Arsenal play Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16

The form book is not on Arsenal’s side. They lost the 2006 final to Barcelona and were also on the wrong end of Catalonian brilliance in the 2009-10 quarter-finals and 2010-11 round of 16. Five times in a row Wenger’s European adventure has ended before the quarter-finals. Last season’s reverse to Monaco on away goals was the worst of those let-downs

The imagination glows brightest for the majesty of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez on the Arsenal pitch, where Mesut Ozil now seems to understand that dominating English football with his skills is within his range. But his day job – the Premier League – comes first.

The worst possible outcome for Arsene Wenger’s side who must play out of their skins to stand a chance of reaching the quarter finals. The obvious conundrum is how can an Arsenal back four presumably featuring the less than nippy Per Mertesacker possibly contain the mighty threat of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi? The Gunners will need luck and every ounce of their quality to find a way past the reigning champions. 
Alan Smith

Alexis Sanchez to get handed a new contact by Arsenal

Arsenal will reward Alexis Sanchez for his explosive run of form with a new five-year deal before Christmas, that will secure the Chilean down until his 30’s.

Alexis has been in fine form over the past three games, firing in six goals in all- including five in the Premier League, more than he managed in the last 21 league matches.

The Sunday Mirror reported the news about Alexis’ contract renewal before his two-goal haul against Manchester United at the Emirates yesterday, which is sure to have raised Arsenal’s aims to securing his long-term future.

Alexis has enjoyed a fine start to life in the Premier League since his £30m arrival from Barcelona last summer, becoming an instant success and a fan favourite; with his debut season capped-off with an FA Cup crown.

Arsenal will now be hoping to win their first Premier League title in over a decade and look to be in a promising position, as they sit second in the table heading into the international break.

The Gunners return to action on the 17th October against Watford before hosting Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Everton the following weekend. From there, the Gunners travel to Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday.

Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United: Match Review

Arsenal confirmed their place amongest the top in the Premier League with a huge 3-0 victory over Manchester United, which put the Gunners second in the Premier League.

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil struck in the opening 7 minutes as Arsenal raced in front, with Sanchez adding his second before the twenty minute mark.

Arsenal raced into a two-goal lead within the opening seven minutes as Mesut Ozil cut the ball to Alexis Sanchez at the near post, who flicked home, and the Gunners doubled their advantage 33 seconds after the restart as Theo Walcott set-up Ozil for a cool finish.

The Gunners made it three before the twenty minute mark as a throw-in on the halfway line quickly ended in spectacular fashion. Walcott played to Alexis, who cut inside onto his right foot and fired home his seventh goal of the week into the top corner.

Aaron Ramsey had a glorious chance to make it four shortly after the hour mark as Alexis clipped the ball into the Welshman but he couldn’t control his finish, blazing wide of the target.

Manchester United had a chance to pull one back before the break when Anthony Martial took down a ball in the area superbly and turned to strike on goal, only to be denied by a fantastic save from Petr Cech.

Louis Van Gaal identified the need to make changes at the break and introduced Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia in the place of Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian, with the latter of the duo being tortured by Alexis in the first-half.

United improved in the second-half as the first 15 minutes of the second-half resulted in a number of physical challenges, whilst neither side could create a clear-cut opening; though the visitors were trying their best to change that and Wayne Rooney forced Petr Cech into a diving save.

Cech was required again soon after as a cautious approach from the Gunners let United back into the game and the goalkeeper needed to dive to the feet of Bastian Schweinsteiger to prevent the visitors finding a morale-boosting goal.

Nacho Monreal set-up Ozil at the other end, who struck straight at David De Gea, before Walcott and Ozil were replaced by Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the final 15 minutes. Five minutes later, two-goal hero Alexis was replaced by Kieran Gibbs.

Oxlade-Chamberlain struck the bar with a deft chip right at the death but Arsenal held onto their win, rising to second in the Premier League table.

Arsenal 2-3 Olympiacos: Match Review (Champions League)

Arsenal have endured a Champions League nightmare once again after they suffered a second-consecutive group stage defeat, losing 3-2 at home to Olympiacos.

Felipe Pardo’s deflected volley opened the deadlock but Theo Walcott equalised minutes later. A David Ospina howler gave the visitors a lead at the break but Arsenal thought they’d saved something through Alexis Sanchez header- only to see Alfred Finnbogason tap-home just 59 seconds later.

Arsenal made changes for the match as they rested Petr Cech and Nacho Monreal, with David Ospina and Kieran Gibbs coming in, whilst Francis Coquelin returned from injury and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replaced Aaron Ramsey.

The Gunners had the first real chance of the game shortly after ten minutes when they hit on the counter-attack, where Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain struck the side netting before Theo Walcott forced a comfortable save minutes later.

A disciplined Olympiacos side were quelling Arsenal’s attack though and had plenty of time on the ball, whilst it was clear they could cause Arsene Wenger’s side problems if they didn’t stay alert.

The unthinkable happened after 32 minutes, as a corner to the edge of the box was volleyed towards goal by Felipe Pardo- taking a major deflection off Oxlade-Chamberlain and beating David Ospina, who was left hapless.

Arsenal weren’t behind for long though as they equalised just minutes later, as Alexis fed the ball through to Theo Walcott and he cooly tucked away his fourth goal of the season; maintaining his excellent run of form.

Olympiacos retook the lead six minutes before half-time though as Ospina made a major error, dropping a corner on the line which led to the fifth official awarding the goal- although replays were inconclusive as to whether the whole ball crossed the line.

Things got worse after the restart as Arsenal lost Laurent Koscielny to an injury just ten minutes into the second-half, with a muscular injury that could force him to miss this weekend’s clash with Manchester United.

On the hour-mark Arsenal had golden opportunities to take the lead as an Alexis cut-back took a deflection and required a save from Roberto, before the same man prevented Mertesacker’s shot and Cazorla then saw an effort cleared off the line.

Cazorla then saw Roberto produce another fine save to keep Arsenal at bay, with the Gunners launching an all-out assault on their opponents. The Gunners found the equaliser on the 65th minute, as Walcott lofted a ball to Alexis who nodded home.

Remarkably that lasted just 59 seconds as the Greek side regained their advantage immediately, hitting Arsenal’s poor defence once again and tapping home through Alfred Finnbogason; his first goal of the season.

Into the final fifteen minutes Roberto produced a diving save to deny Mesut Ozil from a free-kick, before Alexis saw a dramatic diving header fly wide of the mark ten minutes later, before Cazorla saw a free-kick clawed away.

Arsenal 5-2 Leicester City: Match Review

Arsenal came from behind to seal a victory that puts them back in the title race, after ending Leicester City’s unbeaten run.

Jamie Vardy gave the hosts an early lead but it didn’t take too long for Theo Walcott to level the scores, before Alexis Sanchez gave the Gunners the lead before the break. Alexis grabbed two in the second-half to seal victory, before Vardy grabbed his second of the game in the dying moments.

Olivier Giroud added his name to the scoresheet late-on, giving Arsenal their favourite 5-2 scoreline.

The game got off to an electric start as Santi Cazorla saw a shot cleared off the line by Ritchie De Laet, before Jamie Vardy struck the post with a bobbling effort at the other end. The end-to-end action was intense and it didn’t take long for the first goal.

13 minutes were on the clock when Leicester hit on the counter-attack and Vardy finished the move expertly, curling into the far corner past Petr Cech to continue his tremendous run of form this season.

Arsenal were only behind for five minutes though as they hit with a counter-attack of their own, with Cazorla feeding a ball through to Theo Walcott and he charged through on goal before passing a finish into the net off the far post.

The Gunners took the lead fifteen minutes later, again pressuring on the counter-attack, as quick-fire move saw Mesut Ozil superbly flick the ball out wide to Hector Bellerin and the ball into the middle found Alexis Sanchez, who tucked home his first Premier League goal in overfourteen hours of football.

Arsenal extended their advantage shortly after the break as Mesut Ozil delivered a superb cross to Alexis Sanchez, who timed his run perfectly to stay onside and then head-home his second of the afternoon.

Leicester, finding themselves two-goals behind for the third Premier League game in a row, needing changes and introduced Leonardo Ulloa to the game; who scored against the Gunners last season.

Heading into the final quarter of the match Arsenal looked confident, with chances few and far between at both ends, but Leicester were enjoying plenty of time on the ball. They introduced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Olivier Giroud to see the game out, as three points would put them back in the title race.

Arsenal sealed the victory heading into the final ten-minutes as Alexis Sanchez completed his hat-trick with a low strike from distance, ensuring Arsenal secured maximum points heading into a big week with fixtures against Olympiacos and Manchester United.

Jamie Vardy had time to double his tally for the afternoon, continuing his early season flourish, but the damage was already done, especially as Olivier Giroud added his name to the scoresheet late-on.

Arsenal 2-1 Spurs: Match Review

Arsenal advanced to the fourth-round of the Capital One Cup with a 2-1 victory at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur.

Mathieu Flamini was the surprise hero on the night, after his brace secured the victory. Calum Chambers tucked the ball into his own net but the Frenchman volleyed expertly into the bottom corner.

Joel Campbell headed an early chance over the bar after a perfectly timed run from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but it was a slow start from both sides, with chances at a premium as the second-string players settled.

Arsenal took the lead after 26 minutes though as Oxlade-Chamberlain saw a low drive parried away by Michel Vorm, falling kindly into the path of Mathieu Flamini who tucked home.

Danny Rose was causing problems down the right-side, first driving a low shot wide as he wasted a decent chance before breaking into the box and being clattered by David Ospina; who charged off his line to prevent the danger.

At the break the lack of chances suggested that one-goal could be enough but Arsenal needed to keep their wits about them inn the second-half, especially with three players on a booking.

Tottenham found the net four minutes into the second-half after Christian Eriksen’s shot was superbly palmed onto the post by Ospina, with Harry Kane tucking home the rebound, only to see the offside flag raised.

An equaliser did occur shortly after as Debuchy left Danny Rose with acres of space on the right again and the full-back’s low ball was diverted into his own net by Calum Chambers, sparking life into White Hart Lane once again.

Kieran Gibbs was required to head Kane’s bicycle-kick off the line ten minutes later, as the hosts pushed for another goal that would give them a valuable lead. Arsenal’s game-plan wasn’t working and a swift changed followed, with Alexis Sanchez on for Joel Campbell.

Arsenal looked better after the Chilean’s introduction, with Giroud forcing a decent save from Michel Vorm at his near post. At the other end, the Gunners endured a scare as Ospina dropped a corner practically on the goal line.

Sensationally, Flamini gave Arsenal the lead again as a looping ball dropped to his right foot on the edge of the area and he volleyed home in spectacular fashion with his most memorable moment since he scored against AC Milan in the Champions League.

Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea: Match Review

Arsenal will be infuriated after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, in a game masked with controversy that went against the Gunners.

It all kicked-off late in the first-half as Gabriel Paulista reacted to Diego Costa’s antics to earn a red-card, moments after the Spaniard  somehow escaped a dismissal. The Blues made their advantage count with a Kurt Zouma header, before Santi Cazorla earned a second-yellow and Calum Chambers deflected an Eden Hazard shot into his own net.

Arsenal started the game well as they dominated possession in the opening exchanges, with Theo Walcott looking lively, whilst Chelsea soaked the pressure and seemed set to operate on the counter-attack.

Chances were proving to be at a premium though, with Alexis Sanchez dragging a wayward effort wide before Petr Cech was called into routine action at the other end to deny Diego Costa. The Blues were now enjoying the bulk of possession, in a decent spell for the hosts.

Arsenal’s first real chance came shortly before the 30-minute mark, as Mesut Ozil slipped through a nicely weighted pass to Walcott but his controlled finish was comfortably saved by Asmir Begovic. Chelsea then got the best chance of the match when Cesc Fabregas lofted a ball over to Pedro, who couldn’t finish, before Eden Hazard appealed for a penalty under challenge from Gabriel Paulista.

Before the break it all kicked-off as Diego Costa somehow escaped a red-card for a swing on Laurent Koscielny, with the square up that ensued resulting in the forward and Gabriel earning a yellow card. Costa’s dodgy antics continued, which Gabriel reacted to and earned his dismissal for a kick-out.

Francis Coquelin made way for Calum Chambers to plug the whole in defence, with the Gunners now having a mountain to climb to get back into the game.

Early in the second-half Pedro volleyed wide of the mark, as Chelsea put the foot to the gas immediately. The hosts then took the lead as Fabregas curled a perfect delivery to the head of Kurt Zouma, who headed past Cech at the near post.

Alexis Sanchez then had a decent chance to equalise when a long-ball forward caused confusion in the Chelsea defence but the Chilean couldn’t provide the required touch, before Walcott curled a wayward shot wide.

A double-change reshuffled the offensive line for the final 15 minutes of the game, as Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were introduced in place of Ozil and Sanchez. However, Cazorla swiftly earned his second-yellow to reduce the visitors to nine-men.

Chelsea sealed the victory late-on as Eden Hazard’s shot deflected off Calum Chambers to give the hosts a two-goal cushion, with a game that will leave a bitter taste in Arsenal’s mouth.

Arsenal 1-2 Dinamo Zagreb: Match Review

Arsenal began their Champions League campaign with an embarrassing defeat in Croatia, as the Gunners were stunned as they lost 2-1 to Dinamo Zagreb.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rebounded the ball into his own net to give the hosts the lead and Junior Fernandes doubled the advantage in the second-half, with Arsenal losing Olivier Giroud to a red-card before the interval.

Theo Walcott pulled one back for Arsene Wenger’s side but by this stage the damage was done, leaving Arsenal with plenty of questions to be answered.

Olivier Giroud, back in the starting line-up after scoring off the bench at the weekend, had a great chance for the opening goal as he rose to meet Santi Cazorla’s corner but Eduardo pulled-off a decent save to keep the scores level.

Giroud then struck the post with a lopping header after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain surged down the right side, seeing his rebound saved by the keeper, as Arsenal continued their early pressure. Disaster then struck as the hosts took a shock lead.

Mathieu Debuchy left the right-side open with acres of space and Josip Pivaric capitalised, charging into the box and seeing his initial attempt saved by David Ospina but the rebound cannoned back in off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arsenal lost Olivier Giroud six minutes before the break as he was given a second-yellow card for a clumsy challenge after previously being booked for his reaction to a minor foul, in what was a poor decision from Giroud but he was rather unfortunate to receive his marching orders.

Immediately after the break Dinamo came inches away from doubling their advantage as a corner led to El Arabi Hilal Soudan striking the post with a chance he should’ve done better with, whilst at the other end Mesut Ozil failed to connect with a cut-back from Kieran Gibbs, before the German slotted home but saw the offside flag raised.

Junior Fernandes then doubled Dinamo’s advantage with a strong header from a corner, rising above Laurent Koscielny, leaving Arsenal’s chances of turning the game around trailing in the mud. Needing a major turn-around, the Gunners made a triple change as they introduced Theo Walcott, Francis Coquelin and Joel Campbell.

Walcott gave Arsenal hopes of a comeback 12 minutes before the finale as he timed his run to perfection to slot into the far corner but the Gunners still needed more, whilst Dinamo continued to look threatening every time they pushed forward.

At the death Ospina was called into action with a brilliant save, which was only damage limitations, after Gabriel Paulista had sloppily given the ball away.

Arsenal 2-0 Stoke City : Match Review

Arsenal picked up their first victory at the Emirates Stadium this season with a dominant 2-0 win over Stoke City, where the result never looked in doubt.

Theo Walcott gave the hosts a first-half lead after Mesut Ozil’s fantastic long pass sent him clear on goal and Olivier Giroud came off the bench to seal the result, heading home Santi Cazorla’s inch-perfect free-kick delivery.

Arsenal started the game in impressive fashion as Alexis Sanchez’ header forced Jack Butland to palm the ball onto his own post but Theo Walcott put the rebound wide of the goal. Alexis was in on the action again as his free-kick forced Butland into action again, before the Chilean struck the post once again.

Walcott then headed a Hector Bellerin cross over the bar before Laurent Koscielny struck an effort from distance, with it beginning to look like it could be one of those days for Arsene Wenger’s side.

However the breakthrough finally came shortly after the half hour mark. Francis Coquelin won possession for Mesut Ozil, with the German lofting a superb ball over the top of the Stoke defence to Theo Walcott; who netted his first goal of the season.

Arsenal’s dominance continued into the second-half but Stoke fired some warning shots, with Xherdan Shaqiri testing Petr Cech with a low-drive from a tight angle; which was an easy save for the veteran, making his 500th appearance in English football.

Walcott couldn’t get the required connection to a Bellerin cross as Arsenal pushed for a second, with Ozil then forcing Butland into another fine save. Gabriel Paulista was fortunate to get away with swinging an arm at Marko Arnautovic at the other end, which may be looked at after the game.

Olivier Giroud came on for the final 15 minutes and his struggles continued with his first chance, as he dragged an effort wide of the goal after being gifted the opportunity by the Stoke defence. However, he soon made up for that error as he headed home Cazorla’s perfect delivery to seal the victory.

Koscielny came close shortly after with another header from a Cazorla free-kick but the work was done for Arsenal, who now face a busy week away at Dynamo Kiev before next weekend’s London derby against struggling Chelsea.

Arsenal face rivals Spurs in Capital One Cup

Arsenal have been drawn away to Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Capital One Cup.

The fixture will be played the week commencing Monday, September 21.

Arsenal face Bayern Munich in Champions League Group Stage

Arsenal were handed a tough draw in the Champions League group stages as they were paired with Bayern Munich.

The Gunners were knocked out of the tournament by the German giants in successive seasons in 2013 and 2014 and their presence in Group F represents a major challenge for the north London club, who have started the Premier League season with four points from three games.

Bayern were beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals last season but went on to complete a first ever domestic double and have reinforced their squad over the summer with the acquisitions of Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal and Shakhtar forward Douglas Costa.

Arsene Wenger's side, who were beaten at home by West Ham on the opening day of the season, also face Olympiakos and Dinamo Zagreb.

Manchester City were handed a similarly tough draw and will play last season's beaten finalists Juventus, Europa League champions Sevilla and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Jose Mourinho will return to Porto with Chelsea and the reigning Premier League champions will also play Dynamo Kiev and Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Group G.

Mourinho was in charge at Porto from 2002 to 2004 and won both the UEFA Cup and the Champions League during that time.

After a one-year absence, Manchester United will resume Champions League competition against PSV Eindhoven - meaning an early return to Holland for winger Memphis - CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg. 

Current holders Barcelona drew Bayer Leverkusen, Roma and BATE Borisov.

The ceremony to draw the groups also included the presentation of the UEFA Best Player award, which was given to Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

Full Champions League group stage draw:

Group A: PSG, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Malmo.

Group B: PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, CSKA Moscow, Wolfsburg.

Group C: Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray, Astana.

Group D: Juventus, Manchester City, Sevilla, Borussia Monchengladbach.

Group E: Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Roma, BATE Borisov.

Group F: Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Olympiakos, Dinamo Zagreb.

Group G: Chelsea, Porto, Dynamo Kiev, Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

Group H: Zenit, Valencia, Lyon, KAA Gent.

Arsenal now turn to PSG striker Cavani

Speculation linking Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani to Arsenal has increased ten-fold overnight following Karim Benzema’s public declaration that he would not leave Real Madrid.

Benzema was highly-cited as Arsenal’s prime target to bolster the attack, whilst Cavani was seen as an alternative. However, following Benzema’s tweet, several outlets now mention Cavani on their back-pages.

They state that PSG do not want to sell Uruguayan striker Cavani but his name has popped up consistently in the past few transfer windows, with suggestions he is not happy with being deployed out wide to accommodate poster-boy Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

However with suggestions that the Swedish international could move on, it’s extremely unlikely that the French champions would also approve the departure of Cavani- which could cause troubles for Arsenal’s approach.

With Benzema ruling out an exit, the tabloids are likely to be flooded in the final week of the transfer window linking Arsenal to strikers- but it could prove to be a highly difficult void for Arsene Wenger to fill.

There’s a distinct lack of top-class strikers available on the European market, whilst in England the likes of Charlie Austin and Saido Berahino are being priced at around £15m and £25m respectively.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool : Match Review

Arsenal were held to a goalless draw against Liverpool in a game where they created little chances, with the first-half being a horror show.

Petr Cech was called into action on a number of occasions to save Arsenal, whilst Philippe Coutinho struck the frame of the goal twice. In the second-half, Arsenal came close when Alexis Sanchez hit the post but ultimately a night to forget for Arsenal.

There was a shock an hour before kick-off with the team news, with Arsenal lining-up without first choice centre-back duo Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny; with suggestions they were absent due to illness and bad back respectively.

Liverpool started the game in an electric fashion and saw Philippe Coutinho clatter the woodwork inside two minutes. Shortly after at the other end, Arsenal found the net when Aaron Ramsey poked home but the offside flag was incorrectly raised.

Francis Coquelin then got the Arsenal defence out of jail with a pinpoint last-ditch challenge, twice, with the reshuffled back-line at sixes and sevens. James Milner then forced a save out of Petr Cech, before Nathaniel Clyne had an effort deflected wide.

Gabriel Paulista then showed brilliant defending to dispossess Coutinho in a dangerous position and Christian Benteke then missed a golden opportunity, with Cech pulling off a point-blank save to keep the match goalless.

Minutes before the break Cech then showed his class once again with another superb stop, tipping Coutinho’s driven effort onto the post; ensuring that the tie would remain level at the break, with Arsenal needing major improvements.

Arsenal looked better in the second-half, giving Liverpool less chances to create, but with an hour gone the hosts were still yet to create a decent opening. That was until Giroud tapped the ball to Alexis Sanchez, who cannoned against the post. 

Liverpool then ended Roberto Firmino’s full debut and replaced him with Jordan Ibe, before Arsenal were denied a penalty claim as Giroud was about to pull the trigger; with Simon Mignolet pulling off a diving save.

Arsenal soon replaced Giroud with Theo Walcott as they looked to make their second-half pressure count, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also coming on to replace Francis Coquelin. Ramsey then forced a save from Mignolet with a deflected shot, a decent chance for the hosts.

Skrtel then came close to diverting the ball into his own net, before Mignolet was finally booked for time wasting. Liverpool’s tactic of grinding out the result worked though, as they left the Emirates with a 0-0 draw; maintaining their unbeaten record.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham : Match Review

 Arsenal had the worst possible start to the season by losing 2-0 at home to West Ham.

Arsenal normally don't have the best of starts in the opening fixture of the season but Arsenal fans had high hopes when they had a brilliant preseason by winning the Asia cup over in Singapore, the Emirates cup, the highlight being a 6-0 thrashing over Lyon, which don't forgot are a champions league side and the Community shield over a very strong Chelsea side.

Petr Cech endured a nightmare debut as he flapped for a Dimitri Payet free-kick, allowing Cheikhow Kouyate to head home, before the 11m signing. Was caught out by a long range effort from Mauro Zarate.

Arsenal had the first chance of the game when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fired a fierce volley over the bar, with the Gunners being sloppy in possession at times by giving the ball away too regularly and placing a number of stray passes

Olivier Giroud was central to Arsenal's attack, with a number of deft touches to his team-mate, but the complacency had still not left the game after 25 minutes with the stray passes continuing. Oxlade-Chamberlain surged down the wing to cross to Santi Cazorla, who lofted a volley onto the roof of the net. 

Arsenal's urgency had improved by this stage and Aaron Ramsey came close to opening the scoring when his volley cannoned off the back of Aaron Cresswell and looped on to the top of the crossbar with Adrian well beaten.

Dimitri Payet showed there was too sides in the game when he drifted into the middle, before curling a deflected effort over Petr Cech's bar. Ramsey than had a chance at the other end when he dragged a shot wide, as Arsenal began to start ticking.

However it was the Hammers that took the lead, capitalising on a free-kick opportunity to loft the ball into Cheikhou Kouyate, who headed an easy header into the net as Petr Cech was caught in no-mans land, not the first impression he would have wanted

Giroud smashed an early shot into the side netting early in the second-half, making the most of the opportunity, but West Ham then extended their lead. Mauro Zarate struck a low shot which squirmed into the bottom corner of the net, another poor moment from Cech

Arsenal needed a major turnaround and brought on Theo Walcott as they attempted to do just that, coming on in place of Francis Coquelin, whilst Alexis Sanchez soon followed by replacing Mathieu Debuchy.

By this stage West Ham were sitting back, well aware that barring a miracle their work was done. Despite Arsenal throwing everything forward, there was still no sign of things turning around but there was a scary moment when Giroud was knocked-out but still allowed to continue.

Oxlade-Chamberlain rifled a shot into the side netting before Cazorla forced a save from Adrian but Arsenal still has not created a decent opening,

Arsenal Concede Benzema move unlikely

Arsenal are reported by Goal to have conceded that a transfer bringing Karim Benzema to North London is unlikely- but the Gunners will retain their interest as a late move could be on the cards.

The 27-year-old seems likely to remain with Real Madrid this summer, with boss Rafael Benitez stating this week that he sees ‘no reason’ why the French international would be leaving the club this summer.

However, reports indicate that Arsenal will keep their interest fresh as they plot a late move after holding initial talks with Benzema’s camp and Real Madrid officials.

The club feel a move in the manner of Mesut Ozil’s deadline day transfer from the Spanish capital to Arsenal may be possible and Arsene Wenger’s side will wait- but it is stated Wenger is happy with the club’s other striking options if the Benzema pursuit ends up fruitless.

Benzema is currently injured for Real Madrid’s pre-season games in the Audi Cup and faces a battle to be ready for the new season but may find himself sidelined, with indications Real will use Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in central positions.

Arsenal Target Lacazette wants to leave Lyon

Alexandre Lacazette could be ready to push through a move to the Premier League as L’Equipe state the reported Arsenal target will tell Lyon he wants to leave.

The 24-year-old is stated to have seen his relationship with the French side sour over the summer, leading to the striker wanting to force an exit from the club- which hands Lyon a massive blow ahead of their Champions League return.

Lacazette set a Ligue 1 record last term by scoring 27 goals, helping Lyon push Paris Saint-Germain for the title and winning himself the golden boot.

His performances attracted a wealth of reported interest, including that of Liverpool and PSG, but Lyon wanted to sign the player down to a new contract to eliminate the possibility of the striker leaving.

Lacazette could now be a big mover in the final month of the window but Liverpool are unlikely to launch their interest due to the acquisition of Christian Benteke, though PSG might with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’ future in doubt.

Arsenal’s prime-target is Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema but the Gunners may swift their attention with the news.

Serge Gnabry Joins West Ham on Loan

The 20-year-old forward recovered from a spell out with injury last term to play for Arsenal Under-21s and represent Germany at the Under-21 European Championship in the Czech Republic this summer.

He enjoyed an impressive 2013/14 campaign, making 14 appearances for Arsenal’s senior side and netting his first goal for the club, in a 2-1 victory at Swansea City.

Gnabry, who joined the Gunners from VfB Stuttgart in 2011, heads to West Brom for the opportunity to gain further first-team experience in the Premier League. 

Arsène Wenger said: "We know Serge is ready to play in the Premier League, but we know as well that what is needed for him is to get 25 to 30 games to show that he can produce it on a regular basis and cope with it physically."


Source: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150807/serge-gnabry-joins-west-brom-on-loan

Petr Cech has signed for Arsenal!

The 33-year-old goalkeeper made over 400 appearances during 11 years at Stamford Bridge, winning multiple club and personal honours. He also won the Premier League Golden Glove award on three occasions.

A seven-time Czech Footballer of the Year, Cech made his international debut in 2002. He currently has 114 caps for his country - four short of countryman Karel Poborsky’s all-time record.

Cech began his career in the Czech Republic with Chmel Blsany, before moving to Sparta Prague. He joined Rennes in France in 2002, before arriving in the Premier League with Chelsea in 2004.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: “Petr Cech is a player that I have admired for a long time and I am very pleased that he has decided to join us. He has proven over many seasons that he is one of the outstanding keepers in the world and he will add great strength to our squad.”

New signing Cech said: “I’m really excited about joining Arsenal Football Club and can't wait to join up for pre-season. I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career, and I love the challenges brought by the top quality players you face while playing in the Premier League. When Arsène Wenger spoke to me about his ambitions for this club, and how he saw me as part of this team, the decision was clear.”

Cech has completed his medical and will join up with his new team-mates shortly to begin preparations for the 2015/16 season.

Source- The official Arsenal website  

Arsenal host West Ham on the opening fixture

Arsenal’s first game of the 2015/16 Premier League season is at home to West Ham United on Saturday, August 8.

The Gunners then travel across London to take on Crystal Palace, before playing Liverpool at Emirates Stadium. They finish the month off with a trip to Newcastle.

Arsène Wenger's side face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on September 19, before hosting Manchester United two weeks later.

The first north London derby of the season against Tottenham will be at Emirates Stadium on November 7, with the return match at White Hart Lane on March 5.

The Boxing Day fixture will see Arsenal travel to Southampton, before hosting Bournemouth and Newcastle in their next games over the festive period.

Other standout matches see the Gunners face Liverpool at Anfield on January 12, host Chelsea 11 days later and travel to Old Trafford on February 27.

Arsenal finish their campaign against Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium, a week after a trip to Manchester City.