Wenger hits out at boo-boys after Stoke draw

STOKE — Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hit out at Stoke's boo-boys after Gunners midfielder Aaron Ramsey was targeted for abuse during his side's 1-1 draw.
Ramsey was jeered throughout at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, two years after sustaining a horrific double leg fracture on the same ground following a reckless challenge by Ryan Shawcross.
Wenger, who was also taunted mercilessly by sections of the Potters support, shrugged off the personal abuse but admitted he was baffled by the vitriol directed at Ramsey.
"I don't think that you can be especially proud to boo Aaron Ramsey because I don't see what he has done wrong in his behaviour," Wenger said.
"That's a story where the fans of Stoke stand behind that player (Shawcross) but they shouldn't go as far as booing Aaron Ramsey.
"(The Stoke fans) have a relationship with me but I don't have one with them. I personally have enough experience to cope with that. It doesn't bother me too much."
Wenger however said football authorities must address the issue of abusive fans eventually.
"One day football has to face this and tackle that because it's easy to sit in the stand and insult people," Wenger said.
"My response is that I ignore what people say. I focus on what I love in my job, I love my job and I am not responsible for the way people behave in the stands. If you want to stop that it's easy to stop, because you can isolate every face, but I can't influence it.
"The only thing I think sometimes when I go off at the end of the game when people insult you, are angry or hateful, if you could get just a little picture and send it home to you to show your son or your daughter and see if you do it again, if you are proud."
Wenger also dismissed the suggestion that Morrocco international forward Marouane Chamakh will definitely be sold this summer.
Chamakh, 28, has struggled to make an impression since joining on a free transfer from Bordeaux in 2010 and has made just one start this season.
But Wenger was pleased with the striker's performance after Chamakh came off the bench at the Britannia Stadium.
"Chamakh did well, nothing is definite at the moment, at the end of the season you will have big surprises but there won't be a lot of movement in football," he said.
Robin van Persie's 35th goal of the season cancelled out Peter Crouch's early opener at the Britannia but Arsenal could not find a winner that would have taken them a long way towards confirming their Champions League place for next season.
Meanwhile Stoke's Tony Pulis agrees that abuse of managers is unacceptable but claims that it is tolerated by every manager in the Premier League.
"It is very difficult for us all. I go to grounds and get abused and you have to accept it. Should you? You should speak to authorities," Pulis said.
"I go to grounds and get a load of stick. Air Alex Ferguson will go to certain grounds and get slaughtered. Is it acceptable?"

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Wembley Glory For Reg Lewis Of Arsenal On This Day, 29th April 1950

Wembley Glory For Reg Lewis Of Arsenal On This Day, 29th April 1950 by Yogi's Warrior This was the first meeting between Liverpool and Arsenal in the FA Cup Final. Arsenal wearing an away strip triumphed by two Reg Lewis goals. The only FA Cup Final defeat against Liverpool came when Arsenal wore red. That was more recent than this, the first post-war FA Cup triumph and the last until the double-winning side of 1970-71 triumphed...against Liverpool.

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Thoughts on Pep Guardiola’s Imminent Departure and Stoke Preview

Thoughts on Pep Guardiola’s Imminent Departure and Stoke Preview by enigma106 Wenger to the Board and Guardiola in? In a somewhat relatively dull start to the weekend, a piece of information rocked the football world like an earthquake with a high magnitude. Despite enjoying a managerial career people could kill for, as well as managing a team that's best regarded as the best football club in this generation, Barcelona's Pep Guardiola has decided to call it quits at the end of the season, bringing an end to an glittering career that saw his team amass 13 from a possible 18 trophies making him the Catalans most successful manager. His eulogy was very emotional to say the least, and the looks on the faces of the members of his team were priceless. It sort of reminded me of the looks a little kid gets when the Ice Cream man comes around to say that the supplies are over. You certainly have the option of crying but shedding a tear or two wasn't going to avert the decision. As expected, the media vultures feasted on this news like vampires seeing a human after days of starvation without blood. The Guardian published a report revealing that the pressure of managing the club gradually ate away into his enjoyment. However, other media Vultures believe that he resigned from Barcelona for a fresh challenge and he's hugely tipped to make a move to the Premier League, with his potential destination being Arsenal. When the club was going through a rough patch of form that saw the Gunners lose to AC Milan as well as Sunderland in the FA Cup, the Daily Mail reported that he was ready to replace Arsene Wenger at the helm of affairs of the club. Wenger was under intense pressure at that point in the season but he steadied the ship and sailed to a new direction on course to that treasure island called the Third Place. Arsenal's supremo has stated that he's surprised to see Guardiola leave his coveted position. Wenger questioned the timing of the announcement as it came in the wake of the club's Champions League exit in the hands of Chelsea. Barcelona did everything right and played their attractive football over the course of two legs but Chelsea proved that they were certainly no pushovers, no contest is pre-determined and no side is unbeatable. Speaking of timing, we all know how FC Cologne has handled the Lukas Podolski saga, they've stalled in announcing his imminent departure because of the potential backlash it was going to cause among the fans but they had to wait till the Spring to make the announcement anyway. Wenger also spoke about Barcelona's philosophy and the stress levels of the job. The Catalan giants have had this "philosophy" they've employed in the yesteryear which involves honing more aliens from their La Masia Mutant Academy as well as delivering the best type of football which resonates around ball possession when on the ball and heavy pressing off the ball. This season, Barcelona unleashed more aliens to the football world in the form of Isaac Cuenca and Tello to a squad that Arsenal has the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas. Some Gooners want to see Arsene Wenger pushed up to the Board, leaving the manager's position vacant and they also believe that Guardiola can be the man to stop Arsenal's Black Widow spider to exit from the Emirates Stadium trophy cabinet after seven years of spinning webs in the cozy piece of furniture. I'm not an Arsene Knows Best (AKB) but there's no point jumping into the Guardiola bandwagon. Arsene Wenger has proved countless times what his vision, principles and continuity has done for the club but he's currently going to a barren spell that has been heavily contributed by injuries, suspensions, poor officiating against team, bad luck and of course, his tactical errors from time to time. If Guardiola can leave a trophy-laden club like Barcelona after just four years, do you think that Arsenal will be any different after he wins another six trophies in his first season in charge with the Gunners? He'll probably say that he's tired of England's weather and taxing system, declaring that he wants to manage George Jetson FC, the latest club from Outer Space. For those that don't know, there's a new planet in our Solar System, Planet Ramos. Planet Ramos **** Arsenal is sitting pretty in third place but a series of poor results can change the outlook of things in the run-in for Champions League qualification. The Gunners face a stern test away to Stoke, a ground that hasn't given them much joy in recent times. The Gunners' form has considerably dropped, from the never ending series of victories to just two wins in the last five outings. The goals have also dried up for hitman Robin van Persie, that has managed one goal in his last seven games. With Manchester United's Shrek breathing down on his neck, it's high time RVP get a goal or two to help him and his team's cause. His goals will propel him to the Golden Boot while they'll also play a part in his club's bid for third place. It's also worth noting that van Persie has scored 27 league goals while Stoke as a team has amassed 31. Four of the last five meetings been Arsenal and Stoke has surprisingly ended in a 3-1 scoreline. Arsenal has also conceded just five headed goals in the league, which is the joint-fewest in the top flight. However, Arsene Wenger has stated that his team is better equipped for this match. Vermaelen has said that his Guns are ready for the battle of the Brittania. To team news, the absentees (Walcott (hamstring), Arteta (ankle), Mertesacker (ankle), Wilshere (ankle) Frimpong (knee)) are still nursing their injuries but the Arteta jinx has to end pretty soon. Arsenal hasn't won any game he didn't play and victories are paramount to secure third place. I expect Wojciech Szczesny to continue in goal with the regular back four of Quickie Gibbsy, the Verminator, Bosscielny and Bac the Man. Yossi Benayoun returns in midfield while Tomas Rosicky has recovered from a sickness; I'll expect Alex Song, Little Mozart and probably Aaron Ramsey to get the heads up in midfield. This ground won't bring fond memories for the Welsh captain but I believe that he'll put his head down and give his usual 110% even though his ability still remains questionable. In this corresponding fixture at the Emirates, he supplied a delicate chip over the defense to Le Forehead, which was dispatched perfectly by the Ivorian. At that point in time, the fans adored Ramsey and sang his songs only to wish him injuries or even worse in the turn of the new year. Please, get off his back. The attack will be without Theo Walcott, so I expect Le Forehead to be drafted back into the squad to play in the forward line with the Ox and van Persie. Enjoy the game wherever you are. I won't watch the match though, I'm gonna be with i.am.OGB utunu and the Cousins of Ciroc.

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League Title Retained At Stamford Bridge By Arsenal On This Day, 28th April 1934

League Title Retained At Stamford Bridge By Arsenal On This Day, 28th April 1934 by Yogi's Warrior Twelve months on and once more the outcome of the League title was decided at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal retained their title with two matches to spare, a point enough to ensure that Huddersfield Town could not catch them. The goalscoring flamboyance of the previous campaign was not matched, Arsenal managing to breach their opponents backline on a relatively paltry 75 occasions compared to 118 previously. Arsenal's defence was a touch more parsimonious, only conceding 47 to 61 in 1932/33. The title was set-up by a run of twelve wins in fifteen games through the Autumn but once more January was a horrible month, 2 points out of ten gained. That was hardly surprising given the shock death of Herbert Chapman on 6th January 1934, an event which would have distressed the players. As it was they recovered their poise to win eleven of their last fourteen games to retain their Champions title.

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Ray Kennedy’s Testimonial At Arsenal On This Day, 27th April 1991

Ray Kennedy’s Testimonial At Arsenal On This Day, 27th April 1991 by Yogi's Warrior If there has been a more decorated player than Ray Kennedy, I am at a loss to think of whom it might be. He is unique I am sure, in the combinations of trophies won; domestic double, Champions Cup / League double, UEFA Cup / League double. A winner of the FA and Welsh Cups. The list isn't bad for a young lad who was told by Sir Stanley Matthews that he wouldn't make the grade: UEFA European Club Champions Cup: (3) 1976-77, 1977-78, 1980-81 Football League Champions: (6) 1970-71, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1978-79, 1979-80, 1981-82 Football League Runners-up: (2) 1972-73, 1977-78, FA Cup winner: (1) 1970-71 FA Cup runners-up: (2) 1971-72, 1976-77 Football League Cup winner: (1) 1980-81 Football League Cup runners-up: (1) 1977-78 FA Charity Shield winner: (4) 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winner: (1) 1969-70 UEFA Cup winner: (1) 1975-76 UEFA Super Cup winner: (1) 1977 UEFA Super Cup runners-up: (1) 1978 World Club Championship runners-up: (1) 1981 Welsh Cup winner: (1) 1983 He must rank as one of the youngest ever winners of the domestic double and will never be forgotten, not just for the goal at White Hart Lane but the other 26 that accompanied it. When he left Highbury in 1974, it was the first time that I can remember being heartbroken. Yet I have never heard anyone say a bad word, even before his illness was made public knowledge. My esteem never dropped to the extent that my father would take me to any game where Kennedy was playing  - generally at Bristol City or Aston Villa - even if it involved not seeing Arsenal that day. It still seems baffling to me that he was only capped 17 times by England, especially when you consider the paucity of talent in the country during his playing days. On this day in 1991, Arsenal entertained Liverpool in a testimonial where supporters of both clubs appreciated his service and to help him with his then relatively recently diagnosed Parkinson's Disease, a fight he continues to this day.

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The Repercussions of Chelsea’s Champions League Adventure

The Repercussions of Chelsea’s Champions League Adventure by enigma106 RT @eromzy: Messi misses penalty. Torres scores winning goal in stoppage time. The biggest miracle since Moses parted the Red Sea.— Gooner Daily (@goonerdaily) April 25, 2012 "Anti-football" came into the limelight when Chelsea's Guus Hiddink visited the Nou Camp in the 2009 Champions League semifinals to literally park the bus. They received a mixed reception of praise and criticism for that performance but it didn't really matter because Andres Iniesta and his alien lot had the last laugh. Chelsea were faced with the same gruelling task of visiting the Nou Camp three years later and the odds were firmly stacked against Roberto di Matteo's hordes. Despite a valiant yet negative defensive performance, Chelsea had enough in the tank to quell the threat Barcelona posed. Spanish diver-in-chief Sergi Busquets opened the scoring when the defense cracked after some intense pressure and it seemed as if the floodgates were set to open when Iniesta scored a neat finish. However, Ramires the Great Lizard scored a goal Carlos Vela would have been proud of and this was followed by the match clincher by El Flopino. Having just four shots on target and a possession of 18.5 percent over the course of two legs showed how much Barcelona dominated the proceedings. Despite the fact that Spanish football has become accustomed to treating the ball as a friend, games are won by goals. Chelsea's cause wasn't helped when the ex-girlfriend shagger earned himself an early bath after an off-the-ball infringement on Alexis Sanchez. For what it's worth, John Terry won't be around to slip on the penalty spot to smash an effort off the post. Speaking of penalties, Bayern Munich, the dark horses of this season's Champions League, had to depend on the lottery of a penalty shootout to end Jose Mourinho's dream of being the first manager to potentially win the competition with three different teams. Sergio Ramos also became the first player in a long while to launch his shot into orbit in a semifinal. You can't blame Rafael Nadal's clone though, the sky is his limit. Bayern Munich now head to the finals in front of their home crowd and that will certainly be an incentive to add another Champions League title to their trophy-laden cabinet, unlike a prestigious club in North London :( Both teams will head into the final with their fair share of injuries and of course, suspensions. As stated earlier, Chelsea will be without the football creator of ex-girlfriend shaggernomics, John Terry. They'll also be without Ramires the Great Lizard, Big Arse Ivanovic and that Portuguese bloke that has more tattoos than the amount of times Lionel Messi checks his mirror to see if his height has increased. Bayern Munich on the other hand, will be without David Alaba <em>Market</em>, who was undoubtedly my Man of the Match yesterday. He picked himself up from the disappointment of conceding an early penalty to put up a stellar performance. The Bavarians will also be without Holger Badstuber and Luis Gustavo. England is permitted to feature only four teams in the Champions League. The fact that Chelsea has a 50 percent chance of winning the competition means that the team that ends up in fourth place has a high chance of playing Europa League football next season.  The battle for the final slots of the Champions League is between Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham and potential Champions League winners, Chelsea. As an Arsenal fan, the pleasure of seeing Tottenham falter on a weekly basis is certainly not orgasmic, but it has a way of filling you up with smiles and fits of laughter. The most hilarious part of it all is the fact that Twitchy Ol' 'Arry and his Spuds actually had plans of...winning the Premier League. Tottenham is won just once in their last nine games but they have the easiest set of fixtures on paper.They are set to play three teams battling to stay afloat relegation waters in the form of Blackburn, Bolton and Wigan and they'll end their campaign against Everton. Tottenham needs to win all these games to stand a chance of finishing the league in third place. However, the chances of Tottenham ending this campaign as the third best team in the land is as impossible as Gareth Bale going to the zoo without being recognized by his fellow primates.  Chelsea have two cup finals to look forward too next month but they are in a pretty precarious league position as far as qualification for the Champions League is concerned. "On the bright side", the Blues are set to play three of their four remaininf league games at home with the only away trip being the FA Cup final prequel against Liverpool.  I certainly have no problem with Chelsea winning the FA Cup because they are still eons behind Arsenal by virtue of trophies won in that competition. I'll certainly go berserk if they win the Champions League before my beloved Arsenal.  For those that don't know, Bayern Munich bleeds red and I'm certainly going to support the team that shares the same colors with my blood. :D  Arsenal still remains in pole position to clinch third place but the Gunners have the threat of the resurgent Newcastle to contend with.  The chances of Tottenham and Chelsea finishing in third place are slim to none, but they stand a chance of usurping Newcastle in fourth place. I must say that I've been hugely impressed by Alan Pardew and his lot. The manager will have a big fight in his hands to keep his key players that have shone like the stars they are. While Arsenal takes on Stoke, Norwich and West Brom, Newcastle has a tougher task with daunting games against Chelsea and title hopefuls Manchester City before playing Wigan and Everton,  The gauntlet has been thrown for Arsenal to hold the fort, and as Gunnerblog rightly stated, fourth place is a risk we simply can't take  I'll end today's post with some quotes from Gunnerblog's last post  Despite the fact it's something of a disastrous result for Arsenal fans, I can only offer my congratulations to Chelsea on an extraordinary performance at the Nou Camp. There is a lesson to be learnt there: whilst Chelsea aren't your traditional underdog, they showed that no side is unbeatable, no contest pre-determined. With the exception of the idiotic John Terry, they were a credit to themselves and the Premier League.  Right. Off to wash my mouth out.

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Walcott expected to miss Arsenal's final three games

• Arsenal's Theo Walcott gestures as he claims for a penalty against Newcastle during their English Premier League soccer match at Emirates Stadium in London …

LONDON (Reuters) - Theo Walcott looks set to miss the rest of Arsenal's season after damaging his hamstring in the 0-0 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

The winger pulled up in the second half at The Emirates and, despite trying to play on, was forced to depart.
"It looks like a serious hamstring," manager Arsene Wenger said. "First we assessed the hamstring, he wanted to go on and stay on the pitch and I think he should have gone off straight away because the second time it was a real hamstring (injury).
"I think now for him it will be tough to come back before the end of the season. It is usually 21 days (minimum)."
Walcott is expected to be part of England's Euro 2012 squad for Poland and Ukraine and Wenger said he expected his player to recover in time for the June 8-July 1 championship.
"He should be okay to play for England - he just will have a good rest. But I don't think he will be ready to play for us."
Arsenal, who are trying to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, have three matches left this season.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Clare Fallon)

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The Establishment Club – Arsenal On This Day, 24th April 1939

The Establishment Club – Arsenal On This Day, 24th April 1939 by Yogi's Warrior The Establishment Club, one of the sobriquets of Arsenal from the 1930s and what better way to underline the aptness of the phrase by this friendly played at Highbury on this day in 1939?  The Daily Telegraph; The Stock Exchange; London Banks? Bastions of The Establishment indeed.

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Reviewing the Goals Scored by the 2012 PFA Player of the Year, RVP

Reviewing the Goals Scored by the 2012 PFA Player of the Year, RVP by enigma106 From L-R: Cannon shooting Chicken, Gareth Bale, RVP & Walker, RVP, RVP!!! If you take a close peek at the illustration above you'll see Arsenal's talisman holding the club's "first trophy" in seven years, the 2012 PFA Player of the Year award. As expected, esteemed footballers, media vulture reps and fans like graced the gala event. It's worth noting that you can find a picture of the lead actor of the hit movie, Legends of the Fall, Gareth Bale, in the second box below. Thanks to Kanyeezy for uploading the content in my Arsenal BlackBerry group, Team Goonerdaily. **** Robin van Persie began his youth career in Exclesior before making a move to the club that gave him his football education, Feyernoord. In his three-year stint in Feyernoord's first team from 2001 to 2004, van Persie won the UEFA Cup with the Dutch outfit but he had a lot of irreconcilable differences with the manager and present Dutch coach, Bert van Marwijk. He won the best young talent of the EreDivisie award in 2002 and had a tumultuous time in the tail end of his Feyernoord career. After making 59 appearances and scoring 15 league goals in three years at the club, van Persie parted ways with Feyernoord and joined Arsenal as a long-term replacement for the great Dennis Bergkamp. In Arsenal, Robin van Persie made his debut against Manchester United in the Community Shield of 2004 and has been a loyal stalwart to the club ever since. Van Persie has had the pleasure of playing beside excellent forwards like Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp but the early seasons of his Arsenal career has been blighted by injuries. With the exit of his predecessors, van Persie has stepped up the plate to become the most important player in Arsenal Football Club and he has currently amassed a total of 129 goals in just 273 appearances for the club with 93 of those goals scored in the Premier League. On the international scene, van Persie has represented the Netherlands on four different levels and he's currently an essential piece of the Oranje's jigsaw puzzle. It's really funny to know that its the same Bert van Marwijk that's the present  manager of the Netherlands but they've put their differences aside for the good of the game. The Flying Dutchman has also been recognized for his football exploits with the EreDivisie Best Young Talent award (2002), Rotterdam Sportsman of the Year (2006), Euro 2008 Bronze Boot and Arsenal Player of the Season (2009). However, his outstanding goalscoring run as well as his magnificent team efforts have earned him a place in Premier League history as 39th PFA Player of the Year, despite facing stiff competition from Manchester United's goalscoring Ogre, Shrek. Alex Ferguson has asked the FA how much stoppage time there is in the PFA awards to give Rooney more time to score more votes— Stuart Grainger (@Oxinthebox_) April 22, 2012 Van Persie's 34 goals this season certainly played a major role in winning what John Terry considers as "the ultimate accolade to be voted for by your fellow professionals whom you play against week-in and week-out". In a somewhat chronological order, I'm going to review each goal as we relive those moments that made the Arsenal faithful create the hit single, "He scores when he wants" Enjoy! AUGUST Goal ONE against Udinese at Frulli Arsenal's black dreadlocked Harry Potter with the big forehead received the ball from a deflected Tomas Rosicky shot. he casted a few Expecto Patronum spells and the Udinese players watched again as he waltzed past them. His final ball found Robin van Persie that did the rest with a neat left-footed finish. Goal TWO against Manchester United at Old Trafford Arsenal looked very demoralized but there was still time for the Gunners to add to their count. Carl Jenkinson was free on the right and he sent a cross into Manchester United's box. Phil Jones headed it away but the header came back to Jenkinson who nodded it straight to the path of RVP who smashed the roof with his effort. SEPTEMBER Hitting the 100-goal mark Goal THREE against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park With halftime looming around the corner, the deadlock was broken after Sven Bender lost the ball in midfield to Robin van Persie. The ball got to Theo Walcott then he sent a sumptuous through ball to van Persie. Arsenal's captain picked his spot and finished aplomb. Goal FOUR and FIVE against Bolton at the Emirates Arsenal went into a flyer at the start of the second half thanks to some decisive attacking play. Gervinho got the ball in midfield and made a run but he was tackled by some bloke but as Aaron Ramsey received the ball, Mr. Clattenburg waved play-on instead of stopping play for an infringement. Ramsey moved with the ball before setting up RVP on the edge of the box. He dallied a bit before creating a chance for himself to beat Jaaskelainen on his near post. Ramsey sent another through ball to Walcott on the right hand side and the winger had acres of space to exploit. He raised his head up and found van Persie free so he sent a well weighted ball to Arsenal's captain who made the slightest of touches to score Arsenal's second goal. That was also his 100th for the club after six years of magnificent service. OCTOBER V for Victory, V for van Persie Goal SIX and SEVEN against Sunderland at the Emirates The start Arsenal made to the game rocked the tentacles of the Kraken and Arsenal history was just eight seconds away from being rewritten. Shortly after kickoff, Rosicky fed Gervinho who made a tricky run before passing the ball to Robin van Persie. The intelligent forward let the ball move across him before side-footing it home with his fabled chocolate leg. Arsenal was one up after 28 seconds; Gilberto Silva still holds the record for the fastest Arsenal goal in that 4-0 win over PSV in just 20 seconds and RVP wasn't far off. When it all seemed as if all hope was lost and Arsenal was heading for another disappointing draw, Benayoun passed the ball to RVP but the striker was impeded by the rugged Wes Brown. Like Seb Larsson in the first half, van Persie took his time and let out a few bursts of air before curling the ball over the wall to Mignolet's net. Goal EIGHT and NINE against Stoke City at the Emirates The Arsenal crowd awaited the 200th goal at the Emirates and it was only befitting that such a goal would be scored by the man of the moment, Robin van Persie. Gervinho was involved in the attacking play again and he did well to evade the threat of Wilson before teeing van Persie in the near post where the intelligent striker had a quick snap shot that beat Begovic in his near post. With the game easing off, Gervinho popped up again on the left to send another assist for van Persie whose effort couldn't be stopped despite Begovic's hand on the shot. Goal 10, 11 and 12 against Chelsea in Stamford Bridge Arsenal pegged the hosts back when Alex Song and Aaron Ramsey combined well before giving Gervinho a through ball. The Ivorian was one-on-one with Petr Cech but he unselfishly fed Robin van Persie who wasted no time in dispatching the ball to an unguarded net. Florent Malouda was crowded by an Arsenal midfield so he decided to give a back pass to John Terry who decided to slip in the best possible time so the ball fell gracefully to the wrongest person on Earth in such a situation, Robin van Persie. RVP ran at Petr Cech before attempting a "Box and X" Playstation move on the goalie to place the ball to the empty net. Mata smashed the ball goalwards but Koscielny put his body on fire to block the shot. Rosicky won the ball before feeding Song who gave Arteta. The Spaniard moved with the ball before providing a ball to the red-hot van Persie who rifled the ball past the hapless Cech. NOVEMBER That delicate chip Goal 13 against West Brom at the Emirates Aaron Ramsey started a delightful move that saw Theo Walcott go clear of the defender marking him. Ben Foster made a good save from Walcott's effort but the ball sailed aimlessly to the wrong player in the planet as Robin van Persie scored his easiest goal in 2011 with a simple right-footed finish from less than six yards out. Goal 14 and 15 against Norwich at Carrow Road Arsenal's breakthrough came when Walcott used his pace to evade his marker before drilling the ball into the heart of the defense to an awaiting predator called Robin van Persie that finished off with consummate ease. Van Persie scored what proved to be the winner when he chipped the ball over the goalie after receiving a carefully-weighted pass from Alex Song. Goal 16 and 17 against Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Alex Song invoked the spirit of Lionel Messi and singlehandedly took on five or more defenders showing quick feet before sending a cross that was headed home by van Persie Late on, the Dutchman showed amazing awareness as he was the first player to get one the end of Vermaelen's flick-on to make it 2-0 from point blank range. DECEMBER Goal of the Season contender Goal 18 against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium Van Persie put the icing on a well-baked cake when he converted Walcott's pass and he was quick to show his appreciation to a player that has contributed immensely to his goal scoring exploits in 2011. Walcott had a clear-cut chance to finish it himself but he chose to give his captain. Goal 19 against Everton at the Emirates When the chips were down and it seemed like it was going to be one of those days for Arsenal, Laurent Koscielny picked the ball further up the pitch before feeding Alex Song. The Cameroonian gem looked up to see his captain before lofting a carefully-weighted ball that was executed magnificently by Robin van Persie. It was a goal that epitomized everything van Persie stood for in 2011; technique, precision and class. Goal 20 against Aston Villa at Villa Park Arsenal took the lead when Theo Walcott used his blistering pace to evade Clark but the defender got a handful of the winger's jersey leaving the ref no choice but to point to the spot. There was no guessing who the penalty taker would be as Robin van Persie stepped up to slam the spot kick home. Goal 21 against Queens Park Rangers at the Emirates Shaun Wright-Phillips was having a good time down the right but he gifted Arsenal a goal when he handed a pass to the much criticized Andrey Arshavin that did well to tee up van Persie early enough for the Flying Dutchman to slot the ball home. JANUARY A game of two halves Goal 22 against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium Arsenal went off to a flyer when Arshavin teed up the red-hot Robin van Persie that feinted a shot at first before lashing it past Vorm in goal with just four minutes gone. Goal 23 against Manchester United at the Emirates Koscielny showed great determination to halt Rafael's charge goalwards before launching a counter attack with a pinpoint pass to Rosicky. The Czech captain fed the Ox who in turn gave a cushioned pass to van Persie. Van Persie hit it first time and his drilled effort beat Lindegaard to level the contest for the Gunners. Goal 24 and 25 against Aston Villa at the Emirates Ramsey atoned for an earlier miss when he has hacked down by Dunne in the box. Up stepped van the Man to send Given the wrong way. Arsenal's 3rd goal and match clincher arrived when Laurent Koscielny made one of his slalom runs forward after a brilliant one-two with Alex Song. He was scythed down in the box by Darren Bent leaving the man with the whistle no choice. Van Persie stepped up again to smash in goal number 25 for the season. FEBRUARY A goal to remember in the North London derby Goal 26, 27 and 28 against Blackburn at the Emirates Arsenal got off to a flyer when the predator in the box van Persie got on the end of a Theo Walcott pass. Arsenal restored the lead when Alex Song's amazing through ball found Walcott that fed van Persie again for another easy tap in. His third was in similar fashion. Goal 29 against Tottenham Hotspurs at the Emirates Benoit Assou-Ekoto sent a panicky clearance that arrived at van Persie's feet. Surrounded by Spuds, Arsenal's talisman still managed to find some space before curling the ball sweetly past Friedel. MARCH Simply van-tastic Goals 30 and 31 against Liverpool at Anfield Arsenal got their equalizer when Bacary Sagna floated a cross that was headed home by Robin van Persie. When it seemed like a draw was going to be the likeliest outcome, Songinho attempted a delicate chip that was finished in astonishing fashion by a truly magnificent player, Robin van Persie. Goal 32 against AC Milan at the Emirates The Ox made another jinking run that caused more problems for the AC Milan defense and he compounded their misery by winning a penalty. Robin van Persie stepped up to send Abbiati the wrong way. Goal 33 against Newcastle at the Emirates Arsenal pegged Newcastle back when van Persie showed off his technical prowess to get an equalizer in timely fashion. Sagna and Rosicky were brilliant on the right hand side before Theo Walcott's drilled cross arrived at van Persie's feet. Arsenal's captain guided the ball past Williamson before smashing his attempt past Tim Krul. APRIL cheeky Goal 34 against Wolves at Molineux Arsenal got off to a flyer when a Robin van Persie incisive through ball put Theo Walcott through but the winger was denied a clear-cut goalscoring chance by Sebastien Bassong. According to the FIFA Rule Book, the ref was left with only one decision to make, thereby giving Bassong a chance for an early bath. Arsenal's captain stepped up to score one of the cheekiest penalties you'll ever see. Thierry Henry showed such class against Leeds United in the yesteryear. **** I hope you've enjoyed the review. With three games left to play in the season, van Persie has to be on his toes to get some more goals because Manchester United's Shrek is breathing down his neck for the Golden Boot award. However, the winner of the Golden Bench award has also been decided. "I came here to win trophies"

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