The international break is finally over and all the transfer window gossip is now officially over (until January that is). Arsenal's new striker Danny Welbeck was the star in England's 2-0 win over Switzerland in the EURO 2016 qualifying match this past week which gives him extra confidence heading in to his Arsenal debut.
The fact that Arsenal are facing Manchester City makes this match even more significant. As all Arsenal fans know, the clubs' frailties against the top teams last season was a big reason why the club's title run came up short. It is important that Arsenal show they can compete with the big boys and not be pushed around as in the past.
Danny Welbeck becomes the 825th player to play for Arsenal today on his debut.
— Darren (@DarrenArsenal1) September 13, 2014
Same old same old. Cannot and will not compete vs the big teams.
— MurderOnZidanesFloor (@Linwood125) September 13, 2014
Retweet if you can't wait to see these guys playing together @Arsenal... pic.twitter.com/XYb2e5uZwF
— MS19 (@mikesanz19) September 12, 2014
Arsene Wenger met the Pope, coached Diego Maradona and signed Danny Welbeck all in a day http://t.co/ACqWUgyUkC pic.twitter.com/5HhJj1Apid
— IndySport (@IndySport) September 12, 2014
Manchester city without Yaya Toure!
I am rubbing my hands already.
We have a very strong bench.
The arsenal to win
#afc
#COYG
#AFCvMCFC
— Arsenal_fans_q8 (@Arsenal_fans_q8) September 13, 2014
Going in to the match, many Arsenal fans would be lying if they didn't admit they were afraid that we might get beaten badly. Arsenal were the stronger side in the first half, but still found themselves behind 0-1 when Aguero scored in the 28th minute. After we dominated the first half and still went behind 0-1 on an Aguero goal.Wilshere scored a beauty to even the score in the 63rd followed by an amazing goal by Alexis Sanchez in the 74th minute. The Emirates was rocking and Sanchez ripped his shirt off in celebration. It was looking like Arsenal were going to pull off the win.
Unfortunately the defense once again proved fragile and City equalized on a corner kick in the 83rd minute.
A 2-2 draw is truly a good result against last year's champions. However, the fact that Arsenal led with just 16 minutes left and were unable to hold the lead was definitely a disappointment. Of course those negative fans that complain about anything and everything were spewing their anger on Twitter and Arsene Wenger was once again in the path of criticism.
The real negative from the game is the fact that Mathieu Debuchy was taken off on a stretcher with what looked like a very serious ankle injury.
Next up is a trip to Dortmund for round one in the Champions League group stages.
Check out our exclusive images from #AFCvMCFC - featuring Jack's chip and Alexis' volley - https://t.co/BQc8ITBPTX pic.twitter.com/w10etEN5AY
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 13, 2014
Some real positives coming out of this game for Arsenal. A great game we didnt look like losing.
— Old Bald Gooner (@OldBaldGooner) September 13, 2014
Also thought Welbeck made a very promising start to his Arsenal career. No doubt he will prove an excellent signing. Unlucky not to score.
— Sam Marchiöne (@sammarchione) September 13, 2014
That was a great game, pity our defence is not strong enough
— Deon Sharp (@Gunnersharpy) September 13, 2014
Sanchez. Pressing, tracking & chasing endlessly like an animal. Relentless. What a sublime finish too. Hero. pic.twitter.com/PgjM6B9UHq
— FK (@fkhanage) September 13, 2014
Shame we couldn't hold on today. On to the next....thanks for the support as always! Hope @MatDebuchy ankle is okay! #fingerscrossed
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) September 13, 2014
Tuesday, September 16, 2014 2:45PM EST Arsenal at Borussia Dortmund Champions League Game 1
Arsenal travel to Germany to kick off the group stages of the Champions League. The clubs are familiar with each other, having played several times in the past few years. Unfortunately, Arsenal are without Debuchy, Chambers and Monreal for the match and Hector Bellerin is being promoted from the youth team to fill in. That's like taking a first grader and putting him in high school calculus. Hopefully the team will get off to a good start.
Good luck tonight @MesutOzil1088! Prove all those doubters wrong. #UTA pic.twitter.com/Xg50lYQsEw
— Özil Wizardry (@OzilWizardry) September 16, 2014
Games like tonight is why Danny Welbeck left United to join Arsenal.
— Forever Arsenal (@Forever_RedArmy) September 16, 2014
Can Tony Adams unretire?
— WELBZ (@AjiteshGooner) September 16, 2014
Big night for Bellerin pic.twitter.com/6Vv4okAMOX
— Gordon (@Arsenal_Supremo) September 16, 2014
Imagine how Bellerin will feel when he goes out on the pitch. Champions League anthem, next to all seniors, only like 19 years old. Damn
— Denis (@Wojcieched) September 16, 2014
Come on you gooners let's get off to a good start
— Jason Hesketh (@gooner_jay26) September 16, 2014
The Arsenal Line Up pic.twitter.com/96oasBnShN
— Arsenal Blur (@ArsenalBlur) September 16, 2014
I am one of the most positive Arsenal fans around and get annoyed at all the negative whining and comments on Twitter every time something goes wrong for the club. Today, however, I have to join in.This was without a doubt the worst collective team performance from Arsenal that I've ever seen. At times it looked like Dortmund were playing with 25 players as every time an Arsenal player was on the ball, they would be stripped of it by 2 or more Dortmund players. When Dortmund had the ball, we couldn't defend and their players were able to run straight at goal without any of Arsenal's midfielders of defenders causing a problem.
Arsenal's passing was horrible and at times non existent. Arteta was the worst player on the pitch and seemed completely off the pace. For the first half hour, Sczsney was the hero as he was called on to make save after save. Unfortunately, Sczesney joined in on the bad play with some horrible howlers later on; one in particular where he nonchalantly played the ball and came very close to gifting Dortmund another goal.
The final score was 2-0, but it truly could have been 10-0. I'm keeping faith with the team, but the players need a good wake up call and to play up to their abilities. Luckily it's only match day one and we have 5 more matches to get things right.
Wilshere getting special treatment has to stop, I love him, but please. Changing formation? Stop it.
— Denis (@Wojcieched) September 16, 2014
Well that was awful...I don't think one player could say they had a decent game tonight...dreadful. Got to bounce back Saturday #ArsenaI
— John ⚽Arsenal⚽ (@Darts_Arsenal) September 16, 2014
Well that was depressing.
F*k work tomoz, getting
smashed now.
— omry ♚ (@dannmwagi) September 16, 2014
It's not the fact we lost, it's the fact we were obliterated & should have lost by a lot more. Going down without a fight is unforgivable
— Bergkamp & Bergkamp (@Orangeiceman10) September 16, 2014
Arsene Wenger's stubbornness to not buy another defender in the transfer market will cost him big time. He deserves all the criticism. #AFC
— arsehind (@arsehind) September 16, 2014
On to the next one now though. Come On Arsenal. We Love You We Really Do.
— UpTeaMeStickGooner (@pau_LARGE) September 16, 2014
Saturday, September 20, 2014 10AM EST Arsenal at Aston Villa
Nervous time for Arsenal fans. The team has been less than impressive thus far and after the humiliating defeat in Dortmund, fans are deservedly a bit nervous. Villa have gotten off to a great start to the season and of course Arsenal fans remember last season's opening day loss at home to Villa. Some goals and a clean sheet would be a welcome outcome.
Finally Ozil will play in his position! #AFC #coyg
— Gooner Till I Die! (@Fahad_al_thani) September 20, 2014
And now @Arsenal players are getting injured in the warm up. I'm scared to leave the house.
— Feverpitch (@feverpitch) September 20, 2014
#MATCHDAY! #AFC!
Time for some magic! pic.twitter.com/fmi98OQcdd
— AAAARRRRsenal (@DaddyDrex4) September 20, 2014
Update on the @Arsenal LINE UP for #AFCvsAVFC #COYG LET'S WIN THIS!!!
#GoonerFamily #GOONERS pic.twitter.com/ZiBofBTPcR
— @AFC_Gunner4Life (@AFC_Gunner4Life) September 20, 2014
Wow, within a span of just about three minutes, Arsenal, Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck silenced a lot of the critics and restored some much needed confidence to a squad that needed a lift. Welbeck set up Ozil for the first which he took with precision. One minute later and it was Ozil playing provider for Welbeck. Arsenal were rolling and on their next attack, a Kieran Gibbs shot was kicked right in to the Villa net by Villa's Aly Cissokho. The first half ended with Arsenal on top 0-3.
#TheReturnOfThe10
pic.twitter.com/xHaBTrKg1G
— Arsenal Costa Rica (@ArsenalCR) September 20, 2014
#WelbzIsDatGuy
pic.twitter.com/ZoaIk58pKJ
— Arsenal Costa Rica (@ArsenalCR) September 20, 2014
This really looks like a different team! The difference playing Ozil through the middle #AFC #COYG #ChantForOzil
— Cindy Quantoi (@cindy_quantoi) September 20, 2014
Welbeck helped Ozil, Ozil helped Welbeck. Bro's!
— Deen. (@RascalDeen) September 20, 2014
The second half was a lot of Arsenal passing the ball about with little Villa pressure. While it would have been nice to see the Gunners run up the score, the win was the most important thing....followed by a clean sheet. Villa put up very little fight and Arsenal were content to keep possession. The final stats are pretty impressive: Arsenal had 71.4% of possession compared to Villa's 28.6%. Arsenal had a total pass tally of 814, while Villa managed 312.
Aston Villa 0 Arsenal 3 MATCH REPORT: Ozil shines to silence his critics http://t.co/IBbbKlhIyM pic.twitter.com/Urty0AbGY4
— IndySport (@IndySport) September 20, 2014
This guy had the best debut & plays out of position without complaining. Got us FA Cup & we slag him? Ozil is class. pic.twitter.com/KDE3UsMJtb
— Shyam Schweini (@Santi_Classorla) September 14, 2014
Three points ✔
Clean sheet ✔
Welbeck scores ✔
Özil shuts up critics ✔
Still unbeaten in the Premier league ✔
Thank you Arsenal. I love you.
— Arsenal News (@_arsenal__news) September 20, 2014
Well, Welbeck scored his Epl debut goal for Arsenal ahead of Falcao and Balotelli for their respective clubs.
— Danny Welbeck (@WelBeast) September 20, 2014
What a slap Özil gave to his critics tonight. Now will wenger continue playing him in the middle????
#AVLARS #AVFCvAFC #GoonerFamily
— Aneesh Chandoke (@AneeshChandoke) September 20, 2014
Adding to the great Arsenal victory and the vindication for Ozil and Welbeck was a weekend that was pure magic for Arsenal fans. Spuds lost to West Brom at home 0-1, Liverpool were owned at West Ham 3-1, Chelsea were denied a victory and settled for a draw with the oil barons as Frank Lampard scored against his old team for a 1-1 draw....but the best result of the entire weekend was at Leicester. After ManU defeated QPR 4-0 the press were declaring United are back and Van Gaal was in the papers saying that they could win the title this season. Well, a reality check was issued today. Up 1-3 at Leicester, ManU's weak defense shone brightly as they were dismantled by newly promoted Leicester and ended up 5-3 losers!!!
On a side note, despite the Mets having another non winning season, they swept their onetime nemesis, Atlanta Braves, this weekend knocking them out of the playoffs. A great sports weekend it was.
RIP Manchester United: 1878-2014 pic.twitter.com/5QC1mLUnhm
— GeniusFootball (@GeniusFootball) September 21, 2014
IT'S A SHAMBLES! FT: Leicester 5-3 Manchester United. Van Gaal's genius sees #mufc go from 3-1 to 3-5 in 20 minutes pic.twitter.com/SayUdELQi6
— Eurosport.com (@EurosportCom_EN) September 21, 2014
Things I like:
1, Seeing Arsenal win.
2, Seeing Tottenham lose.
3, Seeing Arsenal win & Tottenham lose.
4, Custard creams.
— Martin Sullivan (@MartinKSullivan) September 21, 2014
Great weekend of football
Liverpool lose
Man Utd lose
Tottenham lose
Chelsea & City draw
Ozil plays well as he plays 10
Arsenal win
— Garry Bennett (@gazzer86) September 21, 2014
#MOTD time get to see Tottenham and Man U lose and highlights of westhams 3-1 win #COYI #westham #westhamvsliverpool
— Seanmoffkeefe (@seankeefe22) September 21, 2014
Let's all take a minute to laugh at #MUFC. Anyone who thought they were going to win the league after beating QPR still think so now? #EPL
— Andrew Atkinson (@UTR_83) September 21, 2014
It was superb to see Louis van Gaal jump and celebrate at 3-1. And then see a perfect #LCFC recovery to mug them off! #MUFC #vanGaal #haha
— FANTASY-SOCCER (@FANTASY_SOCCER) September 21, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014 2:45PM EST Arsenal vs. Southampton Capital One Cup Third Round
Time for the league cup and Arsene Wenger usually gives the young players the chance to prove themselves in this competition. While not the most glamorous tournament, it does result in a trophy at the end. It's another chance for Arsenal to add to their recent silverware.
David Ospina makes his Gunners debut tonight, and makes history by becoming the first Colombian to play for Arsenal! pic.twitter.com/2Xvhi3PDcd
— UberArsenal (@UberAFC) September 23, 2014
Captain Rozza!!! Let's do the business, boys! #COYG #CapitalOneCup #AFCvSFC
— Pistöl (@goonersgirl008) September 23, 2014
Please, if there is a God out there, let Diaby do the whole game without getting injured...
— Gooner Frog (@GoonerFrog) September 23, 2014
Joel Campbell is finally starting. Wow. Simply amazing. Cant wait to see him
— Arsenal News (@_arsenal__news) September 23, 2014
Everything was looking good for Arsenal to win the match and progress in the tournament. An amazing Alexis Sanchez free kick gave the Gunners a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute. Unfortunately, Tomas Rosicky gifted Southampton a goal when he fouled Sadio Mane in the box. From there Arsenal had the bulk of the possession, but were unable to make the breakthrough.
Nathaniel Clyne gave Southampton the lead in the 40th minute with an exceptional goal.
The second half was goalless and Arsenal were out of the Capital One Cup with a 1-2 loss.
As for Arsenal, not too concerned with tonight's result. Wenger always brings out the kids/second string. #AFC4Ever
— Chris Özil (@ckeogh1971) September 23, 2014
@_RealBrandizzy people get frustrated, I get that. But personally; like I said, I'd rather beat Spurs
— Will Howes (@willhowes84) September 23, 2014
The biggest disappointment is that the younger players and the fringe players won't get a run out in the next rounds
— Jon Murray (@JonMurray22) September 23, 2014
It's only the CapitalOne Cup,It's only the FaCup,It's only the ChampionsLeague,It's only the League!4th place 🏆😀some #arsenal fans for you!
— (@SteveSingh73) September 23, 2014
@Arsenal have won the 'Diaby not injured' cup after years of trying. It is ranked just behind the fourth place trophy #cupbanter
— Karan Singh (@karanspannu) September 23, 2014
Shame though I'd love to have seen a bit more of the young lads in later rounds
— marky a gooner (@marky214) September 23, 2014
Saturday, September 27, 2014 12:30PM EST Arsenal vs. Tottenham
This will be the first Arsenal match that I have not been able to watch live in ages. I'll be visiting my cousins in Atlanta and despite them having hundreds of channels, they do not have NBC Sports.
Of course the North London Derby is one of the biggest matches of the season as it's another chance to remind Tottenham and their fans that North London is red and that they are forever in our shadow.
Here's hoping for a victory in front of the home fans.
This is getting creepy now for 3 seasons my mum has made lasagna either before or after a North London Derby 😟 #FOYS pic.twitter.com/EecjDwDmy8
— Wenger's Bödyguard (@nana_alaouie) September 28, 2014
Fire of Flamini and Ramsey KEY to Arsenal roasting spuds! http://t.co/qnBEy8TxER
— Just Arsenal News (@JustArsenal) September 26, 2014
#DerbyDay today. Arsenal take on arch-rivals Tottenham. Its not just about 3 points.. Lots at stake! #AFCvTHFC #COYG
— Binu Thomas (@Binugthomas) September 27, 2014
The good news is that they didn't lose. The bad news is that they didn't win despite dominating the game. Arsenal had 69% of the possession, 16 shots on goal to Spurs' 6 and 15 corners to Spurs' 5. Despite all this, Arsenal had to fight back for a 1-1 draw.The first half finished scoreless and Tottenham took advantage of a Flamini mistake to take the lead in the 56th minute on a Chadli goal. The Ox evened the score in the 74th minute and it seemed as if momentum was now on Arsenal's side and that they would go on to a deserved win. Sadly that didn't happen, but the one point leaves Arsenal in 4th place and still undefeated in the league.
#Arsenal fans disappointed.
Tottenham fans celebrating a draw.
#Difference
— Arsenal (@Goonerz1886) September 27, 2014
Um that's a football goal friends pic.twitter.com/pIHbGqbqKd
— Culann Davies (@CulannDavies) September 27, 2014
goal line technology fiasco in the north London derby. Is suspicious, as there's no relay of lloris pushing the ball out again the 2nd time
— Arnie Martin (@Jc_Martin8) September 29, 2014
Danny Welbeck says he’s unhappy that
the team dropped points in the North
London derby, and said the Gunners
should have done more
— Prince Emineys (@emineysprince) September 29, 2014
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