Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
90
REMINDER: Stay online NOW for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK)
90
WHAT A BIG WIN: For long periods this was a frustrating afternoon for Wenger's men against a stubborn QPR side, who were disciplined and well organised. But Van Persie came up with the goal that sends Arsenal into fourth spot and ends 2011 on a high
Full Time IT'S OVER! Arsenal 1-0 QPR
90
KEEP IT IN THE CORNER: Arsenal winding down the clock by keeping possession by the corner flag
90
FOUR MINUTES OF ADDED TIME: Arsenal still have work to do for the three points as QPR have been very good this afternoon
88
RAMSEY GOES CLOSE: The Welshman picks the ball up 20 yards from goal and lets fly with a low shot, but Cerny gets down well to save
87
TENSE MOMENTS: The crowd is betraying its nerves as QPR push on in search of an equaliser. Arsenal heading into fourth spot at the moment as Chelsea are losing
Top Comments:
@Safianu_Ado on Twitter says:
Swansea and Villa scored almost at the same time! Hahahahahaha.
85
GABBIDON WELL OVER: A free kick from Taarabt isn't cleared properly and it falls to Gabbidon on the edge of the box, but he shoots high and wide
84
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK)
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
It was a really, really late flag. It's a shame Rosicky didn't play him in earlier, a golden chance for Van Persie to get his record.
83
QPR HANGING ON: Gervinho's break up the left sees him try to roll the ball in for Van Persie, but Gabbidon slides it out
Top Comments:
@bRinEstAkeS on Twitter says:
Are we in for some Rosicky magic? You've got to love his energy.
80
WENGER URGES HIS SIDE ON: It could be a nervy last 10 minutes for the hosts, and Wenger is urging them on for a final push. Big period this for the Gunners
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
It'd be lovely now for Arsenal to just put this game out of QPR's range. They can't afford one on the break.
78
Substitution QPR SUBSTITUTION: Bradley Orr comes on for Armand Traore, who gets generous applause from the Emirates crowd
77
GERVINHO SO CLOSE: Van Persie does superbly to the left of the six-yard box to set up Gervinho from close range, but his shot is poked wide. Great chance
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
That's a chance purely of the making of Robin van Persie. The defender was the clear favourite but he's shrugged him off and pulled it back for Gervinho. He should score.
76
E-MAIL OUR COMMENTATORS: Go to www.arsenal.com/studio to get in touch with Dan and Adrian - they'll be fielding your comments throughout the game
74
Substitution ARSENAL'S LAST SUBSTITUTION: Gervinho comes on for Theo Walcott
74
Substitution QPR CHANGE: Warnock sends on Tommy Smith for Jamie Mackie
74
RAMSEY OVER: A lightning quick break sees Walcott play in Ramsey, but his shot goes over
Top Comments:
@glencollins90 on Twitter says:
Feels like we need another!
73
QPR PENALTY APPEAL: Taarabt makes a meal of a tackle by Coquelin in the box, and the visitors appeal, but no dice.
71
IS THAT A FOUL? Van Persie appears to win the ball cleanly with a tackle on Barton, but Martin Atkinson blows for a foul. Debatable.
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
It was a free-kick in my opinion, he did catch Joey Barton. He'll always look for a free-kick if he can.
70
CONNOLLY OVER: A corner from the right is headed on and comes to Connolly at the back post, but the former Gunner's volley flies over the bar
69
STAT ATTACK: Arsenal's goal was there 50th in all competitions this season. More? This is Tomas Rosicky's 100th Premier League appearance
Top Comments:
@generalchudi on Twitter says:
Alex Song - defensive midfielder? Deep-lying playmaker? Box-to-box midfielder? All of the above?
68
Substitution ARSENAL CHANGE: Rosicky on for Arshavin now. The Russian was relatively quiet, but when it counted he played that lovely ball in for Van Persie's goal
66
TAARABT CLOSE: The Morrocan cuts in and fires a curling effort from 20 yards that Szczesny has to tip wide
64
Substitution QPR CHANGE: DJ Campbell on for Jay Bothroyd as Warnock makes his move
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I played with DJ Campbell towards the end of my career at Stevenage. To be fair, he couldn't get in our side!
62
GOING INTO FOURTH? With Chelsea drawing with Aston Villa, Arsenal would head into the Champions League positions as it stands
61
TWO TO GO: Van Persie needs just two more goals to beat Alan Shearer's record for goals in a calendar year now...
Top Comments:
@_nayna on Twitter says:
GOOOOAL!!!! My man VAN PERSIEEE!
60
WELL PLAYED ARSHAVIN: The Russian collected a loose pass in the QPR defence and played a lovely ball for Van Persie to run on to, and he slotted home superbly
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
It was quality from both players there. Arshavin had the vision to see that pass and Van Persie was just coolness personified with the finish.
60
GOAL! - Robin van Persie 1 : 0 GOOOAAAL!!!! Robin van Persie fires in
57
IT'S OPENING UP: Walcott really should have opened the scoring there, he had time and space, but pushed it wide
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
It's end-to-end stuff at the moment, something has to give soon.
56
OH WHAT A CHANCE! Ramsey releases Walcott who beats the offside trap, but the forward shoots wide. What a great chance that was
54
Substitution ARSENAL SUBSTITUTION: Francis Coquelin on for Thomas Vermaelen
Top Comments:
@grumpy_gunner on Twitter says:
There is an absolute hex on our full-backs!
53
Yellow Card YOUNG BOOKED: The defender takes out Walcott and goes into the book
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
It's an obvious yellow card, cynical from Young. He knows he isn't going to get any of the ball and just stops Walcott in his tracks.
52
SAVED BY SZCZESNY: Bothroyd plays a superb cross in from the left and the ball nearly hits Koscielny who is sliding in, but Szczney makes a crucial block
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
That was excellent goalkeeping in the first place from Szczesny to thwart Bothroyd.
50
SONG ON THE RUN: The Cameroonian breaks up the middle, but his attempted through ball to Ramsey is swept up by Connolly
48
ARTETA SHOOTS WIDE: After patient build-up play, the ball comes out to Arteta on the left, who cuts inside and fires wide of the near post
Top Comments:
@FABAKINS on Twitter says:
This game isn't funny, we just have to score and probably forget the record !
47
OFFSIDE: Mackie has the ball in the Arsenal net, but the flag had been up for some time
Kick Off AND WE'RE UNDER WAY AGAIN: The second half kicks off, and Arsenal need a big 45 minutes here
Half Time HALF-TIME: Arsenal 0-0 QPR - Another frustrating half of football at the Emirates for Arsene Wenger's team. They have dominated and created chances, but can't break down the stubborn Rangers resistance. They need to raise the tempo again after the interval
45
UTTERLY DOMINANT: Arsenal have forced NINE corners already today, but still can't find a way through. They'll be kicking themselves that they're not ahead
44
NOW ARTETA: The Spaniard gets the ball on the edge of the box and fires in a fierce shot, but Cerny pushes it away
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
It's been a rather insipid performance from QPR up front, but they have been very sturdy at the back.
43
OFF THE LINE! Ramsey's superb volley is heading into the roof of the net from an Arsenal corner, but Barton heads it wide. So close
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
He's somehow diverted that one away from goal, I'm not sure how he's got that one away.
41
IT'S HEATING UP: After a slow start this game is simmering now as tempers rise and Arsenal try to find a way through
38
Yellow Card DJOUROU BOOKED: The Swiss defender is yellow carded now for a late challenge on Barton
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Martin Atkinson has set his marker down here.
37
Yellow Card KOSCIELNY BOOKED
36
CONSTANT PRESSURE: Arsenal really turning the screw at the moment, but to no avail. Frustrating so far
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal are well on top now, they just have to take the opportunities that are coming their way.
34
TWITTER PROBLEMS: We are having problems getting into Twitter at the moment, which is why we are struggling to post your comments. Apologies, we will keep on trying
33
HANDBALL! NO! Martin Atkinson waves play on as Koscielny's volley hits Luke Young on the arm in the box. That is controversial
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
That's handball all day long for me. I can't believe he hasn't given that.
32
#ARSENALLIVE: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. As ever we'll publish a selection of your comments right here
30
SO CLOSE - YET AGAIN: Vermaelen's superb ball from the back goes over the QPR defence and bounces invitingly for Van Persie but the captain smashes it over
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
For mere mortals that isn't an easy chance but to Robin van Persie you expect him to find the net there.
28
ANOTHER CHANCE! Van Persie's free kick into the box finds Koscielny, who heads it across goal to Walcott. However, the forward fires wide from close range. Arsenal getting closer
27
Yellow Card BARTON BOOKED: The QPR skipper comes in late on Arteta and Martin Atkinson puts him in the book
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
It's a poor tackle to be fair. He's late, his studs are up and that deserves a yellow card.
26
E-MAIL OUR COMMENTATORS: Go to www.arsenal.com/studio to get in touch with Dan and Adrian - they'll be fielding your comments throughout the game
25
AND AGAIN! Djourou does brilliantly as he breaks in from the right flank and plays in Van Persie to the left of the box. The Dutchman gets past Orr and tries to lift it over Cerny but his shot goes wide
23
OH SO CLOSE! Ramsey whips in a lovely cross from the left to where Van Persie is all alone in space but the Arsenal captain steers a very difficult chance just wide of the far post. Better
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
It was extremely difficult for him. A lovely cross from Ramsey, but it's so difficult to generate any power when you're back-pedalling like that.
21
WELL PLAYED: Arteta does really well to skip in between two challenges and he then tries to play in Arshavin, but his pass doesn't reach its target. That's been the story of the game so far
19
THAT'S DANGEROUS: Arshavin is poleaxed after a stray elbow from Taarabt as they compete for the ball. The replay is unpleasant viewing, but the Russian seems okay now
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Looking at the first 20 minutes you have to say that Neil Warnock will be happy with the way this has gone for his side.
18
WARNOCK UNHAPPY: The QPR manager is up off the bench and berating the referee after Bothroyd goes down from a Koscielny challenge, but there was not much in it really
16
A LOW-KEY START: The game is yet to catch fire so far, that Van Persie chance is Arsenal's best so far
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I like to see the wingers switching like this, Arshavin has come over to the right side now. That could be the way to unlock QPR this afternoon.
15
BRILLIANT FROM VAN PERSIE: The Arsenal captain twists and turns in the box and creates space from nothing, before poking a shot at goal that Cerny saves
13
CORNER ARSENAL: Van Persie swings in a cross from the left, but Connolly heads it out for a corner for the home side, but it comes to nothing
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
He twisted and turned Matthew Connolly inside out, not once but three times there. In hindsight I think he might have been better getting to the byline and committing defenders.
11
BOTHROYD DOWN: The QPR striker is down at the moment clutching the side of his head, but he should be okay to continue
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
One of those players who just didn't quite make it with Arsenal, Bothroyd. He's had a few clubs since but has found his feet again with QPR.
10
AND ANOTHER CHANCE: Taarabt breaks up the left, and plays a good ball behind the defence for Wright-Phillips to run on to. The England winger tries to chip it over the onrushing Szczesny but the Pole makes a good stop
9
CHANCE FOR BOTHROYD: The former Gunner wins the ball in the air, holds off Song and goes past Mertsacker to find some space, but his low shot is easily saved by Szczesny
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
On their travels they've had three away wins so far, which isn't too shabby. That will certainly give them some confidence this afternoon.
7
NEARLY: Koscielny plays a good ball through the midfield to Van Perise, who touches it off to Song. The midfielder's immediate pass through to the striker is misplaced though and goes out for a goal kick
Top Comments:
@montychewtoy on Twitter says:
Good to see the Ox on the bench...
6
UNLUCKY: Song busts forward and plays a one-two with Ramsey on the edge of the box but can't quite control the pass back to him and the move breaks down
4
MAKING SOME NOISE: The Emirates crowd are in good voice today as Arsenal continue to press the visitors back into their own half
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
You have to say the the early few minutes here have been very pedestrian, played at a low tempo so far.
2
HALF CHANCE: Mikel Arteta puts Theo Walcott away on the right and he just about keeps the ball in play but his cross misses everyone and QPR clear
1
KEY BATTLE: The clash betwen Theo Walcott and Armand Traore on the right flank here could prove crucial today
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
It looks like Jay Bothroyd will be playing as that lone striker today, with Taraabt, Wright-Phillips and Mackie looking to help where they can.
Kick Off AND WE'RE OFF: Arsenal are kicking from left to right in this first half
BIG WAVE: The Arsenal players are out on the pitch and they salute the crowd as the last-minute pre-match preparations take place
#ARSENALLIVE: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. As ever we'll publish a selection of your comments right here
Top Comments:
@nabeel_ahmed on Twitter says:
Come on @Persie_Official, give us three points and hat-trick for the record! It will make our New Year night special.
HERE THEY COME: The players are in the tunnel and kick-off is just minutes away now
ONLY ONE TONY ADAMS: A big thumbs up from today's guest of honour as he salutes the crowd, who have broken into song to salute their hero
Top Comments:
@Stevelea30 on Twitter says:
Come on you Gunners!
BIG CHEER FOR MR ARSENAL: The most successful captain in the Club's history, Tony Adams, has been here to see his statue today, and here he is being presented to the adoring Emirates crowd
THE WONDER OF YOU: The traditional pre-match song is playing here as the teams prepare to step out for their final match of 2011
YOUR THOUGHTS? What do you think about Arshavin starting today? Go to www.arsenal.com/studio to get in touch with Dan and Adrian - they'll be fielding your comments throughout the game
FANCY A BET? Follow @GunnersGamingBB on Twitter for tips and a full betting preview
It's a surprisingly mild afternoon at the Emirates today, but a bit of heat is generated by the announcement of Joey Barton's name on the PA system. A loud rings around the stadium. Popular man
RANGERS RETURN: Three former Gunners are back to face their former club today - Matthew Connolly, Armand Traore and Jay Bothroyd
#ARSENALLIVE: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. As ever we'll publish a selection of your comments right here
E-MAIL OUR COMMENTATORS: What do you think of today's team? Go to www.arsenal.com/studio to get in touch with Dan and Adrian - they'll be fielding your comments throughout the game
ARSHAVIN STARTS: The Russian makes a surprise return in place of Gervinho on the left, as Walcott and Ramsey replace Benayoun and Rosicky.
SUBS: Murphy, Orr, Hill, Derry, Helguson, Smith, Campbell.
QPR: Cerny, Young, Gabbidon, Connolly, Traore, Wright-Phillips, Barton, Faurlin, Taarabt, Mackie, Bothroyd.
SUBS: Almunia, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Chamakh, Benayoun, Coquelin.
TEAM NEWS: Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott, Van Persie, Arshavin.
Kick off is at 3pm today (UK time), with Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke as the commentary team, but our Matchday Show gets underway 25 minutes earlier. Tune in for an exclusive pre-match interview with Arsene Wenger, highlights from the Wolves match and all the latest team news ahead of today’s game.
Following Tuesday’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Wolves, today’s game gives the Gunners a chance to get back to winning ways and keep pace with their top-four rivals.
Welcome to Arsenal Player for live coverage of today’s final match of 2011, against QPR, as Arsene Wenger’s side look to see out the year in style.
Arsenal
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
20 DJOUROU, Johan
04 MERTESACKER, Per
06 KOSCIELNY, Laurent
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
22 COQUELIN, Francis (54)
25 SONG, Alex
16 RAMSEY, Aaron
08 ARTETA, Mikel
14 WALCOTT, Theo
27 GERVINHO (74)
23 ARSHAVIN, Andrey
07 ROSICKY, Tomas (68)
20 VAN PERSIE, Robin
01 ALMUNIA, MANUEL
22 COQUELIN, FRANCIS
07 ROSICKY, TOMAS
30 BENAYOUN, YOSSI
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, ALEX
27 GERVINHO,
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
QPR
24 CERNY, Radek
02 YOUNG, Luke
33 GABBIDON, Daniel
12 CONNOLLY, Matthew
03 TRAORE, Armand
02 ORR, Bradley (78)
11 WRIGHT-PHILLIPS, Shaun
06 BARTON, Joey
10 TAARABT, Adel
32 FAURLIN, Alejandro
12 MACKIE, Jamie
14 SMITH, Tommy (74)
37 BOTHROYD, Jay
39 CAMPBELL, DJ (64)
26 MURPHY, BRIAN
02 ORR, BRADLEY
06 HILL, CLINT
04 DERRY, SHAUN
14 SMITH, TOMMY
22 HELGUSON, HEIDAR
39 CAMPBELL, DJ
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Four minutes is really generous to QPR. There haven't been too many stoppages, the substitutions aside.