Boss faces the media after the 2-1 defeat to QPR
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Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
Full Time THAT'S IT: Arsenal's run has come to its end. They have not looked their usual selves in this game and it has told. Loftus Road is jubilant.
90
Yellow Card AS DOES DIAKITE: Another yellow card.
90
Yellow Card BARTON IN THE BOOK: He brings down Oxlade-Chamberlain and gets a yellow.
90
HANDBALL! SURELY?! That definitely struck the arm of Onuoha. The ball flicked up off his body and that should have been a penalty.
Top Comments:
@steviea92 on Twitter says:
Everyone's scoring last minute goals - even Torres for Pete's sake! Come on guys!!
90
Substitution OFF GOES ZAMORA: His work is done. It's Wright-Phillips who replaces him.
90
FOUR ADDED MINUTES: Can Arsenal salvage anything?
Top Comments:
@RM2SteveG on Twitter says:
Wow did I step into a time machine? Arsenal looks the team that played in 2011, not the last few weeks.
90
BUT IT'S STRAIGHT INTO THE WALL: That's when you know it's just not your day. Not Van Persie's finest effort.
89
Yellow Card FERDINAND CARDED: He picks up a yellow card for a poor challenge on Chamakh.
88
INTO THE DYING MOMENTS: It looks as though Arsenal's seven-match winning streak is coming to an abrupt end. Is there anything left in the tank?
85
BARTON JUST OVER: That was close. Mackie finds acres on the right and slips in his captain, who cracks his effort just over the bar. Szczesny got fingertips to it.
84
DIAKITE FIRES OVER: Chamakh's pirouette in midfield does not come to fruition and the midfielder fires a decent effort from range just wide.
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
If Arsenal can get a point here, it would be hard fought and just about deserved. Maybe.
82
Substitution AND IT'S CHAMAKH: Gibbs will make way.
81
Substitution DOUBLE CHANGE: First up is Oxlade-Chamberlain on for Arteta.
81
VILLA HAVE EQUALISED: They were two down against Chelsea but have restored matters at Villa Park.
75
GOOD FROM KOSCIELNY: Taarabt finds Barton with a neat ball inside, who in turn seeks out Zamora. The striker turns but is halted, before Mackie is stopped in his tracks by an excellent challenge from the Frenchman.
74
ARSENAL PROBING: But it's proving a struggle to break down a well-organised QPR side. Gervinho is on but hasn't got chance to stretch his legs yet.
Top Comments:
@Devinparmar on Twitter says:
We need to get hold of this game and camp outside their box for the rest of the game
69
Substitution ON COMES GERVINHO: It's Ramsey heading off.
69
KOSCIELNY OVER: Van Persie's corner is cleared only as far as the Frenchman, who fires way over from inside the box.
68
IS THERE A SPARK? Arsenal need something to turn this game on its head. They haven't looked too sharp for most of this encounter but you should never, ever write them off.
68
IS THERE A RESPONSE? Neither side have taken a grip on this second half but QPR have the lead once more. Arsenal need to dig deep again.
Top Comments:
@Sachzzz on Twitter says:
Today really been sloppy display from Arsenal. Still over 20 mins we can still score 2 if we play to potential
66
GOAL! - Samba Diakite 2 : 1 AND QPR ARE AHEAD: Barton's ball down the channel finds Mackie, who manages to skip away past Vermaelen before squaring for Diakite. The midfielder is in acres of space and finds the top corner with ease.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
One simple error has led to the goal. There doesn't seem to be much a safety net for Arsenal. Perhaps that’s over-ambition for Arsenal.
65
Yellow Card SONG GETS A YELLOW: He hauls down Barton on the right-hand side and also has his name taken.
62
Yellow Card ...WHICH IS RECIPROCATED: Mackie gets a yellow for his part.
62
Yellow Card VERMAELEN IN THE BOOK: The Belgian is shown a yellow after an altercation with Mackie.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Thomas Vermaelen has been getting in amongst them. He’s been aggressive in his demeanor. What happens with that is you get an odd booking but it’s worth it. He’s trying to whip Arsenal into form
60
TAARABT FROM DISTANCE: The Moroccan lines up a strike from 30 yards but it ends up straight down the throat of Szczesny.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Aside form that QPR haven’t really had an effort of note in the second half. It’s all Arsenal at the moment
59
GREAT SAVE KENNY: Van Persie is sent flying through the middle but the QPR goalkeeper gets two hands to the striker's eventual strike. Not this time. Robin...
Top Comments:
@AA_screenwriter on Twitter says:
2 subs Wenger needs to make in the next few minutes to take control of this game: Ramsey off for Gervinho & Gibbs off for Santos
58
FIERCE FROM VAN PERSIE: The captain flings in a venemous free-kick which Kenny beats away strongly. Is there an opening on the horizon?
56
SCORES ELSEWHERE: Chelsea lead Aston Villa by two goals, while Manchester City find themselves 2-1 down at home to Sunderland.
52
QUIET OPENING: It's a little subdued here in west London with the second half still young. Arsenal are being patient in their play, which is encouraging to see.
Top Comments:
@VIKKYFED on Twitter says:
Maturity & composure is the key.The young ones are maturing,the experienced ones are more composed. Give us a good 2nd half.
48
BETTER ALREADY: Arsenal have enjoyed some early second-half possession. Gibbs nods just wide but Kenny had that covered.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
There's a sense of urgency around Arsenal at the start of the second half. Seven game winning runs don’t come around often and they won’t give it up easily
46
WE'RE BACK UNDERWAY: QPR kick us off for the second half here at Loftus Road. For Arsenal it has to be a little better after the interval.
Half Time ALL SQUARE AT THE BREAK: QPR will be disappointed not to go in ahead. Taarabt's strike midway through the half had given the hosts a deserved lead but Theo Walcott levelled out of the blue with eight first-half minutes left. Arsenal need to step it up a notch in the second period.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
It’s difficult for a team like Arsenal to play on a narrow pitch. It’s very congested in the middle of the pitch and that’s what QPR want.
44
LOVELY MOVE UPFIELD: Walcott's excellent pass inside to Song frees up space down the middle, but Van Persie is adjudged to be offside after eventually receiving the Cameroon man's pass.
42
ROSICKY SCUFFS WIDE: The Czech star links up well with Song before slicing his eventual shot just off target.
40
RAMSEY GOES CLOSE: The Welshman rifles an effort narrowly wide of the far post. Arsenal immediately look like a side with all the confidence.
39
RIGHT OUT OF THE BLUE: Few would deny that Arsenal have been second best in this encounter but what matters now is how they respond to this equaliser. It's the sign of a good team once more.
Top Comments:
@fcastellon on Twitter says:
Yeeeeees!!!!! C'moooon!!! How important has Theo Walcott been this 2nd half of the season!!
37
GOAL! - Theo Walcott 1 : 1 WHERE HAS THAT COME FROM?! Either way, Arsenal won't care. Van Persie repays Walcott a favour by slipping in the winger, whose effort strikes the post. But he is straight on the rebound, sending the ball home past Kenny. Game on.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
He’s is getting better in front of goal, Theo Walcott. He is getting more instinctive and more confident
@stelmarkou on Twitter says:
Last time we played QPR Walcott missed a sitter. He makes up for it today I guess...Game on now!
35
WE'VE HIT A LULL: It's all eerily quiet on the pitch. Arsenal have lacked urgency as we approach half time and as such have tested Kenny only once. Arsene Wenger may well have several choice words.
31
ARSENAL STRUGGLING: The visitors have not enjoyed a meaningful attack for quite some time. The goal has certainly knocked the stuffing out of them and QPR are looking good value for their lead.
Top Comments:
@cheeranjeet on Twitter says:
Quite a few players are slipping, repeatedly. What kind of ground is this?
28
THE STATS: No side has won more points from losing positions than Arsenal this season (19). And no side has dropped more from winning positions than QPR (15).
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
More stats: Arsenal - 65 per cent of possession, one shot on goal. QPR - 35 per cent of possession, five shots on goal.
26
QPR HAVE BEEN BRIGHT: In fairness, the hosts have probably edged this game so far. Szczesny has been largely untested so far but Arsenal have work to do. If any side can do it...
Top Comments:
@Gio_YDG on Twitter says:
Arsenal have already started to put the pressure on and are reacting positively to that QPR goal.
24
NOT A GOOD MOMENT AT THE BACK: That ball to Taarabt travelled a long way before it reached the young midfielder. Not only that, but Vermaelen will not be pleased with how easily he was beaten.
23
Yellow Card ...AND HE GOES IN THE BOOK: The referee was not amused with his goal celebration and he picks up a yellow card.
22
GOAL! - Adel Taarabt 1 : 0 DISASTER: Vermaelen is nutmegged by the Moroccan, who bursts towards goal and finishes off for his first Premier League goal of the season.
Top Comments:
@SanchezNI on Twitter says:
Right, we've conceded first. Let's finish this off. #ComebackKings
21
SZCZESNY MAKES THE STOP: A fairly routine one for the Polish goalkeeper as he gets down low to hold onto Zamora's weak strike.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Koscielny has his hands full with Bobby Zamora. He has always given Arsenal a right handful especially in his days with Fulham
19
PATCHY START: Arsenal have looked solid at the back so far but at the other end it has been a bit of a chore trying to break down the hosts. They're going to need a little imagination to break down the door by the looks of things.
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Mark Hughes has a poor record in London derbies. He hasn’t won one while in charge of Fulham or QPR. Let’s hope that doesn’t change today
17
VAN PERSIE LOOKS FOR VERMAELEN: The skipper turns past his marker and looks to clip the Belgian into space - but the pass is a little wayward. Understandably, the Dutchman is being closely watched by QPR.
14
ZAMORA HEADS OVER: Taarabt swings in a deep free-kick and the England striker powers a header over the bar. Flashes of danger from Mark Hughes' side, Arsenal are riding some pressure here.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
The fact that Zamora was unmarked is really a problem for Arsenal. He's the one player you do not want unmarked from five or six yards out
11
HOME FANS IN GOOD VOICE: Their side are enjoying a useful spell of pressure and they know they can make a difference when it matters. Arsenal have defended stoutly so far though.
Top Comments:
@kts_gunner on Twitter says:
QPR leveled the game and actually has been the better side in the past few minutes
10
SONG STEPS IN: The ball breaks loose to Zamora inside the box but the Arsenal man is there to get a foot in and prevent the shot.
8
KENNY FORCED INTO ACTION: The Dutchman scuffs his effort but it skids through a sea of bodies and Kenny spills before gathering comfortably.
Top Comments:
@Mr_DYD_Gooner on Twitter says:
Arsenal's passes and fighting spirit is just incredible..the desire to play the game is just amazing
7
POOR CHALLENGE ON WALCOTT: Clint Hill slides through the back of the winger and Arsenal have a free-kick 25 yards out. Van Persie is over it.
5
FULL BACKS COULD BE KEY: With an obvious lack of natural width on the left, Gibbs may be relied upon to get forward at any opportunity. On the other side, Sagna and Walcott's understanding has blossomed in recent weeks.
3
GOOD WORK DOWN THE RIGHT: Sagna slips in Walcott with an excellent ball down the right. The England man jinks past one but his cross is cut out for a corner, which is cleared.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Sprightly from Arsenal. They are moving the ball around well on a what is going to prove to be a difficult surface.
2
ROSICKY IN THE HOLE: It looks like the Czech international will be playing just behind Van Persie in these early stages at least. Ramsey has pushed out wide.
Kick Off WE'RE UNDERWAY: Arsenal kick off proceedings here at Loftus Road. The Gunners are attacking the away fans in the first half.
Top Comments:
@Binda2 on Twitter says:
the first goal is so crucial today, it stops QPR from parking the bus and gets us into our rhythm
AND HERE THEY COME: Arsenal trot out towards the travelling horde, led by skipper Van Persie.
VAN PERSIE'S DROUGHT: Two league matches without a goal equals the Dutchman's longest spell in the Premier League this season. He'll be itching to add to his 26 league strikes this afternoon.
Top Comments:
@BladeCayke on Twitter says:
Hope Van Persie does well today. The universe implodes when he goes three whole games without scoring.
E-MAIL OUR COMMENTATORS: Drop us a line at studio@arsenal.co.uk to get in touch with Dan Roebuck and Arsenal.com editor Richard Clarke - they'll be fielding your comments throughout the game.
#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.
OPTIONS ON THE BENCH: If the hosts are to prove stubborn this afternoon, Arsenal are certainly not lacking firepower on the sidelines. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Yossi Benayoun and Marouane Chamakh are all waiting for their chance.
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
QPR is in danger of going down and it’s a Mark Hughes side so you know what you are going to get. You can’t blame Arsene Wenger for what he’s done.
BREAKING THE MIDFIELD: It looks as though QPR will adopt something of a five-man midfield, with Adel Taarabt sitting in just behind Bobby Zamora. After a prolific campaign in the Championship last season, the Moroccan international is surprisingly without a goal this year.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
QPR have some good players and the ability to turn it on like they did against Liverpool
BLOW FOR QPR: Losing Djibril Cisse to suspension again was not in Mark Hughes' grand plan for the striker. The Rs are fighting for their lives at the bottom and certainly could have done with the Frenchman this afternoon.
CHANGES: Koscielny's fitness is a welcome boost for Arsenal, who have now kept clean sheets in their last two league fixtures. Meanwhile, Ramsey's inclusion means a repeat of the side which claimed that hard-fought win at Everton.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
This would be Arsene’s favoured starting line-up. On paper, they are probably his best-performing team. They are all performing so you don’t need to make a lot of changes.
SUBSTITUTES: Cerny, Gabbidon, Young, Wright-Phillips, Buzsaky, Campbell, Bothroyd.
QPR: Kenny, Hill, Ferdinand, Onuoha, Taiwo, Derry, Diakite, Barton, Mackie, Taarabt, Zamora.
SUBSTITUTES: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos, Benayoun, Gervinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh.
ARSENAL: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Ramsey, Walcott, Van Persie.
Top Comments:
@13jackcoley13 on Twitter says:
Glad that van Persie wasn't rested today, he's had over a week off.
TEAM NEWS: It's two changes for Arsene Wenger's side this afternoon. Laurent Koscielny is fit to start, while Aaron Ramsey replaces Gervinho in midfield.
GOOD AFTERNOON: Welcome to Arsenal.com's live text commentary of the Gunners' trip to face QPR at Loftus Road.
QPR
01 KENNY, Patrick
15 ONUOHA, Nedum
06 HILL, Clint
05 FERDINAND, Anton
33 TAIWO, Taye
04 DERRY, Shaun
02 DIAKITE, Samba
06 BARTON, Joey
10 TAARABT, Adel
12 MACKIE, Jamie
25 ZAMORA, Bobby
11 WRIGHT-PHILLIPS, Shaun (90)
24 CERNY, RADEK
33 GABBIDON, DANIEL
02 YOUNG, LUKE
11 WRIGHT-PHILLIPS, SHAUN
36 BUZSAKY, AKOS
39 CAMPBELL, DJ
37 BOTHROYD, JAY
Arsenal
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
03 SAGNA, Bacary
06 KOSCIELNY, Laurent
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
28 GIBBS, Kieran
29 CHAMAKH, Marouane (82)
17 SONG, Alex
08 ARTETA, Mikel
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, Alex (81)
16 RAMSEY, Aaron
27 GERVINHO (69)
07 ROSICKY, Tomas
14 WALCOTT, Theo
20 VAN PERSIE, Robin
21 FABIANSKI, LUKASZ
20 DJOUROU, JOHAN
11 SANTOS, ANDRE
30 BENAYOUN, YOSSI
27 GERVINHO,
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, ALEX
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
Top Comments:
@tadeo_rc on Twitter says:
Today's football lesson: possession isn't everything.
Just1Scott on Twitter says:
Erm...not really the best performance that we expected! Players need to ask themselves what went wrong!