السبت، 5 مارس 2011
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium Saturday, March 05, 2011, 15:00
Arsenal missed an opportunity to put real pressure Manchester United when they could only grind out a frustrating goalless draw with Sunderland at Emirates Stadium.
This result actually inches Arsène Wenger’s side three points behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. But the hope this afternoon had been to be breathing down the neck of the Old Trafford outfit before they travel to rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Sunderland started the better but Arsenal dominated the final three-quarters of a tough, tight encounter. Substitute Marouane Chamakh came closest when he thundered a header against the bar in the 75th minute.
But visiting keeper Simon Mignolet saved well from Samir Nasri’s second-half free-kick. Meanwhile Andrey Arshavin might have been awarded a penalty and ‘scored’ after being controversially flagged offside.
Sunderland went close through Danny Wellbeck and Jordan Henderson. But their game-plan this afternoon was to hassle and harry Arsenal out of their stride while keeping matters miserly at the back.
This result actually inches Arsène Wenger’s side three points behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. But the hope this afternoon had been to be breathing down the neck of the Old Trafford outfit before they travel to rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Sunderland started the better but Arsenal dominated the final three-quarters of a tough, tight encounter. Substitute Marouane Chamakh came closest when he thundered a header against the bar in the 75th minute.
But visiting keeper Simon Mignolet saved well from Samir Nasri’s second-half free-kick. Meanwhile Andrey Arshavin might have been awarded a penalty and ‘scored’ after being controversially flagged offside.
Sunderland went close through Danny Wellbeck and Jordan Henderson. But their game-plan this afternoon was to hassle and harry Arsenal out of their stride while keeping matters miserly at the back.
It was frustrating fare but it did the job. Arsenal lacked a certain cutting edge this afternoon but their endeavour cannot be questioned.
This is a bump on the road to the Premier League title but hardly a breakdown. Manchester United’s response will be critical and Wenger’s men can ill-afford to dwell on what might have been.
They must simply dust themselves down and carry on.
Wenger made eight changes from the thumping 5-0 win over Leyton Orient in midweek. The FA Cup tie had started the process of recovery after that horrible Carling Cup defeat the previous weekend. But any other treatment would have to be running repairs.
This was the first of three massive games in three competitions over the course of the next eight days and the manager had been crystal clear in belief that this one was the most important.
In terms of the team, only Abou Diaby, Denilsonand Nicklas Bendtner remained from the Orient game. Wojciech Szczesny, Bacary Sagna, Jack Wilshere, Johan Djourou, Arshavin and Gael Clichy all returned. Laurent Koscielny was passed fit after a hamstring injury. Nasri was captain.
Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) and Alex Song (knee) were out today but remain hopeful for Barcelona.Robin van Persie (knee) and Theo Walcott (ankle) will be missing for a few weeks more.
However, perhaps the biggest news was the return of Aaron Ramsey. The Welshman had been on the bench in January but, since then, he had enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Cardiff.
Arsenal came into this game trying to the close the gap at the top. Meanwhile Sunderland were trying to arrest a run of four straight defeats.
But it was the visitors who started the better.
In the second minute, Henderson’s low right-wing cross was nearly converted by Steed Malbranque at the near post. Shortly afterwards a Sunderland corner was half-cleared to Phil Bardsley, who rifled a shot wide.
After 10 minutes, Arsenal finally woke up. Clichy curled a low cross inches beyond the outstretched leg of Bendtner. Nasri collected the rebound and fired into the chest of Mignolet.
But Sunderland were still playing with a confidence that belied their recent results. Stephane Sessegnon’s drive forced a flying save from Szczesny and then Malbranque was denied by Djourou at the near post.
However, as the game wore on, Arsenal gradually gained control. Just before the half-hour, Arshavin raced onto a lofted through-ball from Wilshere but a combination of Titus Bramble and Mignolet cleared up the danger.
Ten minutes from half-time, Nasri weaved his way to the byline but, when he tried to cut back the ball, Bardlsey blocked at the near post. When the corner came over, Djourou’s flick fell nicely for Bendtner but his point-blank bicycle kick was straight at Mignolet.
Arsenal were starting to come on strong now. In the 40th minute, Wilshere chipped Bendtner into space on the right. The Dane fired a dipping volley inches over the bar from an acute angle.
It had been a frustrating half but at least the home side had ended it in the ascendancy.
After the restart, they tried to impose themselves in the same way but Sunderland had their sleeves rolled up this afternoon.
The first 15 minutes was a scrappy affair with few chances but decent pressure from both sides.
Unsurprisingly, Wenger decided to make changes. Chamakh replaced Denilson and went up front. Bendtner dropped wide and Nasri came into central midfield.
The Moroccan was immediately involved. He escaped down the right and cut the ball back from Arshavin, who shot was beaten away by Mignolet.
Time was ticking on and Arsenal needed a goal. In the 72nd minute, Sessegnon’s foul on Koscielny gave them an opportunity just outside the area. Nasri’s free-kick was beaten away by the Sunderland stopper.
Three minutes later, they would come even closer. Wilshere drifted a ball to the far post and Chamakh crashed a header against the bar.
Back-to-back opportunities injected a momentum into Arsenal’s game. The crowd now sensed this was the moment. Just before Tomas Rosicky replaced Diaby, Sagna fired over at the far post.
As we entered the final 10 minutes, Arsenal had a massive chance. Arshavin raced through in the left-hand channel with Bramble in pursuit. The Englishman was tangling with the Russian all the way and, as he stumbled, pushed the Arsenal striker who shanked his shot wide.
This is a bump on the road to the Premier League title but hardly a breakdown. Manchester United’s response will be critical and Wenger’s men can ill-afford to dwell on what might have been.
They must simply dust themselves down and carry on.
Wenger made eight changes from the thumping 5-0 win over Leyton Orient in midweek. The FA Cup tie had started the process of recovery after that horrible Carling Cup defeat the previous weekend. But any other treatment would have to be running repairs.
This was the first of three massive games in three competitions over the course of the next eight days and the manager had been crystal clear in belief that this one was the most important.
In terms of the team, only Abou Diaby, Denilsonand Nicklas Bendtner remained from the Orient game. Wojciech Szczesny, Bacary Sagna, Jack Wilshere, Johan Djourou, Arshavin and Gael Clichy all returned. Laurent Koscielny was passed fit after a hamstring injury. Nasri was captain.
Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) and Alex Song (knee) were out today but remain hopeful for Barcelona.Robin van Persie (knee) and Theo Walcott (ankle) will be missing for a few weeks more.
However, perhaps the biggest news was the return of Aaron Ramsey. The Welshman had been on the bench in January but, since then, he had enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Cardiff.
Arsenal came into this game trying to the close the gap at the top. Meanwhile Sunderland were trying to arrest a run of four straight defeats.
But it was the visitors who started the better.
In the second minute, Henderson’s low right-wing cross was nearly converted by Steed Malbranque at the near post. Shortly afterwards a Sunderland corner was half-cleared to Phil Bardsley, who rifled a shot wide.
After 10 minutes, Arsenal finally woke up. Clichy curled a low cross inches beyond the outstretched leg of Bendtner. Nasri collected the rebound and fired into the chest of Mignolet.
But Sunderland were still playing with a confidence that belied their recent results. Stephane Sessegnon’s drive forced a flying save from Szczesny and then Malbranque was denied by Djourou at the near post.
However, as the game wore on, Arsenal gradually gained control. Just before the half-hour, Arshavin raced onto a lofted through-ball from Wilshere but a combination of Titus Bramble and Mignolet cleared up the danger.
Ten minutes from half-time, Nasri weaved his way to the byline but, when he tried to cut back the ball, Bardlsey blocked at the near post. When the corner came over, Djourou’s flick fell nicely for Bendtner but his point-blank bicycle kick was straight at Mignolet.
Arsenal were starting to come on strong now. In the 40th minute, Wilshere chipped Bendtner into space on the right. The Dane fired a dipping volley inches over the bar from an acute angle.
It had been a frustrating half but at least the home side had ended it in the ascendancy.
After the restart, they tried to impose themselves in the same way but Sunderland had their sleeves rolled up this afternoon.
The first 15 minutes was a scrappy affair with few chances but decent pressure from both sides.
Unsurprisingly, Wenger decided to make changes. Chamakh replaced Denilson and went up front. Bendtner dropped wide and Nasri came into central midfield.
The Moroccan was immediately involved. He escaped down the right and cut the ball back from Arshavin, who shot was beaten away by Mignolet.
Time was ticking on and Arsenal needed a goal. In the 72nd minute, Sessegnon’s foul on Koscielny gave them an opportunity just outside the area. Nasri’s free-kick was beaten away by the Sunderland stopper.
Three minutes later, they would come even closer. Wilshere drifted a ball to the far post and Chamakh crashed a header against the bar.
Back-to-back opportunities injected a momentum into Arsenal’s game. The crowd now sensed this was the moment. Just before Tomas Rosicky replaced Diaby, Sagna fired over at the far post.
As we entered the final 10 minutes, Arsenal had a massive chance. Arshavin raced through in the left-hand channel with Bramble in pursuit. The Englishman was tangling with the Russian all the way and, as he stumbled, pushed the Arsenal striker who shanked his shot wide.
It could have been a goal, it could have been a penalty. In the end it was neither.
Sunderland’s attacking had been limited in the second half but they would fashion two quick efforts. Substitute Wellbeck swiveled and sent a sharp shot towards the far post. Szczesny pushed it wide. From the corner, the keeper used his chest to block a shot from Henderson.
When the final whistle went, Arsenal were deflated, Sunderland delighted.
That tells the story of the game.
This was a deeply disappointing draw but this Premier League story will have a few more plot-twists before May.
Sunderland’s attacking had been limited in the second half but they would fashion two quick efforts. Substitute Wellbeck swiveled and sent a sharp shot towards the far post. Szczesny pushed it wide. From the corner, the keeper used his chest to block a shot from Henderson.
When the final whistle went, Arsenal were deflated, Sunderland delighted.
That tells the story of the game.
This was a deeply disappointing draw but this Premier League story will have a few more plot-twists before May.
Wenger - Defence will be key in Nou Camp
Arsène Wenger knows that Arsenal will need a flawless defensive display to fend off Barcelona on Tuesday.
The Frenchman takes his team to the Nou Camp this week for the decisive leg of a Champions League last-16 tie that his side leads 2-1 after a thrilling victory at Emirates Stadium last month.
Arsenal lost 4-1 in Barcelona last season to succumb 6-3 on aggregate in the Quarter-Finals but, on that occasion, Wenger was without two centre backs plus his strongest defensive midfielder, Alex Song.
Thomas Vermaelen will not be fit in time for Tuesday but Wenger should have more options this time and he thinks it could make the difference. Not that Arsenal will look to sit on their slender advantage.
The Frenchman takes his team to the Nou Camp this week for the decisive leg of a Champions League last-16 tie that his side leads 2-1 after a thrilling victory at Emirates Stadium last month.
Arsenal lost 4-1 in Barcelona last season to succumb 6-3 on aggregate in the Quarter-Finals but, on that occasion, Wenger was without two centre backs plus his strongest defensive midfielder, Alex Song.
Thomas Vermaelen will not be fit in time for Tuesday but Wenger should have more options this time and he thinks it could make the difference. Not that Arsenal will look to sit on their slender advantage.
"It will be very important for us to defend well because when you go to the most effective attacking team in the world, you want to have your best defenders available," he said.
"We will look to defend well and attack well. We are not a team that will refuse to attack, we know that.
"The challenge will be to find the right balance between having a team who can defend, as well as one that has a good opportunity, every time it has the ball, to go forward."
"The challenge will be to find the right balance between having a team who can defend, as well as one that has a good opportunity, every time it has the ball, to go forward."
Ramsey, Koscielny back to face Sunderland
The Wales midfielder has not kicked a ball for the first team since he was stretchered off with a double leg fracture at Stoke City last February but that could change this weekend.
Ramsey is back from a successful loan spell with his former club Cardiff and he is one of two notable inclusions in Arsène Wenger's squad: Laurent Koscielny also returns from a hamstring injury.
"The team news is that we do not have Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, Robin van Persie plus of course the former injuries like Vermaelen," said Wenger at his pre-match press conference.
"Aaron Ramsey is back in the squad for tomorrow, Koscielny is back in the squad as well. That is basically it."
Wenger 'learned a lot' in last nine days
The last nine days have been dramatic and instructive for Arsène Wenger.
Arsenal kicked off that period with a battling Premier League win over Stoke but then slumped to defeat in the Carling Cup Final before picking themselves up to beat Leyton Orient 5-0 in the FA Cup.
Like his players, Wenger has been through a rollercoaster of emotions during the journey from Emirates Stadium to Wembley and back again - and he believes his squad has shown they have what it takes to put last Sunday’s setback behind them.
“I have learned a lot because every game teaches you things about your team,” reflected Wenger ahead of the Sunderland game.
“I feel that in the last nine days we have gone through highs and lows and what makes the life of a team and a player is how you resist negative emotions and keep your attitude aligned with your goals.
“You could see on Wednesday night [against Leyton Orient] that this team is mentally very strong and hungry for success and we look forward. We want to grow stronger and stronger. How the team responded to Sunday’s disappointment is remarkable.
“It is [good that we have a run of games]. Three days later we had a game, we won it 5-0 and it looked to me like we played the Carling Cup Final six months ago because now we are just focused on tomorrow’s game.”
The players were at a low ebb as they trooped out of Wembley last weekend and Wenger admits that some of them needed their spirits lifted in the wake of Birmingham’s surprise 2-1 win.
“With some individuals who were a bit more down, yes [I spoke to them]. Overall, not tremendously because we have so many high targets in front of us that the team is highly-focused.
“This team is for me top quality and hungry for success. We promised ourselves to give absolutely everything until the end of the season and that is what we want to do and that is what we will do.”
Arsenal kicked off that period with a battling Premier League win over Stoke but then slumped to defeat in the Carling Cup Final before picking themselves up to beat Leyton Orient 5-0 in the FA Cup.
Like his players, Wenger has been through a rollercoaster of emotions during the journey from Emirates Stadium to Wembley and back again - and he believes his squad has shown they have what it takes to put last Sunday’s setback behind them.
“I have learned a lot because every game teaches you things about your team,” reflected Wenger ahead of the Sunderland game.
“I feel that in the last nine days we have gone through highs and lows and what makes the life of a team and a player is how you resist negative emotions and keep your attitude aligned with your goals.
“You could see on Wednesday night [against Leyton Orient] that this team is mentally very strong and hungry for success and we look forward. We want to grow stronger and stronger. How the team responded to Sunday’s disappointment is remarkable.
“It is [good that we have a run of games]. Three days later we had a game, we won it 5-0 and it looked to me like we played the Carling Cup Final six months ago because now we are just focused on tomorrow’s game.”
The players were at a low ebb as they trooped out of Wembley last weekend and Wenger admits that some of them needed their spirits lifted in the wake of Birmingham’s surprise 2-1 win.
“With some individuals who were a bit more down, yes [I spoke to them]. Overall, not tremendously because we have so many high targets in front of us that the team is highly-focused.
“This team is for me top quality and hungry for success. We promised ourselves to give absolutely everything until the end of the season and that is what we want to do and that is what we will do.”
Wenger wins Manager of the Month Award
The Frenchman guided his team to ten points from a possible 12 in the Premier League as well as a historic victory over Barcelona in the Champions League.
The award comes at the end of a month that started with a 2-1 win at home to Everton but ended with the Carling Cup Final defeat at the hands of Birmingham.
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