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Written by Shane Thomas

Published: Saturday, 08 March 2014 15:58

Arsenal begin another difficult run of fixtures, but the FA Cup quarter-final against Everton was possibly the most important. It remains the Gunner best chance of success, and after being held to a 1-1 draw in the league encounter, it was a huge source of relief of joy to Gooner that Arsenal prevailed, winning 4-1.

Lukasz Fabianski - 7 – He could do little with the goal, but was pretty competent otherwise. Will probably be pretty busy on Tuesday night.

Bacary Sagna – 8 – He was a key attacking outlet in the first-half, although he eagerness to attack left Arsenal exposed for the Everton equaliser. His second-half performance was even more impressive, defending doggedly, and providing a superb assist for the third goal.

Per Mertesacker – 7 – The German had his hands full dealing with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas, but he always managed to keep them on a relatively short leash. His positioning and organisation was to its usual standard, and he made more clearances (12) than any of his teammates.

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Written by Shane Thomas

Published: Saturday, 01 March 2014 18:00

In the marathon of the Premier League, fixtures against the big clubs might drive the media narrative, but it's weekends against the middling clubs that are the foundation of any title winning side. So after a deserved defeat to Stoke City, it should set the alarms bells ringing.

Wojciech Szczesny - 6 – He couldn't do much with the winning penalty, but made a bad handling error early in the second-half.

Bacary Sagna – 7 – Sagna didn't get a great deal of help, especially when going forward, but he was always a willing “out-ball”. He put in some decent crosses, but often only had Olivier Giroud to aim at.

Per Mertesacker – 7 – Despite the result, Mertesacker gave a solid display. He controlled the line of his back four competently, often got the better of Peter Crouch, and made some key interventions.

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Written by Daniel Hobson

Published: Saturday, 01 March 2014 17:46

After a match you always feel deflated and today was no different. I’m forever the optimist but even now I’m starting to think our title charge may be coming to an end.

This now places more emphasis on the FA cup meaning Arsene Wenger will now have to field his strongest 11.

Controversy

It was a match full of controversy and the referee should be ashamed of his overall performance. I’m not one to blame referees but Mike Jones was poor and consistently made the wrong decision. The penalty was harsh in my opinion as Koscielny was a foot away and was judged to deliberate handball.

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Written by Shane Thomas

Published: Saturday, 22 February 2014 18:06

After the exhaustion the Arsenal players would have felt on Wednesday night, this was the ideal way for the Gunners to respond.

A soporific Sunderland gave Arsenal the chance to seize control of the match. An invitation they gleefully accepted, as Arsenal cruised to a comfortable 4-1 win.

Wojciech Szczesny - 7 – Had little to do in the first-half, but made a couple of useful saves in the second. Could do little with Emmanuel Giaccherini's goal, although his punch from the free-kick that led to the goal wasn't the best.

Bacary Sagna – 8 – Sagna was a formidable presence down the right, allowing Tomas Rosicky the freedom to drift inwards, while also defending solidly. He continued to defend ably when having to cover at both left-back and centre-half.

Per Mertesacker – 7 – He controlled his back four well, not allowing the defensive line to be too high, or too deep. Also made some important covering tackles when Sunderland stepped up their game in the second-half.