Arsenal Grind out a Composed 2:0 Victory at the Villa Park

 

Arsenal earned an important 2-0 win against Aston Villa at Villa Park this evening, banishing the ghosts of their defeat there last season.

The first half was both tense and tightly contested, with Arsenal unable to make the most of their dominant possession.

Eager to attack, the Gunners frequently pushed forward, but Aston Villa countered quickly, nearly scoring on several occasions. Ollie Watkins’ glaring miss was crucial in keeping Arsenal level early on.

Morgan Rodgers emerged as a significant threat for Arsenal, utilizing his direct runs in midfield alongside Leon Bailey's menace, which caused issues for William Saliba and Thomas Partey, leading to Declan Rice receiving a yellow card just before halftime, with neither team managing to find the net.

In the second half, Aston Villa remained resilient, but Arsenal showcased their experience, successfully holding off their opponents, though they were fortunate not to fall behind at least once.

A pivotal moment came when David Raya executed a stunning save to deny Watkins, which arguably shifted the momentum in favor of Arsenal.

Villa’s inability to convert their chances proved costly when Leandro Trossard netted the opener.

Despite a flurry of substitutions from Villa, Arsenal maintained their grip on the match and secured their victory with a second goal from Thomas Partey, who was once again aided by Trossard.

Although Villa put Arsenal’s defense to the test, the backline—especially Saliba—performed exceptionally well, ensuring a clean sheet that reflected their solid display.

This victory marks another away win for the Gunners in 2024, continuing their unbeaten league run on the road this year.

New Season Predict and Win Game

 Welcome to a brand new season Arsenal fans, a season that holds so much promise and hope of finally winning the league title. Our first huddle in achieving this goal is Wolves who we face at the Emirates today

Predict the scoreline of the match and stand a chance of being one of the two lucky winners of $20 each.

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Arsenal Wrapped Up Their Preseason Friendlies With a Comfortable 2:0 Against Lyon.

 Arsenal concluded their pre-season with a 2-0 win over French side Lyon, successfully defending the Emirates Cup.

The Gunners had an early chance when Bukayo Saka directed a header from a Martinelli cross on target, but it was easily caught by the goalkeeper. Arsenal controlled the game, generating several corners as they pressed into Lyon's half.

The breakthrough arrived in the 9th minute from one of those set-pieces, as William Saliba rose to head in a delivery from Declan Rice, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

Another corner from Rice caused problems for Lyon, with Saliba again posing a threat in the box. Saka had another header from a Zinchenko cross, but it went wide of the far post. Rice then attempted a long-range shot, which was comfortably saved. A brilliant play by Odegaard allowed Martinelli to break through, but a Lyon defender blocked his cross intended for Havertz. However, from the resulting corner, Arsenal extended their lead. Rice delivered another excellent ball, and Gabriel powered in a header to make it 2-0.

Arsenal nearly scored a third when a superb pass from Havertz sent Martinelli racing through, but a defender managed to disrupt his shot. Havertz then headed over after Martinelli nodded a Saka free kick back across goal, while Lyon had a rare opportunity when Said Benrahma shot wide of Raya’s near post.

A few minutes later, a dangerous cross from Ainsley Maitland-Niles almost found Georges Mikautadze, but Raya intervened to clear the danger. Mikel Arteta’s side held onto their two-goal lead as they went into halftime.

Surprisingly, there were no substitutions at the break. Mikautadze had the first chance of the second half but shot over. Martinelli then set up Odegaard for a shot from the edge of the box, but the Lyon keeper made a fantastic save to tip it around the post.

Partey curled a shot wide after Rice's attempt was blocked, and Havertz also shot wide following good movement from Martinelli. Saka's third header of the match, this time from a Zinchenko cross, struck the bottom of the post.

Saka nearly connected with an Odegaard pass as they combined in the Lyon box. In the 63rd minute, Arteta made his first substitutions, bringing on Riccardo Calafiori for Zinchenko, who received a warm reception from the crowd. Gabriel Jesus replaced Declan Rice, allowing Havertz to move back into midfield, while Lyon made several changes as well. Saliba came close to scoring again, heading a Saka free kick just wide.

With about 15 minutes left, Arteta introduced Jakub Kiwior, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Leandro Trossard, and Reiss Nelson for Havertz, Saka, Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, and Martinelli. Eddie Nketiah, who has been linked with a move to Marseille, remained on the bench.

Odegaard’s vision set up Nelson for a shot that the keeper saved at his near post. At the other end, a quick long throw caught Jorginho off guard, but Raya was there to deny the Lyon forward as he entered the box.

A clever run from Jesus and a well-placed pass from Odegaard created another opportunity, but the flag was raised for offside. Nwaneri showcased his talent with an impressive run and turn into the box, following it up with a right-footed shot that was saved by the keeper.

Arsenal Demolished Bayern Leverkusen 4:1 in a Preseason Friendly

Arsenal showcased their dominance with a decisive 4-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in their penultimate pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. This performance serves as a strong indicator of their readiness for the upcoming season. Early goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard set the tone for the match, following the team's summer tour in the USA. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz also contributed to the scoreline, as Mikel Arteta’s confident squad overcame last season’s formidable German double winners, who narrowly missed an unbeaten season under Xabi Alonso and lost the Europa League final to Atalanta.

Arsenal, still anticipating the arrival of new signing Riccardo Calafiori, began the match with high intensity, taking the lead within the first eight minutes. Zinchenko initiated and completed a swift attacking move, releasing Havertz down the left flank before firing a low shot into the bottom corner after a clever layoff from captain Martin Odegaard.

The Gunners quickly doubled their advantage when Leverkusen's attempt to play out from the back backfired. Trossard capitalized on the error, and after a series of passes involving Odegaard, Jesus, and Havertz, he calmly slotted the ball into the net, evading a desperate sliding challenge.

Trossard later forced Leverkusen's goalkeeper Matej Kovar into a diving save with a long-range effort, while Odegaard had two shots blocked. Arsenal extended their lead to three goals before halftime when Jesus intercepted a poor throw-in from Leverkusen, surged forward, and saw his weak shot inadvertently redirected into the net by Kovar, who should have done better.

Leverkusen, who were behind Arsenal in their pre-season preparations with the Bundesliga season starting a week after the Premier League, appeared sluggish and lacking in both energy and quality. Their first-half efforts were limited to a few promising runs from Jeremie Frimpong and a blocked shot from Odilon Kossounou, with David Raya only called into action just before the break.

At halftime, Arteta made strategic substitutions, introducing Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jakub Kiwior, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, giving the England duo their first minutes of pre-season after extended breaks following their Euro 2024 final run.

Leverkusen's Nathan Tella volleyed off target, and they survived a penalty appeal after a physical encounter between Havertz and Jonathan Tah. Havertz then made it 4-0 after Aleix Garcia failed to clear the ball in his own box, following a strong run from promising young talent Ethan Nwaneri and a dangerous low cross from Saka.

Leverkusen managed to score a consolation goal 15 minutes from time when Tella assisted Czech forward Adam Hlozek, who finished cleverly past Raya. However, last season's late-game specialists never looked likely to mount a comeback, instead reflecting on an unusually poor performance as they prepare for their final friendly against LaLiga side Real Betis and their upcoming German Super Cup clash with Stuttgart.

For Arsenal, only Lyon remains on their pre-season schedule before they kick off the new Premier League season at home against Wolves on August 17. 

Champions League Quarter-Finals Second Leg Preview, Arsenal Faces Bayern Munich Showdown at the Alianz Arena

Arsenal heads to the Allianz Arena for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich. The first leg at the Emirates last week ended in a 2-2 draw, with the Gunners requiring a late equalizer from Trossard.

Both teams had a difficult weekend, with Bayern Munich despite winning their game lost their Bundesliga title to Bayern Leverkusen, while Arsenal suffered their first Premier League defeat of the year against Aston Villa at the Emirates. Both teams however aim to advance to the semi-finals, where they are likely to face the winners of Manchester City and Real Madrid, the two favorites to win this year’s Champions League.

Reports from the training ground at London Colney today indicate that all players were available for the session, including Ødegaard, who was substituted at the weekend game due to some pain he felt during the game . This news will be welcomed one by Arsenal fans, as they could hardly afford to miss their talisman for such a crucial match. Bayern Munich on the other hand weren’t so lucky, they have been dealt some injury blows, with Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry being serious doubts for their home leg against the Gunners.

The last time Arsenal played Bayern at the Allianz Arena in the knockout stage, the Gunners lost 5-1 to their German counterpart a result they hope to rectify by advancing to the semi-finals of this year’s Champions League. 

Partey's Injury Blues: Arsenal's Mikel Arteta Left in Limbo

 Arsenal's woes continue to mount as Thomas Partey encounters another setback, dealing a blow to Mikel Arteta's plans and potentially prompting a search for a replacement in the transfer market. The midfielder, who hasn't played for Arsenal since before the last international break, is now facing an extended absence until 2024 due to a thigh injury that required specialized treatment.

Despite Partey's efforts to aid his recovery with a leg brace, his return has been delayed, leaving Arteta uncertain about the exact timeline. Complicating matters further, the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in January raises doubts about his participation, as Ghana may still want his involvement.

This season, the 30-year-old has only managed to start in three Premier League games due to recurring injury issues, including a previous groin problem. Just as he was nearing full fitness, Partey suffered another setback during training before a Champions League match against Sevilla.

Last summer, there were rumors of a potential move away from Arsenal for Partey, with interest from Juventus and Saudi clubs. However, the club did not receive any concrete offers, resulting in Partey remaining at the Emirates. Consequently, Arteta has faced midfield shortages throughout the season, with Jorginho partnering Declan Rice in recent games, but the need for an additional anchor man is becoming increasingly apparent

Arsenal vs. Sheffield United: Premier League Test for Unbeaten Gunners

 Arsenal Faces Sheffield United in a Premier League Test

Arsenal's unbeaten start to the Premier League season faces another challenge this Saturday as they welcome Sheffield United to the Emirates Stadium.

Sitting third in the league table, Arsenal trails leaders Tottenham by just two points, making this an important match for the Gunners. Their defense has been solid, conceding only eight goals this season. However, it's worth noting that six of those goals were at the Emirates. The game against Sheffield United presents an opportunity for Arsenal to secure back-to-back home clean sheets in the league, which they haven't achieved since December 2021.

On the other hand, Sheffield United has had a tough return to the Premier League, with nine games played and no wins. Their only point so far came from a possible 27. The Blades are struggling at the bottom of the Premier League. An upset win against Arsenal could bring them within one point of safety, given the struggles of other teams in similar positions.

Historically, Sheffield United hasn't fared well in London, having lost their last nine visits to the capital in the top flight. Arsenal is also strong against promoted sides, particularly at home, where they have been unbeaten in 36 Premier League meetings with newly promoted teams.

While Sheffield United has been competitive in most games, they've suffered in the goal difference department, largely due to an 8-0 loss to Newcastle. However, they have a unique record of scoring equalizing goals in multiple games this season. Unfortunately, they've often followed this up with defeats.

Arsenal recently won 2-1 against Sevilla in the Champions League but at the cost of Gabriel Jesus's injury coupled with Thomas partey who’s also out of the game through a thigh injury sustained during training as stated by Mikel Arteta during his press conference.. Sheffield United could see the return of some key players, but they have significant issues in the center-back position with multiple injuries.

In terms of head-to-head statistics, Arsenal has lost just two of their last 19 league games against Sheffield United. The Gunners have been dominant in home meetings with the Blades, last losing at home in August 1971.

Bukayo Saka has been in superb form for Arsenal, scoring or assisting in seven of his eight Premier League appearances this season. However, Sheffield United has struggled away from home, failing to secure any points on the road this season.

Arsenal has shown their late-game prowess this season, with no team in the Premier League scoring more goals in the final 15 minutes of matches than Arsenal. This could be a crucial factor against Sheffield United, who have conceded the most goals in this period.

Mikel Arteta will aim for a strong start from kick-off, as Arsenal has yet to score in the opening 15 minutes of a game this season, unlike the previous campaign when they were prolific in this regard.

Gabriel Jesus Masterclass Lifts Arsenal to 2-1 Triumph Over Sevilla

 Gabriel Jesus delivered a brilliant, Champions League-worthy performance to lead Arsenal to an impressive 2-1 victory over Sevilla on the road, as Arsenal sought a vital result to keep their hopes alive in Group B.

Following their disappointing 2-1 loss to Lens on matchday two, where Jesus scored Arsenal's only goal, they were in a precarious position in the group standings. In this crucial match, Jesus was instrumental, starting by setting up Gabriel Martinelli for an early chance, although Sevilla's goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made an important save.

However, Martinelli made no mistake during the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, executing a perfect Cruyff turn and taking Jesus's beautifully weighted pass to coolly round Nyland and score, breaking the deadlock against the Europa League titleholders.

Early in the second half, Jesus, the provider, turned into the goalscorer. He maneuvered skillfully around Jesus Navas and produced a sublime finish from a tight angle, securing what would be the match-winning goal.

Sevilla seemed vulnerable and on the verge of a heavy defeat, but Nemanja Gudelj's header from Ivan Rakitic's corner before the hour put them back in the game. This set the stage for some nervy moments for Arsenal, particularly involving goalkeeper David Raya. However, they managed to hold on, claiming the top spot in the group with six points. The sight of Jesus leaving the field with an injury late in the game cast a shadow over Arsenal's triumph, especially since Eddie Nketiah couldn't replicate his outstanding hold-up play when Sevilla pushed for an equalizer.

Looking ahead, a fit and in-form Jesus will be crucial to Arsenal's chances of a deep run in the competition. Despite being a relatively young side in their first Champions League campaign, Jesus's experience and performance have been exceptional. He has now scored three goals in as many games and his contributions in Seville were nothing short of top-class.

Arteta praised Jesus, saying, "You need magic moments in big games and big players to step in and create those moments. Today he has done something special."

Additionally, Takehiro Tomiyasu, who replaced Oleksandr Zinchenko at halftime, proved to be an excellent tactical choice. He played a versatile role in both attack and defense, contributing to Arsenal's early attacks and making crucial defensive interventions. His performance highlighted Arteta's faith in his abilities.

However, the jury remains out on Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, as questions surround Arteta's decision to elevate him to the starting position, especially with Aaron Ramsdale as an alternative. Raya's performance can be erratic, with moments of brilliance mixed with occasional errors, such as misjudging a late cross. Arsenal's defense, with standout performances from center-back William Saliba and Declan Rice, was key in securing the win, although it felt like they had to overcome Raya's uncertainties rather than rely on him.

Champions League Clash: Arsenal Seeks Redemption Against Sevilla

 Arsenal's Unbeaten Premier League Streak Preserved, but Champions League Hurdles Await

Arsenal managed to maintain their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Chelsea, yet their return to the UEFA Champions League has been anything but smooth sailing. After a surprising defeat at Lens during Matchday 2, Mikel Arteta's squad is in need of a positive result as they prepare to face Sevilla on Tuesday.

Late heroics from Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard allowed Arsenal to recover from a two-goal deficit at Stamford Bridge. They have impressively lost just one of their 13 games across all competitions in the 2023-24 season, with that single defeat occurring in Europe three weeks ago.

Gabriel Jesus had fired Arsenal ahead during their trip to northern France, but fine finishes from Adrien Thomasson and Elye Wahi turned the tables, putting Lens at the top of Group B. Arsenal currently occupies the second position with three points earned by defeating PSV 4-0 on Matchday 1.

The significance of Arteta's return to his native Spain cannot be overstated, although history isn't on Arsenal's side. They have managed just one victory in their previous 17 away matches against Spanish teams, with three draws and 11 defeats. These victories were against Celta Vigo in February 2004 (3-2), Real Madrid in February 2006 (1-0), and Valencia in May 2019 (4-2).

Arteta is still pursuing his first win against Spanish opponents as a coach. In his only previous return to his homeland, Arsenal lost 2-1 at Villarreal in the 2020-21 UEFA Europa League semi-finals, with a goalless draw in the home leg leading to their elimination.

Arteta faces a decision regarding the only Spanish player in his squad, as David Raya's poor positioning allowed Mykhailo Mudryk to score from a tight angle. Aaron Ramsdale, who missed the previous game due to the birth of his child, could make his Champions League debut.

Arsenal will look to striker Gabriel Jesus to continue his hot streak in the Champions League, having scored against PSV and Lens. He could become just the second player to score in his first three Champions League appearances for Arsenal, following Marouane Chamakh's feat in the 2010-11 season.

Jesus is likely to be supported by Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. Saka, who returned from injury to assist in Arsenal's equalizer against Chelsea, has been involved in 11 goals in all competitions this season (five goals, six assists), with one goal and two assists coming in the Champions League.

Sevilla, the reigning Europa League champions, have made a managerial change since their 2-2 draw with PSV on Matchday 2. They led twice in that game through goals from Nemanja Gudelj and En-Nesyri but were denied by Jordan Teze's stoppage-time equalizer, leaving them with two points from two matches.

Five days after that draw, José Luis Mendilibar was dismissed as Sevilla continued to struggle in La Liga. Diego Alonso, his replacement, oversaw a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in his first game in charge, with Sevilla taking the lead through David Alaba's own goal before Dani Carvajal leveled for Real Madrid.

Sergio Ramos, facing his former club, came close to a dramatic winner late in the match. The 37-year-old is expected to continue in the experienced Sevilla backline, alongside Gudelj, Marcos Acuña, and Jesús Navas. Sevilla's starting lineups in the Champions League this season have had an average age of 30 years and 343 days, making them the oldest team in the tournament.

Striker En-Nesyri, on the other hand, is on the verge of entering the Sevilla record books. With nine goals in 16 Champions League appearances, he is just one goal away from equaling Wissam Ben Yedder's club-record tally of 10 strikes in the competition.

Sevilla and Arsenal have met only twice before, both times in the 2007-08 Champions League group stages. Arsenal won 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Matchday 1, but Sevilla emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline in their only prior encounter at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

While Arsenal has struggled in Spain, Sevilla has generally performed well against English teams in Andalusia, losing only three of their previous 10 home matches against English clubs in UEFA competitions, with five wins and two draws. One of the most recent instances was their 3-0 victory over Manchester United in last season's Europa League quarter-finals.

Arsenal has lost their last two Champions League away matches, with a six-year gap between them. Before the Lens defeat this month, they suffered a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich in February 2017. Their last run of three consecutive away losses in the competition occurred in the 2010-11 season, with the third defeat being against La Liga opponents as they were defeated 3-1 by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

Sevilla has won just one of their last seven games across all competitions, with that victory coming against Almería with a 5-1 scoreline in La Liga last month. However, they've also only lost once during this period, to Barcelona, and have managed five draws. They are on an unbeaten streak in their last five home games, with two wins and three draws.

Arsenal Battles Back for a Draw in Rain-Soaked Showdown with Chelsea

 

Arsenal managed to salvage a 2-2 draw against Chelsea after being 2-0 down in a match that took place on a wet, less-than-ideal evening in West London. It wasn't the Gunners' best performance, and their struggles this season continue to be evident. While the first half showed some competence, Chelsea dominated the later part of the match, and the praises from the commentators began to fade.

From where I'm sitting, this result is disappointing for Arsenal. While it's positive that they came back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a point, it's hard to ignore that it feels like two points dropped against a rather average opponent. Mikel Arteta's decision to start Jorginho in midfield and push Declan Rice forward might not have been the best choice, given Jorginho's struggles against energetic teams like Chelsea.

Arsenal's performance in the first 60 minutes was subpar, but their fortune turned when Robert Sanchez made a critical error, allowing Declan Rice to capitalize and score from a considerable distance.

The second Arsenal goal was a thing of beauty. Kai Havertz, who made an impact coming off the bench, set up Bukayo Saka perfectly. Saka's cross to the back post was flawless, and Leandro Trossard executed it excellently.

Once again, Mikel Arteta's substitutions made a significant difference. Takehiro Tomiyasu solidified the defense, which had looked shaky in the first half. Trossard scored, Havertz brought physicality and control, Emile Smith Rowe contributed to the play, and Eddie Nketiah added energy to the team.

On the issue of refereeing, Arsenal faced some tough calls. Marc Cucurella seemed to target Bukayo Saka with rough play. Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty when Robert Sanchez collided with Gabriel Jesus, similar to a previous incident that was apologized for.

Despite these challenges, Arsenal remains unbeaten in the Premier League. However, there's a notable issue in their attack. Their forward play lacks fluidity, and chances are scarce. While the attacking trio started their first match of the season together, the team needs to improve its offensive performance.

Sometimes, the points don't come in the most elegant way, but Arsenal is managing to stay competitive in the league, even when they're not at their best. The next challenge awaits as they continue to strive for improvement.

💬 "In the end, we got a point after a really difficult result and the way it started."

The boss was pleased by our never-give-up attitude following today's 2-2 draw with Chelsea 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 21, 2023

Kovacic's Challenge: The VAR Decision that Stirred Controversy in the Premier League

 

Former Premier League referee and PGMOL chief, Howard Webb, expressed his view that Matteo Kovacic was "extremely fortunate" to escape a red card during Manchester City's loss to Arsenal. This incident occurred when Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to secure a late victory at Emirates Stadium. Kovacic had been booked for a challenge on Arsenal's Martin Odegaard in the first half, and the video assistant referee (VAR) reviewed the foul but did not recommend a red card, as it wasn't deemed a "clear and obvious error" by the on-field referee Michael Oliver.

Webb, in an episode of 'Match Officials Mic'd: Up,' explained why Kovacic was fortunate to remain on the field, noting that the decision was inconsistent with a similar red card given to Chelsea's Malo Gusto during their loss at Aston Villa. Webb emphasized the importance of consistency in refereeing, acknowledging that each situation might have unique nuances.

Kovacic made another challenge on Declan Rice later in the first half but avoided a second booking. Webb suggested that Kovacic could have been dismissed in a game where both teams had vied for the title, but Oliver chose not to "have a negative impact on the game by overreacting."

The program also reviewed the disallowed goal by Luis Diaz in Liverpool's match against Tottenham Hotspur, wrongly ruled offside. Webb revealed that referee Simon Hooper was unaware of the error until after the match, and explained that there are limitations in intervening once a game has restarted after an error is recognized.