Season 2007/2008 review

Emirates...... Season 2, 2007/2008 

On the 28/07/2007 I got my first taste of the Emirates Stadium when a new pre season competition called the EMIRATES CUP was played. It was a two day competition and I had a ticket for the first day only, thanks to my best mate Dave who is a season ticket holder and he came as well, there were two games to watch. The first game I saw at the Emirates was at 2pm when Valencia of Spain beat Inter Milan of Italy 2-0 with goals from Jaime Gavilan and David Villa and then at 4.15pm it was time for the main event. Arsenal beat Paris St Germain from France 2-1 with goals from Mathieu Flamini on 45 minutes who hooked home a close range effort against the run of play that went in off the underside of the bar and on 70, Nicklas Bendtner stabbed home from close range from a Denilson Corner after his header was blocked and he was first to the loose ball. Peguy Luyindula  pulled a goal back for PSG with ten minutes to go when he converted a near post cross from Frau. Bendtner had the perfect chance to double his tally on 83 when Alex Hleb was fouled in the area. Bendtner stepped up for the penalty but it was poorly hit and Mickael Landreau in goal easily saved. It was a fantastic day and the Stadium is amazing. Although Highbury is a much missed and loved stadium it just cant compare with the Emirates. (well that's unfair really because it does but in different ways)

  

Sun, 29/07/2007 Emirates Cup day two.... The day kicked off at 2pm with yesterdays losers beating yesterdays winners. PSG beat Valencia 3-0 with goals from Diane 15, N'gog 30 and Luyindula 85. This meant that if Arsenal beat Inter Milan at 4.15pm they would win the first Emirates Cup. A goal less first half made way to a nervous few minutes in the second half when against the run of play David Suazo placed a brilliant header past Jens Lehmann in the Arsenal goal. Five minutes later it was 1-1 after new boy Bacary Sagna pulled the ball back to Alex Hleb who hit a first time shot that was parried by Toldo in the Inter goal, the ball came back to Hleb and he scored at the second attempt. With just five minutes left on the clock, Robin van Persie produced a moment of magic, with the ball ten yards out and in the right hand corner of the penalty area, he went to cut inside two defenders, then simply switched back outside completely wrong footing both defenders before drilling an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. The final whistle went on a good 2-1 win and the first bit of Silverware at the Emirates Stadium was paraded by the players.  

 Thur, 02/08/2007 After winning the Emirates Cup it was off to the Netherlands to play in the Amsterdam Tournament. This is another four team pre season competition and this year Ajax are the hosts to Arsenal, Lazio (Italy) and Atletico Madrid (Spain). Arsenal’s first game was a 2-1 win over Lazio with Eduardo scoring just hours after getting his Arsenal work permit. Arsenal took the lead on 19 minutes, Cesc Fabregas hit a goal bound shot that deflected off Gugleilmo Stendardo and into the path of Nicklas Bendtner, he took the ball around keeper Marco Ballotta and blasted it past covering defenders on the line. Five minutes before the break Lazio were level after a corner was not dealt with and Pandev spun and shot low past Manuel Almunia in the Arsenal goal. Ten minutes after the break, Arsenal won a corner, Tomas Rosicky took and new boy Eduardo was left unmarked to score the winner. This was a good game with plenty of chances and Gaby Mudingayi nearly levelled again in the 77th minute when his shot hit the wood work.

 Sat, 04/08/2007 Arsenal took on the tournament hosts Ajax and beat them 1-0 to win this competition as well. This was a hard fought “friendly” with both teams going all out for the win. With the game heading towards a goal less draw and very little time on the watch, Gael Clichy raced forward in the left hand channel, then cut inside the penalty area before laying off the ball to Dutch striker Robin van Persie, he found the net and Arsenal came home with their second cup in the space of a week

Sun, 12/08/2007 First Game of the new season and Arsenal take on Fulham at the Emirates. This game had a dramatic start and a dramatic end. It was also the beginning of the end for Arsenal goal keeper Jens Lehmann. With just 52 seconds of the new season gone, Arsenal left back Gael Clichy played a simple back pass to the keeper, Lehmann received the ball, tried to turn and pass the ball back to the defender but just managed to slip, David Healy on his Fulham debut who was just following the ball back ends up with the simplest of goals after one of the biggest keeping howlers you will ever see. In contrast at the other end, Fulham had lost first choice keeper Antti Niemi in the warm up with a hand injury and Tony Warner came in at the last minute. He was inspired and almost single handedly kept Arsenal at bay with a brilliant afternoons work in the Fulham goal. It was beginning to look like a disastrous start to the season when on 83 minutes and Arsenal getting desperate, Kolo Toure burst into the Fulham penalty area and was brought down by Carlos Bocanegra. Up stepped Robin van Persie to riffle home the equaliser. Arsenal now had seven minutes to find a winner and on 89 minutes and 45 seconds they did just that. Cesc Fabregas lofted a ball into the area and Alex Hleb hooked home the winner!! A dramatic first game of the season but it must be said that Warner in goal for Fulham did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Hleb of a goal and with only seconds to spare

Wed, 15/08/2007 Arsenal play Sparta Prague in a Champions League Qualifying match away. The Czech Champions are the dominant force in the first half and Arsenal struggled to keep with them. The second half was a different story, on 72 minutes Gael Clichy took on and beat two defenders before squaring a pass to Cesc Fabregas who scored with ease. Deep into injury time, Bacary Sagna set up Alex Hleb and he had the simple task of rolling the ball home. A 0-2 away win with the home leg to come was just what the doctor ordered.

Sun, 19/08/2007 EPL action at Ewood Park as Blackburn Rovers host the Gunners. On 18 minutes Arsenal take the lead after a free for all in the Rovers penalty area and Robin van Persie fires home a close range shot. Arsenal were well on top when in the 71st minute David Dunn hit a long range speculative shot that Jens Lehmann completely fumbled and for the second EPL game running was highly embarrassed to see the ball end up in the back of his net. Right at the death Blackburn’s Ryan Nelsen was sent off in a game that had nine bookings.

Sat, 25/08/2007 Unbeaten Manchester City were our next EPL opponents at the Emirates. Three games played, three wins and three clean sheets was their record....... notice the word “was” because that was all about to change. A hard fought contest ended 0-0 at half time and the second half saw both teams go for it, then the game changed on 65 minutes but in a strange way. Micah Richards brought down Alex Hleb in the area and Robin van Persie had a chance from the penalty spot. His shot was hard but not well directed and Kasper Schmeichel saved with his body to keep the game all square but that was the turning point in the game and inspired Arsenal, not City who dominated for the rest of the match. Kasper Schmeichel was having a great afternoon in the City goal, just like Tony Warner in the first home EPL game. On 80 minutes a one-two between Fabregas and Hleb saw Fabregas rifle home the winning goal. By the time the final whistle went, Arsenal had got the three points they deserved although City/Kasper Schmeichel had made it as difficult as possible all afternoon. Two other points from this game, Jens Lehmann had paid the price for his poor start to the season and Manuel Almunia took over in goal and for the second EPL home game running, a player was injured during the warm up, this time the unlucky player was Arsenal’s Philippe Senderos.

Wed, 29/08/2007 Champions League knock out night at the Emirates. With a 2-0 lead against Sparta Prague from the first game and three more on the night, this was a comfortable 5-0 agg passage into the competition proper. Tomas Rosicky scored after seven minutes and that was that (well it was already really) Theo Walcott sprinted to the byline and cut the ball back for Rosicky to easily score. On 82, Eduardo set up substitute Cesc Fabregas who scored from the edge of the area and on 90, Eduardo scored his first Arsenal goal after knocking home a Denilson cross. 3-0 on the night but it would soon be time to face the “bigger” boys in this competition.

Ed boy scores his first Arsenal goal

 A very good start to the season during August (four wins and a draw) turned into a brilliant September with six wins out of six and a 17-2 goal difference.

Sun, 02/09/2007 First up was Portsmouth at home in the EPL. Arsenal played the last 41 minutes with ten men after Philippe Senderos was sent off for pulling back Ex Gunner Kanu but Arsenal still won this encounter by three goals to one. Kolo Toure captained the side on his 250th Gunners game and he only had to wait seven minutes for something to celebrate. Robin van Persie burst into the box and was knocked flying by keeper David James as he tried to take the ball round him. Emmanuel Adebayor sent James the wrong way from the spot. On 35, Tomas Rosicky took a corner from the left and the ball found Cesc Fabregas almost on the line who knocked it home to give Arsenal a well deserved 2-0 halftime lead. On 59 minutes it was 3-0 after quick thinking Fabregas took a quick free kick from the byline to Rosicky on the corner of the six yard box and he scored on the angle against a daydreaming defence. The three goal lead only lasted a minute when Kanu scored a freak goal when he missed his shot and the ball hit his standing leg and deflected in. Both teams made more chances but none were taken.

Sat, 15/09/2007 EPL time and another 3-1 win this time away to Spurs, making this result very sweet indeed. Before destroying them with some breathtaking football Arsenal made a nice neighbourly gesture and let them score the first goal on 15 minutes, Gareth Bale curled in a free kick and the home side celebrated like they had all won the lottery jackpot and the Champions League all on the same day. Spurs had won the first half 1-0. The second half kicked off, Arsenal went up a gear and Spurs were blown away. On 65, a Cesc Fabregas free kick was powerfully headed in by Emmanuel Adebayor, On 80 minutes a stunning long range shot from Fabregas made it 1-2 and on 90 Adebayor smashed home a volley from the edge of the area. Job done!! This was Manager Arsene Wenger’s 26th North London derby and his record is 13 wins, 12 draws and 1 defeat. Arsenal went top of the EPL after this win.

Three_sy does it, Ade scores Arsenal's third

Wed, 19/09/2007 Champions League Group Game 1. Arsenal against Sevilla from Spain at the Emirates. Many “experts” thought this would be a close fought game but Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners and were good value for that score line. A Cesc Fabregas deflected shot put Arsenal one up after 27 minutes when his shot hit Julien Escude on the back and left keeper Palop with no chance. Just before the hour mark, a Fabregas free kick was headed on by Bacary Sagna to the unmarked Robin van Persie in the six yard box and he had the simple task of making it 2-0. With the game almost over, another nice Arsenal move saw Eduardo make it 3-0 in the 90th minute.

Sat, 22/09/2007 Promoted Derby came to the big “E” and not only got slaughtered but later in the season were to get slaughtered again at home by the Gunners. The two EPL games were to make history for one Arsenal player (more about that in the away game report) Arsenal were two up at half time and by the time the game was over, 5-0 was a fair reflection of their dominance in this game. Abou Diaby started the rout on 10 minutes when he blasted home from the corner of the area. On 25, Adebayor scored the first of his three goals after receiving a pass from Fabregas and going round keeper Stephen Bywater to score in an empty net. On 50 minutes, Eduardo was tugged back for a penalty and Adebayor made it 3-0. On 70 Eduardo set up Fabregas and he made it four with a rocket and on 79, Adebayor chested down a long ball beat his marker and stroked the ball home for his hat trick and Arsenal’s fifth. Sorry Derby were taught a very harsh lesson.

Tue, 25/09/2007 Carling Cup 3rd round night at the Emirates. Arsene Wenger uses this competition to give young players experience and tonight was no exception. It was a very youthful looking Arsenal team against an experienced full strength Newcastle team and embarrassingly for Newcastle, Arsenal fully deserved to win 2-0. The first half was fairly even and so was the 0-0 halftime score (that was very even :-) Once the second half got under way, Arsenal began to dominate and with eight minutes to go scored a deserved goal. Armand Traore put in a great cross and Nicklas Bendtner met it with a great header. As the game went into Injury time, good work from Abou Diaby set up Denilson who powerfully blasted the ball into the top corner of Shay Givens net. This was a very promising performance from our younger players.

Sat, 29/09/2007 The 101st meeting between Arsenal and West Ham took place at Upton Park in the EPL. The game was settled (unluckily) for West Ham in the 13th minute, when an inch perfect right wing cross from Alex Hleb found Robin van Persie at the far post and he headed home. Both teams had chances and Ex Gunner Freddie Ljungberg was inches away from scoring against his old club.

Tue, 02/10/2007 Arsenal win their ninth straight game with a 0-1 win against Steaua Bucuresti away in a Champions League Group Game 2 match. On 76, Emmanuel Adebayor made a powerful run to the byline before cutting the ball back, Cesc Fabregas missed the ball but Robin van Persie did not and fired the winning goal. Two CL games and two wins was a very confident start to this season’s season competition.

Sun, 07/10/2007 Arsenal against Sunderland at the big "E", not the most glamorous of EPL games and not always the most exciting either but this was! Maybe one of the most unpredictable great games of the season. Arsenal were two up in the first 14 minutes, most expected that but maybe not so quickly. A win would put Arsenal back on top of the EPL. On 7 minutes Grant Leadbitter fouled Cesc Fabregas just outside the area and Robin van Persie’s free kick went like a rocket on steroids, going in off the underside of the bar, simply unstoppable. 7 minutes later and it was 2-0. Fabregas took a corner and after a bit of pinball the ball fell to Philippe Senderos who’s off balance shot managed to bobble over the line. On 24, Dwight York hit a long ball forward for Sunderland, Kenwyne Jones received and burst towards goal before shooting, The advancing Manuel Almunia blocked the shot but it rebounded to Ross Wallace who simply knocked the ball home. 2-1 at half time and a great game was in the making. On 49 minutes it was 2-2, Liam Miller sent over a good cross from the left and Jones scored a towering header that Almunia knocked onto the post before it went in. The game was now any bodies and going from end to end. Arsenal finally settled the game on 80, when Emmanuel Eboue found Theo Walcott, he sprinted past his marker with ease before crossing into the penalty area, where van Persie banged it home. Sunderland's Paul McShane was sent off late on. 3-2 the final score in a nail chewing cracking match.

Sat, 20/10/2007 Next up Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates for another EPL game. Arsenal were far from their best today but still won 2-0, always a good sign when you can win on an off day. The game was still 0-0 with 22 minutes left when Arsenal won a free kick. Fabregas played it short to Mathieu Flamini and he played it to the onrushing Kolo Toure who blasted it in from 25 yards to score his first goal of the season. On 71 Alex Hleb found Walcott with an excellent pass he found space for a low cross and Substitute Tomas Rosicky clipped the ball past Jaaskelainen to make it 2-0

Tue, 23/10/2007 I went to my FIRST competitive meaningful game at the Emirates and what a game it turned out to be!! It was a CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Group Game 3 match against Czech side Slavia Prague. The first thing that needs to be said is that The Emirates under floodlights is a SPECTACULAR SIGHT and a memory that will last a life time! The game its self was described by a TV commentator as "Arsenal playing perfect football, the likes of which we have never seen before" The commentator was right! this really was an incredible game and as near perfect as I have ever seen. The game ended as the EQUAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HIGH GOAL SCORING RECORD of 7-0 (which has since been broken only a few weeks later when Liverpool scored EIGHT) So not only had I witnessed one record but this was also ARSENAL'S RECORD HIGH GOAL SCORING WIN at THE EMIRATES, so not a bad double for an evenings entertainment. Oh by the way there is a small matter of naming all the goal scorers so here goes. 1st Cesc Fabregas (diagonal curling shot on 5) 2nd David Hubacek (own goal on 24) 3rd Theo Walcott (after keeper mistake on 42) 4th Alex Hleb (right foot shot on 51) 5th Theo Walcott (placed close range shot on 54) 6th Cesc Fabregas (placed shot on 58) and last but not least Nicklas Bendtner (back heel on 89).

Official Slavia Prague match day programme 

Sun, 28/10/2007 Liverpool at Anfield is next up in the EPL. Steven Gerrard smashed the ball through a wall of Arsenal players to put the home team one up in just seven minutes. The free kick was awarded when Cesc Fabregas tripped his International team mate Xabi Alonso outside the penalty area. after that Arsenal slowly began to dictate the match but went in one down at the interval. The second half was entertaining stuff and Arsenal more than deserved something from this game and on 80 minutes they got the minimum they deserved. Alex Hleb played a weighted through ball for Fabregas to run on to and stab the ball past Reina in the Liverpool goal. The game ended 1-1 and Arsenal’s twelve match winning run was over.

Wed, 31/10/2007 Carling Cup night and a potentially tricky tie at Sheffield United for some of our younger players but it was new signing 24 year old Eduardo who had found scoring since his transfer difficult that opened the scoring on eight minutes. He received the ball on the edge of the area and just lit the fuse paper on a rocket that just flew into net like a guided missile for his first domestic goal. 0-1 at halftime became 0-2 on 50 minutes when young kieran Gibbs making his first team debut hit a long ball to Eduardo who ran on to the ball before slotting the ball past Ian Bennett in the home team goal. On 69, Denilson picked up the ball in midfield and headed towards goal, when he got to the edge of the box he let fly, the ball took a slight deflection off Chris Morgan before beating the keeper for the third time. This was a comprehensive, well deserved 0-3 away win. The Sheffield United supporters were very unhappy by what they had seen but to their credit, clapped Arsenal off the pitch.

Sat, 03/11/2007 Dramatic EPL action at the Emirates as unbeaten Arsenal took on Manchester United. It was cat and mouse between the two teams in the first half but on the stroke of halftime a Ronaldo cross was met by Wayne Roony and his flicked attempt at goal went in off Arsenal defender William Gallas to give United the lead. Three minutes into the second half and it was all level again, Emmanuel Adebayor shot, the ball was parried out to Cesc Fabregas by the United keeper and he slotted home. On 83 minutes what looked like the winner was scored by Manchester United. Saha passed to Evra on the overlap and his low crossed was turned in by Ronaldo. Arsenal goal keeper Manuel Almunia was badly out of position and made the goal far simpler than it should have been. Arsenal were now staring their first defeat of the season in the face. With the game now in injury time Arsenal had one last chance, a Gael Clichy cross caused all types of confusion in the United area and after a goal mouth scramble the ball came to Gallas who hit a goal bound shot but it seemed a brilliant save from Edwin van der Sar had saved the day for United but on the far side the Linesman was signalling for a goal. The Emirates erupted and thanks to his spot on judgment (the ball had crossed the line before the save) Arsenal had kept their unbeaten record going and kept their place at the top of the EPL. Dramatic stuff and the points shared.

What a Fab goal as Cesc makes it 1-1

Wed, 07/11/2007 Champions League Group Game 4, After destroying Slavia Prague 7-0 at the Emirates, this return game ended 0-0 with Arsene Wenger making major changes to the team tonight. The single point is enough to qualify Arsenal out of the group stage and into the knock out stage.

Mon, 12/11/2007 EPL action at Reading and a bit of club history as well. An average first half at best ended on a high when Mathieu Flamini scored Arsenal’s 999th EPL goal on 44 minutes. The goal came from a Reading corner, the ball was scrambled away and Arsenal wasted no time in getting the ball up the other end of the pitch with great counter attacking football. Flamini picked up the ball in midfield, passed to Adebayor who passed to Alex Hleb wide right, he pushed on and the Reading keeper, Marcus Hahnemann was drawn towards him. Hleb played a square ball back to Flamini who lifted the ball over a covering defender and into the net. Arsenal’s 1000th EPL goal soon followed in the second half. On 51 minutes, a move on the left saw Tomas Rosicky cut the ball back to Fabregas who laid the ball on to Emmanuel Adebayor and he simply slotted the ball home for the “mile stone” goal and make it 0-2 on the day. On 77, Hleb wide right scored a great solo goal after taking on and beating Ivar Ingimarsson, then the keeper before shooting past two defenders on the line. Nicky Shorey got a consolation goal back for Reading in the 87th minute after a goal mouth scramble. Arsenal were good value for their 1-3 away win.

Sat, 24/11/2007 EPL A very frustrating afternoon at the Emirates as Wigan Athletic hold out for 83 minutes in this EPL clash. Then a Bacary Sagna right wing cross found defender William Gallas at the near post who was forward as an extra striker and he headed Arsenal into the lead. Two minutes later it was 2-0 after Nicklas Bendtner passed to Rosicky and his shot went in off the post. Relief all round after this hard fought win.

Tue, 27/11/2007 Champions League Group Game 5. Although Arsenal have qualified, they lost this game away to the new group leaders Sevilla and their 28 game unbeaten run was over. Arsenal took the lead on eleven minutes when Eduardo back heeled to Nicklas Bendtner, he took the ball on and crossed to the far post where Eduardo took the ball on his chest before poking it home. It was all downhill from there as Sevilla ran out 3-1 winners in the end. On 24 poor defending by both Philippe Senderos and Gilberto Silva allowed Keita to score with a nice curling shot into the top corner of the net. On 34 it was 2-1 to the home team. Alves took a free kick after a Traore foul and Fabiano scored with his head into the far top corner. Sevilla were on top for the rest of the game and in the 89th minute Kolo Toure and Bacary Sagna both brought Kanoute down in the box and he got up to score the penalty. Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger was sent to the stands just before the penalty.

First blood to Eduardo but Sevilla won the war

The Sevilla game was the first of FOUR consecutive AWAY games and was in part to blame for our first EPL defeat of the season (maybe)

Sat, 01/12/2007 Next up was Aston Villa away in the EPL. A tough game in tough weather conditions was the setting for this excellent away win. Villa took the lead on 14 minutes when John Carew’s cross was deflected to Craig Gardener and he converted with ease. It never took long for Arsenal not only to level but go in front as well. On 24, a Mathieu Flamini hit a rocket from the edge of the area that flew in and on 36 minutes Bacary Sagna’s outswinging cross was met by Adebayor who powered home the header. Villa gave it their best shot (no pun intended) after that and probably deserved a draw for their second half performance but Arsenal held on for a battling 1-2 win.

Wed, 05/12/2007 More EPL action, this time away to Newcastle. After a brilliant start, the game ended in a bit of a disappointing 1-1 draw. On just three minutes Emmanuel Eboue crossed high to Emmanuel Adebayor from the right, Adebayor took the ball on his chest before volleying home from 12 yards surrounded by two defenders. After that Newcastle pressed forward and on the hour Eduardo lost the ball and on the counter attack Habib Beye crossed, Alan smith flicked the ball on and Steven Taylor fired home off the inside of the post. Not a bad point gained but it was two points dropped.

Sun, 09/12/2007 This was Arsenal’s fourth away game on the trot and this was the game Arsenal finally cracked to their first EPL defeat of the season. In all honesty Arsenal deserved to lose but it was still surprising to lose the unbeaten record to Middlesbrough and it was a surprise to see Arsenal look so ordinary. In the third minute, Ex Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere was brought down in the box by Kolo Toure according to Referee Howard Webb. Stuart Downing converted from the spot. Arsenal were never in this game, it was a tired, ragged, lacklustre performance. On 73 Tuncay fired home the second after a corner was not dealt with and Manuel Almunia in the Arsenal goal pushed out a Gary O’Neil low shot straight to Tuncay and that was that. With the very last kick of the game, deep into Injury time, Tomas Rosicky pulled a goal back and that ensured that Arsenal’s record of scoring in EVERY EPL game remained.

Wed, 12/12/2007 After tasting defeat, it was Champions League Group Game 6 action, finally back at the Emirates and it was back to winning ways. A 2-1 win over Steaua Bucuresti guaranteed Arsenal finished the group in second place behind Sevilla, who also won on the night. Arsenal took the lead on eight minutes when a Bacary Sagna crossed was turn in by Abou Diaby after controlling with one foot and scoring with the other. Three minutes before half time Nicklas Bendtner made it 2-0 to the Gunners after a great pass from Robin van Persie to Bendtner who evaded a challenge before slotting home. On 65, Zaharia pulled a goal back with his head after a cross from substitute Romeo Surdu and that was that. A well deserved win on the night and the knock out stage awaits.

Best foot forward, Abou Diaby makes it 1-0

Sun, 16/12/2007 Next up came the visit of Chelsea for some top EPL action. This was a game of two halves. Arsenal played the better football in the first half a took a well deserved lead on the stroke of halt time when Arsenal won a left sided corner. Cesc Fabregas took it and Chelsea keeper Petr Cech completely misjudged the flight of the ball and Ex Chelsea defender William Gallas scored with his head. The second half started and Chelsea became the dominant force but for all their efforts could not claw their way back. This was a big 1-0 for Arsenal against one of their main title challengers. This was a blood and thunder game of nine bookings

Tue, 18/12/2007 A cold Carling Cup Quarter Final night in Blackburn and what a cracker it turned out to be as well. Once again it’s a more youthful less experienced Arsenal team that takes to the pitch against a near full strength Blackburn team. Six minutes in and the Gunners go one up. Nicklas Bendtner knocks in a great cross from the right and Abou Diaby hits a shot into the ground and then bounces over Brad Friedel in the Rovers goal. On 29, it was 0-2, Denilson just outside the box played a nice pass to Eduardo and he stroked the ball home after Rovers defender Samba had failed to make a simple clearance. Arsenal were turning on the style but that was about to change and make the game even more exciting. With three minutes of the half remaining, Matt Derbyshire hit a hard low cross into the Arsenal area and Roque Santa Cruz added the finishing touch. That gave Blackburn hope and 15 minutes into the second half it was 2-2, Ex Gunner David Bentley whipped in a cross and Santa Cruz out jumped the Arsenal defence to head home. With 90 on the clock and extra time looming, Denilson made a reckless challenge and was sent off for a second yellow. That left Arsenal’s tired youngsters facing extra time with only 10 players. In the 104th Alex Song burst through the centre of midfield, passed to Eduardo who collected the ball and raced into the Rovers penalty area, with just Brad Friedel to beat, he coolly slotted home the winner. By the end of the game, Arsenal’s youngsters were out on their feet but what a great experience for them and what a great result!

Sat, 22/12/2007 EPL time back at the big “E” against “that mob from down the road” This was a typical North London derby with a bit of added drama for good measure. The first half was an average affair but the second half was much more exciting. Two minutes after the break Arsenal were one up, a great move involving Tomas Rosicky and Cesc Fabregas ended with a Fabregas back heel into the path of Emmanuel Adebayor in the box and he knocked the ball home. On 66 it was all level. Chimbonda found Robbie Keane who also back heeled the ball, this time Dimitar Berbatov hit the ball high into the Arsenal net standing by the near post. Six minutes later and Spurs had the perfect opportunity to take the lead. Kolo Toure brought down Berbatov in the box and Spurs had a penalty. Keane stepped up to take but his low shot was well saved by Manuel Almunia diving to his right. Three minutes after the penalty save Arsenal won a corner on the left, Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger used the stoppage to make a substitution and on came Nicklas Bendtner for his first taste of a North London derby. Fabregas took the corner and with his first touch, Bendtner headed home the winning goal totally unmarked. A great second half, another valuable three point on the board and another win against the Spuds

Heads Arsenal win...... tails Spurs lose, Nic Bendtner heads the winning goal with his first touch of the ball

Wed, 26/12/2007 EPL action at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, or should I say non_action!! A goal less bore draw saw Arsenal knocked off the top of the EPL by Manchester United. Tomas Rosicky had a great chance to win the game right at the end but missed the target completely. That just about summed the game up. Arsenal are now a single point behind the new leaders in second place.

Sat, 29/12/2007 This was a strange game, in many ways an amazing game and by the end an extremely exciting game. This was Arsenal away to Everton in the EPL and one of my highlight games of the season. At half time Arsenal were a goal down and considering Everton were the dominant force and Arsenal were chasing shadows, no Gooner could feel hard done by being a goal down. On 19 minutes, Tim Cahill got his boot to a Mikel Arteta corner at the far post and the ball went in off the post. During the half time interval my thoughts were could we possible get a point from this game? and I came to the conclusion that it we played the second half like we played the first, the answer was a resounding no! The Second half started and the next 45 minutes could not have been predicted by anyone, not even the most die hard Gooner. Arsenal took Everton apart piece by piece, Arsenal dismantled them, tore them to shreds and chewed them up, then spit them out. It was just amazing!! On 48 minutes Gael Clichy played a long ball to Eduardo, with three defenders on his trail he took the ball towards goal and coolly shot past Tim Howard in the Everton goal. This was Arsenal’s 800th EPL goal with Arsene Wenger in charge. On 58 it was Everton one, Eduardo two after he picked up a Bendtner flick from the edge of the area, beat his defender and slotted the ball home. With 17 minutes to go Bendtner was sent off for two yellow cards and gave the home side some hope but that soon evaporated. On 76 a long punt by Almunia caused confusion between keeper Howard and defender Joseph Yobo and Arsenal Substitute Emmanuel Adebayor nipped between the two before placing the ball in an empty net, It was now 1-3 to the Gunners. Six minutes from time Arteta lashed out at Fabregas and got a straight red card making it 10 a side. After a mass player confrontation, Rosicky on the counter attack shot home to make it 1-4 in the 90th minute and that’s how the game finished. This was EPL football at it’s best and most enthralling, a game that will live in the memory for years to come. With Manchester United losing, Arsenal were back on top of the League and what a way to get there.

Wed, 01/01/2008 The new year starts with a home EPL game against the Hammers. Eduardo took 72 seconds to give Arsenal the lead with a volley. Rosicky passed to Fabregas wide left and he crossed for Eduardo to chest the ball down before firing home. On 19, a long Gael Clichy pass saw Adebayor beat West Ham keeper Robert Green to the ball who was dashing from his goal line, Adebayor headed the ball past the keeper and from the narrowest of angles slid the ball into the net off the far post. That was that, three good points to “kick off” 2008.

Hammer blow, Arsenal go 1-0 up after 72 seconds

Sun, 06/01/2008 FA Cup third round day and a trip to Championship side Burnley. Arsenal took the lead on 9, when Eduardo scored. Kolo Toure played a chipped pass and Eduardo with two defenders chasing him down coolly slotted past Gabor Kiraly in the Burnley goal. The home team could have crumbled after that but they went on to make and miss a fair amount of chances and played a full part in making a good cup tie. On 60 minutes Kyle Lafferty was sent off for a bad tackle on Arsenal's Gilberto Silva and that never helped the home sides cause. With 15 minutes to go Arsenal killed the game, Eduardo passed to Nicklas Bendtner and he easily took the ball around the keeper to give the game a final Burnley 0-2 Arsenal score line.

Wed, 09/01/2008 The third game of 2008 and the third different competition. Tonight it’s back to the Carling Cup and Arsenal vs Spurs in a two leg Semi-Final show down. Spurs were the brighter side in the first half and got their reward eight minutes before the break. A Berbatov pass found Robbie Keane in line with the last Arsenal defender, he raced in on goal and played a simple sideways pass to Jermaine Jenas and he had an even simpler task of making it 0-1 to Spurs. After the break Arsenal struggled to make any real headway but in the 79th got a bit of luck to level the game. Eduardo found Theo Walcott and with him rushing in on goal, Spurs defender Young-Pyo Lee made a good defensive tackle but the ball bobbed up, hit Walcott and beat the on rushing Radek Cerny in the Spurs goal. It was a very scrappy goal but any goal against Spurs is in reality a GREAT goal. The game ended all square but someone was going to get a hiding in the second leg.

Sat, 12/01/2008 EPL action at the Emirates and a day that two vital points were lost in the race for the title. Birmingham City came to town and went home with a 1-1 draw. On 22, Arsenal were awarded a dubious penalty when Stephen Kelly challenged Eduardo in the six yard box and referee Phil Dowd judged it to be illegal but replays showed the defender got a touch on the ball first. Emmanuel Adebayor stepped up and made it 1-0 from the spot. Three minutes after the break it was 1-1. Ex Gunner Seb Larsson floated over a left sided corner and Gary O’Connor got his head on the ball, there was no real danger until the ball took a deflection off Cesc Fabregas and went in. Arsenal dominated after that and had enough chances to win but unfortunately never took any.

Sat, 19/01/2008 Time for a short trip to Craven Cottage in the EPL. Two Adebayor headers and a Rosicky volley made good viewing in a great 0-3 away Gunners victory. The game came to life in the 19th minute when a high hanging cross from the left byline by Gael Clichy was headed home by Emmanuel Adebayor in the six yard box. Seven minutes later and a similar cross from the right by Alex Hleb saw a repeat performance by Adebayor who made it 0-2 with his head in the same corner. In the 81st minute, Eduardo hit a great cross from the left byline and it was hit home on the volley by Thomas Rosicky for a comprehensive away win.

Tue, 22/01/2008 Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg against Spurs at White Hart Lane after a 1-1 draw at The Emirates. This was a six goal game but unfortunately Arsenal were only able to score one of them. Arsene Wenger again kept to the policy of fielding a younger less experienced team while Spurs played their full first team and easily headed to the Carling Cup Final with a 5-1 (6-2 agg score) Spurs goals were by (without going into to much detail) Jenas 3, Bendtner 27 og, Keane 48, Lennon 60 and Malbranque 90. Arsenal did manage a goal on 70 minutes when Adebayor hit home a lovely 20 yard shot. This game will also be remembered for Arsenal strikers Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner turning on each other during the game before Bendtner had more words with Arsenal defender William Gallas.

Not a happy bunny.... or should that be, not a happy Bendtner?

Sat, 26/01/2008 This was the first of a double header at home to Newcastle United in two different competitions. First up an FA Cup 4th round match. A well balanced first half made way to a dominant Arsenal second half and a 3-0 win. Emmanuel Adebayor riffled home the first goal on 50 minutes after Eduardo’s curled shot from the edge of the area hit the post and came out to Adebayor to finish off. This was Arsenal’s 100th goal at the Emirates. On 84, Adebayor picked up the ball, beat two defenders on his way to goal and drilled home to make it 2-0. On 90 Arsenal won a free kick outside the box, Cesc Fabregas took the kick and Newcastle’s Nicky Butt, headed into his own goal. Job done and the 5th round awaits......

Tue, 29/01/2008 Newcastle United were again the visitors, this time in the EPL. Who was it that said “lightning never strikes twice” ?? another 3-0 defeat for Newcastle seems to disprove that. This game, like the previous game, seemed to be heading to a goal less break but on 41, that changed. Some neat one-two football from Cesc Fabregas and Alex Hleb sent Mathieu Flamini clear on the right, his cross from near the byline was met by Adebayor’s downward header and Arsenal took a one goal lead into the break. Arsenal were well on top in the second half and a spectacular goal was about to light up the Emirates. It came in the 71st minutes when Flamini hit a rocket from 30 yards that flew past Shay Given in the Newcastle goal to double the score. With six minutes left, a long ball to substitute Nicklas Bendtner was well controlled in the box, he played a simple lay off to Fabregas and he had a simple shot to make it 3-0. Newcastle hit the bar from a Nicky Butt free kick and Shola Ameobi had another great chance before the end but it was not their night and Arsenal were again, worthy winners.

Sat, 02/02/2008 Next up was a trip to Eastlands and a EPL game against Manchester City. Arsenal were to score three times again in a comprehensive 1-3 away win. Emmanuel Adebayor was to score twice and he made the other for Eduardo. City had the first chance of the game but a weak Stephen Ireland shot was easily saved by Jens Lehmann in goal. Two minutes later on eight, Arsenal were in front. Good work from Hleb, Fabregas and Sagna ended with a Sagna cross towards the near post, Adebayor’s shot hit Micah Richards and looped over Joe hart in the City goal. This was Arsenal’s 50th EPL goal of the season. Just past the half way point of the first half, Arsenal were 0-2 up. William Gallas won the ball, he fed Gael Clichy and he crossed from the left to the far post, Up jumped Adebayor to head downward to the feet of Eduardo and he hooked the ball home. It only took City three minutes to get back in the game, Clichy tried to let a ball go out for a goal kick but Vedran Corluka nipped in to get the ball and then crossed low to Fernandes who threaded a shot through a crowd of players and into the Arsenal net. Arsenal were fairly untroubled after the break and in the dying seconds, a simple pass from Alex Hleb out on the right was easily converted by Adebayor for his second of the game.

Mon, 11/02/2008 Arsenal go five points clear at the top of the EPL after a hard fought win that could have gone either way until the 92nd minute. This was Arsenal vs Blackburn Rovers at the big “E” Arsenal got off to the perfect start when Philippe Senderos headed home an Eduardo corner on just four minutes. On the night Arsenal were well worth the win but at 1-0 Blackburn could have stole two points away at any time, so there was plenty of relief on 92 when Alex Hleb danced into the Rovers box and played a square ball to Emmanuel Adebayor level with the six yard box, who slammed it home past Brad Friedel in goal for a more realistic and deserved 2-0 win

Philippe "Sends" the ball into the back of the Rovers net

Sat, 16/02/2008 FA Cup 5th round day and a trip to Old Trafford for a 4-0 thumping and a red card for Emmanuel Eboue. Not a day to remember and a result to bring Arsenal back down to earth. On 16, Arsenal failed to clear a Nani corner and Wayne Roony headed only his third ever goal with his head past Jens Lehmann from five yards after an Anderson headed knock back. On 20, it was 2-0 when a Nani cross took a slight deflection off William Gallas from a Darren Fletcher header to make it 2-0. United were 3-0 up after only 38 minutes when an inch perfect pass from Michael Carrick to Nani saw him hit a low left foot shot into the net. After the break, 3-0 became 4-0 on 74, when a Nani cross was headed home by Darren Fletcher at the back post for his second of the game. Eboue was sent off for a straight red card at the start of the second half for a high tackle on Nani. The contest was already over so it probably never mattered.

Wed, 20/02/2008 Champions League Knockout round, 1st leg at the Emirates against AC Milan. This was a hard fought chess match that ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Arsenal will have their work cut out in the away leg but a win or score draw would be enough to see them through, that would be easier said than done but certainly not impossible.

Sat, 23/02/2008 Birmingham home to Arsenal in the EPL was next on the agenda. If ever there was a season defining game, this was it. This game was the beginning of the end for Arsenal’s Premier League hopes. With just three minutes gone, Martin Taylor was sent off for an horrendous tackle on Arsenal forward Eduardo. The Ankle injury was so bad that before he was rushed to hospital, he needed NINE minutes of treatment on the pitch. The injury was to keep him out of the game for a whole year. When the game finally restarted, Birmingham took the lead on 26. Mathieu Flamini fouled James McFadden outside the box and he got up to curl a great free kick past Manuel Almunia in the Arsenal goal. Ten men Birmingham lead 1-0 at halftime. Five minutes after the break, it was 1-1. Alex Hleb won a corner, The ball was played in and Adebayor challenged City keeper Maik Taylor for the ball. The tall Arsenal striker got a touch and young Theo Walcott stabbed home from eight yards. Five minutes later and Arsenal were in front. This was after hitting a post from a Walcott shot that was knocked onto the post by the keeper. On 55 Walcott was again in the action, he robbed the ball from Liam Ridgewell on the right and simply raced in on goal before firing a low drive into the net. That should have been that but........... In injury time Birmingham were awarded a very harsh penalty against Gael Clichy who did very little wrong in winning a tackle, up stepped James McFadden to score his second and earn a point the home team never deserved. After the final whistle, Arsenal Captain William Gallas sat alone on the pitch for about two minutes until Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told him to move. This was a very strange day and the Eduardo Injury overshadowed everything else.

Sat, 01/03/2008 The first EPL game at the Emirates last season was a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa. This season Villa came back for a repeat performance. On 27 minutes Villa took the lead, just like they did the previous season. Agbonlahor hit a low driven cross along the Arsenal six yard box and Philippe Senderos deflected the ball into his own net. Arsenal were struggling and for long periods it looked like they would lose this match. With ten minutes to go Arsenal started to turn up the heat and with ten seconds to go of injury time, Arsenal salvaged a point. A good Arsenal attacking move ended with Emmanuel Adebayor knocking a downward header to Substitute Nicklas Bendtner and he knocked the ball home right at the death from six yards out to keep Arsenal top of the EPL but only just.

Tue, 04/03/2008 A night to remember, not because it was my ex wife’s Birthday but because Arsenal had their best result of the season. AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal was the remarkable result and my Son Gary had flown out to witness this stunning victory. This was the Champions League Knock out round 2nd Leg after the 0-0 home game two weeks earlier. Arsenal became the first English team to beat AC on their own pitch. AC Milan were also the reigning champions of this competition. This was a very competitive game, Arsenal were never overawed or intimidated by the opposition or the crowd. A goal less first half looked to be heading to a goal less full time with extra time looming but that was not to be. With 85 minutes on the clock, Cesc Fabregas found himself 30 yards out from the Milan goal, he had both time and space as no Milan player was close enough to close him down. He looked up and let fly, the ball fizzed past Zeljko Kalac in the Milan goal and the Arsenal supporters erupted in sheer joy. Milan were both shocked and stunned, there was no way back for them now. With just minutes remaining, “jet propelled” Theo Walcott came off the bench and in the last minute, his devastating pace down the right left the full back for dead and when he crossed into the middle, Emmanuel Adebayor was there to put the icing on the cake with a second goal. What a momentous night, what a momentous result!!

Gary_TheGooner Jnr, In Milan for a night to remember

Sun, 09/03/2008 Back to the EPL after a fantastic win in Milan. A trip to a wet and very muddy JJB Stadium to play Wigan Athletic. Emmanuel Adebayor should have scored in the first minute and Cesc Fabregas should have scored in the last but the game ended 0-0. It was a game that Arsenal had more than enough chances to win and a combination of poor finishing and good goal keeping by Chris Kirkland in the Wigan goal made sure the points were shared. It was certainly a point gained for Wigan but a big two points dropped by Arsenal.

Sat, 15/03/2008 Arsenal play Middlesbrough at the big "E" in a game they can’t afford to drop anymore points if they have hopes of winning the EPL. On paper this should be three points, on grass it was a unsatisfactory one point with a late equaliser and another two points dropped. Middlesbrough took the lead on 25, when Ex Gunner Jeremie Aliadeire scored from six yards after Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer took a long free kick that caught out the Arsenal defence, Tuncay raced onto the ball and laid the ball on for Aliadiere to score. Replays showed the goal was off side but the scoreboard showed Arsenal 0-1 Middlesbrough and that’s what counted. After the break, Arsenal piled on the pressure but Boro held firm until the 87th minute. Arsenal won a corner, Fabregas took and centre back Kolo Toure powered home the equaliser with his head. Two minutes later and Boro were down to ten men when a high kick by Mido caught Gael Clichy in the face and he was sent off. Clichy had to be stretchered off. Another frustrating day at the Emirates was had by all (except the travelling Boro fans)

Sun, 23/03/2008 This EPL game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was to become Arsenal’s second EPL defeat of the season. A hard fought goal less first half was replaced with a three goal second half. A very rare goal from Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna gave the Gunners the lead on 58 minutes. Chelsea conceded a corner, Cesc Fabregas hit the ball hard to the near post and Sagna stooped low to head home. Arsenal under pressure held the lead for fourteen minutes before Didier Drogba levelled on 72, Uncertainty in the Arsenal defence led to a Kolo Toure mistake, the ball fell to Drogba who sent a low shot past Almunia in the Arsenal goal from the edge of the area. Ten minutes later and it was curtains. Substitute Juliano Belletti crossed from the right, Ex Gunner Nic Anelka headed on and that man Drogba hooked home the winner. Almunia got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out. This result might only have been the second defeat of the season but it was a crushing title chasing defeat all the same.

Sat, 29/03/2008 Amazing, Fantastic, Incredible, Unbelievable, Magnificent, just a few words to describe Arsenal’s EPL clash with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. At the halftime interval, Arsenal were 2-0 down and a man down. With 15 seconds of the game remaining, Arsenal’s 10 men score a third and winning goal. It was just “Amazing, Fantastic, Incredible, Unbelievable, Magnificent” This was not a game anybody could have predicted and at halftime, the game appeared to be all over but let me start at the beginning. “Once upon a time” (seems like the only way to start this amazing tale) Arsenal dominated from the start but on 14 minutes Greta Steinsson got to the right hand byline, crossed in a nice curling ball that was met by Matthew Taylor’s powerful header for a 1-0 home lead. Arsenal once again were the dominant force after the goal but on 33 minutes were dealt a massive blow when Abou Diaby was sent off for a high tackle on Steinsson. With just two minutes to the break, Bolton doubled their lead. Mathieu Flamini got caught with the ball by Gavin McCann, he passed to goal scorer Taylor and he let fly from the edge of the area and the shot was deflected off William Gallas and into the net. Bolton started the second half better but with 28 minutes to go, Arsenal made a breakthrough. van Persie won a corner that was knocked to the far post by Fabregas, Gallas was ready to pounce and volleyed home to make it 2-1. Five minutes later and it was all square. Alex Hleb was fouled in the box by Gary Cahill and van Persie scored past Ali Al Habsi in the Bolton goal. Most teams under these circumstances would have settled for the point but to Arsenal’s credit they pushed for a winner. With just seconds remaining Arsenal attacked, Hleb played in Fabregas and his shot was deflected in off J Lloyd Samuel. The scenes on and off the pitch were amazing and one of the best 10 men performances ever was complete.

Amazing, Fantastic, Incredible, Unbelievable and Magnificent!

Arsenal were now at the business end of the season and three vital games in the next six days, ALL against Liverpool was to end with Arsenal's season in tatters and all dreams over for another season.

Wed, 02/04/2008 I took my Emirates seat for what was to be a monumental Champions League Quarter-Final against Liverpool over two legs. Arsenal needed a win to take back to Anfield the following week but a bit of bad luck and a bad refereeing decision was to prevent that from happening. Arsenal took the lead on 23 minutes when Robin van Persie won a corner. He and Cesc Fabregas played a short corner before van Persie swung over a high hanging cross, a towering header from six yards out by Emmanuel Adebayor gave the Gunners a deserved lead. Three minutes later it was wiped out by a simple (too simple) Dirk Kuyt goal. Steven Gerrard waltzed passed a couple of Arsenal players far to easily and and drove into the Arsenal box before playing a low cross to the six yard box where Kuyt nipped in first to score. It was far to easy and against the run of play. The first half ended 1-1. After the break Arsenal were the dominant team and besides some missed chances, one incident in particular will be remembered. On 65, Arsenal had a clear penalty turned down by Dutch Referee Pieter Vink after Dutch player and scorer Kuyt (what am I suggesting??) pulled Alex Hleb over as he charged into the penalty area but the official, to everyone’s amazement, waved play on. Arsenal on the night were the better team and deserved a first leg lead but that was not to happen, the second leg would start all square and Arsenal would now face an uphill struggle.

Sat, 05/04/2008 Arsenal v Liverpool part two, back at the Emirates but this time in the EPL. If Arsenal were to have any chance in the title race they needed to get three points from this game but once again it was another 1-1 draw and the single point was not enough. For the second game running I managed to see a game “live” but this was a bit of an anti climax with the Champions League second leg only three days away. Towering Peter Crouch put the visitors in front on 42 minutes when a long punt by Reina in goal was headed on by Crouch to Yossi Benayoun, he flicked the ball back to Crouch and he hit a hard low shot from 18 yards into the back of the net. Arsenal levelled on 55, when Cesc Fabregas took a free kick from the left hand byline, Nicklas Bendtner powered through a crowded defence and headed home the equaliser. After that it was one way traffic and Liverpool were penned back but Arsenal could not find the winning goal they so desperately needed.

Tue, 08/04/2008 Liverpool v Arsenal part three, Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg, this was a massive game and would be a devastating game for the losers. After being denied a blatant penalty in the first leg, a less than blatant penalty cost Arsenal in this match but in truth Arsenal lost this game when they were virtually through by lack of discipline and concentration when it was needed most and paid the price. Arsenal dominated the first thirty minutes of this game and Liverpool were chasing shadows. With just 12 minutes gone Arsenal were deservedly in front, good work from Flamini, Fabregas and Alex Hleb ended with a through ball to Abou Diaby in the box, his low shot flew into the net by the near post. On 29 minutes a “nothing” Liverpool forward ball saw Manuel Almunia leave his goal for no reason and hit the ball into the crowd when it would have been easier to pass to a nearby player, or better still, just let that defender get the ball. Liverpool took the throw, Aurelio picked up the ball and crossed, it deflected off Kolo Toure and Almunia knocked the ball out for a needless corner that would never have been if he had stayed in goal in the first place. Steven Gerrard took the corner from the right, centre back Philippe Senderos was taking a nap and left Sammi Hyypia to score with a simple unchallenged header that went in off the post. Two monumental blunders from keeper and centre back had cost Arsenal their priceless lead. The half ended 1-1 but there was plenty more drama in the second half to come. The second half was a tense affair and on 68, Liverpool took the lead. The ball was flicked on by Peter Crouch to Fernando Torres, he easily held off the bigger, stronger Senderos before turning goal wards and blasting an unstoppable shot from 12 yards to give Liverpool the advantage. Arsenal were not done for yet. On 83, Arsenal won and probably lost the game at the same time. Jet powered substitute Theo Walcott picked up the ball deep in his own half and simply took off, leaving Liverpool players for dead with the most electrifying burst forward you will probably ever see. He burst into the box and played a simple square left ball to the waiting Emmanuel Adebayor and he blasted home from close range. At 2-2 Arsenal were in the Semi-Final on a 3-3 agg with two away goals. With just seven minutes left the players obviously excited by the run and goal celebrated like they had won the Final, this was a time for cool heads not wild hysteria, The team seemed to lose all concentration and from the kick off, Arsenal were dumped out of the competition. Liverpool burst forward and within seconds were awarded a penalty, Toure was adjudged to have fouled Ryan Babel in the box. Gerrard stepped up and blasted the winner. With seconds remaining and Arsenal chasing the game, Babel scored a flattering fourth goal. Arsenal were out but mistakes meant they did more damage to themselves than Liverpool did on the night. My Son Gary who had witnessed the thrill in Milan was also at this game and came away feeling totally "gutted" This result could have been so very different but It was Liverpool that marched on and Arsenal were sent packing. Final Score Liverpool 4-2 Arsenal and 5-3 on aggregate.

Semi-Final, here we come........... or maybe not!

Sun, 13/04/2008 Back to EPL action and a 2-1 away defeat to Manchester United. Arsenal again were the better side but came away with nothing to show for it. 0-0 at halftime became 0-1 to the Gunners in the 49th minute. Arsenal won a free kick outside the box, van Persie played a short ball to Fabregas and run towards the left hand byline, Fabregas hit the ball goal wards, Edwin van der Sar in goal could only parry the ball out to van Persie, he knocked the ball back to the near post and Adebayor swept the ball home for a deserved lead. The lead lasted only four minutes, Owen Hargreaves played a ball into the Arsenal penalty area and for some unknown reason William Gallas got caught out and put his hand to the ball, Ronaldo scored a twice taken penalty to level the game. On 73 the turn around was complete, Gilberto fouled Evra outside the box and Hargreaves curled a great shot past Jens Lehmann who was rooted to his line. That was that and Arsenal had picked up SIX of the eight yellow cards shown on the day.

Sat, 18/04/2008 Two first half goals gave Arsenal a comfortable 2-0 win over relegation threatened Reading in this EPL match at the big “E” A Kolo Toure cross from the right after 30 was slotted home by Emmanuel Adebayor and a long range smack by Gilberto Silva on 38 minutes deflected off Andre Bikey’s head and flew into the net past Marcus Hahnemann in the Reading goal. Arsenal were well on top for the rest of the game and 2-0 was the final score.

Mon, 28/04/2008 After earlier in the season demolishing Derby 5-0 at the Emirates, they then went to Pride Park, gave them another serious good hiding and for one Arsenal player in particular, created Premier League history!! Emmanuel Adebayor’s second half hat trick means he became the first ever player to score an EPL hat trick both HOME and AWAY against the same team in the same season. Adebayor only came on at half time to replace the Injured Robin van Persie and got his record breaking goal in the 90th minute. This was a game of men against boys and as the Derby Manager (Paul Jewell) said after the game, "We're in the same league but we were a million miles apart” The first goal came on 25, when Darren Moore made a simple mistake that cost Derby the opening goal. Nicklas Bendtner picked up the ball, played a one two with van Persie and slotted the ball past Roy Carroll in goal. Six minutes later, Arsenal failed to deal with a Robbie Savage free kick and James McEveley scored from close range to level the game. Arsenal retook the lead on 39 minutes. Kolo Toure hit a lofted forward pass into the Derby area, van Persie chested the ball down and hit a half volley high into the roof of the net. Arsenal took a deserved 1-2 lead into the half time interval. On the hour, Adebayor scored his first. Walcott ran to the byline and cut the ball back to Emmanuel Eboue, he touched it on to Adebayor who slid home the third. With 13 minutes left Rob Earnshaw found himself unmarked to steer a simple goal past Lukasz Fabianski in the Arsenal goal. A minute later is was 2-4 after Walcott ran into the area and curled a great shot into the far corner. On 81 minutes a Gael Clichy left sided cross was turned in by Adebayor and the history making goal in injury time saw Adebayor receive the ball, run it round Carroll in goal to finish the scoring by placing the ball into an empty net and get his 30th goal of the season. This was a brilliant game and a brilliant final score of Derby County 2-6 Arsenal.

Adebayor, history maker AND 30 goals for the season

Sat, 04/05/2008 Last game this season at the Emirates saw Arsenal beat Everton 1-0. This was Arsenal’s 28th home game of the season and for only the second time in their history, never lost a home game. A typical end of season game was being played out when substitute Armand Traore crossed from the left on 77 minutes and the on rushing Nicklas Bendtner headed home the winner.

Sun, 11/05/2008 Last game of the season saw another good 0-1 away win in the EPL, this time at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, Theo Walcott scored the only goal on 24 minutes when Gilberto Silva played a simple ball between centre back and left full back for Walcott to run on to and score past Marton Fulop with ease. Sunderland had chances before and after the goal but Arsenal held on to grab their final three points of the season.

Emirates second season final league table 

1 Man Utd P38  W27  D06  L05  GF80  GA22  GD58  Pts87

2 Chelsea  P38  W25  D10  L03  GF65  GA26  GD39  Pts85 

3 Arsenal  P38  W24  D11  L03  GF74  GA31  GD43  Pts83

Emirates second season home record  

 Played 19 Won 14 Draw 05 Lost 00 GF 37 GA 11 GD 26 Pts 47

Gary_TheGooner Jnr In Barcalona's Camp Nou. During a long weekend close season break with his girl friend in July, just four months after his trip to the San Siro to see that memorable 0-2 win against AC Milan in the Champions League

2007/2008 Pre Season and Full Season Results

Black=Win Blue=Draw Green=Lose

EPL=English Premier League ********** CL=Champions League

Sat, 14/07/2007  Barnet 0-2 Arsenal HT 0-1 Pre Season
Adebayor 18, Barazite 66

Thur, 19/07/2007 Genclerbirligi 0-3 Arsenal HT 0-1 Pre Season
van Persie 45, 65, Walcott 51

Wed, 25/07/2007 Salzburg 1-0 Arsenal HT 0-0 Pre Season
Janocko 75

Sat, 28/07/2007 Arsenal 2-1 PSG HT 1-0 Emirates Cup
Flamini 45, Bendtner 70---Luyindula 80

Sun, 29/07/2007 Arsenal 2-1 Inter Milan HT 0-0 Emirates Cup
Hleb 64, van Persie 85---Suazo 62

Thur, 02/08/2007 Lazio 1-2 Arsenal HT 1-1 Amsterdam Cup
Pandev 40---Bendtner 19, Eduardo 55

Sat, 04/08/2007 Ajax 0-1 Arsenal HT 0-0 Amsterdam Cup
van Persie 87

Complete 2007/2008 Fixtures/Results

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