Arsenal shutting up critics!
Arsenal are really proving people wrong this season and are playing splendid football. Many wouldn't have believed that they would do so well, despite the fact that they have spent some cash and strengthened their squad. The squad seems to be more balanced than it ever has been in years although there are a few problems here and there, Arsenal can now be called title contenders.
Premier League
In their premier league game of October, Arsenal hosted Chelsea in yet another London derby at the Emirates stadium. Both sides went into the game needing to win or else they would drop down the ladder. In the end it was down to which side wanted it more and in this case, Arsenal broke the Chelsea curse and managed to beat their rivals 2-0. Even though the score was only 2-0, in terms of each teams performance, Chelsea were disgraced. Olivier Giroud and Jack Wilshere scored the goals for the Gunners.
Next up for Arsenal was another tough test in the form of Southampton, luckily at the Emirates. The Saints had strengthened as well during the summer and would have been hoping to trouble Arsenal and dent their momentum. In the end The Saints failed as Arsenal played them off the pitch and ran out 2-0 winners. Once again, Olivier Giroud got on the scoresheet and Kieran Gibbs scored the only other goal of the game.
Arsenal's last premier league game of the month saw them travel to Manchester, Old Trafford to be precise. Following comments from Jack Wilshere and Sir Alex Ferguson, both sides were fired up and wanted to prove a point. Unfortunately for all the spectators, each side cancelled each other out. The game ended 1-1. Vidic opened the scoring before Olivier Giroud equalized for Arsenal. Throughout the game were some rash tackles and little fights. Is it possible that this game will now have a bit of that Keane vs Vieira feeling again?
With a great performance in the league, Arsenal are just one point ahead of The Citizens. They will be hoping that they can increase that gap over the next few weeks.
UEFA Champions League
In the champions league, Arsenal played two away fixtures in the month of October against CSKA Moscow and Ajax. First up was Ajax. Arsenal traveled to Holland feeling confident after their 2-0 victory over Napoli who are arguably the toughest team in the group. The Gunners got the job done with a brace from Olivier Giroud handing them the three points.
A trip to Russia is one that everyone fears, mainly because of the atmosphere. The CSKA fans were noisy and brutal, but the Gooners weren't shy to make themselves heard. In fact at one point, you would have thought Arsenal were the home side due to their dominant display and the noise their fans were making. Arsenal ended up thrasing CSKA 5-2! Carlos Vela scored a brace for Arsenal while Giroud, Vermaelen and Flamini got on the scoresheet. Doumbia and Vitinho scored for CSKA.
Two wins and six point meant that Arsenal remained on top of Group D with a total of 9 points. Ideally three more points would ensure their qualification to the next round.
Capital One Cup
Arséne Wenger used the 4th round COC tie vs Derby as a chance to play some fringe players and yes, Nicklas Bendtner played and even scored! Arsenal defeated Derby 3-1 to proceed to the quarter finals of the cup.
Player of the Month
The Arsenal player of the month is Olivier Giroud once again. The striker has been in frightening form and is scoring goals for fun, especially when his team needs him most. He seems to have a Thierry Henry swagger about him right now.