted into the area and forced the first real save out of Shay Given.

Wright-Phillips had been testing Traore to the limit all night. Just before the whistle, the Frenchman was booked for a late challenge on the Englishman. From Barry's free-kick, Song headed just over his own bar.

At the break, Arsenal could congratulate them on a job well done but only half done.

And some of that work would be undone five minutes after the restart. Rosicky lost possession and Tevez collected on the left flank. He darted inside Eboue and Song before curling a sumptuous shot into the net off the underside of the bar.

It was just what Arsenal did not need.

They responded as best they could. Rosicky headed high and Ramsey blazed a decent effort over the bar.

However Adebayor might have killed the tie in the 56th minute.

Arsenal were caught out by Bellamy's early cross and Fabianski's attentions distracted the Togolese striker who diverted the ball wide.

No-one could accuse the visitors of not chancing their arm. Just past the hour Rosicky sent Eboue clear on the right and his cross was nearly touched home by Vela. Seconds later Merida's cross was just too high for Ramsey, who sent his header wide with the goal at his mercy.

Arsenal were now pushing back their older, more experienced opponents. So Man City's second was entirely against the run of play.

Wright-Phillips collected the ball on the right showed a burst of speed and, from the corner of the area, slammed a shot high into the far corner of the net.

It was an unstoppable effort and, unfortunately for Arsenal, curtailed their best period of the match.

As brave as Arsenal had been, you sensed the game was up.

Eleven minutes from time, Song might have seen red for a last-man foul on Stephen Ireland. In the end the Cameroonian only got a yellow card. However it was his fifth caution of the season and subsequently he will be suspended for Saturday's game against Stoke.

Arsenal continued to search for something from the game but, as the seconds ticked by, their pursuit seemed more and more fruitless.

It also created gaps at the back. Three minutes from time, Bellamy drew fine save from Fabianski. Shortly afterwards the Welshman set up substitute Weiss to slam home a third.

Merida bashed a shot against the bar in injury time. It was typical of Arsenal's evening.

Undoubtedly, they had been beaten by the better side on the night but the visitors deserved credit for the performance the youngsters had put in.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL VS CHELSEA 0-3

DATE : November 29th, 2009
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

CHELSEA GOALS :
Download Chelsea Goal by Didier Drogba - 41" or Mirror Here or Mirror Here
Download Chelsea Goal by Vermaelen (og) - 45" or Mirror Here or Mirror Here
Download Chelsea Goal by Didier Drogba - 86" or Mirror Here or Mirror Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Chelsea Full Match First Half
Download Arsenal vs Chelsea Full Match Second Half

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS :
Download Arsenal vs Chelsea Highlights Match First Half
Download Arsenal vs Chelsea Highlights Match Second Half

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Arsenal now have it all to do in the title race.

Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea at Emirates Stadium leaves Arsène Wenger’s side 11 points adrift of the Premier League leaders.

It is still only November of course and Arsenal have a game in hand but they have to claw back ground quickly if they are to stay in touch with top two.

This game was an indication of the task they face. The home side had the majority of possession and were on the foot front for most of the 90 minutes but they were picked off twice just before half-time and then finished off just before full-time. It was a lesson in taking your chances.

The first two goals were provided from the left by Ashley Cole. In the 41st minute, his cross was turned home expertly by Didier Drogba. On the whistle, Thomas Vermaelen miscued an attempted clearance into his own net.

Arsenal tried their best to respond in the second half but any lingering hopes were extinguished four minutes from time when Drogba thumped home a free-kick.

It was a sobering afternoon for Wenger’s side, who now drop to fourth. Key injuries had undoubtedly hampered them but Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League crown will now be long and difficult.

At the moment, their hopes of silverware appear to lie elsewhere.

Rain had hammered down in North London all day. It seemed that the Gods were doing their best to dampen the atmosphere for this utterly crucial game.

They need not have bothered.

The feverish press room flurry that met the publication of the team-sheets was as good an indication of this game’s importance as anyone might need. Defeat for either side would peg back their respective title ambitions while a draw would let in Manchester United.

Both managers had key players with injury doubts but, in the end, they all played. The swelling on William Gallas’ eye had gone down sufficiently for him to start. Wenger also recalled Armand Traore at left back – his problem position – and Bacary Sagna on the opposite flank. Eduardo returned to spearhead the attack. As a result, Emmanuel Eboue and Carlos Vela dropped to the bench while the injured Kieran Gibbs was, of course, sidelined.

For their part Chelsea welcomed back Frank Lampard to their midfield following a thigh injury. With Drogba having returned in midweek, the Stamford Bridge outfit were at the peak of their considerable powers.

As Wenger had said in his pre-match press conference, this was the acid test for Arsenal.

The ever-confident Frenchman had also stated that “this was the time” for his side. And in the early stages, they proved him right.

The opening quarter of an hour belonged to Arsenal. Cesc Fabregas had a shot blocked and Eduardo nearly wriggled through the centre of the Chelsea defence only to have the ball pinched from his toes.

Although opportunities were rare, the home side were having all the possession and territory. But, in fact, the visitors would carve out the first real chance of the game – and it had a whiff of controversy.

Nicolas Anelka chased Lampard’s ball down the left-hand channel and went momentarily clear inside the area. Sagna was in close pursuit and the full back’s right arm appeared to knock his compatriot off his stride. The tumbling Anelka slipped over as he miscued his effort at Almunia then Lampard’s follow up went wide. Referee Andre Marriner waved play on and the majority of Emirates Stadium breathed a sigh of relief.

The opportunity seemed to pull Chelsea from their shell. Midway through the first half, Drogba nodded straight at Almunia when he should have done better and five minutes before the break he headed over.

Arsenal still had an ample amount of the ball but they were creating only quarter-chances - little that would trouble Petr Cech.

Chelsea would make them pay.

Twice.

In the 41st minute, John Terry slipped a pass down the left-hand channel to Ashley Cole. The former Arsenal full back was allowed to put the ball on his favoured left foot and, when he whipped in a low cross, Drogba steered home a shot at the near post. The ball juddered between the angle of post and bar before deciding to go in, nonetheless it was ruthless football.

You could argue that Arsenal did not deserve to be behind. But they definitely did not merit the second goal on the stroke of half-time. Again Ashley Cole was the supplier but this time his low cross hit the knee of Vermaelen and went in the top corner off the woodwork once again.

Arsenal had to find a response and, at the break, Wenger did his best to provide it.

He withdrew Alex Song for Theo Walcott. The Englishman slotted in on the left-hand side pushing Nasri just behind Eduardo.

It made a difference.

Again Arsenal pegged back Chelsea in the early stages. They did get the ball into the net but by the time Arshavin had slammed home the referee has long since blown for a foul by Eduardo on Cech.

It was the Croatian’s last meaningful act. The 26-year-old was replaced by Vela.

By now, Arsenal were pressing and persistent. However they just could not penetrate the meanest defence in the Premier League. In the first half, Chelsea had sat back, soaked up Arsenal’s pressure and then picked their pocket.

They so nearly stole a third goal just before the hour. Drogba tried his luck from the left of the area and the ball hit Gallas then Lampard before trickling to the right of the wrong-footed Almunia. The keeper recovered to make a brilliant save.

In the 66th minute, Wenger threw on Tomas Rosicky, his last substitute, in place of Nasri. Still Arsenal had the play but Chelsea had the chances. Five minutes later, Drogba shrugged off Traore before whipping a cross that was just over Anelka’s head.

As the game neared its conclusion, Arsenal's challenge faded. Drogba had been Arsenal's main agitator this afternoon and, just to prove the point, with four minutes to go Fabregas brought down Michael Essien and the Ivorian rifled the free-kick beyond Almunia.

Having lost their top-scorer to a long-term injury on Saturday, Arsenal lost to one of their biggest title rivals the next day.

It has been a tough, tough weekend at Emirates Stadium.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti, rossonery

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL VS STANDARD LIEGE 2-0

DATE : November 24th, 2009
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Samir Nasri - 35"
Download Arsenal Goal by Denilson - 45"

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs Standard Liege Full Match First Half or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal vs Standard Liege Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS :
Download Arsenal vs Standard Liege Highlights Match First Half
Download Arsenal vs Standard Liege Highlights Match Second Half

MATCH REPORT :
By Richard Clarke

Job done.

Arsenal won Champions League Group H with something to spare after dismissing Standard Liege 2-0 at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

The home side bossed an eccentric first half that saw goals from Samir Nasri and Denilson but will be most remembered for the jaw-dropping five-chance melee that preceded them.

Arsène Wenger's side dictated the game from start to finish but, having obtained the required advantage, offered some benevolence after the break.

After taking 10 points from their opening four games, Arsenal were virtually through before kick-off anyway. This result just rubber-stamped their passports for the Knockout Stages.

At his pre-match press conference, Wenger had accepted his side were always on a hiding to nothing in this group. They were expected to cruise through comfortably and, in the end, they did.

But then, quiet efficiency is nearly always underrated in modern football. Just ask Liverpool.

Wenger made five changes from the side beaten at Sunderland on Saturday.

Denilson was restored to the side after 10 weeks out with a back problem. It was his 100th appearance for the Club.

Kieran Gibbs returned after recovering from a badly bruised foot. Carlos Vela made his first start of the season in the central attacking role while Andrey Arshavin came back on the left and Emmanuel Eboue did likewise at right back.

Bacary Sagna, Tomas Rosicky, Eduardo, Armand Traore dropped to the bench. Aaron Ramsey was left out all together.

The Liege fans took centre stage before kick-off. They had had little to shout about thus far in Group H and were facing elimination tonight. But the travelling support did not let that stop them.

Arsenal fans, on the other hand, arrived with a mixture of emotions; disappointment from the weekend and anticipation towards this Sunday. With qualification all-but assured this was seen as just another day at the Emirates Stadium office.

However there was nothing bureaucratic about the way their side began. In the opening minutes, Alex Song, Nasri and Cesc Fabregas all had presentable efforts on goal. In the 10th minute, the Frenchman spurned the opportunity to shot after popping up on the left side of the area but his cross found Vela. The Mexican cut inside but his shot was saved.

Arsenal were pressing and pressing. A goal seemed likely. It should have arrived five times in the 15th minute.

It all started when Fabregas took a corner...

* Arshavin's point-blank shot was saved
* Then Vela's collected the rebound and planted the ball against the post
* Then Gallas had two efforts blocked by the keeper
* And finally Vermaelen's vicious shot beat everyone, hit Arshavin on the line and flew wide

Stupefying.

But then no more shocking than Dieudonne Mbokani juddering the post five minutes later. The Congolese striker darted inside Vermaelen and lasered an effort off on the angle of post and bar from the edge of the area. It was the first attack the visitors had mustered all night.

On the half-hour, Gallas nudged a header over the bar from a Fabregas cross. The Frenchman clashed heads with Arshavin in executing the chance. Both players needed lengthy treatment. The Russian had gash on the top of his head and Gallas had swollen eye worthy of a heavyweight boxer.

The home side had not yet returned to 11 men when they took the lead. Given the bizarre events so far, it was relatively mundane. Vermaelen punted the ball forward towards Nasri and Landry Mulemo, the covering defender, slipped as he tried to intercept. The Frenchman pounced then lifted his shot over the keeper and into the far corner of the net.

It was so nearly 2-0 a couple of minutes later. Nasri slipped a clever ball to Arshavin who drove a low shot inches past the keeper's left-hand post.

This was an open, attacking and wonderfully curious game. Five minutes from the break, Liege seemed to have won a clear penalty when Gallas clattered Reginal Goreux. Referee Konrad Plautz played on.

Fabregas nearly rubbed salt in the wound seconds later when he whistled a low drive across goal and beyond the far post.

Both sides seemed to be looking for the refuge of half-time now. However this peculiar game had one more twist. On the whistle, Gibbs tapped the ball to Denilson 25 yards out. He took a touch, looked up and thumped it. Keeper Sinan Bolat, so brilliant early on, could only parry the ball into his own net. Nevertheless it was a fine, fine strike.

Perhaps it was that goal which convinced Wenger to take off Gallas at the break. The job of qualification was nearly done and the Frenchman could be saved for Sunday. Mikael Silvestre came on.

Liege were now in an impossible position; chasing the game away from home against a side that seemed to be their superiors. They nearly grabbed a lifeline seven minutes into the second half when a free-kick from Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez found Axel Witsel eight yards out. The midfielder miskicked at the crucial moment and Almunia gathered.

Arsenal had clearly taken their foot of the gas but their engine was still ticking over. Vela got a glimpse of an opportunity but thrashed his shot horribly wide. Substitute Theo Walcott cracked an effort inches past the far post.

By the midway point of the second half, Wenger had made all his changes. The manager clearly thought that this particular Group H box had been ticked and therefore he did not want to over-exert his side.

As a result, Liege were allowed to have a go. With eight minutes left, Goreux cut inside and Gohi Bi Cyriac smashed a left-footed shot against the base of the post. His supplier then belted the rebound over the bar.

Carcela-Gonzalez clashed heads with Fabregas in the dying seconds and was sent off. That ended the Belgians' battling.

When the whistle went, Arsenal had only 10 men on the pitch as Gibbs had picked up an injury and hobbled off down the tunnel.

That was the only concern on a crushingly comfortable night at Emirates Stadium.

Sunday should be a stark contrast.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

SUNDERLAND VS ARSENAL 1-0

DATE : November 21th, 2009
VENUE : Stadium of Light

SUNDERLAND GOALS :
Download Sunderland Goal by Darren Bent - 71"

FULL MATCH :
Download Sunderland vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Mirror Here or Mirror Here
Download Sunderland vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here or Mirror Here

Other Links :
Download Sunderland vs Arsenal Full Match

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS :
Download Sunderland vs Arsenal Highlights Match First Half
Download Sunderland vs Arsenal Highlights Match Second Half

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal slipped to their third defeat of the season when they went down 1-0 at Sunderland on Saturday.

The all-important goal arrived 19 minutes from time when Darren Bent lashed home from close range after the visitors had failed to clear a corner.

There had been little between the two teams before that. Arsenal had the better of the chances in the first half. Tomas Rosicky was denied in the first five minutes and Eduardo drifted a shot just wide on the half-hour. However Sunderland were the better side directly after the restart. The goal made for a frantic finale, something entirely out of keeping with the first hour.

Cesc Fabregas had equalised in the 93rd minute in this fixture last season. The closest Arsenal came this time was when Andrey Arshavin nudged Alex Song’s cross into the sidenetting from close-range four minutes from time. However Arsenal did have claims for a penalty in injury time when Carlos Vela was clipped in the area.

This was always going to be a tough game – Sunderland have already beaten Liverpool and drawn at Old Trafford this season - but it does not make the result less disappointing.

This was Arsenal’s first shut-out of the season and their first Premier League defeat to Sunderland since August 19, 2000.

If it were possible, next Sunday’s clash with Chelsea is now even more important. Arsenal are now eight points behind the Stamford Bridge side.

Wenger’s team at the Stadium of Light was interesting. There were few surprises up front. With Robin Van Persie (ankle) having joined Nicklas Bendtner (groin) on the bench, Eduardo was the obvious choice as the pivotal striker in the front three. Rosicky and Samir Nasri flanked him so Arshavin dropped to the bench.

Aaron Ramsey retained his place in central so the key decision was at left back. Again two key candidates were out – Gael Clichy (back) and Kieran Gibbs (foot) – so Wenger had a choice of Mikael Silvestre or Armand Traore.

He chose the youngster. It was only his second Premier League start for the former Monaco trainee, though he had gained valuable experience during a loan spell at Portsmouth last season.

The city of Sunderland was deluged by rain in the build-up to kick-off. It just added to the banana-skin feel about this fixture – away from home against a solid side, injury hit and just after an international break. No wonder Wenger had called for focus pre-match

The manager need not have worried early on, his side started at a canter. It took just five minutes for them to fashion a clear-cut chance.

Bacary Sagna sent a deep, hanging cross beyond the far post, Fabregas hooked it back into the path of Rosicky, who wrapped his right-foot around the ball from close range. Unfortunately, for Arsenal, keeper Marton Fulop had got his angles right and the ball bounced away off his leg.

Eight minutes later, Traore cut inside his marker and his blocked shot fell to Fabregas who thumped an effort over the bar from long-range.

Sunderland were under pressure but they responded and, in the following five minutes, they twice escaped down the left and each time Steed Malbranque fired over when he should have done better.

That lifted the home fans briefly but their side soon fell back into a lethargic groove.

In the 32nd minute, Song drove forward and fed Eduardo on the edge of the area. He slipped inside his sliding marker but the ball got stuck under his feet and, although he lifted the ball over Fulop, his shot drifted wide.

Arsenal were starting to exert themselves again. Traore, who was having an eye-catching game, reached the byline and Ramsey bobbled a shot into the hands of Fulop.

Just before half-time, Fabregas fired over from distance. The Spanish skipper held his head in his hands at his own wastefulness.

It had been that kind of half. All the fleeting moments of quality had come from Arsenal but the mediocre majority had prevailed.

Both sides had to improve.

Sunderland were the better team immediately after the break. Territorially, the home side were in charge but the closest they came was when Andy Reid fired a free-kick wide and then lifted an effort over the bar.

Seconds after the second chance, Wenger brought on Arshavin for Ramsey. The change helped Arsenal recover their previous poise, something they needed because the game was becoming increasingly frenetic.

It has been stalemate until now but finally you sensed a goal was coming. It arrived in the 71st minute. Reid fired over a corner. It was overhit and nodded on by Bent towards the far post where it hit substitute Frazier Campbell and bounced back into the six-yard box. The former Spurs striker lashed home the ball from close range.

Wenger had been preparing to bring on Walcott. In the wake of the goal, he added Vela too.

A game that had been a slow-burn all afternoon was suddenly alight.

Thomas Vermaelen hacked an effort from a Fabregas cross as Arsenal began their pursuit of the game. By the 86th minute, when Arshavin nudged Song’s cross just wide, that had become a desperate chase.

Either side of that effort, Vela and Walcott drifted penetrative balls across the face of goal. All they needed was a touch. But it was not that kind of day for Arsenal.

Just to prove that, after Kieran Richardson nearly added a second at one end, Vela appeared to be clipped in the area. Referee Alan Wiley waved play on.

Arsenal deserved a draw but they had lost.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

WOLVERHAMPTON VS ARSENAL 1-4

DATE : November 07th, 2009
VENUE : Molineux Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Zubar (og) - 28"
Download Arsenal Goal by Craddock (og) - 35"
Download Arsenal Goal by Fabregas - 45"
Download Arsenal Goal by Arshavin - 65"

WOLVERHAMPTON GOALS :
Download Wolverhampton Goal by Craddock - 88"

FULL MATCH :
Download Wolverhampton vs Arsenal Full Match First Half or Mirror Here or Mirror Here
Download Wolverhampton vs Arsenal Full Match Second Half or Mirror Here or Mirror Here

Other Links :
Download Wolverhampton vs Arsenal Full Match Part 1 or Mirror Here
Download Wolverhampton vs Arsenal Full Match Part 2 or Mirror Here
Download Wolverhampton vs Arsenal Full Match Part 3 or Mirror Here
Download Wolverhampton vs Arsenal Full Match Part 4 or Mirror Here

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS :
Download Wolverhampton vs Arsenal Highlights Match First Half
Download Wolverhampton vs Arsenal Highlights Match Second Half

MATCH REPORT :

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to 13 games with a sublime 4-1 win at Molineux on Saturday.

Although Wolves put Arsène Wenger’s side under pressure in the opening 20 minutes, the hosts shot themselves in the foot in twice around the half-hour.

First Ronald Zubar scuffed Cesc Fabregas’ corner into his own net from close range then Jody Craddock nodded Eduardo’s chip past his own keeper.

Fabregas scored a wonderfully-worked third on the stroke of half-time to seal the points and, just to make sure, Andrey Arshavin rifled home a fourth midway through the second period. Craddock’s consolation header meant little.

This was the best message Arsenal could send out to Manchester United and Chelsea before they meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The three points pushed Wenger’s men up to second in the table, albeit temporarily, and their four goals made it 25 in their last eight League and Cup games.

Whoever triumphs in West London on Sunday, they will realise he side from the north of the capital are looking like real title contenders.

Wenger made three changes from the side that had swept aside AZ Alkmaar in midweek. The headline alteration saw Aaron Ramsey replace Alex Song in front of the back four. Samir Nasri dropped out for Eduardo while Bacary Sagna slotted in at right back in place of Emmanuel Eboue.

Molineux is a lovely arena, steeped in football heritage and the Wolves’ fans know how to create a pre-match atmosphere.

Their team responded in the opening stages.

Manager Mick McCarthy had promised his side would attack Arsenal and they were as good as his word. But although they poured forward persistantly, there was little cutting edge. In fact the closest they came in the first half was from a couple of left-wing corners delivered by Nenad Milijas.

The first saw Kevin Doyle flick a header towards the far post and Kieran Gibbs cleared off the line. Then, in the 10th minute, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake nodded wide just wide but, in fairness, Fabregas seemed to have the effort covered at the far post.

Eduardo had claims for a penalty when he back-heeled the ball through the legs of Zubar and was clipped as he tried to go past. However referee Steve Bennett was disinterested.

At this stage, Arsenal were yet to click into gear. In fact it took the introduction of Song midway through the half to properly jolt them into life.

Diaby hobbled off and the Cameroonian came on in his usual position. This released Ramsey further forward and the change helped Arsenal.

However the alteration had little to do with the opener. That was a self-inflicted wound from Wolves.

Craddock nodded a Fabregas free-kick ball behind his own goal, the Spaniard sent over the corner and Zubar nudged the ball into his own net. The Arsenal players ran to Eduardo, who had put the Wolves defender under pressure but the Croatian dismissed any congratulations. Replays proved he had not got a touch.

The strike was unlucky on Wolves given the balance of play but their defending had been woeful.

Seven minutes later it was 2-0. Ramsey and Eduardo raced clear with only Craddock as cover. The Welshman fed the Croatian, who tried to return the favour. However the ball flicked off the defender and flew over keeper Wayne Hennessey.

Yet again, while the execution of the goal had been fortunate, the Wolves backline had been highly culpable.

Understandably the home side were now thinking this was just not going to be their day. And Arsenal profited from their despondency.

On the whistle, Sagna clipped the ball to Van Persie who displayed the deftest of touches to set up Fabregas to fire home at the near post.

At the break, Arsenal had the points in the bag.

The second half was a listless affair. The visitors saw no need to extend themselves much further and Wolves now lacked the confidence to go on the offensive.

In the 66th minute Arshavin, who had been quiet, darted inside his marker and fired in a shot that tested Hennessey to the full. When the corner came across, the keeper could only slap the ball out to the Russian. He thumped a low shot into the corner of the net from the edge of the area.

Wenger withdrew Eduardo and Arshavin for Tomas Rosicky and Nasri.

By now Arsenal were almost playing exhibition football. For example with 16 minutes left, Fabregas hacked horribly over the bar from Van Persie’s cutback. However the Spaniard’s reaction was a smile not a grimace.

Van Persie and Rosicky also wasted decent chances in the close stages as Arsenal tried to play out time. Wolves did grab some consolation a minute from time when Craddock headed home a corner from Matthew Jarvis.

It was a shame Arsenal could not keep a clean sheet however that was the most minor of blots on an ultra-efficient performance.

Thanks to footballars, kaka3126, wigan88, kc123, arsenal 4-ever, fred54, junior_zanetti

WOLVERHAMPTON VS ARSENAL 1-4, Download Goal Clip, Download Highlights Arsenal Match, Fabregas, Arshavin

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH

ARSENAL VS AZ ALKMAAR 4-1

DATE : November 04th, 2009
VENUE : Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL GOALS :
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 26" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Samir Nasri - 43" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Cesc Fabregas - 53" or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal Goal by Abou Diaby - 72" or Mirror Here

AZ ALKMAAR GOALS :
Download AZ Alkmaar Goal by Lens - 83" or Mirror Here

FULL MATCH :
Download Arsenal vs AZ Alkmaar Full Match First Half OR Mirror Here or Mirror Here
Download Arsenal vs AZ Alkmaar Full Match Second Half OR Mirror Here or Mirror Here

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS :
Download Arsenal vs AZ Alkmaar Highlights Match First Half OR Mirror Here
Download Arsenal vs AZ Alkmaar Highlights Match Second Half OR Mirror Here
or
Download Arsenal vs AZ Alkmaar Highlights Match

MATCH REPORT :




By Richard Clarke

Cesc Fabregas scored twice as Arsenal all but ensured qualification to the Champions League Knockout Stages with a 4-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday night.

The Spaniard struck in the 26th and 53rd minutes in the most straightforward of wins. Inbetween Samir Nasri grabbed his first goal since breaking his leg in pre-season and, in the 71st minute, Abou Diaby stroked home a wonderfully-worked fourth.

This is the result Arsenal should have got in Holland. Back then they had been wasteful but tonight they were rigorous, ruthless and utterly irresistible. Even a late strike by substitute Jeremain Lens did nothing to affect the feeling of assurance this evening.

The failure of Olympiacos to gain anything at Standard Liege mean both those sides can still mathematically overhaul Arsenal.

But 10 points is normally enough to go through and, if they maintain this level of performance, then Arsenal will surely rubber-stamp qualification and the Group H title in the final two games.

Tougher challenges lie ahead in this competition.

Wenger made three changes from the side that had swept aside Spurs so brusquely at the weekend.

The headline was the return of Nasri to the frontline. The midfielder's only run-out since his broken leg had come in the Carling Cup a week ago. He replaced Nicklas Bendtner on the right, the Dane's groin injury was likely to keep him out for a month.

Gael Clichy's back would sideline him out for at least the same period, therefore you could assume that the elevation of Kieran Gibbs this evening was the start of a decent run in the side.

The final change was Emmanuel Eboue for Bacary Sagna. That was a straight swap and continued Wenger's policy of sharing the right back role in Europe.

Arsenal came into this game with room to breathe at the top of Group H. This was the first of two successive home ties - one win and they would probably qualify for the Knockout Stages, two wins and they would go through as group winners. Their fate was entirely in their own hands.

They also had the little matter of that North London derby win as a buoyancy aid.

It took only three minutes for Arsenal to hit their weekend groove. Andrey Arshavin, Diaby and Nasri weaved intricate patterns in midfield before releasing Robin Van Persie on the right. His angled drive beat the desperate dive of Sergio Romero and flashed past the far post.

The home side were in a perky mood, probing their opponents at every opportunity. In the 13th minute, Romero collected what, in the referee's view, had been a back-pass. Almost the entire AZ side lined-up in the goal-mouth and inevitably blocked Van Persie's effort.

The visitors had shown some adventure in the opening stages but, by the time we had reached the midpoint of the first half, they had gone back into their shell.

That is not to say the opening goal was entirely expected. Arsenal had control without real penetration and Fabregas' strike was, in many ways, a self-inflicted wound.

There seemed little danger in the 26th minute when Nasri found Fabregas on the edge of the area. The Spaniard extracted a little space from David Mendes da Silva, his marker, and let fly.

The shot was military-medium in every respect and should not have troubled an Argentinean international keeper.

However Mendes put out only the weakest of hands and the ball trickled into the net.

As in Alkmaar a fortnight ago, Arsenal had their lead and were happy to hit cruise control immediately. Fabregas nodded over from Gibbs' deep cross just past the half-hour.

Moussa Dembele beat the left back to fire wide at the other end but, if anything, AZ possessed even less cutting edge tonight than they had shown in Holland.

And this time Arsenal seemed determined to make them pay.

Two minutes before the break, Arshavin tucked a pass into the path of Nasri. The Frenchman weaved round Hector Moreno and slotted a shot past Romero.

The midfield wiped himself down in celebration. Perhaps he was washing away the disappointment of the first few months of the season.

Eight minutes after the restart it was 3-0. Diaby picked AZ's pocket in midfield and fed Arshavin. The Russian, clever as ever, nudged a pass into the path of Fabregas, who was racing down the left-hand channel. The Spaniard had the simplest task of slipping home his eighth goal of the season.

There seemed no way back for the visitors but three minutes later they should have snatched themselves an unlikely lifeline.

Maartens Marten nodded the ball down for Graziano Pelle on the edge of the six-yard area. The Italian had time to steady himself and wrap his foot firmly around the ball. Somehow Manuel Almunia diverted the ball onto the bar from point-blank range. Stunning.

You sensed AZ were flexing what muscles they had. Martens and Brett Holman both saw efforts fly over bar but there was little to trouble Arsenal this evening.

To fully illustrate that, Wenger brought off Fabregas and Van Persie for Aaron Ramsey and Eduardo.

The latter would make an immediate impact. Arsenal broke quickly from the back and the Croatian's expansive backheel sent Arshavin scampering clear. He squared to Diaby, who took a touch then stroked home an exquisite fourth.

Before the goal, Gibbs went close, after it Ramsey fired straight at Romero. By that time, Wenger had taken off another of his key players - Arshavin. He clearly felt the night's work had been done.

In fairness to AZ, they kept coming at Arsenal. Almunia claimed a dangerous cross from the feet of Holman and, with seven minutes left, Dutch champions grabbed a goal.

The home crowd were still claiming a penalty for handball against Pelle when Lens broke clear, wriggled away from Ramsey and fired home from the edge of the area.

The goal was disappointment to Arsenal but nothing more.

This game had been a stroll.

Thanks to kc123, wigan88, arsenal 4-ever, fred54

Download Arsenal Goal, Match Highlights, Full Match Video, Arsenal vs AZ Alkmaar 4-1, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Abou Diaby, Lens