Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Paulista is a Gunner!

Gabriel Paulista! Yes Gabriel is a Gunner! finally Wenger succumbed to Arsenal fans' cries to sign Vermaelen's replacement.Yes and what's sexy is the fact that he once again cemented the fact that La Liga is his newly acquired players supplier, by swooping 24-year-old tested and proven Paulista from Villareal.

Welcome to Arsenal young man, where Koscielny and Mertesacker will be your new super enemies and where Wenger will be your super dad till you cost us that Champions League Quarter Final berth, or fail to head butt Costa at Emirates, lest you want to see Monreal playing as a make shift Center half.

Paulista becomes Arsenal's second January signing after the acquisition of 17-year-old Krystian Bieilik from Legia Warsaw, weeks back.  Despite him looking like an ex convict ready to smash the hell out of Costa's old head, he also becomes one of Wenger's most expensive defenders in recent history, with only Debuchy (£12M) heading our million dollar back line.


Having being among the top interceptors in La Liga, Paulista not only looks set to tackle and intercept all these so called ruthless Premier League scorers, but his attitude is simply heart warming to every gooner out there.

"I am very anxious and that is something that is normal to a young player, playing at such a high level. So I am very anxious to be able to start at this huge, beautiful stadium, a stadium that the fans come to, to be able to support us. It’s something I've always noticed when I watch Arsenal." Said Paulista in his first ever interview with the club.


Moving on swiftly, it's two years since Arsenal's most improved player Monreal signed for Arsenal. Monreal signed for the club for an estimated, £8.5M from Malaga. Even though he's for a while persevered being Arsenal's easiest target/ scapegoat whenever we slip against the big guns, the Spanish international has taken this season by a storm, keeping a number of clean sheets, making crucial interceptions as well as having an assist to his name. Just like Ramsey turned out to be the club's savior after several years of poor performances last season, so will Monreal be instrumental for us in this and coming campaigns.

Yes we are on to the fifth round of the FA Cup, thanks to a 3-2 win over resilient Brighton side. Who cares whether we conceded twice and set up a nervy but convincing ending? it's the FA Cup where the final score is all that matters, plus every other team in the competition plays to win Britain's most prestigious trophy . Sorry Wimbledon championship.

Once again Rosicky, proved me right that he is the finest wine in Britain's best liquor store. The mistakenly 24-year-old oops, 34-year-old Czech international, put up one of the most complete performances in an Arsenal jersey.

Taking over Cazorla's mantle in N0. 10 role, the little Mozart  produced some fine moments against Brighton. His pass for Mesut Özil’s goal was superbly executed, while his goal presented another epic moment when both class and experience meet. In short the build up to his winner, was simply orgasmic and any Brighton fan who never bothered to celebrate his 'look away' passe should in fact be punished!

What a player! "Rosicky with playground football, just playing for fun" said the commentator after Arsenal's captain for the day, smashed a 20 yard volley into the net , and his celebration was simply fantastic, he is the king.

Walcott did what he's paid to do: scoring after just 80 seconds with a superbly taken right footed goal into the bottom right of the net, in his second start after almost an year out. His goal was his second in two appearances against Brighton and am dying to celebrate more early goals from the English speedster.

Another player who stole the headlines was Ozil, who  impressed from the flanks, capitalizing the performance with a well taken goal, similar to the one he scored against Everton in Arsenal's 4-1 win in the club's road to Wembley success last term.

The question or rather the sweet fact is ; with both Ozil and Walcott paying the manager's faith in them with goals in Cazorla and Sanchez's absence, who will Wenger overlook in future assignments as Arsenal look to stage a strong run in, in all three competitions? . Bad news is, Sanchez suffered a hamstring injury in training while Oxlade is also out with a recurring groin problem. But this could as well Arsenal's blessing in disguise, as the super dynamic Cazorla got the much deserved break and ready to rumble again. Rosicky who can also play on the flanks will be one of the injuries beneficiaries as well as Ramsey, Coquelin and Flamini depending on the manager's tactical approach.

Aston Villa have already tasted six defeats in recent matches, but whoever can remember the infamous 1-3 loss two years ago, wouldn't take Paul Lambert's men for granted. Their players have always had a tendency of upping their tempo as well as initiating strong fighting spirits whenever they visit the Emirates.

Aston Villa had a successful half hour at Villa Park before Ozil, Welbeck and Cissokho's own goal took just three minutes to break the duck and score all the matches goals. Are we ready for a repeat of that? Who would mind it?.

After a successful 0-2 league win over defending champions at their own backyard, we should expect an elated atmosphere at the Emirates, with fans yet to taste a loss or a draw in the last four consecutive games, with just a single loss (vs Southampton) in the last six matches in all competitions. Let's make it five in a row Arsenal!

So with Monreal successfully ordered a warm bench for Gibbs in the technical area, I expect Wenger to retain him on the left flank but Sunday will be too early for Paulista, regardless of whether Wenger insisted that he's ready to go. Bellerin should return to the lineup after he was rested vs Brighton while Flamini looks likely to lose his spot for Coquelin.

Ramsey might play alongside Cazorla, Rosicky and Ozil in midfield, should Wenger decide to rest Walcott, while Giroud could extend his six goals tally, upfront. Ooooospina! should return between the sticks with Szczesny conceding twice in his return after being ousted by the Colombian shot stopper. Koscielny and Mertesacker completes my predicted lineup.

My AFCvAVFC predictions: 3-1 (Ozil, Cazorla,Rosicky)

MATCH FACTS: 


*Despite beating Bournemouth in the FA Cup last week, Aston Villa have gone eight hours and 42 minutes since scoring a League goal on December 20.

*Villa have won on three previous occasions at the Emirates, including on the opening day of last season, but it will be a big shock if Paul Lambert's relegation-threatened team leave north London with anything this time.
*Arsenal have scored five goals in their last two Premier League games against Villa, all between the 32nd and 36th minutes.

*Aston Villa have fired in just 60 shots on target this season, fewer than any other team in the division.

*Only Derby (10 in 2007-08) have scored fewer goals after 22 matches of a Premier League season than Aston Villa have managed this campaign (11).

*Villa are currently on a run of 5 league games without a goal. The side have never went 6 league games without scoring.

*Christian Benteke has 3 goals in 4 league games against Arsenal. Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck meanwhile has 4 goals in his last 3 league starts against Aston Villa.

*Aston Villa have earned 11 points at the Emirates Stadium. The only side to earn more points at Arsenals home ground is Chelsea and Man United with 12.

*The last time the two sides met at the Emirates was August 2013 where Villa ran out 3-1 winners. Benteke scored twice that day>

*Top goalscorer in this Premier League fixture is Thierry Henry. The former Arsenal hero netted 12 times against the Villains.

IG/Twitter: @bryoshavin

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Brighton vs Arsenal: Ozil's chance to re-discover his oldself

BOOOOOOOM! Well if that's not the best way to open a blog after an emphatic win, then let one City fan (if truly one exists after the debacle) teach me the wisest way.

We are Arsenal! I have for ages used that phrase, well even when the likes of Aston Villa, Stoke,Blackburn and Swansea ended up embarrassing the mighty Gunners. Yes we made it! first win in Manchester in the last four years, First team to beat City with over two goals at Etihad since 2010, yeah when none other than Wenger put them to sword, via Nasri, Song and Lord Bendtner.

That's who we are, record breakers. But how exactly did the Arsenal perform their magic inside the defending champions backyard? here's the breakdown: Wenger for the first time in recent years decided to bow to fans' pressure and employed a much unfamiliar tactic, which in the end probably seduced Wenger to do a replay of it against the 'big guns'.

'Keep the ball, we'll have the goals' should be the name of the tactic, which was evident at the Etihad. Arsenal had just 36% of the possession but neither a golf faithful nor a volleyball fanatic can fathom how a team accustomed to less balls and more huffing and puffing can ideally win in a convincing manner.But again, we are Arsenal.

Let's talk about Cazorla, shall we? 16 games ago,  no one ever thought this little magician would earn Wenger's faith and be a regular team player , following a number of poor performances coupled by lack of spark in his dribbles, decision making and his finishing.He was simply a shadow of the 2012 Cazorla who impressive scored 12 times before assissting a bunch of other goals in his first season at the Emirates.

Fast forward, and the 30-year-old Spaniard has stepped up to the plate and his silver living  is just gathering the real golden decorations, which caught Wenger's eye in his time at Malaga. Cazorla's poor performances led to him being an unused substitute in September's 2-2 draw against City at the Emirates, despite him netting the opener against them in Arsenal's 3-0 Community shield glory.

As a matter of fact, Cazorla had gone for 21 matches without a goal, soon after his exquisite finish against City at Wembley. Fast Fast forward, even after Sanchez's mighty run of form had enveloped Santi's impact in the team, only real analysts could single him out and not really Sanchez. Against a midfield made up of two gigantic figures in Fernando and Fernandinho, Cazorla twinkle toes still managed to leave the two in tatters in an even marshalled by his breathtaking dribbles, tackles, clearances and his fighting spirit.

Playing at a much deeper role, nothing seemed to worry Cazorla, in fact his position ideally worked well and helped the resurgent attacker unleash one of the best box-to-box performances from an Arsenal player since Viera. He managed to complete 92% of his passes, scored a decisive penalty and his dance after he delivered Giroud's goal, was the perfect way to cap off a man of the match performance.

Enough of Cazorla and how on earth could Coquelin, Bellerin, Mertesacker and ooooospina's impact go unnoticed? well not on this space.

I must confess Coquelin pulled a shocker of the season. I have never quite rated the 23-year-old  defensive prodigy.

Coquelin  had never been lucky enough to break into the Wenger's line up, and as a result he ended up being shipped to Charlton in search of first team football. At Charlton, he however never enjoyed much play time and thanks to Arteta's injury, Wenger might just have saved his ass from a player-coach saga similar to Pogba vs Fergie.

I remember viciously calling on Wenger to start Flamini on behalf of Coq, but I officially apologize sir. His uncountable interceptions, superb leadership skills, great vision and his relaxed nature during the entire match was something no one ever expected from the 'untested' young gun, especially when one compares his performances against Saints, few weeks back. In simple words, Coquelin put both Silva and Aguero where they belong!

Ospina on the other hand, can't stop impressing between the sticks, keeping three consecutive clean sheets and has quickly won gooners hearts, something which has earned the Colombian great belief after coming back from his injury since his summer acquisition, following his World Cup heroics with Colombia.

Today I have tried so hard to focus on the positive side, despite the major negatives our mega 2-0 away win bagged. To be honest, even with the likes of Walcott, Ramsey and Ozil back, let's hope and pray that 17-year-old Krystian Beilik won't be the only player Wenger will settle on in this transfer period.

He simply needs a natural defensive midfielder and a back-up Centre half. Again praying that the FA will grant Paulista a work permit, should the boss successfully pins the 25-year-old Brazilian down.

So on Sunday the FA Cup glory memories will once again flood back. The holders will be in action again against League two side, Brighton and Hove Albion.The Gunners travel to the Falmer Stadium, playing away for the first time in this competition, since January 2013.

The last time these two met, Giroud's double and Theo Walcott winner saved us the blushes in a hard fought 2-3 win. With Danny Welbeck still out and Wenger likely to rotate his side, it's almost certain that both Giroud and Theo stand a huge chance to repeat the feat.

Talking of squad rotation, Wenger has for long valued the FA Cup cup and unlike in the league cup, he is never expected to field rookie players and especially now that he can confidently boast of a talented squad. Aaron Ramsey might have played for over an hour in his first game after missing for six weeks, but the Welshman remains one of those players likely to start.


Mesut Ozil was an unused substitute at Etihad, but with the German's desire to play week in week out, we are pretty sure he wasn't the happiest lad following Cazorla's CLASSY performance, and he will look to replicate his team mates form should he start ahead of Cazorla.In fact many do rate the World Cup midfielder way ahead of Santi, whenever he's at his best. A competition for places will simply enhance and not destroy the team, and Sunday's match will be the perfect opportunity for Ozil to re-discover his oldself.

Bellerin looks likely to keep his spot with Chambers and Gibbs also fighting for a starting berth. Flamini,Szcezsnsy, Rosicky and Joel Campbell are the other members of the talented players, Wenger will look to field alongside Giroud upfront.

Brighton also known as Seagulls will be heading into the match on high spirits after they defeated high-flying Ipswich 3-2 in the Sky Bet Championship, last Wednesday; but every Gooner won't be expecting anything less than another glorious outing, having successfully burnt one of the club's biggest obstacles in Man City.



TEAM NEWS:


Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin) and full-back Hector Bellerin (ankle) both face fitness test ahead of the FA Cup holders' trip south.

MATCH FACTS:

-Brighton can only count two victories over the reigning FA Cup champions- both of those wins coming in the 1981/1982 season

-Overall the teams have met on nine occasions, with Arsenal winning six of the encounters

-The seagulls have only scored six goals against Arsenal in the nine times they’ve met

-Brighton have netted a respectable 8 goals in their last five games- one short of Arsenals 9.

-There have been 14 previous matches between the two sides. Arsenal have won on 10 occasions, while Brighton have only beaten the Gunners twice.

-The last time the two met was in January 2013 in FA Cup also in the fourth round. The game was also played at the AMEX stadium. Arsenal won the tie 3-2.

-They have played each 4 times in the FA Cup and Arsenal won each time.
3 of those previous FA Cup victories for Arsenal were at Brighton’s home ground.

-Last time Brighton beat Arsenal was in a league fixture in September 1982. Brighton won the game 1-0 at home.

-Brighton have not failed to score in a home game against the Gunners since April 1981. Arsenal won 1-0.

My BHAvAFC predicted lineup: Szczesny Bellerin, Chambers,Koscielny,Gibbs, Flamini, Ramsey,Ozil,Walcott,Campbell,Giroud

My BHAvAFC predictions: Brighton 1-3 Arsenal (Giroud,Walcott,Campbell)
 
Twitter/IG: @bryoshavin

Man City v Arsenal: Why Nasri's absence will be costly for Arsenal

It is with utmost bitterness that I wish Mathieu Debuchy a quick recovery following the 29-year-old's Thursday shoulder surgery, after an awkward following following Marko Arnautović 's stupid challenge in Arsenal's 3-0 win.

Arsenal's captain Mikel Arteta also went under the knife on his ankle and together with Debuchy, will face three months in rehab.



But Debuchy's injury will most definitely prove costly regarding the fact that the former Newcastle man had just played seven matches following a previous lengthy injury, and was on his way to his best.

With Kieran Gibbs still out, Wenger is once again set to play with a make shift right back if only he will let go of the transfer window, having in mind that he cannot re-call Arsenal loanee, Carl Jenkinson from West Ham till the end of the season.

Sunday's super match represents another perfect opportunity for the resurgent Emirates outfit to extend their recent remarkable run and take a huge stride towards chasing the fourth position, or rather allow the likes of Aguero, David Silva and Jovetic run the show like they did in Arsenal's 6-3 defeat last time we played at the Etihad.

The good thing is the fact that we are unbeaten against the Citizens in the last three outings, with Flamini sparing Arsenal the blushes in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, March last year.

What followed up was the one-sided 3-0 Community Shield win in this season's curtain raiser before the recent two all draw,when Arsenal's poor defending allowed Demichelis to score the equalizer in the game's last minutes.

If only Wenger selected the right army, then we don't care about the designated battle field as long as our cannon is full and our shields well cleaned with the finest of wines. In that case, I don't expect to see the usual Wenger's panic moves where he always alters the team's stability whenever we face the league's big guns, all in the name of tactical appoach.

Of course Ozil is back but apart from the mere ten minutes he got after three months out, what would he do against the likes of Fernando and fernandinho? Ramsey is also fit and so is Walcott, but to be honest if either ended up ousting Rosicky, Cazorla and Sanchez, then we are doomed for sure.
Coquelin has been superb in midfield in a number of past games but with Flamini fit and ready, it should be the perfect moment to rest the young Frenchman since this is where Flamini's experience and no-nonsense nature is dearly needed.

Sanchez has without any doubt, single handedly carried Arsenal to where we are at the moment. A double and an assist against Stoke City was a pure spectacle, which moved the Chilean goal tally to 18 overall with 12 coming in the league.


Cazorla, since the emphatic Galatasaray game, has not settled for less and his influence in Arsenal's midfield will be crucial alongside Sanchez, Rosicky and Oxlade, whose dynamism is incredible. When you look back at Cazorla's goal against City in community shield, you can be assured of another brilliant performance on Sunday.

Arsenal's second biggest traitor, is set to miss the super encounter, with a calf injury something which I think might prove costly to Wenger's men. Why? well every City coach will never hesitate to start Nasri against Arsenal, with the thought that he will be fired up to score or trouble his former employees; but remind me the last or rather that one time Nasri came close to terrorizing Arsenal, with the Frenchman having been forced out of the field after horrible performances well thanks to the gooners constant boos on him.

Now you get my point? Having Samir in City's lineup, it's as good as playing with two goalkeepers on the same pitch, but with the duck out, maybe Milner or Navas will all start and cause us all manner of troubles. But like I always say.. WE ARE ARSENAL! Aguero our seasoned heart breaker is back while captain Kompany is also expected to add some cover in City's back four, again a huge loss to Arsenal, should Mangala, the ever blundering warden, be sacrificed in favour of Kompany.

TEAM NEWS:

The north London club have both right-back Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder) and defensive midfielder Mikel Arteta (ankle/foot) unavailable after surgery this week, while left-back Kieran Gibbs may also miss out with a heel problem.
Defender Calum Chambers, though, should feature having recovered from a recent illness.


MATCH FACTS:

*The last seven Premier League games between City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium have seen 28 goals scored.
*There have been six red cards in the last nine Premier League matches between these two sides.
*Arsenal’s away form this season is patchy with four wins, four defeats and three draws in their 11 Premier League road trips.
*In contrast, City’s home form under Pellegrini has been impressive with 25 wins from 29 Premier League games under his stewardship at the Etihad Stadium (W25 D2 L2).
*Arsenal are the only team to score three goals at the Etihad in a Premier League game during Pellegrini’s reign – but this was in a 3-6 defeat.
*Only Chelsea (11) have won more Premier League games away at City than Arsenal (10).
*Only West Ham (14) have scored more headed goals than the Gunners this season (8).
*City have conceded at least two goals in each of their last two Premier League home games.
*They haven’t shipped two or more goals in three consecutive home Premier League games since October 2002.

My predicted Arsenal lineup: Ospina, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Sanchez, Cazorla, Rosicky, Oxlade, Giroud.

My MCFCvAFC prediction: City 3-3 Arsenal (Sanchez,Cazorla,Rosicky)





Twitter/IG: @Bryoshavin

Arsenal vs Stoke: sombre mood at the Emirates without Podolski

Straight to one of my soon to be numerous rants and #WengerOut hash tags after I sadly witnessed Wenger the sour salt on Gooners' ever widening wounds, send Podolski, the club's most clinical finisher on loan to Inter!

Why Wenger? WHY!! did he come from a lengthy layoff and maybe failed to re-capture his old fortunes in front of goal? not any that I can recall. Has he ever been on the wrong side of the press or controversial off pitch incidences? Well the many any Gooner can remember is his super classy tours to the Highbury stadium as well as his well documented London tour which clearly was a heart warming experience, when a German appreciates a city which his favorite team is playing! 

Then what is it that Poldi ever did to you to deserve all those Arshavin-esque kinda treatments, despite his exploits in the club?






Maybe I know why Wenger rally hates Prince Poldi. Can anyone remember the incidence when a cheerful cheeky Podolski ran towards Wenger and showered his skinny chest with champagne at Wembley? well maybe that's the fucking reason!

Since when Arsenal became a loan feeding team to any European giants?

A world cup winner, a mainstay of Germany’s national team, who has appeared in three European Championships and three World Cups, not forgetting he has passed a remarkable 100-cap mark during Euro 2012, aged 27, becoming the youngest-ever European to do so.

Lukas or like I love referring him; LuCLASS Podolski, Since his £11m move from Cologne to north London, managed to strike 31 goals in 82 games.Despite playing four times during the Gunners' run to the last-16 of the Champions League, the German scoring machine has already scored three times.

Then one Wenger faithful kindly care to explain to me why Campbell, Giroud and Sanogo have to be the rookies spared so as for the poor passionate Podolski, to be used as a scape goat for Wenger's failures in utilizing world class players?

I am literally mad at the old man. Even after scintillating performances whenever Poldi git into the pitch, he always knew he will be warming the bench in the next fixture, however thin the squad might be in the attack.

The FA cup winner and the venomous left foot owner was made to 'enjoy' a mere 99 minutes in the Premier League this season. Can you imagine!.

The new Inter Milan signee only made 60 EPL appearances in two years and managed to score 19 league goals. Poldi despite making 81 total appearances for the Red and white, he left for Inter having made the Arsenal faithfuls around the world celebrate with the AHA specialist, 31 times in front of goal, against teams like, Bayern, Liverpool, West Ham his favorite, Gala among many hot shots. He also incredibly scored 8 Champions League goals in 14 appearances making him one of club's most clinical finisher with a ratio of 1 goal, in every three matches .NUMBERS DON'T LIE!

"I can't express in words my gratitude towards Arsenal fans for all they have done for me," wrote Podolski on Instagram ahead of completing his Inter Milan move.

"Please know my heart always holds a place for you. I've loved every minute playing for Arsenal and I hope I have left my mark on the club and fans alike. Hopefully we shall meet again."

His departure attracted wild criticism around the world and since the players cannot really bark against Wenger in public, at least Ramsey was able to express his dissatisfaction in 'LOUD' Poldi's absence in the locker room.

For sure let's now embrace a sombre mood at the Emirates, with less than three ever smiling and full of life players left to cheer the others as well as maintain players' spirits high, on and off the pitch. Something Prince Poldi did with utmost ease.

Moving on swiftly, Crouch and his fellow giants are travelling to the Emirates in a bid to terrorize Arsenal's short fighters, again with the muscular Podolski not available. The English striker was among the scorers in Arsenal's 2-3 loss at the Brittania Stadium a month ago.

Well with Arsenal nearly recouping the three points courtesy of a Cazorla's penalty and an Aaron Ramsey volley, we can all be assured of another entertaining match on a cold kissed Emirates turf.

 Mesut Ozil who makes his return today after a three month lay off, inspired Arsenal on his Emirates debut last season when a trio of his set pieces saw Arsenal snatch a comfortable 3-1 win over the Potters courtesy of Mertesacker, Ramsey and Bakary Sagna. Something the German international will be hoping to repeat should Wenger opt to start him.

Another silly and naive defense performance at the back by the gunners won't be tolerated, considering that Southampton hugely benefited from that, in their 2-0 win at St. Marys a fortnight ago. One smoker by the name Szczesny had a philanthropic night, stupidly on racing Mane and then opting to track back to have a clear view of the goal he did absolutely nothing to keep out. What irked me is not only his poor decision making, but his reaction after he again assisted the second goal, when he shamelessly drew his water bottle and take a hero's sip after his legendary horror show.

At least the embattled Mertesacker repaid the gooners with a well taken header against our FA Cup beaten finalists, hull city in our first match at the Emirates on Sunday, before a beautifully curved goal by the only Sanchez made sure Arsenal got the deserved morale boosting win as well as the perfect chance for Wenger to finally decide whether to continue with Szczesny or Ospina in goal.

TEAM NEWS:

"Aaron Ramsey is back in training, Mesut Ozil is back in training, Mathieu Flamini is back in training - so we have got three players back.
"Danny Welbeck (thigh) is still not available for Sunday - he's a bit short. Maybe next week he will be available.
"Olivier Giroud is back from suspension so we have got a bigger squad than last week."

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Stoke have lost on each of their last 12 league and cup trips to Arsenal, six of which have been in the Premier League.
• The Potters are vying to win a third straight league game in this fixture for the first time since 1951.

Arsenal

• Defeat at Southampton on New Year's Day ended their four-match unbeaten Premier League run (W3, D1).
• Arsenal have lost just one of their last 27 Premier League games at the Emirates (W18, D8) since the opening day of the 2013-14 season.
• The Gunners have scored in every home league match so far, a feat only matched by Chelsea and Manchester United.
• Thirty three points after 20 games is Arsenal's lowest points tally in the league since 1994-95, when they finished 12th.
• Mesut Ozil's set-pieces were the source of all three Arsenal goals in their 3-1 win over Stoke at the Emirates last season. It was his home debut for the Gunners.

Stoke

• Stoke have taken 11 points from the last 18 available (W3, D2, L1).
• Fifteen of Stoke's 22 league goals have been scored in the first half of their matches.
• No team has conceded more goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season than Stoke (11, includes penalties).
• Peter Crouch has scored eight Premier League goals against Arsenal, his joint-highest tally against a particular opponent, along with Blackburn.
• Mark Hughes has been beaten in all seven of his matches as an opposition coach at the Emirates (with five different clubs).

 My team prediction:
Ospina, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Sanchez, CazorlaChamberlain, Walcott, Giroud.

My AFCvSCFC Predictions: Arsenal 3-1 Stoke City (Sanchez, Cazorla, Giroud)

@bryoshavin