After some terrific play from our youngsters, it was a cruel late breakaway from Sergio Aguero that ruptured our Carling Cup hopes at the Quarter Final stage.
Positives: This competition has always been a stepping stone for Arsene to blood fresh faces and tonight was no different. The way the Arsenal kids dominated a Man City starting eleven worth a combined £117m showed some great signs for the future and don't be suprised to see the likes of Ignasi Miguel, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Emmanuel Frimpong as regular starters for the first team anytime soon.
Negatives: One more chance of silverware has again elapsed from our grasp for another season - a trophy some say was our best shot at winning. And the players will have to learn that for all their domination, against quality opposition like Man City, you can be punished with just one chance.
Conclusion: A cruel counter-attack 6 minutes from time has dispersed our Carling Cup hopes for another year but Wenger will take more positives than negatives from this performance with the likes of Yossi Benayoun and Francis Coquelin now banging very loudly on his door for a starting berth.
Our recent surge of Premier League victories came to an abrupt end against a well drilled Fulham side as Thomas Vermaelen scored at both ends.
Positives: Another 90 minutes, and another game undefeated. We always looked dangerous and on this occasion, it just have been a case of midweek Champions League action taking a chunk of fatigue out of the players. Vermaelen was highly unlucky with his deflected own goal and on another day, things could have been very different.
Negatives: Two points dropped at home against a side we really should be beating if we are to maintain our surge towards the top 4. Arshavin, starting his first Premiership game since Swansea in September, looked anonymous once more, whilst Djourou looked flat-footed at right-back, stepping in for the impressive Laurent Koscielny.
Conclusion: Such is the quality of all opposition in the Premier League, you can't expect to win every game and today that was the case. Fulham looked strong, but more importantly we have kept our two month long unbeaten run in stead and still look in a great position to gatecrash that top four finish.
With a recent resurgence in form, many pundits are asking if Arsene Wenger;s doubters were wrong. Has the Frenchman found the formula to keep his side competing with the very best? With that in mind, it's time to take a look at a half-century of great Gunners goals since Wenger's arrival at the club in 1996...
50) Kanu Vs. Deportivo La Coruna (2000)
A clever finish here from Nigerian Nwankwo Kanu in this 2000 UEFA Cup clash, showing clever feet to trick fellow African, Deportivo goalkeeper Jacques Songo.
49) Robert Pires Vs. Liverpool (2003)
A stunning curled finish from French winger Robert Pires here at Anfield as the Gunners came from behind to seal victory during their unbeaten season.
48) Sylvain Wiltord Vs. Manchester United (2002)
Not so much a great goal in terms of quality, but one that will hold deep sentimental meaning to many Arsenal fans after Wiltord's goal sealed the Premier League title in their fierce rival's very own back yard.
47) Marc Overmars Vs. Manchester United (1998)
Equally important to Arsenal's title charge was this Marc Overmars goal in 1998. The Dutchman, who had terrorised Gary Neville all game, finally put this effort away to see the title pendulum swing in Arsenal's favour. They never looked back and went on to seal a Premiership and FA Cup double.
46) Emmanuel Adebayor Vs. Vilarreal (2009)
After going a goal down to a Marcos Senna stunner, an away goal would have been a crucial factor to take back to the Emirates. Cue Emmanuel Adebayor and a superb overhead finish from captain Cesc Fabregas' lofted pass.
45) Cesc Fabregas Vs. AC Milan (2008)
With the scores locked at 0-0 and this 2008 Champions League clash at the tie headed for extra-time, a moment of inspiration was needed. Step forward Cesc Fabregas whose rasping shot secured an away goal for Arsenal and effectively sealed an historic victory at the San Siro.
44) Thierry Henry Vs. Liverpool (2007)
In an FA Cup tie of stunning goals, it was Thierry Henry who had the final say with this clever run and finish, demonstrating how no other player could match him for raw pace and acceleration.
43) Emmanuel Adebayor Vs. Tottenham Hotspur (2007)
Arguarbly the greatest goal in North London derbies over recent years, here we see Togolese striker Adebayor flicking up Cesc Fabregas' pass and hammering the ball past Paul Robinson with a spinning volley.
42) Ashley Cole Vs. Aston Villa (2005)
Just days after his "tapping up" row with Chelsea, former Gunners left-back demonstrated his commitment to the club (in the short term at least) with this fantastic team move at Villa Park. Watch out for Dennis Bergkamp's perfectly weighted assist.
41) Thierry Henry Vs. West Ham United (2002)
A goal similiar to Adebayor's at White Hart Lane, here we see club legend Thierry Henry flicking up a neat pass before turning past the defender and hammering home past the helpless David James as the Gunners salvaged a 2-2 draw at West Ham to keep their unbeaten run going.
40) Carlos Vela Vs. Sheffield United (2008)
When Arsenal's Carling Cup youngsters demolished Sheffield United 6-0 in this home tie, critics were falling over themselves with superlatives to describe Wenger's latest crop of talent. The pick of the bunch this cheeky chip from Mexican Carlos Vela.
39) Tomas Rosicky Vs. Liverpool (2007)
A superb team move now as Tomas Rosicky curls a superb effort past Jerzy Dudek in this FA Cup tie at Anfield in 2007 following some neat work with Aleksandr Hleb.
38) Emmanuel Adebayor Vs. Liverpool (2008)
Liverpool were again the victims of a fantastic Arsenal move here as Theo Walcott's dazzling run set up Adebayor for a goal, that at the time, sealed the club's path to the Semi-Finals of the Champions League.
37) Thierry Henry Vs. Chelsea (2003)
With a Zinedine Zidane-esque roulette spin here past Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, who else could pull this sort of goal other than French maverick Thierry Henry?
36) Robert Pires Vs. Southampton (2003)
With both sides set to meet in the 2003 FA Cup Final just a matter of days later, Arsenal and Southampton met here at Highbury in the final home game of the 2002/03 season. This 40 yard chip is a real bobby dazzler from Bobi Pires.
35) Silvinho Vs. Chelsea (2000)
2-0 down with ten minutes to play at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal managed to rescue a draw in this one, the equalizer courtesy of a stoppage time screamer from Brazilian left-back Silvinho.
34) Patrick Vieira Vs. Newcastle United (1998)
Charging forward in their title pursuit, Patrick Vieira goes charging forward here too as he nets a belter at home to Newcastle at the tail-end of the 1997/98 season.
33) Jose Antonio Reyes Vs. Chelsea (2004)
With Thierry Henry out injured, Arsenal had fallen behind to an Adrian Mutu goal in this tie, and their FA Cup future was looking gloomy. With no out-and-out goalscorer on the field, step up new signing Jose Antonio Reyes, who in only his 2nd game for the club, smashed home from 25 yards before adding a second minutes later to seal victory.
32) Patrick Vieira Vs. Manchester United (1997)
It's that man Vieira again with yet another cracker at Highbury. This time a swinging strike past Peter Schmeichel in the Manchester United goal here in Autumn 1997.
31) Thierry Henry Vs. Manchester United (2004)
And the wonder strikes against United just kept on coming as yet another Frenchman smashed a superb effort past them here at Highbury. This time in 2004 as Thierry Henry drives home a swerving effort past Roy Carroll.
30) Andrey Arshavin Vs. Liverpool (2009)
In a game where the little Russian scored an incredible FOUR goals at Anfield, it's his strike from 25 yard that really caught the attention of Arsenal fans, lofting the ball past Pepe Reina with no backlift.
29) Thierry Henry Vs. Blackburn Rovers (2007)
Picking up the ball in his own half, Henry exhanges passes here with Cesc Fabregas before embarking on a mazy touchline run before cutting inside and curling a breath-taking shot past the helpless Brad Friedel.
28) Robin van Persie Vs. Liverpool (2008)
A true moment of magic now from Dutchman Robin van Persie as he control an aerial pass with one touch, turning his marker, before slamming home at home to Liverpool in late 2008.
27) Davor Suker Vs. Sunderland (1999)
During an ill-fated solitary season at Highbury, Croatian goal machine showed flashes of brilliance. None more so than here against Sunderland with a neat flick over Thomas Sorensen in the Black Cats' goal.
26) Nigel Winterburn Vs. Chelsea (1997)
It would seem Silvinho isn't the only Arsenal left-back capable of a last minute cracker at Stamford Bridge! Check out this Nigel Winterburn effort as the Englishman bounds forward before crashing a thunderbolt into the top corner!
25) Kanu Vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1999)
Strength, technique, finesse. This goal has it all as Kanu flicks the ball past his marker before slamming home in this North London derby.
24) Thierry Henry Vs. Charlton Atheltic (2004)
Showing that he isn't all about agility and technique here, Thierry Henry shows incredible strength to hold off Jonathan Fortune before backheeling the ball home for a very cheeky finish indeed.
23) Ray Parlour Vs. Chelsea (2002)
In the 2002 FA Cup Final with Arsenal chasing a uniqie domestic double, something special was needed to break the deadlock. Up stepped Ray Parlour with a fantastic 25 yard curler.
22) Samir Nasri Vs. Manchester United (2008)
In a team move reminiscent of anything Barcelona based, Samir Nasri slams home this effort against Manchester United in a 2-1 victory back in 2008.
21) Andrey Arshavin Vs. Manchester United (2009)
And it's Manchester United who were again on the wrong end of an Arsenal thunderbolt here as Andrey Arshavin bangs a superbly drilled effort past Ben Foster from long range.
20) Andrey Arshavin Vs. Blackburn Rovers (2009)
And Arshavin again shows here just why he's Arsenal's all-time record signing at £15m with a unique individual goal and stunning finish from a tight angle at home to Blackburn in the 2008/09 Premiership.
19) Tomas Rosicky Vs. Hamburg (2006)
A summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, Tomas Rosicky obviously enjoyed his return to Germany in this fixture back in 2006, smashing home a rasping effort in this Champions League clash.
18) Frederik Ljungberg Vs. Juventus (2001)
Though Ljungberg must be credited for the neatly chipped finish over Gigi Buffon in this goal, it is the build-up play of Dutch master Dennis Bergkamp that must really be admired, rolling the ball around on the edge of the Juventus box before waiting for his Swedish compatriot to arrive, and slipping through the most perfect of through balls into the midfielder's path.
Qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League were confirmed with one game to spare as Olympiakos' victory over Marseille saw us ease through to the last 16 as group winners.
Positives: It's 48 goals in 50 games in 2011 for Van the Man - a strike rate even more impressive than Lionel Messi's! Alex Song was in imperative form all game and his jinking run to set up our opener was the type of run Michael Owen would make in his hay-day!
Negatives: There is little to say on this front after yet another win and a clinical display on all fronts.
Conclusion: Another win, qualification secured, the pressure is off and RVP can't stop scoring. It's a great time to be a Gooner!
A hard fought lunchtime kick off saw us grab another crucial three points and climb level on points with Chelsea. It seems our turnaround is now complete.
Positives: It really is hard to throw more compliments at Robin van Persie than I have already, but another two goals, and another three points - our skipper is keeping us in this title/Champions League qualification race almost single handedly this year! Theo Walcott had one of his finest games in an Arsenal shirt, proving he is now almost the finished article and one of the league (if not world)'s most dangerous wingers. The link up play between the two was electric and everytime Walcott got the ball, you felt as if something was going to happen. His pinpoint cross for Robin's opener was one of the finest and most pinpoint balls you'll see all year.
Negatives: Per Mertesacker's gradual acclimatisation to the Premier League continues, though more in a Squillaci way than a Vermaelen way. It's worth remembering that even Nemanja Vidic struggled with the English game at first, but the way Mertesacker was easily brushed off the ball by Steve Morison for the opening goal of the game was laughable and a player of such physique shouldn't be getting bustled from possession in such a way.
Conclusion: As we draw level on points with Liverpool and Chelsea, it seems the re-emergence of our top 4 hopes is complete. The confidence in the side is back to it's peak and we are now arguarbly more of a unit and have a stronger team spirit following the departures of Nasri and Fabregas as the likes of Ramsey and Koscielny have stood up and know they are now ready to be counted. The longer we stay undefeated, the more confidence this will spread, and with the teams above us faultering (bar the Manchester duo), we need to stay focused and make up more valuable ground.
The international break is over (waste of time if you ask me!) and I'm hoping we can carry on at Carrow Road, where we left off. Norwich have been impressive so far, particularly at home, and even managed to hold Liverpool to a draw at Anfield a few weeks ago. Grant Holt will have to be watched in attack for the Canaries, and in all honesty, I'd fancy him to snatch a goal against our shaky defence.
Luckily for us, RVP has managed to sustain fitness over the international games and with that in mind, we look good to outscore the home side and pick up another vital three points. It's something Marouane Chamakh, who has been linked with a move back to France, doesn't mind, telling Arsenal.com this:
“It would be better for me if we played with two strikers, but that's the system and the way of playing here. I respect that and it's working very well. That's the way it is, that's football and if the system were to change we would need another striker. This would provide a chance for another player, but that's the way it is at the moment.”
“It's gone well overall,” he said. “The first year, the first season is about settling in and adapting and there are lots of good strikers around. I haven't played as much, what with Van Persie coming back from injury, but for me, it's been a settling in period. It’s been good to play for a club like Arsenal and getting used to the league, but I‘m trying to learn, enjoy it and long may it continue.”
Thierry Henry is back training with the club in the MLS off-season and our last visit to Norwich saw the Frenchman run riot, back in 2004 (below)
The run continues and after another victory in the league - this one somewhat comprehensive - we have caught up with Liverpool, with only goal difference robbing us of 6th.
Positives: Another clean sheet - that's two in a week now you know! - and the Koscielny-Vermaelen partnership is looking more solid than ever so Mertesacker may have to get used to his new home in the dugout. The latter of the duo's return truly is invaluable and I for one can't wait to see him showing the kind of form that made him one of the world's best centre-backs during his debut season here in 2009/10. We were comprehensive in attack with Robin adding to his stupendous tally once more, whilst Mikel Arteta gave his finest performance in a red shirt to date, polishing off his performance with a stupendous finish.
Negatives: At times, we looked a little disinterested and Wenger will be keen to stress the importance of keeping mentally switched on for the entire 90 minutes regardless of opposition. On a different day, when West Brom's attacking duo of Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie were available, we may well have been caught out on the counter attack.
Conclusion: The run continues! Robin Van Persie showed the FIFA bigwigs who scandalously excluded him from their 25 man shortlist for the Ballon D'Or earlier in the week just what they are missing whilst Mikel Arteta was the missing link we have so long craved between anchorman Alex Song and the attack minded Aaron Ramsey. Three more points boys, let's keep it up!
With Robin Van Persie rested to the bench, Wenger's plan perhaps came back to haunt him as Arsenal failed to break the deadlock and were consequently denied qualification to the last 16 - for now.
Positives: Another clean sheet was a great sign from an ever-improving defence. And though we failed to break through a mean Marseille defence, we dominated from start to finish, and after the Chelsea game on Saturday, it's hardly suprising some of the lads looked a little tired. Squad players like Benayoun and Park showed they can play an important part when relied upon and proved that our squad isn't perhaps as lacking in depth as the press like to make out.
Negatives: With a victory sewing up our path to the last 16, it was a shame to not fully capitalise - especially at home. Marseille are, yes, a good team. But a team we should be beating at the Emirates. They never really showed any ambition in coming forward and with players like Wilshere and Van Persie missing, a lack of creativity following Fabregas' summer depature was once more an issue.
Conclusion: A solid result, and a win in our next game against Borussia Dortmund will see us qualify for the latter stages of the Champions League for the 11th season in a row. We are moving in the right direction, and the longer we stay unbeaten, the more the confidence in this young squad will grow.
After some terrific play from our youngsters, it was a cruel late breakaway from Sergio Aguero that ruptured our Carling Cup hopes at the Quarter Final stage.
