Arsenal post match analysis

Arsenal 2 Newcastle 1. The Gunners once again coming from behind to score fifth consecutive win in EPL. Hatem Ben Afra scored the first goal in the game on the first half, after Vermaelen cheaply gave the ball on the defense. Captain Van-tastic RvP replied instantly, just one minute after the goal, receiving a fine cross from Walcott. When the clock was ticking down, and draw was the most likely result, Thomas Vermaelen scored the winner in the injury time. This results brings Arsenal just one point behind the rival Tottenham Hotspurs.

The win against Newcastle is the fourth consecutive coming-from-behind, first time in English Premier League history. It is also another injury time winner - like against Liverpool, but this time it's not Robin van Persie who scored the winning goal, but Thomas Vermaelen, the Belgian central defender, who snatched the winner. Great resilience shown by the Gunners, they could overturn deficit to a win. This is just the reverse of what Arsenal had been shown in the recent season, where they were in the position to win the game, but they somehow threw it away. Most notably is the 4-4 draw against the same opposition last season, where they were 4-0 up, but lost their four goals advantage.

Another epic victory by the gunners (photos from ESPN soccernet facebook page)

Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott showed good understanding on the equalizer, and Robin van Persie showed a world class technique controlling the ball, made no mistake to reply instantly to Newcastle's goal. He could've scored one more goal had his right foot shot not wide from the target. RvP also showed the 'naugthy' character tonight, not fearing to argue with Tim Krul - despite it was a little bit foolish until he was brandished yellow card. That's what Arsenal need, a captain who is naughty, and fear no one.

Theo Walcott was always a threat down the right flank, and even after Newcastle subbed Davide Santon with James Perch just to stop Walcott, he is still unstoppable in this match. Most of Arsenal attacks come from his side, and he could've got another assist, had Rosicky find the net on the second half. He was the one who created the winning goal with a great cross.

Trio Arteta-Song-Rosicky once again dominated the middle of the park, and Rosicky showed why he deserved to get a contract extension. He ran the show in the central of the field, flowing the ball well. He could've easily scored another goal in three consecutive match, had he been more composed in front of goal.

Thomas Vermaelen showed great character today. He might have been the one who gave away the ball, leading to Ben Afra's goal. He might have been uncomfortable dealing with Shola Amoebi and Demba Ba. He might have been got knock on the match. But he was the one who scored the winning goal, to pay what he had done. It was like in the match against Fulham, where he made an own-goal, but scored the equalizer himself. He showed a great work rate, running from the central of the defence, to the front of goal, before beat Tim Krul to secure three points tonight.

This team has a great potential and character, and could compete for the title next season, should Wenger keep the key player, and buy some decent back-ups.

Post-match Analysis

Arsenal win against Liverpool 2-1 in Anfield Stadium. It was the another come back from the Gunners, coming from 0-1 down to secure a precious and important victory for Champions League's spot race. Despite not playing as good as last match against Spurs, with Liverpool was the better side and always seems to have good chances, Arsenal is the one who got the victory in the end.

Robin van Persie scored twice (Photo from Arsenal.com)

Once again, Robin van Persie steals the highlight, after his brace in this match. He was really sharp in front of goal, netting twice from two real chances. However, he is not the only hero tonight.

Wojciech Szczesny deserved a hero badge for his awesome saves today. He saved Dirk Kuyt's penalty and the rebound when the scoreline is still 0-0. He also tipped Luis Suarez' shot after dancing through Arsenal's defence to keep Arsenal's in the game when 1-1. He regularly came for the routine catch, as well as nice rushing out of the goal when needed.

Alex Song might be not at his best, allowing Liverpool to dominate the game, but he was always there when Arsenal defended. Not to mention the winning goal came from his assist. Superb pass, like in home game against Everton in 2011, when he supplied to the same person to score the winning goal.

Laurent Koscielny might the one to blame after scoring an own goal, but after that he stood still against Liverpool's attack and hardly made any mistake after that. Thomas Vermaelen, despite earning yellow card from the referee, was also solid against Liverpool's high ball and dealt with it well. Bacary Sagna also was solid, even though receiving tough task to stop Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique. He also delivered one beautiful cross for Robin van Persie's goal.


It's true that Robin van Persie is lifting Arsenal right now, but who says Arsenal is only van Persie? He wouldn't able to score that goal without the help of the other player, and without brilliant keeping by Szczesny, his two goals would be useless.

Had to be admitted that Arsenal were lucky to came from Anfield with three points. Liverpool was the more likely team to score the winner in the second half, but somehow, it's van Persie who scored for Arsenal for the winning goal. But this is football, where not always the better team, who created more chances and more possession will win. Arsenal often was in Liverpool position, being the better team, but somehow failed to score, but definitely not today.