Arsenal 0 Everton 0 Match Report & Match Highlights

16th April 2013 By Jeff @ArsenalTrend


 Arsenal wasted a chance to cement their place in the Premier League's top four as the Gunners were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton on Tuesday. Arsene Wenger's side would have moved four points clear of fifth placed Tottenham with a win at the Emirates Stadium. But they were forced to settle for a point as obdurate Everton's physical approach succeeded in frustrating the hosts. Third placed Arsenal are now two points clear of Chelsea and Tottenham in the race to qualify for the Champions League. 

However Arsenal still have plenty of work to do as Chelsea have two games in hand on Wenger's team, while Tottenham have played a game less than their north London rivals. Everton remain in sixth place, two points behind Chelsea having played two games more, and a spot in the Europa League now looks their best bet. David Moyes' men should have taken the lead in the opening moments when Steven Pienaar eluded the statuesque Bacary Sagna and raced onto Seamus Coleman's pass. But with just Wojciech Szczesny to beat, the South African midfielder lifted his shot high over the crossbar. Despite admitting he had rushed Jack Wilshere back from an ankle injury too quickly, Wenger gave the England midfielder his second appearance in four days. And the Frenchman was wincing as Wilshere came in for some rough treatment in the early stages.


Crunching challenges from Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas left Wilshere writhing on the turf while Wenger leapt to his feet to berate referee Neil Swarbrick for failing to afford his player more protection. Everton's aggressive approach had knocked Arsenal out of their rhythm and it took a mistake from Marouane Fellaini to gift the Gunners their first sight of goal. Fellaini's wayward pass was collected by Kieran Gibbs in space on the edge of the penalty area, but the left-back's powerful strike flashed over the bar. Everton's attempts to stifle Arsenal were becoming increasingly crude and Darron Gibson's foul on Theo Walcott finally brought a booking from Swarbrick. Gibson was fortunate to avoid being sent off for a second booking soon after when he barged into Walcott with no attempt to play the ball. Swarbrick settled for a quiet word with the Everton midfielder, in the process infuriating the increasingly exasperated Wenger, who made his feelings clear to fourth official Kevin Friend.


The temperature rose even higher when Pienaar was booked for taking out Walcott. But Victor Anichebe went close to opening the scoring when his shot from Barkley's pass was blocked by Szczesny. The best chance of the half fell to Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud. Aaron Ramsey's burst down the right produced a teasing low cross that picked out Giroud, only for the France international to drag his close-range effort woefully wide. Santi Cazorla threatened for Arsenal early in the second half as the Spaniard's half-volley forced a good save from Tim Howard and moments later Giroud clipped a first-time shot narrowly over.

Everton went even closer in the 65th minute when Barkley worked space for a superb strike that beat Szczesny but curled agonisingly past the far post. Wenger responded by taking off Wilshere and Walcott, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski coming on. Oxlade-Chamberlain should have made an immediate impact when Cazorla's pass sent the England winger through on goal, but instead of shooting he opted to pass to Giroud, allowing Coleman to get back and clear. Arsenal had Moyes' side on the ropes, yet couldn't deliver the knockout blow as Giroud lashed over from a tight angle.


After the game Wenger said "We had the chances to win the game, we can only look at ourselves. We must come back in the next game and win it." "We dropped two points but if we win our coming games we will get there. We can't depend on the other teams." Wenger concluded. Arsenal must now forget the stalemate against Everton quickly and look forward to another tough challenge at Craven Cottage where the Gunners must defeat Fulham to keep their top 4 chances alive and in their hands.

Mikel Arteta on the game : "It was two points that got away. It was a big battle and we had the better chances and better play. We were unlucky not to score. There is a lot to play for, if Everton won they were right in the mix. They are physically very strong.

"When we had our chances we didn't hit the target and that's why we didn't get the points. The pressure is on every team, Chelsea and Spurs have got tough games coming up. David Moyes is doing an unbelievable job at Everton. He has a chance of Europe and he deserves a lot of credit."

Martin Keown said on Five Live :

Darron Gibson should definitely have been sent off. That's a rugby challenge. He got it very wrong but he's a lucky boy to be still on the pitch.

Arsenal : Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs (Monreal 90), Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere (Oxlade-Chamberlain 68), Cazorla, Walcott (Podolski 69), Giroud Subs not used: Mannone, Vermaelen, Rosicky, Gervinho

Booked: Arteta, Monreal

Everton: Howard, Baines, Gibson, Jagielka, Mirallas (Oviedo 90), Distin, Barkley (Jelavic 76), Pienaar, Coleman, Fellaini, Anichebe (Naismith 90) Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Hitzlsperger, Neville

Booked: Gibson, Pienaar, Barkley
Referee: Neil Swarbrick 
Attendance: 60,071

Join in with our Arsenal community, we have connected with the Disqus comment system, it is now easier to comment on our posts to connect and talk with the Arsenal fans around the world. You can now post a comment using your Social Networks plugins or if you don't want to leave your name you can sign in as a guest. Leave your comments on the game, are you still confident we can still finish top 4? Should Wilshere been on the bench for today's game? Who was your MOTM ? vote now on the right hand side of the page. Do you think Wenger was right to put Podolski back on the bench?

Arsenal 0 vs Everton 0 Match Pictures

16th April 2013 By ArsenalSupremo



Starting line up

Match Highlights : Under 21's : Wolves 2 Arsenal 3 - Sanchez Watt last minute goal seals all three points

16th April 2013 By ArsenalSupremo


Match Date 15.04.13 : Arsenal U21's provided a entertaining clash against Wolverhampton where Sanchez Watt scored a last minute winning goal to seal all three points for the young guns. Arsenal had took a 2-0 lead both goals coming from inform Chuba Akpom (37,39), going into half time it look like it was going to be an easy three points however just before the hour mark of the game Wolves got back into it with a headed goal from Winnall. Just three minutes later Boateng received a red card for a professional foul which meant that captain Nico Yennaris had to fill in at centre back.

Arsenal had coped quite well after going to a man down but 10 minutes later Wolves drew level as Evans headed in a goal after Martinez failed to clear the ball probably. Although with a man down in the final stages of the match Arsenal finished the game stronger and stole all three points virtually the last kick of the game as substitute Sanchez Watt slid the ball home under the keeper from 12 yards to seal a hard fought win at Wolverhampton.

The Manager Steve Gatting spoke to Arsenal.com after the game and here is what he had to say :

In the end we got away with the correct result. It was a good performance. I think we passed the ball very well in the first half and created lots of chances. Once we went down to 10 men, it was difficult but the boys showed a lot of character at the end to force a third goal.

Chuba's scored a good chunk of goals. I thought his second one was an excellent team goal. We passed it well with good interplay through midfield. The through ball was good and the finish was very good.

Twitter Reaction From The Players

Teams

Wolves : Cotman, Cranston, Reckord, Evans, Tank, Ihiekwe (capt), Whittall, Price, Winnall, Parry (Keita 74), Bihmoutine (Moli 82).

Unused subs: Flatt, Iorfa, O’Hanlon.
Booking: Moli (85 – foul).

Arsenal : Martinez, Wynter, Meade, Yennaris (capt), Hajrovic, Boateng, Ansah (Watt 45), Olsson, Akpom, Zelalem, Gnabry (Eastmond 86).

Unused subs: Ormonde-Ottewill, Iliev, Rees.
Booking: Yennaris (45+1 foul)
Sending-Off: Boateng (61 – professional foul).
Referee: S. Plane.
Attendance: 290

Jack Wilshere : I will be back to my best very soon

16th April 2013 by ArsenalSupremo


Jack Wilshere last Saturday against Norwich came back from a 6 week injury and failed to live up to expectations with a disappointing display by his standards but in my opinion I felt that he was rushed far too early and should of at least been on the bench. Jack Wilshere himself knows it will take him time to get back to his best. Here is what he had to say :

“Obviously it’s good to be back, but it’s going to take time to get back to where I was," said Wilshere. "I know it was only six weeks but you still lose your match sharpness and it takes a few games to come. But it’s always nice to come back to a home game.

“I’m feeling fine. I needed the game on Saturday and am happy the boss gave it to me. The plan was always that I’d play an hour. I don’t know what the boss will do [against Everton] - if he plays me then I’m fit and ready, and otherwise I’ll be ready to contribute from the bench if needed."

"It was frustrating, because I was flying just before I got injured in March," he said. "I felt good, confident, and then picked up another injury. Things then drag a little and you lose your sharpness.

"But this time it wasn’t anything like as long as the one before, so hopefully this time I can get it back more quickly.

"You always need your first game out of the way. I wasn’t great [against Norwich], I know it myself, I’m better than that, but you need to get that first game so your sharpness and understanding come back."

"We’ve got Everton now which is big, a really important one, and if we win then we’re in a good position," said Wilshere. "But even then we’re definitely not over the line, we’ve got some tough games coming up.

"Fulham away will be tough, and then we’ve got Manchester United - we obviously don’t want them winning the league at Emirates Stadium, so we’ll be up for that.

Arsene Wenger also spoke about how he felt he did rush his recovery here is what he had to say on the situation :

“I rushed Jack back a bit, he was not completely ready,” the manager told Arsenal Player. “How careful must I be? To listen well to the medical advice and that is what I have to do.

“Use him when everything is alright and listen to him as well, how he feels. He has been out for six weeks, so maybe it was a bit too rushed what I did.

Quotes from www.arsenal.com

EXCLUSIVE : The Arsenal Supporters Trust meeting held today Monday 15th of April 2013

15th April 2013 Exclusive brought to you by Jeff @ArsenalTrend


The Arsenal Supporters Trust was dominated by lots of revelations by special guest journalist Amy Lawrence- @amylawrence71 (Football Writer for Guardian) and also a respected Arsenal Fan. Meeting started with distribution to AST members a copy of letter that was sent to Premier League Chief Scudamore from Premier League Supporters Trust raising issues on away ticket prices. Section of the letter suggests "action must be taken by Premier League and its members to preserve the significant benefits to the game that the culture of away supporters bring."

The letter also suggests "there should be consideration to ensure away tickets cost no more than the clubs lowest home fan ticket." Another suggestion from a copy of letter that was sent to Premier League Chief Scudamore includes that "away ticket prices should reduced with commercial sponsor contributing funds to cover any shortfall." Focus from today's Arsenal's Supporters Trust meeting then turned to special guest of the day Amy Lawrence.

She started by pointing out how Arsène Wenger has changed the way he deals with the media. Amy Lawrence says Wenger has become "a lot more reserved recently and more edgy. He now takes criticism more personally, from being open and inspiring to being more reserved in recent years." According to Amy Lawrence, the Arsenal board had repeatedly offered to buy players or make more funds available to Arsène Wenger but he always declined.

Also in her words, current Arsenal board (whom almost all are above seventy years (70), old), definitely with no intentions to relieve Arsene Wenger of his duties or make any change at managerial level regardless of the clubs position at the end of the season. It all depends on Arsene Wenger regarding if he will want to continue as the clubs manager, as he's already being offered a new contract but its unlikely Wenger will sign a contract this summer. Amy Lawrence said the wage structure at Arsenal is completely determined and managed by Arsène Wenger.

Decisions to players wages are solely his. Amy Lawrence also claims she could have easily have published some very revealing and uncomfortable quotes from Szczesny in her recent article after an exclusive interview with him, but she didn't. Amy Lawrence said there was a lot of things Szczesny said in the interview that as an Arsenal fan she felt it was not right to publish. These include not being motivated enough when playing against Stoke City and also about Szczesny's encounters with Spurs fans in the streets. A member who traveled down to London from the United States, @christoronyi points out that Kroenke doesnt put money into any of his teams in US and he only rely's on TV revenue to execute the business of his Sport Ventures.

The key highlight of the night was news about Arsenal have lack of signing new players in January is apparently because the club want to spend 'big' in the summer. Amy Lawrence said Arsenal the club is planning a substantial spree this summer. Other important News to note is that Arsenal will announce new improvements to the club's "Ticket Exchange" scheme next month.

Follow for more Exclusives

Arsenal vs Everton Match Preview

15th April By Jeff @ArsenalTrend 


Match Date 16.04.2013 

Europe will be on the minds of both managers as Arsenal take on Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening 15th April 2013. Arsenal (17-8-7) are currently third in the Premier League table with 59 points - one more than London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham. Everton (14-13-5) are in sixth place - only four points behind the Gunners - and have joined the late-season race to secure a top-four finish and entry into next season's lucrative Champions League. In-form Arsenal have won their last four Premier League matches and picked up 21 of a possible 24 points in recent weeks.

The Gunners rallied from a goal down to score three goals in the last five minutes and beat Norwich City 3-1 at the Emirates on Saturday. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger hailed his side's grit and determination to secure their comeback victory against the Canaries, but warned they must keep on winning to secure their place in Europe. "We knew Norwich were strong on set-pieces and they punished us," Wenger told reporters after the match. "After that we needed spirit and we needed as well nerves. We have shown both I think and in the end got a win we deserved. "At the moment, the position is not important, has no real meaning, what is important for us is to keep our run going and the consistency of our wins. We have another big game on Tuesday night and have a good opportunity that we want to take."


Everton (14-13-5) claimed their fourth win in five league matches Saturday when they beat bottom-club Queens Park Rangers 2-0 at home with goals either side of half-time from Darron Gibson and Victor Anichebe. David Moyes' future as Everton manager has been the subject of much media speculation in recent weeks. His current contract with the Merseyside club expires at the end of season, and the 49-year-old Scot has said recently that European qualification will play a big factor in deciding whether or not he signs a new deal with the Toffees.

Moyes was pleased with Everton's victory against QPR but remains cautious about the Toffees' chances of finishing in the top four. "It's a really important three points, I was worried about today's game." Moyes said in his comments to reporters after the match. "QPR have a lot to play for but they are nearly getting to a situation where there's not much to play for. "I think if we beat Arsenal in midweek we can talk about the Champions League but if we lose we are more talking about trying, if possible, to finish in that Europa League place."

While Everton have been a dominant force at home this season - suffering just one defeat in 17 league matches - Moyes' side have struggled at times away from Goodison. The Toffees have won only four of 15 away Premier League games this term and are winless in their last four road matches. The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park in November. England forward Theo Walcott gave the Gunners the lead after just 57 seconds, before Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini equalized for the Merseysiders on the half-hour. Arsenal have won 12 of their last 14 home matches against Everton played in all competitions. There have been 187 previous matches between the two sides, with Arsenal winning 94 and Everton 54. The other 39 games were drawn.


Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wants the Arsenal now to stamp their authority on the race for the Champions League places and also praised the team's fighting team spirit in the last game to beat Norwich from a goal down he said :

"That typifies us at the moment. We really have built that team spirit, solidarity and winning mentality. We never give up until it's over,”

"We just want to win every game that comes our way. That's the best way to put pressure on the teams around us. We can't worry about what they're doing and what their results are. We can only control our own results.

"We looked after that against Norwich and now it will be another tough game against Everton on Tuesday.

“You can't get caught up looking around at other teams in the table. You have to concentrate on yourselves and on the next match because it can all change very quickly.

"We have to focus on each game as it comes and Everton is another big one for us and another good opportunity for us to stamp our authority.”

Arsene Wenger wants the players to carry on with the form and looks for a strong finish to the Premier     League.

“At the moment the position is not important,” Wenger was quoted after the match. “What is important is to keep our run going.

“At the moment, the team that is the most consistent will get there. We have the most consistency.

“Finishing in the top four is a question of nerve. Today was a balance of nerves, quality and intelligence. We didn’t do anything stupid when we were 1-0 down. That side of the game is important.

Join in with our Arsenal community, we have connected with the Disqus comment system, it is now easier to comment on our posts to connect and talk with the Arsenal fans around the world. You can now post a comment using your Social Networks plugins or if you don't want to leave your name you can sign in as a guest. Will we finish 3rd at the end of the season? What are your score predictions for the game?


Arsenal 3 Norwich 1 : Thomas Vermaelen & Olivier Giroud give their post match reaction

14th April 2013 By ArsenalSupremo


Captain Thomas Vermaelen wants the Arsenal to carry on the great run of form as the race for the Champions League places heats up. The Gunners are now gone on a 4 game winning streak since beating Bayern Munich in the second leg. Here is what Vermaelen had to say :

“In the second half we conceded a goal and we've shown before that we always fight back. You could see that today and we scored three good goals at the end.

“Norwich were not really dangerous in front of goal. Their goal was their first attempt but we knew they were strong at set-pieces and we conceded a goal from one today. That's a bit of a shame but I think we came back really strong.


Scorer of the second goal Olivier Giroud spoke to the Arsenal player on his delight of getting all three points and pointed to the Arsenal's never say die attitude the reason for the comeback. 

“We feel relieved tonight because we had a bad start,” he told Arsenal Player. “We had some chances to score but we didn't succeed to in the first half.

“In the second half, Norwich scored from a free-kick. We knew [that was where they are strong] so we need to be more concentrated at set pieces. Fortunately we had a good run and succeeded to score three times.

“We never give up and we try to play until the end of the game so it's one of our qualities.



Join in with our Arsenal community, we have connected with the Disqus comment system, it is now easier to comment on our posts to connect and talk with the Arsenal fans around the world. You can now post a comment using your Social Networks plugins or if you don't want to leave your name you can sign in as a guest. What did you think of the game? Was it a penalty? Are we going to finish 4th or 3rd? let us know below!
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