Ten-men Gunners keep title chances alive

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2 ARSENAL 2

by Richard Butler

WHAT A DIFFERENCE a few days makes. They say a week is a long time in politics but in football it is even longer.

After shocking performances over the previous six days against Manchester United and Swansea City which lacked the necessary spirit and character of an Arsenal side, this draw at White Hart Lane epitomised everything that The Arsenal is all about.

1-0 up and cruising at the home of their neighbours, it all looked to be going wrong early in the second half when Francis Coquelin was shown a second yellow card for a nonsensical challenge on Harry Kane. The two Spurs' goal which followed in space of less than two minutes appeared to not only seal this result but also end once and for all the Gunners title challenge.

But from out nowhere this much criticised Arsenal side dug deep to draw level, and in the end they might even have snatched all three points. Football, eh? Bloody hell!!

Wenger was understandably delighted with the point but also disappointed it was not more. He said: “It was vital for us [to get something] today. We come out of the match with regrets as I couldn't see how we would drop points when we were 1-0 up and 11 against 11.

“After the shock of going down to ten men and then down 2-1 and we have shown a great response again to all the people who doubt our character.”

Spurs' boss, Mauricio Pochettino, felt his side had thrown it away. He said: “I think yes it is [a missed opportunity]. We feel disappointed for the last ten or fifteen minutes but we need to recognise too that the effort from our players was fantastic.

“I think we played much better than Arsenal and we created more chances. We tried to push and score the third goal but we took risks and unluckily for us they scored for 2-2.”

This was billed as the biggest North London derby in history and the day the power shift was meant to finally move from N5 to N17.

But Wenger's side had not read the script. Despite a nervy start in which David Ospina, in for the injured Petr Cech for his first Premier League appearance of the season, produced a smart save to deny Eric Lamela, Arsenal grew into the match.

And just before half time, they grabbed an unlikely lead with a goal of real beauty. Danny Welbeck did well down the left and when his low cross found Hector Bellerin, the Spaniard's pass was neatly back-heeled into the net by Aaron Ramsey.

The Welshman has been criticised in recent weeks for a series of poor performances in a central midfield role, and his selection on the right here ahead of midweek goalscorer, Joel Campbell, was a shock. But he does have goals in him and this moment perfectly illustrated what he brings to this team.

But when Coquelin, impressive up until then, sliced down Kane on the near touchline just ten minutes into the second half to receive a second yellow card from referee Michael Oliver, it looked all over for Wenger's men.

Indeed within five minutes, Toby Alderweireld had fired Spurs level from a corner poorly defended by Arsenal, and when Kane then curled home a delicious second after a mistake from the otherwise outstanding Per Mertersacker, it sent Pochettino's side to the top of the Premier League table.

With so much written about Arsenal's supposed lack of character and spirit there appeared to be no way back. But perhaps aided by a home side who appeared to not quite be able to believe the position they now found themselves in, the ten men drew level with fourteen minutes left.

Again Bellerin created the opportunity with a lovely ball into the area and Alexis Sanchez, another to have been off the boil in recent matches, whipped a first-time shot across Hugo Lloris into the far corner of the net to send the travelling fans behind the goal into ecstasy.

In fact Wenger's men, character and spirit very much to the fore, almost won it in stoppage time. Ramsey, who had covered every blade of grass, made one last lung-bursting run into the penalty area but just as he looked set to fire home, Kevin Wimmer got across to deflect his effort over the top.

So a draw; a result that does not really help either side. Leicester City, who won at Watford, have increased their lead at the top to five points with just nine games remaining. Arsenal are a further three adrift.

Of course nothing is decided yet. In this of all seasons it is impossible to predict what twists and turns lie ahead. But you certainly get the feeling that this was a big chance missed for Spurs. It is over twenty years since they last finished above their neighbours in the Premier League. A win here would have given them a six point advantage. Low on confidence and down to ten men, Arsenal was there for the taking.

This is potentially the best chance either of these two sides will get to win the title but on this evidence neither look capable of doing so.

Spurs' problems seem to be tiredness from a long season, not helped by a small squad and a run in the Europa League, and an over-reliance on Kane. The 22-year old Englishman has undoubted talent: 51 goals in his last 91 appearances demonstrates that.

But he also wastes plenty of opportunities for his team with a shoot on sight policy, often refusing to pass to a better positioned team mate if he thinks there is a minuscule chance of him scoring. When it comes off, as it did spectacularly here, everything appears rosy. But all too often good moves break down with a poor shot from a tight angle when a pass would have been the better option.

Arsenal, on the other hand, can take a lot of encouragement from this spirited comeback. A good result against Spurs often leads to a strong run in, and they will certainly need one if they are to haul back the leaders.

With more attacking options than any of their title rivals, Manchester City excluded, it would be foolish to bet against the Gunners. But they will possibly need seven wins from their last nine matches, a big ask when you consider the fact that they have failed to win more than three in a row since October.

So in a season with not one outstanding side, this title is literally anyone's. Good for the neutral, perhaps, but possibly not good for the game in this country as a whole. Not that either of these two North London rivals will care about that should they lift the trophy in May.  

Another home defeat to Swansea; the point of no return?

ARSENAL 1 SWANSEA CITY 2

By Ricky Butler

WHEN A TEAM is battling for the title the minimum you expect is to see a bit fighting spirit on the pitch. But this meek surrender to a weakened Swansea City side was painful to watch.

You could point to the fact that we hit the woodwork three times. Or that Mesut Ozil was fouled in the build up to the Swans' first goal. Or that Ashley Williams' winner was offside. But none of that can disguise the fact that this performance was nowhere near good enough.

After a bright start which had seen the recalled Joel Campbell give us an early lead, we completely fell apart after the Swansea equaliser. The players seem to lack not only confidence but also direction.

I actually think the problem is that Arsene Wenger has them believing that they are better than they actually are. So when things don't go well and we get turned over by poor sides like Swansea, the players are looking around wondering what the hell is going on.

Aaron Ramsey is case in point. Apart from half a season back at the start of 2013-14, the guy has been poor since his dreadful injury yet Wenger insists on picking him every week. Clearly this sends out the message that he must be doing okay.

Yes, Ramsey has lots of energy and covers an incredible amount of ground. He can make some great, late runs into the box. But he can't do the basics such as pass to a team-mate, tackle or shoot. He wants to play centrally yet when he has done so he looks out of his depth and gives the ball away more than any other player.

We have missed Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere, there is no doubt about that. Both can carry the ball in midfield, drive us forward, something neither Ramsey nor Francis Coquelin are capable of doing. New signing Mohammed Elneny could fulfil that role yet Wenger rarely uses him.

Alexis Sanchez is another to be suffering at the moment. In fact bar a run of five or six games in the autumn, he has been poor all season. This match summed up his recent problems. A simple first half chance and he completely missed his kick. This is a world class player and not for the first time in recent games, he fails to connect with the ball.

Wenger has said he is just coming back from injury and needs time to regain his sharpness, yet he has played several games now and appears to getting progressively worse with each one.

I have always supported the manager despite the evidence piling up against him. But even I am struggling now. The decision to take off Campbell last night, easily our best player, was baffling. Wenger said he was looking tired having not played a for a while. But that's only because you have failed to pick him, Wenger, despite the poor form of Alexis and Theo Walcott.

In his 70 minutes against Swansea, the Costa Rican had more influence on the match than either Sanchez or Walcott have had in the last 10 put together.

Danny Welbeck, a scorer in his two league matches since returning from injury, started on the bench. Why? Surely he needs game time, like Alexis, to get back to full match fitness.

It is just baffling.

The frustrating thing is we were playing so well before Christmas. We had the best record in the calendar year of 2015. Most wins, most points, most goals scored. But the 4-0 defeat at Southampton on Boxing Day seems to have derailed our season, just like the heavy defeat at Liverpool did two years ago.

Our home form has not been great either. From the opening day defeat against West Ham we have rarely hit the heights at Emirates. We have scored just 19 league goals at home, less than Newcastle United. On just two occasions have we scored more than twice in a match at home.

In all fairness we could play this game against Swansea 10 times and we'd win nine. If either Sanchez or Olivier Giroud had scored in the first half instead of hitting the woodwork, we would have won comfortably. But as soon as we conceded the confidence ebbed away.

So when we went 2-1 down with a little over fifteen minutes to play, instead of rising to the challenge and throwing everything at Swansea, we retreated into our shell. Players who earlier in the season where giving their all to ensure we got the result were scared to take a chance.

No balls were put into the box for Giroud to attack. Too many square passes and no movement. This was not the performance of a team who believes they can win the title. It was the performance of a team lacking leadership and direction.

Successful teams, and by successful I mean teams that win titles, roll up their sleeves up when things go against them. Playing poorly we can all accept. But giving up? No way.

And so on to Spurs. Knowing us, we will probably go there and win, giving us all false hope again. But I won't be fooled. I said back in 2013 that I believed this group would win the title by 2016. I honestly thought they would. I felt they were growing together as a squad and with the additions of Ozil, Sanchez and Petr Cech, we had the world class players we had been lacking.

Back-to-back FA Cup wins convinced me even more that this would be our year. The collapse of Chelsea and Manchester City merely strengthened that belief. But I have now conceded defeat. I was wrong. For all their ability, and despite recent performances they do have plenty of ability, they will never have the mental toughness required to win the title. And for that Wenger must take the blame.

So as much as it pains me to say it, it is now time for change. I love Wenger and really hope that he can go out on a high. He deserves that. A record third straight FA Cup win would be a great way to go. 20 years that has seen some unimaginable highs should not end with the whimper of another failed title challenge.

I am old enough to remember the demise of George Graham. This current situation reminds me of that. A team drifting along going nowhere fast. A manager running out of ideas. It was said Graham went due to the 'bung' he received but that was merely an excuse to get rid of a manager who had gone stale.

We were all upset for a while but we supported the club and soon we were rewarded with the genius that was Wenger. We have now come full circle and I have no doubt we will be rewarded again.

Wenger, your players have let you down but you must take responsibility. The same mistakes are being made, week in, week out, season after season. A fresh approach is needed. I'm sorry it has come to this but, bye bye, Arsene, and thanks for the memories. The King is dead, long live the King...

Hope still springs eternal

HOPE. As a football fan this is the worst feeling you can have. After the last gasp win over Leicester City a fortnight ago had given us renewed hope, this defeat at Manchester United has taken it away again.

And the match itself was littered with false hope. Danny Welbeck's goal just before half time to pull it back to 2-1 gave us hope that we would see a second half comeback. Then Mesut Ozil's strike immediately after United had scored their third. With more than twenty minutes still to play, hope was raised for a late comeback. But once again it never materialised.

Overall though it has to be said this was not the performance of potential champions. We rarely produce at Old Trafford at the best of times, last year's FA Cup success being the only recent exception, but I think most of us would have accepted defeat if we had at least shown the heart and desire required at this stage of a title race.

Personally I would have to question some of Arsene Wenger's team selections. For a game of this magnitude you have to start with your best central defensive partnership. After a very good performance against Barcelona in midweek, why was Per Mertersacker left out here? Apart from being our only natural leader on the pitch, the German's understanding with Laurent Koscielny would have been vital in a game like this.

The fact that Mertersacker's replacement, Gabriel, was at fault for the crucial opening goal merely confirmed the error in Wenger's decision. And it was a lack of understanding and communication between the two centre halfs that resulted in United's second goal just a few moments later. Gabriel has his qualities but having just returned from injury was it really wise to throw him straight back in at Old Trafford?

The other poor decision from Wenger was not to start with Olivier Giroud. While his recent goalscoring record has been poor, without a goal in his previous eight appearances, the Frenchman is the pivotal point of our attack. His aerial strength combined with ability to hold the ball up, keep possession and utilise the pace of Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez would have given us an extra option.

Instead Wenger went with the one-dimensional Theo Walcott. I am not sure what has happened to Theo but since returning from injury he has been very poor. Apart from vital goals against Manchester City and Leicester, his contribution has been minimal and he looks shot of all confidence.

I did feel sorry for him here as the service to him was virtually non-existent, which makes his selection over Giroud all the more baffling. If you have a player like Walcott in the side you have to play to his strengths and we just did not do that. Perhaps starting him and Welbeck together, two very similar players in terms of style if not commitment, was the problem, leaving us with a lack of variety in the final third.

It should be pointed out that we came up against a young and hungry United side who were playing with no fear and no pressure. In the relatively unknown Marcus Rashford they have a real star in the making and it was typical of our luck that just like Wayne Rooney a few years ago, he decided to announce himself to the world against us.

We looked jaded and lacking sharpness but we played with the fear that has been evident since the mauling at Southampton on Boxing Day. We look scared to really express ourselves until we have gone a goal up and whenever we fall behind we seem to panic and run out of ideas.

The frustrating thing is that on paper at least we have the squad to win the title. We seem to have the right mix of youth and experience, and we have big players down the spine of the team; Petr Cech, Mertersacker, Francis Coquelin, Ozil and Sanchez. Yet when it really matters we lack leadership on the pitch and perhaps more importantly, in the dugout.

Wenger has never been one for ranting and raving, except towards the officials or opposition managers, and it is perhaps this which has been our undoing. He has always expected the players to take responsibility and when he had the likes of Tony Adams, Lee Dixon, Partick Vieira, Thierry Henry etc. that was fine. They knew what was required and they delivered.

But in recent years the players have not had that same winning mentality. They have been able to put it together for the odd game as has been demonstrated by the recent FA Cup successes and the games against Manchester City and Leicester, but when the heat of as title race is on, they continue to come up short. All too often when we reach Spring and the clocks go forward, our title chances go backwards.

How many of this squad can you say are genuine winners? Cech, obviously. Merterascker, perhaps. Ozil, Sanchez, Welbeck, Giroud? They have all won big trophies in the past. But too many of the others seem to lack the mental strength to finish the job.

But I am not writing us off just yet. We have a tough midweek game against our bogey side, Swansea City, but this is a game I would expect us to win. Then we go to White Hart Lane on Saturday lunchtime in a game where nothing less than three points will do.

For all Leicester's plaudits this season, Spurs are the real threat. As much as it pains me to say it they have been the best side in the league over the last couple of months and have hit form at just the right time. I actually admire the way they have been playing football. They have a vibrant young team and a manager who knows how to get the best out of them. I feel dirty for saying it but if we can't win the title then I would rather they did. Better than the plastic money of Manchester City or the physical, long ball approach of Leicester.

But we simply have to beat them. Despite my claims about us lacking bottle, we have tended to win the big games this season. Let's hope this is a run we can continue. Yes, a win would raise those hopes again but after this latest disappointment I will take that chance. After all the clocks don't change for another four weeks! 

It's all a little Messi for Arsenal again

ARSENAL 0 BARCELONA 2

By Ricky Butler at the Emirates

ARSENAL ARE all but out of the Champions League at the round of 16 for the sixth year in a row after two late goals from Lionel Messi last night gave Barcelona a 2-0 win at the Emirates.

This was not a classic performance by the Spanish champions by any means and for more than an hour Arsene Wenger's side had the better chances. But in the end it was inevitably that man Messi, as he so often does, who proved to be the difference.

Having suffered poor first leg performances at this stage in recent years, Arsenal at least proved they have learned the lessons of the past. In fact had Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, selected ahead of Theo Walcott for his defensive duties, or Olivier Giroud, taken the chances that came their way either side of half time, Wenger's men may well have had a lead to take to the Nou Camp.

But as soon as the Gunners were caught on the counter attack with less than 20 minutes to play, there was only ever going to be one winner. Messi had been having one of his least effective performances until then, but aided by the work of Neymar and Luis Suarez, the little Argentinian displayed a cool head to fire past the exposed Petr Cech, his first goal against the giant Cech in seven previous attempts.

Suarez then hit the post before Messi won a penalty for a clumsy challenge by substitute Mathieu Flamini, who had only been on the field for 49 seconds. Messi made no mistake from 12 yards to all but end Arsenal's interest in the competition once again.

Yet it could have been so different. Happy to concede possession early on, Arsenal always looked threatening on the break and just past the 20 minute mark they should have taken the lead. It was a lovely move involving Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil and when Hector Bellerin's shot was blocked, Oxlade-Chamberlain was left with an open goal. A little composure was needed but instead the Englishman mis-kicked his shot straight into the body of stricken Barca goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegan.

Giroud was slightly more unfortunate. His second half header was destined for the bottom corner of the net until ter Stegan got down smartly to his right to claw the ball away.

So for all their improvements the result for Arsenal was the same. Having won second legs away in Bayern Munich and Monaco in recent years, all may not quite be lost for Wenger side. But few would back them to score three times next month in the Nou Camp.

In any case it is possible that an early Champions League exit may benefit them in the long run. With a tough Premier League run in to come and a possible third straight FA Cup success still a possibility, Arsenal still have much to play for domestically.

Worryingly, however, is a lack of goals. This is the fifth time in the last eight matches that they have failed to score. The goals are drying up at the wrong time of the season and unless the trend is broken quickly their season could be over before the clocks go forward.

As for Barca well they look simply unstoppable. If you can stop Messi, as Arsenal did well for the most part, you have Suarez to deal with. If you keep him quite then there is Neymar. No team on the planet can live with that.

Next up for the Gunners is the small matter of a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday. How they respond to this set-back will shape the rest of their season.

WWF - Walcott and Welbeck outfox the Foxes

ARSENAL 2 LEICESTER CITY 1

By Ricky Butler at Emirates Stadium

Danny Welbeck heads a dramatic late Arsenal winner

LEICESTER CITY have rightly earned plaudits this season for a remarkable series of results that have defied all the odds.

With a unique blend of bargain basement buys and Premier League rejects, the Foxes have spent most of the season near the top of the table.

They certainly do not have the best group of players in the league but they work hard for each other, have an incredible team spirit, and play to their strengths. They press the ball early and make quick transitions from defence to attack with long balls into space for the pacey Jamie Vardy.

In essence it is a slightly more sophisticated version of the 1980s Wimbledon Crazy Gang. Yet while Dave Bassett's Dons were vilified in the press and hated by the football world, this Leicester side seem to have won the hearts of the nation.

Yet on Valentine's Day at the Emirates, it was not exactly flowers and chocolates. Leicester are not called the Foxes for nothing. They have a wiliness about them which has helped them win the most penalties in the Premier League this season; ten, which is double the number of anyone else.

Many of those have been awarded for 'fouls' on Vardy, and it is easy to see why. The former Fleetwood man, with 19 goals this season, has a tendency to fall down in the box at the faintest of touches, belying the strength he displays when outside the penalty area.

Ignoring the fact that Wes Morgan had fouled Mesut Ozil at the start of the move that led to the 44^th minute penalty award here, Nacho Monreal actually pulled out of the challenge with Vardy. But the Leicester front man, as he so often does, wrapped his leg around the Spaniard's and fell over him.

You can dress it up however you like but the fact is it is diving and cheating. Referee Martin Atkinson, who had handled the pretty game well until then, fell for it hook, line and sinker, and Leicester not only had the lead but where closing in on an eight point advantage at the top of the table.

A game which had been bubbling just beneath the surface in the first half suddenly sprang to life. Arsenal felt a sense of injustice and Atkinson clearly felt a sense of guilt. That can be the only explanation as to why at the start of the second period he decided to produce two yellows in quick succession for Danny Simpson.

Matches of this magnitude should not be decided by the ineptitude of the referee. Atkinson made an error just before the break but to then compound that with another just after the restart is unforgivable. But what will be done about it? Nothing. And Atkinson will no doubt be back in the middle next weekend.

Down to ten men Leicester reverted to full 1980's Wimbledon mode. Tactical fouls, time wasting, and long ball after long ball in the vague direction of Vardy, presumably hoping he'd once again fall over.

Arsenal always used to struggle against the Crazy Gang and it seemed that would be the case against Claudio Ranieri's modern reincarnation as chance after chance went begging. But in the final twenty minutes, it was Arsene Wenger's substitutes that turned the match, and title race, in the direction of North London.

Theo Walcott has a good record against Leicester but his recent form had been such that he rightly started this encounter on the bench. Yet when he reacted quickly to a sublime knock down from Olivier Giroud to fire past the excellent Kasper Schmichael, he showed his value to this team.

Now it was just a matter of whether Leicester's ten men could hold on. They couldn't. Over the years Manchester United often won games in the final few seconds when they hadn't been at their best. Everyone says that is what wins you titles.

It was fitting therefore that the winner should come from a player who was brought up at United and who was making his first appearance for almost 10 months following a knee injury. Danny Welbeck's stoppage time header not only gave this match a fitting climax but showed that Arsenal do have the mental strength to go on and win the Premier League.

Of course Leicester still lead the way but that eight point half time advantage is now down to just two. The ultimate six-pointer.

With a break for the FA Cup and then Champions League, Arsenal return to Premier League action at the end of the month with another big game at Old Trafford. Win there and perhaps the doubters will be convinced.

As for the wily old Foxes, well they have two very winnable home matches to come against Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion. But it is how they react to this disappointment that will be key. Having put so much energy into the match, to come away with nothing will be a devastating blow.

No doubt the wave of public support will continue but this is where the pressure really starts. The run in. Twelve cup finals to play. Wimbledon only ever got so far on guts and bravado. The question now is; do Leicester have more than that?

The next few weeks will give us the answer.

EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO

DARLINGTON RA 1 SOUTH SHIELDS 3

By Ricky Butler at Brinkburn Road

IT WAS a case of the haves versus the have nots at Brinkburn Road last night as Ebac Northern League big spenders South Shields met the paupers from Darlington RA.

But for much of the contest it was hard to tell which was which. The RA paid the price for soft goals conceded at the start of each half to Lewis Teasdale and Adam Sakr, while substitute Christian Holliday's late effort came just moments after Barrie Smith had put the visitors 3-0 ahead.

Despite having one of the lowest budgets in the league, RA manager,Warren Moncur, was delighted with the spirit shown by his side. He said: “In patches I thought we were excellent tonight. I thought we worked our socks off.

“I'm not pleading poverty but for a team that hasn't got any money against the money men of the Northern League, I thought it was quite an even game.

“We gave an early goal away in the first half, an early goal in the second half, but apart from that I didn't think there was much in it.”

RA had been in the promotion race themselves before Christmas. But a poor run since the turn of the year had seen them drop down to eighth. Shields on the other hand, with enough money to attract ex Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder, Julio Arca, to Mariners Park, knew a win would take them nine points clear at the top.

Argentinian Arca, who played over 300 games in a 13 year professional career in the North-East, plays a slightly deeper role these days. But at 35 he is still able to dictate the pace of the game and came close to scoring here with a trademark first half free kick.

But Shields were already on their way by then. Just three minutes had elapsed when Adam Sakr's low cross from the right was turned home by Lewis Teasdale. A scrappy finish, perhaps, but a vital, early goal for the leaders.

That led to a dominant first half display from Shields. Stephen Ramsey headed narrowly wide in the 5^th minute while Sakr and John Grey were then both denied by a fine double save from RA goalkeeper, Phil Pentony.

The first chance for the hosts did not arrive until the 33^rd minute when Stephen Cheeseman's shot from a tight angle was deflected into the side netting. But moments later Arca was denied a goal on his return to Teesside as Pentony saved his free kick.

While it was only 1-0 the RA felt they were still very much in the game but all that changed within three minutes of the restart. Hesitance in the home defence was punished by the quick thinking of Sakr, who pounced to beat the exposed Pentony.

The home goalkeeper was being kept busy as he denied Teasdale a second, but the departure of Arca on the hour gave the RA fresh impetus.

Shields goalkeeper Gareth Young did well to keep out a free kick from the dangerous Jim Wilson, the hosts' first effort on target, but it was another save from Young which began the break that led to the leaders adding the killer third goal.

Young's punched clearance found substitute Danny Carson and his ball released Teasdale, who in turn found defender Smith. Showing the touch and finish of a striker, Smith rounded Pentony before squeezing the ball home from a tight angle.

Almost immediately however, the RA were rewarded for their improved second half display. Young denied Wilson again before a goalmouth scramble ended with substitute Holliday firing in from close range.

It would have been a nervy finish for Shields had Young not then denied Sam England and substitute Jon Pearson as the RA finished strongly, but the leaders held on for an important three points.

Shields assistant manager, Gary Middleton, was satisfied with his team's performance. He said: “This is always a difficult place to come, especially on a Tuesday night. The pitch wasn't very good but you have to come to places like this and put in a good performance.

“We asked the players get out of the traps quickly, which they did. I thought we took our foot off the pedal for the last twenty minutes of the first half but overall I am very pleased.”

In Valentine's week they say money can't buy you love but it certainly can buy you a decent Northern League side. So while Shields will surely continue to march serenely into Division One, and from there who knows where, little RA will keep trying to defy the odds.

DARLINGTON RA – Pentony 8, Leven 6, Grocott 6, Johnson 7, Weston 7, Cheesman 8, Wilson(N) 7, Kokes 6, England 7, Wilson(J 7, Hanratty 8. SUBS – Wood 6, Holliday 7, Pearson 7, Ward N/A.

SOUTH SHIELDS – Young 7, Smith 8, Grey 7, Hassan 7, Riding 8, Briggs 7, Sakr 8, Arca 8, Ramsay 7, Teasdale 7, Phillips 7. SUBS – Carson 7, Kanda 6, Hall 6, Turner N/A, Pocklington N/A.

REFEREE – Jamie Cann 7 - Controlled the game well

Stoke City 0 - 0 Arsenal

By Richard Butler

STOKE AWAY. Two words that install fear into every Arsenal fan. How can one team and one ground have caused us so many sleepless nights over the years?

Of course this is not the same physical, long ball Stoke team of the Tony Pulis era. But while they play much better football these days under Mark Hughes, the presence of Ryan Shawcross in the team means events from the past will never quite be forgotten.

But the improved spectacle now being offered at the Britannia is wasted on these home fans. They are stuck in a 1980s time-warp. The sick chanting and booing aimed at Aaron Ramsey, who's only crime is to have had his leg shattered by that thug Shawcross, showed the Stoke fans for what they really are; uneducated morons.

This was not Ramsey's best game of the season, in the circumstances how could it have been, but the way he has fought back from such an horrendous, career threatening injury deserves respect. The guy has developed into one of the best box-to-box midfielders in European football and has, of course, scored the winning goal in an FA Cup final.

This summer he will playing for Wales in the European Championships, the first time his country has qualified for a major tournament since 1958, and it was the performances of Ramsey that went a long way to helping them achieve that goal.

Shawcross, on the other hand, is stealing a living as a professional footballer. He has been described as an old fashioned centre half. Basically this means he would not look out of place in local, park football. But I have seen much better players than him playing in Sunday League.

Apparently the main reason for the Stoke fans hostility towards Ramsey was his refusal to accept a written apology sent to him by Shawcross in the aftermath of that 'tackle' in 2010. But by accepting the apology it would have been condoling that kind of behaviour on the pitch.

And it is not like Shawcross has learnt from it. Over the years I have still seen him flying into tackles and injuring other players with his recklessness. So, Stoke fans, if you really want to boo anyone, boo Shawcross. The guy is a disgrace. But then again you deserve each other.

But I digress...

Coming just four days after a tough trip to Liverpool, and missing the creative genius of Mesut Ozil, this was always going to be a big ask.

In the past we would have capitulated. Indeed the corresponding fixture here just over a year ago saw us 3-0 down at half time. But this team has a tougher, more resilient look to it these days. And in the final reckoning this could well go down as a very good point.

Lets remember that Manchester City were blown away here a few weeks ago. Chelsea and Manchester United were also beaten, while Leicester were held to a draw. None of the big sides ever find it easy here.

So in sub-zero temperatures and with a hostile home crowd this was all about standing up and being counted. It was a test we passed with flying colours.

In fact had it not been for two great saves by Stoke goalkeeper, Jack Butland, either side of the break, both to deny Olivier Giroud, we would have got the result we wanted.

The first chance, just before half time, was the big one. In a game like this the first goal is vital, and had we gone in front at that stage there is no doubt we would have gone on to win.

As has been the case in recent weeks the chance was created by Joel Campbell. Needing someone to step up in the absence of Alexis Sanchez, the Costa Rican has done just that with a series of top quality performances.

But when his lovely defence-splitting pass had sent Giroud clear, the Stoke goalkeeper was out quickly to deny the Frenchman. Cue the same old 'Arsenal need a world class striker' cliché.

But Giroud did very little wrong. He opened up his body well as Butland came out and was simply denied but a very good save. We could have spent £90 million on another striker in the transfer window but there is no guarantee that they would have scored in that same situation.

Giroud's second half header was also unlucky. Again Butland showed his international pedigree with a smart save down to his left. Sometimes you just have to praise the goalkeeper. On another day both chances would have gone in and Giroud would have been the hero. But that is the life of a striker.

Talking about goalkeepers. The £10m Arsene Wenger invested in Petr Cech last summer might just prove to be the best £10m ever spent. You do not realise the importance of a world class goalkeeper until you actually have one. And Cech is still one of the best in the business.

His double save in the second half not only ensured we left here with a point but also showed his value to this team. Without Ozil, Sanchez, Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck, we lacked the creativity to win the game. But without Cech we would have lost it. And in the final analysis that could prove to be the difference between finishing first and second in such a tight title race.

So despite only two points out of a possible six over the last week or so it is hard to feel too disappointed. The frustration is over the late goal conceded at Anfield as four points would have been an exceptional return from two such tough away games.

But two is by no means a disaster. We are still top and have played two home games less than City. With their away form even more shaky than ours, that could just prove crucial in the final reckoning.

It was suggested that we may have better winning at Anfield and losing here as three points is better than two. But I believe not losing either game will be far more important in the long run. Avoiding defeat at Stoke is also a sign that this group have grown together this season.

With some key players due to return imminently things are looking good. Beat Chelsea at the Emirates next Sunday and that momentum could well propel us over the line.

And who knows, in May we may well look back on Stoke away as the game that won us the title!  

Liverpool 3 - 3 Arsenal

By Richard Butler

TWO POINTS dropped or one point gained? That is the question following this exciting draw at Anfield last night. 

Of course  it is disappointing when you concede a last minute equaliser. But over the 90 minutes there is no doubt that a draw was the most we deserved.

Two years ago we arrived at Anfield sitting on top of the league and were favourites to lift the title. But after a poor start that day we were blown away, 5-1. That result was the start of a mid-season collapse that saw us drop out of the title race. A couple of weeks later we lost 6-0 at Chelsea. After the opening twenty minutes last night, I feared a repeat was on the cards.

But this Arsenal side are made of sterner stuff. Not only did we twice draw level before half time, and all this despite not playing particularity well, but early in the second half we even managed to get our noses in front.

At that stage it looked as though we would go on to take a very important three points. But the longer the game wore on the more likely a Liverpool equaliser became, and although disappointing, it was not really a shock when Joe Allen scored in the final minute. It had been coming.

It is strange how often there is a late goal when we play Liverpool at Anfield. Of course none is more famous than the one Mickey Thomas scored in 1989, but in recent years there have been several.

We lost to an injury time goal in 2004; in the 4-4 draw in 2009 both sides scored in the last minute; in 2012 Robin van Persie scored a late winner; while last year Liverpool equalised in the 97^th minute. So we should have known what to expect.

Many fans were bemoaning the substitutions but hindsight is a wonderful thing. If we'd kept a more attacking line up searching for the 4^th goal and conceded, Arsene Wenger would have criticized for not shutting up shop.

He made defensive substitutions in a bid to shore things up and he gets accused of sitting back and inviting pressure. Unless we win every single game it seems some people will never be satisfied.

But it is hard to criticize anyone last night. It was simply one of the games of the season. From first minute to last it was played at a high tempo and was more like a basketball match. Real end-to-end stuff with a strange mixture of Champions League attacking coupled with Sunday League defending.

It led to an exciting game but possibly explains why English clubs have had such a poor recent record in the Champions League.

So while it has to be looked on as two points dropped, I prefer to look at the positives. Manchester City were held at home by Everton, Spurs lost and we are still top of the table with one game less for the others to catch us.

And what about the performance of Olivier Giroud. He gave a master-class in centre forward play. Okay so he missed an open goal in the first half, just after he had made it 2-2, but he did what all great strikers do; he made up for it with a goal of real quality.

The turn and finish to put us 3-2 ahead was the touch of a genius. Roberto Firmino, who had scored twice early on for Liverpool, tried a similar thing just before the break, but his effort hit the top of the crossbar. Giroud showed him how it should be done.

Of course we needed a fourth goal. I always felt we had gone in front too early. We were stuck in a dilemma; go for the killer goal or hold on to what we had. And once Christian Benteke came on I feared the worst. Not because he is particularly good or that he has ever done much against us in the past, but because it gave Liverpool an outlet.

So it was no real surprise when the big Belgium created the late equaliser, heading down for Allen to score.

If I am being over-critical I would say Petr Cech was slow reacting and should have pushed it around the post. But the guy has saved us so many times this season that that would be extremely harsh. So instead I will blame the wet pitch which added pace to the ball. And Hector Bellerin who was obscuring his view.

But despite the late drama many positives came from the performance. Aaron Ramsey once again showed how much more effective he is playing centrally. In the absence of Santi Cazorla, the Welshman has scored four times in 10 matches. From the same position, Cazorla has not scored in open play for more than a year.

The way he took his goal last night; the third man run into the area and instant finish, is what we miss when he is stuck out wide. As good as Cazorla has been I would like to see him pushed wide on his return, possibly in place of the off form Theo Walcott.

In fact since we lost Cazorla, Francis Coquelin and Alexis Sanchez to injury in November we have won seven out of nine matches in all competitions and lost just once. The squad, it seems, is far stronger than it was given credit for.

The emergence of Joel Campbell has been a major feature of those matches. Again last night he was magnificent. Adding creativity to work rate, his performances have meant that we have hardly missed Sanchez at all. In fact now that Sanchez is fit again it would actually be a risk to drop Campbell.

His two assists at Anfield showed exactly what he brings to the team. And rarely can a player have given so much for the cause. Giroud was awarded man of the match but Campbell was surely not far behind.

So another potentially tough away game is out of the way. But its straight on to another this weekend with the trip to Stoke City. It is extremely harsh of the fixture computer to give us these two away matches back-to-back in the same week, while City have two at home, but that is the way it is.

While traditionally we have struggled at Stoke, I am confident this time will be different. We now have a mental strength in the squad sadly lacking in previous years and we have the quality to get the result we need.

 

Often when we have been poor defensively this season we have really tightened up in the next match. I can see a much more cagey affair at the Britannia with us nicking it 1-0. Four points from these two away matches would be a great return and set us up nicely for the title run in.

So back to the question posed at the start: two points dropped or one point gained? I guess only time will tell.

Garde down!

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

ASTON VILLA 0 ARSENAL 2

By Ricky Butler at Villa Park

ASTON VILLA is one of the biggest names in English football. A club rich in history and traditional; Villa Park one of last remaining classic English football stadiums.

It therefore gives me no pleasure at all in watching them struggle like this, especially as they have a former Gooner, Remi Garde, in charge.

Of course I was delighted to see us win this game 2-0 and reclaim our place at the top of the Premier League table but it was with a slightly heavy heart.

This has always been one of my favourite away games. Since my first visit to this famous old stadium back in 1982 I have always enjoyed the trips here.

But having watched us pick up our easiest three points of the season so far, I couldn't help but think this could be my last visit here for some considerable time.

The Championship is now full of big clubs who were once at the very top of English football: Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers, to name but a few.

Relegation for Villa, and on this showing that looks inevitable, would see them join that list and you have to fear for their future. The Championship is possibly the hardest league to get out of and despite their reputation, Villa would by no means be certain of bouncing straight back up.

It seems hard to believe that our last visit here, 15 months ago, saw Villa top the table with a large, expectant crowd filling the stadium. Our 3-0 win that day probably contributed to their subsequent brush with relegation and to rub salt into the wounds we then thrashed them 4-0 at Wembley in the FA Cup final.

But despite being unbeaten here in our last 16 league visits, I have to say I was a little apprehensive about our chances this time. We have a habit of dropping points after a European away match and we had given an awful lot in Anthems in midweek.

With a squad stretched to the limit there was not even any scope to rest anyone so it was the same XI that started in Greece which took the field here.

There was no doubt we needed a fast start. The longer it stayed at 0-0 the harder it would be for us to find a breakthrough as the legs would inevitably become heavy. But thankfully it was the pantomime villain, former Spurs full back Alan Hutton, who provided us with just that.

Mathieu Flamini released Theo Walcott down the left and after getting the wrong side of the Villa defender, the winger was pulled down for what looked like a blatant penalty.

At first referee Kevin Friend appeared to wave away our appeals but he then changed his mind, presumably on the word of his assistant, and pointed to the spot. It was the correct decision.

Olivier Giroud, the midweek hat-trick hero, stepped up and confidently tucked away his 50^th Premier League for the club, only the 7^th player to reach that particular milestone.

The celebrations in the away end were so vigorous that my mobile phone, tucked away in my pocket, was smashed in the process. The dangers of an away goal when you are chasing the title!!

A one goal lead had not been sufficient in our previous two away games, at West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City, but this Villa side are not bottom without good reason, and aside from the lively Scott Sinclair, they never really looked like finding a way back.

And when we scored a second, seven minutes before the break, the result was sealed. The move started with a great tackle from Aaron Ramsey just outside our penalty area and when the ball found its way to Walcott, he sent Mesut Ozil clear.

One-on-one with Brad Guzan, the German could easily have scored himself but he continued his incredible run of assists with a simple square ball for Ramsey to tap home. 2-0. Game over.

Credit to Villa for a much improved second half display, although much of that was down to us looking leggy and settling for what we had.

Needing a clean sheet to equal the Premier League record, held by ex-Villa stopper David James, Petr Cech had a fairly comfortable afternoon against the least potent attack in the Premier League.

Prior to kick off I had feared the presence of Rudi Gestede, given our inability to defend set-pieces and his strength in the air, but he failed to receive a decent cross all afternoon and looked uninterested for much of the contest.

The nearest Villa came to a consolation was a thrilling late run by substitute Adama Traore which would have been a goal of the season contender had he not fired into the side netting after bursting past four, albeit half-hearted, challenges.

Despite being top of the table the mood in the away end at the end was somewhat subdued. There is incredibly still a feeling of 'Wenger out' among a section of the support, and even Giroud, in his current rich vein of form, has his critics. It appears there is no pleasing some people.

The problem seems to lie in the fact that many of today's fans cannot remember anything before the millennium. Throughout this match a group of lads in front of us were singing songs from the 1980s and 90s and they were met with blank looks from many around us.

The modern football fan expects instant success and believes everything they are told on Sky Sports and the BBC. No one in the media, expect possibly Thierry Henry and Ian Wright, expect us to win the title this season so many fans also believe we can't, despite the evidence to the contrary every week in front of their eyes.

But enough of our problems. Villa are a club in real crisis. Speaking to several of their fans on the walk back to the car you certainly get the impression that they have accepted their fate.

Personally, I feel that with the addition of a decent striker in January they would have a chance as they certainly have the spirit. Garde is an intelligent coach and has the ability to turn it around but he needs to build his own team. Currently too many of these players are not giving him enough.

Having been original members of both the Football League and the Premier League it would a real shame to lose a club like Aston Villa. But football is not based on sentiment alone.

We needed the points ourselves and were extremely efficient in getting them. Manchester City drew 0-0 here a few weeks ago so this was a big three points for us. Not our greatest, most fluent performance, perhaps, but a vital win nonetheless.

Next up is a potential title decider against City on Monday week. Alexis Snachez may be fit to return and what a boost that would be at such a crucial part of the season. 

No Greek tragedy for Arsenal

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH DAY SIX

Olympiacos 0 Arsenal 3

By Ricky Butler 

IT WAS billed as mission impossible for Arsenal in Athens last night but that did not prove to be the case as Arsene Wenger's side once again made it through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Olivier Giroud may have grabbed the headlines with his first hat-trick for the club but it was the character and spirit of the team that really shone through on a memorable night for the North Londoners.

This Arsenal side has often been accused of lacking mental strength and the ability to dig deep when it really matters. But last night in the intimidating atmosphere of the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, the Gunners showed they are up for the battles that lay ahead.

This will now join an impressive list of away results in the Champions League for Arsene Wenger's side. While lacking the glamour of wins at places like Madrid, Milan, Munich and Rome, last night in the ancient city of Athens, Arsenal produced a performance as good as anything that had preceded it.

After two defeats from their opening two group games, Arsenal looked to have left themselves with to much to do if they were to make it through to the last 16 for a 16^th year in a row. But after an unexpected 2-0 home win over Bayern Munich, the German champions only defeat in all competitions this season, the stage was set for a shoot-out in the Greek capital.

Needing to better the 3-2 win Olympiacos enjoyed at the Emirates in October, Arsenal looked understandably nervous at the start. And had the hosts scored in this period it would surely have been game over.

But Wenger's men soon settled down, and after the impressive Joel Campbell had set up Mathieu Flamini to hit the bar midway through the first half, Arsenal made the vital 28^th minute breakthrough.

The success of this team has been built around the world class talent of Mesut Ozil, and the club's record signing once again displayed his worth with a wonderful pass inside the full back to release Aaron Ramsey down the left.

The Welshman's first time cross was perfect for the late-arriving Giroud, who's trademark near post header somehow escaped the grasp of Olympiacos' goalkeeper Roberto to squeeze into the net.

With the previously vociferous home fans now all but silenced, the Gunners looked to gain the initiative. And just three minutes into the second period they doubled their advantage.

Again Campbell was at the heart of it, showing great touch and vision to dissect the home defence with a reverse pass which Giroud did not have to break stride to dispatch past Roberto with an instant left-foot finish.

A goal from the Greeks would still have denied Arsenal, but as he has so often done this season, Petr Cech flung himself to his right to tip over a 20-yard drive from Pajtim Kasami.

That proved to be the host's last chance of clinching the Group F runners-up spot as within five minutes it was game over. Nacho Monreal's goal-bound shot struck the arm of defender Omar Elabdellaoui and Giroud completed his first Arsenal hat-trick from the penalty spot.

The French striker seems to attract a lot of unwarranted criticism but this was his 13^th goal of the season, and his 71^st in just 157 Gunners appearances.

While over the last three or four transfer windows many have been calling for Wenger to splash millions on a new striker, there are very few available forwards who boast such an impressive strike rate.

Players like Deigo Costa and Romelu Lukaku are widely praised in the media but Giroud is arguably even better than both. 

Aside from his goals, the Frenchman offers so much more. While he may lack that extra yard of pace, his hold up play, touch and movement are exemplary. And as he showed last night, he can produce it when it really matters.

The good news continued for Gunners fans with the return to the starting line up of Theo Walcott after six weeks out with a calf injury. 

Employed in a wide position in Athens, Walcott offers the team something extra, and with Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck all out injured, the return of the Englishman could not be better timed.

Of course no one will fancy Arsenal to go much further in this competition as they could face either Barcelona or Real Madrid in the last 16, and a possible re-match with Bayern later on, but having overcome all the odds to make it through the group stage anything is now possible.

Comparisons were made with Liverpool's victory over the Greeks in 2004 when they also had seemed dead and buried in the group stage, and they went on to lift the trophy that season.

Perhaps that is beyond this Arsenal side when you look at who they will have to get past, but with players due to return from injury by the time the knock-out stages resumes in February, they could prove to be the dark horses of the competition.

Before all that, however, Arsenal face a very different challenge when they travel to Premier League basement boys Aston Villa on Sunday. Now managed by former Gunner and friend of Wenger, Remi Garde, it will be a game they are expected to win.

Previously this season they have struggled on the back of a European away trip: losing at Chelsea after Zagreb and drawing with Spurs after Munich, but this a match where nothing less than three points will suffice.

Following a difficult November, Wenger's side now look back to their best and with confidence restored, a place at the top of the Premier League could await come Sunday evening.