Post Match Reaction: Newcastle (H)

Another late winner has seen us keep up our charge for a top four finish, now just one point behind third placed Spurs.

Positives:
Wenger called Theo Walcott's performance his best ever in an Arsenal shirt and it's hard to disagree. The electric paced winger caused Newcastle problems all evening whilst the rejuvenated Tomas Rosicky celebrated signing a new deal with yet another man of the match performance. And then there's Vermaelen's late winner...

Negatives:
Kieran Gibbs was left exposed for Hatem Ben Arfa's opener and you have to wonder if the Englishman has the qualities needed to hold down a place as our regular left-back.

Conclusion:
Three more points, and great character to show such spirit in the dying seconds. A fantastic victory against a fellow top four rival (that's Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle all seen off in recent weeks) and we are now breathing heavily down Spurs' necks.

Post Match Reaction: AC Milan (H)

A stunning match, a stunning performance, a stunning comeback. Unfortunately, it was too little too late.

Positives:
Let's remember. Yes we are out of the Champions League. But tonight we beat AC Milan 3-0 in the Champions League. It was an utterly fantastic performance and the way he fought back three goals before half-time was truly heroic. Koscielny was a rock once more in defence, Rosicky's swansong continues as he controlled the midfield, and Oxlade Chamberlain's electric runs showed us that in a few years we could have our very own Lionel Messi in the England team. Walcott's pace was a constant thorn in the side for Milan left back Mesbah, who had a woeful game, and nobody can fault Arsenal football club for their efforts tonight.

Negatives:
Unfortunately our poor showing in Italy three weeks ago has cost us dear tonight. We ran out of energy and purpose once Oxlade Chamberlain went off with a second half injury and our lack of options on the bench meant we could never change the game once our starting eleven tired. With only 2 midfeilders fit to start and eleven first team players out injured, we were forced to throw Chamakh and Park Chu Young on and neither was likely to score.

Conclusion:
With the score at 3-0, a rebound fell kindly to an unmarked Robin Van Persie in the Milan six yard box. Whilst the ground expected our talisman to sweep it home and equalise the scores on aggregate, Robin decided to delicately chip it over nearby Milan goalie Christian Abbiati. Unfortunately, the only man who read this move was Abbiati himself, and clawed the ball away. That was the turning point.

Mission... Impossible?

As Arsenal go into their Champions League tie with AC Milan tonight, it's worth remembering no club side has ever managed to overturn a 4 goal deficit from the first leg. If the Gunners are to reach the Quarter Finals of this season's competition, then they must make history.

It's easy to remember how outclassed Wenger's men were in Milan three weeks ago, but let's not forget; the game came at a time when confidence and team morale was at an all time low. Arsene's army are very much 'a confidence side' and after that oh-so-remarkable comeback against bitter rivals Tottenham, and a victory at Anfield at the weekend, the Gunners are in resurgent form. Wenger himself was recently laced with the manager of the month award - a suprise to many; none more so than the Frenchman himself.

Kieran Gibbs told Sky Sports that in games like this, "You really enjoy it" and it's easy to see where the Englishman is coming from. Arsenal have nothing to lose. They are a wounded animal, playing for pride, and playing to prove a point and restore themselves in front of their home fans.

Sure, AC Milan are four goals up. Going forward they're amongst the best in the world. The likes of Robinho and the mecurial Zlatan Ibrahimovic can score at any time; just ask Wojceich Szczesny. One away goal effectively finsihes the tie with Arsenal needing six. But it's Milan who have it all to lose tonight.

Arsene Wenger has said that if his side can pull of this remarkable turnaround,
it will be the greatest achieveent of his managerial career. With eleven first team players missing through injury, it will certainly be an uphill task for the man they call 'The Professor' but with 31 goal Robin van Persie (18 in his 17 home matches) in his ranks, surely anything is possible.

When looking for crumbs of comfort, it may reassure Arsenal fans that the two most astounding comebacks of Champions League history have come against tonight's opponents, AC Milan.

The 2005 final in Istanbul, with Liverpool conquering a three-goal half-time deficit to become European champions, and in similiar circumstances just one year earlier.
Deportivo La Coruna, 4-1 down from the first leg at the San Siro, with a 4-0 second leg victory to progress at the expense of an Italian side containing the likes of Paolo Maldini, Kaka, and Andrei Shevchenko.

Post Match Reaction: Liverpool (A)

Robin van Persie once more showed his world-class credentials with a stoppage time volley to secure three points at Anfield.

Positives:
Three more points, our grip on fourth tightened after Chelsea's loss, and an utterly superb RVP winner - even by his exceptional standards! It's fair to say on the whole, we didn't deserve the win. But the way we dug in for all three points was commendable and something we've rarely seen under Wenger. Wojciech Szczesny was in fantastic form, a stunning first half double save from Dirk Kuyt's penalty proving a vital moment. As for the assists for van Persie's goals, you will hard pushed to find two more accurate passes all season. Alex Song is quickly becoming our unsung hero.

Negatives:
On another day, the outcome could have been so different. At times, we were outplayed by a fairly average Liverpool side, and it was only the brilliance of Szczesny that stopped us from going in at half-time three or four goals down.

Conclusion:
Our confidence is building once more and with Liverpool now 10 points behind us, our chances of grabbing that elusive 4th spot are looking all the more likely. On a weekend where Newcastle, Chelsea and Spurs all dropped points, Robin van Persie's importance was highlighted to us once more. And it's now imperative the Arsenal board break their wage structure to ensure he stays at the Emirates in summer.

Post Match Reaction: Tottenham Hotspur (H)

A truly stunning North London derby saw us emerge victorious in game that will go down as a serious contender for match of the season.

Positives:
If ever there was a game to take positives from, this stunning match was it! After such a tough tough time recently, it felt like the world was against us. The media were ludicrously labelled Tottenham as favourites, but today we proved our worth. Two goals down, our mental strength was there for all to see. A truly stunning comeback, spurred on by the rowdy Emirates crowd, Van Persie's goal truly class and even Theo got in on the act!

Negatives:
It feels hard to criticise after such a wonderful performance, but after such a bad start, we made life harder for ourselves than it needed to be.

Conclusion:
Despite Louis Saha's lucky deflected effort, and Gareth Bale's utterly disgusting dive for Tottenham's penalty, the comeback we showed, led by goalscorer Tomas Rosicky, was breathtaking! With Chelsea and Man Utd to play in coming weeks, Spurs grip on 3rd is faultering and we know it. Let's push on and put them back where they belong!

Post Match Reaction: Sunderland (A)

Our FA Cup hopes were dashed just days after a Champions League mauling, leaving us trophyless for the seventh year in a row.

Positives:
With two shots on target all game, both of them goals, were unlucky to not get more from the game with superior possession and stats throughout the ninety.

Negatives:
A toothless display with no real bite. The players looked tired, disinterested, and not willing to fight for the pride of the jersey as the pressure mounts on Wenger.

Conclusion:
And with that, we end yet another season trophyless. It's not good enough for a club of this stature, and it's not good enough for Wenger. But how much time does he have left on his side?

Post Match Reaction: AC Milan (A)

Our most woeful European performance to date has left our Champions League dreams in tatters as we were embarrassed and outlcassed in Milan.

Positives:
It's fair to say there really were none. A thoroughly embarrassing night in Europe that we will want to forget in a hurry.

Negatives:
Where to begin? Awful in defence, masses of space left in behind our midfield, no creative intent going forward, and absolutely no passion or commitment. The tactics were all wrong, with Oxalde Chamberlain, our most dangerous player in recent weeks, left on the bench. Whilst the awful Theo Walcott was hauled off at half time.

Conclusion:
The 2nd leg at the Emirates is now somewhat redundant and some serious changes are going to need to be made at Arsenal football club. Whether nor not Arsene Wenger is the man to make those changes remains to be seen.

Post Match Reaction: Sunderland (A)

Thierry Henry signed off in style with a last minute winner to see us leapfrog Chelsea into 4th place.

Positives:
In his last league game for the club, Henry proved that this short return to London really has been the stuff of dreams, his last minute winner expertly taken to send the away fans into raptures.

Negatives:
Per Mertesacker's injury, stumbling to the floor as Sunderland went on to grab the opener has left our defence lighter than ever. It's not what we need with a tough fixture run-in to come.

Conclusion:
Never mind Fabregas and Nasri, the king returned, and tonight he truly signed off in style. The much maligned Andrey Arshavin's cross for Henry was an absolute peach, and from that sort of range, the legend himself was never going to miss! We'll miss you Tezza!

Post Match Reaction: Blackburn Rovers (H)

Gunner fans were in seven heaven as a goal feast saw us stuff Blackburn 7-1 at the Emirates, our biggest league win for six years.

Positives:
It was goals galore as goalscorers Robin Van Persie and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain ran riot in the Blackburn defence. Seven goals and all rounded off by the king himself, Thierry Henry.

Negatives:
You can't find negatives in a seven goal demolition - even if it was only Blackburn!

Conclusion:
An absolutely electric performance from Alex Oxlade Chamberlain is indicating we have another young superstar on our hands, just one year on from unearthing Wojciech Sczcescny and Jack Wilshere. A terrific performance, a hat-trick for Robin, and yet another goal from Thierry!

Post Match Reaction: Bolton Wanderers (A)

A dire game saw our recent poor form continue as we failed to break down struggling Bolton at the Reebok stadium.

Positives:
Our possession and general play was far superior, ruling the game from start to finish. Just a shame we couldn't convert that superiority into goals.

Negatives:
There was no cutting edge and no passion. The players looked tired and disinterested and we lacked any real creativity or penetration.

Conclusion:
A drab and dismal performance in a game we really should have won. If we want that vital 4th place finish, we are going to have to improve, and fast.

Post Match Reaction: Aston Villa (H)

A remarkable comeback saw us book our place in the 5th round of the FA Cup, despite trailing 2-0 at half-time.

Positives:
We've been known for our comebacks in recent years, but even by our standards, this turnaround was truly special! With backs to the wall and our FA Cup dream in tatters, a stunning fightback, led by the one and only Robin van Persie saw us safely through to the next round, 3-2 victors.

Negatives:
To go two down at home to Villa really put us in a position we shouldn't have had to fight our way out of. Defending was sloppy and we were caught on the break by Darren Bent.

Conclusion:
A terrific fightback, and with Man City and Man United now both out of the competition, this could be our year in the cup!

Post Match Reaction: Man Utd (H)

A disappointing home defeat against our great rivals saw Wenger bear the fans brunt for a substitution that made no sense.

Positives:
Our fightback was rousing and after RVP's equaliser, we looked like the only side capable of going on to win it. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain's full debut was a breath of fresh air and every time the youngster got the ball, he ran at United and scared their defence. You always felt like he was capable of making something happen.

Negatives:
With the score at 1-1 and Oxlade Chamberlain by far our best player, Wenger's decision to replace him with the lazy Arshavin proved a calamity just minutes later as the Russian railed to track back, makign a half hearted challenge on Antonio Valencia, who slid the ball across to Danny Welbeck for United's last gasp winner.

Conclusion:
What could have been three points turned out to be a home defeat thanks to Wenger's inept tactics. The pressure is on the Frenchman like never before as a chorus of boo's rang out from the home fans as Oxlade Chamberlain was subbed off for Andrey Arshavin.

Post Match Reaction: Swansea (A)

A dismal display in Wales saw us squander two leads on a miserable Sunday afternoon against Brendan Rodgers' side.

Positives:
Despite losing the game, there was some real attacking intent all afternoon. We looked dangerous going forward and could - and should - have added to our tally.

Negatives:
A few years ago, the thought of losing to Swansea would have been laughable. Our fall from grace has only been highlighted today, outpassed and outpossessed by Leon Britton and co. It just goes to show our fall from grace.

Conclusion:
With Fabregas gone, our midfield has struggled to control possession in games like we used to. Aaron Ramsey looks fatigued and our grip on 4th is loosening.

Post Match Reaction: Leeds United (H)

Well, the script was written wasn't it? And for the first time in almost five years exactly, it gives me great pleasure to say... Thierry Henry scored the winner for Arsenal.

Positives:
Thierry Henry is back! On a night fans are labelling 'Return of the King' it was the Frenchman who stepped off the bench to dramatically net our winner 12 minutes from time. It was typical Henry from our all-time leading goalscorer and former captain, taking Alex Song's pass with instant control before cutting in from the left flank and curling a trademark finish into the far corner.

Negatives:
This was one of the most glorious night in Emirates history, though if I am being picky, it must be questioned why it took the introduction of our former talisman to break down a Championship defence.

Conclusion:
Arsene Wenger labelled it "a night to tell any youngster about" whilst Henry himself was highly emotional, asking journalists not to wake him up from this dream.
Thierry, we're glad to have you back!

Post Match Reaction: Fulham (A)

A new year heralds new beginnings but it was the same old lapse in concentration from the Gunners defence as they threw away a lead at Craven Cottage.

Positives:
With so many defensive injuries, it looked for large periods as though a victory was on the cards. To dominate at Craven Cottage is never easy but for a good hour or so, Fulham were well and truly under the thumb.

Negatives:
After recent dropped points against Manchester City and Wolves, this was a poor result. To go from winners just 5 minutes from time, to conceding a last minute clincher had real echoes of last season's capitulations about it.

Conclusion:
Johan Djourou's sending off really turned this tie in this one and Wenger's men will no doubt be gutted to have conceded so late on. Wojciech Sczesney, who has been fantastic this season, was at fault for the equaliser, flapping wildly at a corner, and later apologised to fans on Twitter.

Post Match Reaction: QPR (H)

Robin Van Persie fell one short of Alan Shearer's all time record for Premiership goals scored in a calendar year, yet broke Thierry Henry's club record as the Dutchman scored yet another crucial winner.

Positives:
3 more points as we overtook Vilas Boas' stuttering Chelsea side in the race for 4th. Van Persie was clinical once more, whilst our injury ravenged defence stood strong in the face of adversity.

Negatives:
Despite growing in confidence and ability season after season, Theo Walcott's miss when clean through on goal early in the second half was evidence that the Newbury born winger is not yet the finished article.

Conclusion:
Just three months ago, we were 18th. Now, we have finally gatecrashed the top four! Let's hope it stays that way from now until May.