SUNDERLAND V ARSENAL: Will the Gunners make it 1500 league goals?

                 Sunderland vs Arsenal: Match Day #9

The holiday continues....Another Arsenal Day!!

After a successful, hard fought, last minute Champions League win over Anderlecht on Wednesday; the Gunners will be back in action again against Sunderland this afternoon.

Wenger's men once again did their usual; start a match on a high, control the tempo, create loads of scoring chances but end up relying on the last couple of minutes to protect their faces from suffering embarrassment.

On Saturday, Hull City were pinned into their own half but hell broke loose when we failed to defend their quick counter attacking system (though the referee was at fault) ,and the boys had surrendered a well taken Sanchez's goal just four minutes after the flourishing Chile International got the Emirates faithful on their feet.


We needed a last minute equalizer courtesy of Welbeck to salvage a point against our fellow 2014 FA cup finalists.

Four days later the same chronicles played along. After an extensive one sided show away in Belgium, Arsenal needed to concede in the 71st  minute to bring out the drawing 'experience' in them. For the first time, Wenger who was celebrating his 65th birthday's changes made all the difference. By introducing Podolski,Campbell and Ox, the Gunners play instantly changed the tides.

Ox changed the game's tempo, Campbell added creativity and Podolski's late substitution inserted precision and the most needed killer instinct in front of goal. Gibbs connected well with Chambers' cross when he hit in a first-time side footed finish to level the matters with three minutes to go.

Sanchez who as always had been the team's engine, won a loose ball at the edge of the area before shooting it across Anderlecht's goal mouth for Podolski to venomously smash the ball home after picking up the resultant rebound off an Anderlecht's defender's feet.


Today the team travels to Sunderland as they look to ignite their season against the 17th placed Black Cats.

Arsenal's dismal performance in the league has seen them record their joint-worst record in Wenger's era, after collecting 11 points  with just two wins.

Sunderland on the other side, will be a bitter opposition after raking up eight goals last time out, away to Southampton; with ex-gooner, Mannone, at the centre of the devastating debacle.  

The last time Arsenal travelled to the Stadium of light, they made light of their hosts with an easy 1-3 win, courtesy of Aaron Ramsey's brace, including that remarkable half volleyed goal, 18 yards out.

This time round things might be a little tougher regarding our poor form, both home and away, since picking up maximum points on the opening fixture against Crystal palace; something we had failed to do in four years. Gus Poyet's side have been incredible compared to last term, with their system of play being one of their secret weapon this time round.

All the Gunners need is total focus and discipline from the first minute if they are to close the  huge gap with leaders Chelsea. Wilshere has been criticized and regarded as the main course why the team are not collecting maximum points, whenever he starts.

For instance, Arsenal got the equalizer just moments after he went out against Hull City with a suspected knee injury. On Wednesday, the midfielder played for 75 minutes but 13 minutes after his withdrawal, Arsenal found the equalizer as well as the winning goal. Is it karma or is he the reason we lacking pace in midfield?

The good news ahead of the showdown is that the 22 year old midfielder, will be suspended after picking up five cautions. Something which might see the experience unutilized Rosicky or Ox fill his gap.  With mobile players like Sanchez and Cazorla likely to suffer from fatigue after two consecutive full games, Rosicky and Ox would be a perfect inclusion to add vibrance into the squad.

TEAM NEWS:

Walcott is not fully fit yet,Sanogo,diaby and Gnabry are also not expected to feature. However, Arteta who was on the bench against Anderlecht is expected to feature after shaking off his calf injury. Koscielny's return date is still unknown with the French centre back expected to be back mid November.

Szczesny will be back in goal after serving his suspension in the midweek while the manager ''expects the rest of the squad to be available.''

MATCH FACTS: 
 
*Sunderland have scored 15 own goals since the start of the 2010-11 season, more than any other Barclays Premier League side.

*Arsenal are looking to win four Premier League away games in a row against Sunderland for the first time.

*The Black Cats have won just one of their last 21 Premier League games against Arsenal.

*Only two Premier League teams have kept a clean sheet after conceding 8-plus goals in the preceding match (Arsenal in 2011 after losing 8-2 to Man Utd and Wigan in 2009 after losing 9-1 to Spurs).

*Arsenal need two more goals to become the second team (after Man Utd) to score 1500 Premier League goals.

*With five goals, two assists and two man-of-the-match awards in the last eight games

*Despite conceding eight to Southampton last time out, Sunderland (2) have kept twice as many Premier League clean sheets as Arsenal this season.

*If Arsenal fail to win it will be their worst performance after nine games in the Arsene Wenger era (previously 13 in 2011-12).

*If Arsenal lose they will have half the number of points they had at this stage last season.

*Sunderland have only beaten Arsenal once (Nov 2009) in the last 10 years in the Premier League, and once (Feb 2012) in the FA Cup.

*Lee Cattermole has been booked in two of his last three Premier League appearances. His overall record is 65 in 212 games (plus seven red cards).

*Sunderland have only beaten Arsenal once (Nov 2009) in the last 10 years in the Premier League, and once (Feb 2012) in the FA Cup.

My Predicted lineup: Szczesny,Chambers,Per,Monreal,Flamini,Sanchez,Ramsey,Cazorla,Podolski,Welbeck

My predictions: Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal

All the best to Arsenal today!!


Referee: Kevin Friend  
Head-to-head league record: Sunderland wins 44, draws 38, Arsenal wins 52

@bryoshavin.

Arsenal Vs Anderlecht: Wenger's Birthday Gift In The Offing?

Happy Birthday Wenger!!! 65 years ago, an Arsenal Legend was born and weeks ago we celebrated the Legend's, contribution to the Mighty Gunners, for the past eighteen years, since he made his bow at Arsenal in 1996.

Today the Gunners will be back in European action again after a prolonged three week break, following the infamous 'boring' international breaks that every club fan disputes due to the numerous injury cases that always come  along with it.

Lucky for Arsenal, we had enough on our injury plate that we couldn't afford to send out our sharp troops to pick what karma loves giving us...fresh long term injuries.

After a bad start to this year's campaign with a 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund, Wenger's men picked themselves up, with a resounding 4-1 demolition of Galatasaray. Wenger termed the result as satisfying  but which cost us a couple of important players.

Szczesny picked a straight red card and it's the reason why every gunner, the defenders to be accurate, want to put up a discipline display at the heart of our defence.

Szczesny who will be serving his first suspension game tonight, gives way for the 22 year old Emiliano Martinez. The young Argentine rookie has only managed to play two competitive games for the Gunners, the last time coming when he shipped in five goals in Arsenal's ridiculous 7-5 win against Reading in 2012.

Martinez will be making his Champions League bow after summer signing, David Ospina was ruled out for up to 3 months with a knee injury.

What's more worrying is that the custodian has played only twice for the last two years, and that he will be deputized by a 19 year old Josh Vickers.

The question is; will the gunners repeat Galatasaray's feat and make it a HAPPY birthday for the manager, something they've quite failed for a while.?

The answer is just a few hours away when the boys take to the field against Anderlecht. The Belgian outfit are considered an easy bump for the Londoners despite them being unbeaten in their last 11 league games; But a slight loss of concentration will definitely attract criticism from pundits and fans alike.

Therefore, despite Arsenal's lengthy injury list, the manager has no choice but field his strongest possible lineup with a relatively easy fixture on the horizon. Ramsey and Wilshere trained yesterday ahead of their trip to Belgium, something which definitely served as a boost for the club. Theo walcott is obviously not match fit after the England international made his long awaited comeback in Arsenal's U21's last week.

 Wenger confirmed that Chambers will be back in the squad and the manager will be banking on his fresh legs after he sat out Saturday's game due to a suspension.
 He is expected to go straight into the team and probably partner up with Mertesacker at Centre back in case the manager sticks with Bellerin on the right flank.

I will be shocked if my team won't walk away with a convincing win and cleen sheat to mark Martinez's Champions League debut in style.

Sanchez who scored before assisting Welbeck's last minute goal against Hull on Saturday, will look to keep his fierce form running after the Chilean hit six goals in his 12 appearances for the club.

Welbeck who struck a hat trick the last time Arsenal played in the competition, could as well add up to his five goal tally for his new club by enjoying an easy night in Belgium, and hopefully won't forget his match ball again, should he score another hat trick. 

 COME ON YOU GUNNERS! Let's put the icing on Wenger's birthday cake with a superb win!!!

Alexis Sanchez stats (In all competitions) for Arsenal:
Games: 9
Minutes: 662
Goals: 6
Assists: 3
Chances Created: 17
Key Passes: 14

 My predicted lineup: 

Martinez,Bellerin,Mertesacker,Chambers,Gibbs.

                        Flamini


Sanchez,Cazorla,Wilshere,Chamberlain


                       Welbeck


Subs: Podolski,Ramsey,Rosicky.


@bryoshavin

Arsenal Vs Hull City: Happy Birthday to me and will it be A Repeat Of FA Cup FInal?

HAPPYT BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Yeah i had to do that cause today is the biggest day of my life! 23 years ago, a Gooner came to this world and was re-united with his DNA match (Arsenal) 8 years later. 
Fast forward: It's ARSENAL DAY!! Today The Gunners welcome Hull City to Emirates Stadium in a match that will ever keep reminding the gooner faithfuls of what happened in May 17th at Wembley Stadium.

Hull City were playing their hearts out in England's most prestigious cup finals, and what followed is the reason we out of the '9 year drought' trendy tag. After just 10 minutes The Tigers were already 2-0 up and thanks to a Gibbs clearance things could have been worse.

Santi Classzorla's stunning 25 yard free kick got the fans up on their feet and the players gained confidence, heading into the break.

 Koscielny's super equaliser set the momentum on and Ramsey the player of the season for the club, needed the extra time minutes to end our long wait with a triumphant 3-2 comeback win. Real ecstasy!

five months later, we face the bitter finalists and an already injury stripped Arsenal will look to bounce back from a devastating 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge, before the International break.

Nikica Jelavic has already marked his place in Hull, the man who was not eligible in the final; and with Koscielny and Debuchy injured, Chambers suspended, he could cause us havoc, should Bellerin, who's  tipped to replace the England full back today put up a nervy performance. Wenger is expected to play Monreal at the heart of our defence, partnering Mertesacker while Gibbs maintains his place.

“When we played against them in the FA Cup final it was a very difficult game. They could not use Jelavic in the cup last season, and since then they have bought some good players. When you look at their teamsheet now, it looks like they can beat anybody so I expect a tough game.” said Wenger in his pre-match presser.

After Ozil's injury at Blues, Wilshere and Cazorla will anchor our attack with Flamini covering the back four  as Sanchez and Ox steer our flanks. in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

Good news is that, Walcott had a successful comeback game yesterday after he featured for the U21s. Diaby is almost match fit but what the hell happened to Rosicky in midweek?

A win today will definitely make my birthday! COYG!!

Predictions: Arsenal 2-1

Predicted lineup: Szczesny,Bellerin,Mertesacker,Monreal,Gibbs,Flamini,Sanchez,Cazorla,Wilshere,Ox,
Welbeck.

Match Facts:

 

Arsenal have won their last five Premier League games against Hull City, since losing their first ever PL meeting in September 2008.

Nikica Jelavic has already equalled his Premier League goal tally from 2013-14 in just seven games this season (4). He played 25 times last season.

Jelavic now has eight goals in 23 Premier League games for Hull City – only Geovanni (11) has more goals in the competition for the Tigers.

The Gunners have won just one of their last six Premier League matches (W1 D4 L1); this after winning their previous six in a row.

No Arsenal player has assisted more than one goal in the Premier League this season. Seven Arsenal players have one assist to their name, as many as former Gunner Cesc Fabregas has alone (7) for Chelsea.

The Gunners have not lost back to back Premier League matches since January 2013.

Since he made his Premier League debut in August 2010, no player in the competition has given away more penalties than Laurent Koscielny (7).

This is Arsenal's joint-second worst league start to a season under Arsene Wenger (10 points from seven games, same as 98/99) - the worst being 2011-12 (seven points from seven games).

Hull City have not won back to back Premier League games since September 2013, despite winning nine matches since then.

The Tigers have won just one of their last 12 Premier League trips to London (W1 D2 L9), but this victory came in their only trip to the capital this season (1-0 at QPR in August).

 

@bryoshavin.

Birthday Curse? Dissecting Arsenal's looming Injury Crisis

HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY Mesut Ozil, #GetWellSoonMesut....from a positive statement to a more mind boggling one! After a 'successful' 90 minutes on the pitch against Chelsea, almost a fortnight ago, no one could comprehend the news that followed the nasty weekend. 

 “When he (Ozil) arrived with the German national team, they didn’t think it was a lot at the start,” Wenger said after learning of his record signing's injury news.
"He was supposed to practice on Wednesday but, in the end, he said that wasn’t possible for him.

“Then he had a scan and it was bad news. We have our own specialist giving us his opinion after reading the scan and examining Mesut. We will follow our own recommendations.”
The reality is that Arsenal will be without the birthday boy till the new year.

 But what exactly is happening to the club? first it was Debuchy who underwent an ankle surgery after injuring his ankle following Arsenal's 0-3 win over Aston villa, is scheduled to miss football action for the next three months.

The experienced full back was so instrumental for the Gunners, with his intelligent attack instincts, tough tackling nature and his brilliant game reading, till his injury. Lucky us, 

Wenger despite the public rage, he had secured a promising back up talent in 19 year old Calum Chambers; who's superb displays earned him his first senior call up in the three lion's squad. But remember the 19 year old Gunner, is set to miss The Tigers match since he is suspended after several bookings.

Olivier Giroud was the second victim to bite the sidelines with Arsenal yet to play 10 league matches. The 28 year old 6 ft 4inch French striker picked up his injury early September soon after his stunning equaliser against a resilient Everton side. Born on September 30, Olivier couldn't wish to celebrate his birthday on crutches. 

Why are we losing our 'best players of the moment' just when they shaking off their poor form on the pitch? well were it not for Wenger's strong admiration for the Pontiff, we couldn't have acquired the well groomed 'next Thierry' Welbeck.

The 23 year old forward has enjoyed a wonderful run while leading the line upfront, contrary to what he was used to at United. Hitting four goals in his first six appearances for the club, including a Champions League Hat trick vs Gala, is not a small fete.
There were not so warming news of the Striker's possible injury, when the young lion appeared to have hobbled off in England's 1-0 win against Estonia.


"I don't think he's injured. He just rolled his ankle slightly. The doctors are not worried about it." said Hodgson after the game.

Arsenal's 2013-14 player of the season, Aaron Ramsey.....another casualty. The Welsh mid fielder’s was more worrying compared to Debuchy and Giroud's one. He has not only improved but the 23 year old has matured well into the game, become a goal threat as well as  a tackling machine inside Arsenal's midfield.

Rambo's injury also came late last month when Arsenal locked horns with Spurs in their fierce North London Derby. Scans confirmed that the Welshman, replaced at the end of the first period in that game,pulled his hamstring and subsequently ruled him out of his country’s Euro 2016 qualifying games against Bosnia-Herzegovina and  Cyprus this month.

He is expected to be out for at least a month.

Laurent Koscielny  picked up a minor Achilles tendon problem while training with France last week. According to reports, the 29-year-old is however expected to be fit for the Gunners' next match - at home to Hull on 18 October. a few days before he celebrated his 29th birthday.

Is it a curse on Arsenal's 2014 birthdays?
 
Arsenal's captain. Mikel Arteta was another victim on the same day marred with injury related substitutions. The Spaniard injured his calf and according to Wenger, he only expected the experienced midfielder to miss Gala's and Chelsea's match. The extent of his injury is yet to be known before Hull city's game this Saturday. 

 We hired a World Cup winning fitness trainer and no one expected the club to be plagued with such woes ever again.. but look at where we are! Tired of the injury list already? guess what?  same here! Not forgetting Sanogo's return date is still unknown.


On the positive side, SPEED MASTER Theo Walcott is BACK! atleast with Ramsey and Ozil out, some pace and firepower will be of much importance once he becomes match fit. Who wouldn't fancy Sanchez and Theo on the flanks with Welbeck up ahead of them? 

 German youngster, Serge Gnabry is another 'returnee' after him and Theo had  successful rehabilitation programmes, following their knee injuries. So let's pray that no one else bites the turf and tear the team apart.!


@bryoshavin.

Arsenal 4-1 Gala: A Moment Of Silence For Van Gaal

BOOOOOM! pretty weird way to start off yeah? well which gooner wouldn't? It's a connection we gooners have; though it varies depending on how many dinked efforts rattles the cross bar courtesy of one Danny Welbeck!

Speaking of Danny, him and  Arsenal were a match made in heaven (something which was hard to swallow on 1st September) a blessing in disguise, something Van Gaal will live to regret in his entire United career. The young lad had no choice but to move on when a 16M pound cheque was signed after Falcao's acquisition, (mind you he's yet to find the net) and he was pushed further down the pecking order, with Van Persie and Rooney all preferred ahead of him.

His signing was a quick wild fire, something less Gooner family members had dared to anticipate, let alone having it in their wildest dreams! Danny made the million dollar move and judging from his first interview with the club and yesterday's world class showings, he's more than happy he became a Londoner. The 23 year old Manchester raised striker, put up one of Arsenal's finest performances in a while; darting behind the defenders, exuberance rate and well taken strikes as he bagged a hat-trick to help his new team mates cruise past Galatasaray in a 4-1 win.

Danny, bagged his first senior hat-trick and oh he actually did it in the club's most elite competition..where United won't be playing any part till God knows when. What's more important is that he did it in a night when the club and the entire football world was honouring one Arsene Wenger for his 18 year tenure at the club since he was appointed back in 1996, before he went on to become the club's most successful manager.

The last time Wenger was having an anniversary, things turned sour after he lost 6-0 to Chelsea in his 1000th game in charge of Arsenal.

The man whom he showed his trust in and forked out a reasonable amount of cash, was to be his knight in a shining red and white armour and eventually give him a memorable night. Arsenal were in pressure to deliver in Europe after being embarrassed at Dortmund a fortnight ago and to be honest I personally don't think Gala wanted to face the bruised jungle kings at this particular time, when they had also shared spoils with their North London rivals in the weekend. Sanchez, who came off the bench last weekend after Arsenal lost a couple of key players in the already ballooning injury list, had a point to prove after he gave out a convincing display which was awarded by a goal and an assist.

Sanchez partnered well with the now rejuvenated Ozil to bag home the club's third goal of the night before the break, moments after Welbeck had awarded his efforts with a well taken goal. burying the Chile international's fine through pass.
Wenger who believes he still has the same qualities  which transformed King Thierry from a winger to a world class finisher, was proud of his deadline day recruit's henry-que goals and praised his poacher instincts.

"He was on the end of good movements tonight and we had good pace in our game." Wenger said in his post match interview, " Our transition play and our finishing was good, and Danny was at the end of good collective movements.

Of course it’s good to see that he’s slowly gaining confidence and finishing well. It’s nice to see the potential is there and he’s starting to get there - hopefully that hat-trick will help him gain confidence."

Van Gaal from which end of the Old Trafford were you enjoying Becks goals? The Manchester United boss, must have been gutted seeing his former 'reserve' hitting in some sumptuous goals. A freaking hat-trick! something he wouldn't have done under the Dutch's watch. With Rooney showing how fragile he is under pressure and how low of an impact the captain armband has made him in the locker room. Falcao is yet to open an a goal account in his new club, with a few months left in his loan deal, when the Old Trafford prodigal son has already registered 4 in his last 5 appearances for the club.

Danny became the club's first hat-trick in Europe since Lord Bendtner's triple strikes four years ago. The hat-trick is the latest in the club's chapters since Theo Walcott's super strikes against Newcastle couple of seasons back in Emirates.

Like I had predicted in my earlier blog, Welbeck is set to have a successful career in Arsenal's iconic shirt, and he's already shown that he has settled in North London, with his link up plays,runs and communication being one of his key attributes.
Despite going 10 men down just over the hour mark, Wenger's men still never struggled and again Welbeck and his team mates' experience paid off magnificently, thanks to the 23 year old's clinical prowess in front of the goal early in the game.

However the highlight of the night was not when exasperated Gala fans threw flares into the ground, but when the star man of the match forgot to collect his MATCH BALL!

The club is poised to have a super month ahead, with the likes of Chelsea and Anderletcht on the horizon. With Debuchy,Ramsey,Arteta and Giroud out injured, the club can still blossom with the likes of Cazorla,Ozil,Sanchez,Wilshere,Koscielny and Welbeck's onfield,fit and powering. Sanchez who's already scored 4 goals in his last 5 games and Danny, have given Ozil the joy he once used to enjoy at Madrid, with his sharp clever passes now resulting into beautiful and rather spectacle product, compared to when he had Giroud upfront.

Theo is a week or two away and no one including Van Gaal's men would fancy to face our attacking football with the wealth of our creative and multi talented forwards.
Well sorry Van Persie, there's no coming back, only when you coming for your boo awards and some proper thrashing before you once again engineer a fake 2-month injury, like you always did.

As i pen off, a moment of silence for Van Gaal, who's weak tactics and philosophy once again robs him another talented player, and to the United faithful who are forced to stay up watching the mighty Gunners play in midweek for one commandments is THOU SHALL NOT FLY A 'PLEASE COME BACK HOME DANNY' banner!

Peace.
@bryoshavin