Johan Djourou presents his diary from the training ground
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Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
90
REMINDER: Stay online for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Kenny Sansom 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).
Full Time IT'S ALL OVER AT THE EMIRATES: Arsenal have to settle for a point and now lead Spurs and Newcastle by six - having played two games more
90
CORNER TO CHELSEA: Mata will take this... but Arsenal get it away
90
GERVINHO GETS HIS SHOT IN: But that's blocked - Chelsea have defended very well today
90
RVP WITH A CORNER: But that fails to beat the first man and the captain is offside when Sagna returns the ball to him
90
WE'RE INTO STOPPAGE TIME: And there will be four minutes added on
89
OOH, SO CLOSE! RVP collects the ball from Song and beats his man before slipping a pass into Santos' path. A vital interception denied Andre a clear chance
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
That was a terrific block from John Obi Mikel.
88
GREAT CHALLENGE KOSCIELNY: Song gives it away and Sturridge has a clear sight of goal at the far post - until Koscielny slides in to concede the corner
Top Comments:
@lieenvo on Twitter says:
At least somebody's doing their "job" properly today... Gooners providing amazing support in the Emirates today
87
SANTOS WITH THE CORNER: RVP meets it with a downward header but that's easy for Cech
Top Comments:
@afcKURTISkps on Twitter says:
Brilliant energy and desire from Santos! Single-handedly made that chance for RVP
86
VAN PERSIE INSIDE THE BOX: He twists one way, then the next, gets his shot in but Cech blocks it. Corner to Arsenal...
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
There were so many dummies in that move from Van Persie in that move, so much talent. Three defenders and a goalkeeper were always going to be difficult to score against.
86
CAN ARSENAL FIND A GOAL? Four minutes plus stoppages remaining. A point wouldn't be too bad but three would be great
85
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84
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Kenny Sansom 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).
83
VAN PERSIE! Ooh, that's a decent chance. The ball into the channel found RVP clear, he hits it first time with his weaker right foot from a narrow angle but fires wide
Top Comments:
@GMaulani on Twitter says:
Hope there's a miracle for @Arsenal...
82
RAMSEY LOSES POSSESSION: Chelsea break with Sturridge but he has little support and Santos brings it away
81
Yellow Card COLE GOES IN THE BOOK: He trips Song - and a yellow card has possibly never been better received at the Emirates!
Top Comments:
@George_Edmonds on Twitter says:
It's like Cashley's begging to be booed!
80
PENALTY SHOUT! RVP goes down in the box under a challenge as Song clips in a cross... but Mike Dean says no!
Top Comments:
@Just1Scott on Twitter says:
I know #RVP like to score when he wants, well NOW would be a very good time to do so!
79
UNLUCKY: Ramsey and Gibbs link up well and the latter tries to play a return pass to RVP but he overhits it. Time running out for Arsenal - as it stands they will be six ahead of Spurs and Newcastle having played two games more
78
RVP CLIPS IN A FREE-KICK: Terry heads clear, not for the first time. Gervinho tries to latch onto the rebound but Chelsea crowd him out
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal are putting Chelsea under a bit of pressure now, this is good.
77
Substitution ANOTHER CHELSEA CHANGE: Here comes Ashley Cole, to a chorus of jeers. Off goes Bertrand
76
Yellow Card DIABY IS BOOKED: That's a late challenge on Essien
Top Comments:
@xgieLmOrex on Twitter says:
So many yellow cards being thrown out!
76
POOR SECOND HALF: So many subs have not helped the flow of the game but Chelsea have been more conservative than they were before the break and Arsenal have lacked spark
75
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Kenny Sansom 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:
@OptaJoe on Twitter says:
‏18 - Chelsea have conceded more goals in the closing 15 minutes than any other Premier League team this season. Wary.
74
Substitution CHELSEA MAKE A CHANGE: And it's a positive one - Juan Mata replaces Kalou
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
He is a midfield player who likes to get forward so maybe Torres might get a bit of company.
73
BERTRAND GOES DOWN: He clashed with Gervinho but he's back up and running now
72
Yellow Card BOSINGWA GETS BOOKED: Mike Dean shows another yellow card for a foul on Santos
71
BETTER FROM ARSENAL: Good play from Gervinho to find RVP, he lays it off and Diaby shoots low - but it's blocked
70
Substitution ANOTHER ARSENAL SUB: This time Santos comes on and it's the Ox who is going off. He showed flashes of quality today
Top Comments:
@aolapite on Twitter says:
Good to see Santos deployed in an attacking position!
69
POOR FROM ABOU: He loses the ball, Torres finds Sturridge and his first-time shot is straight at Szczesny
67
VAN PERSIE! Wow, that would have been goal of the decade, let alone season. A searching ball from Ramsey picks out RVP but he gets his volley wrong and the ball flies wide
Top Comments:
@Arnavasd on Twitter says:
Why are people so negative of Diaby? Before he got injured he was in fine form!
67
STURRIDGE GETS HIS SHOT IN... it takes a deflection but Szczesny can claim
66
Substitution CHELSEA MAKE A CHANGE: Mikel replaces Romeu
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
I have to say I think Romeu has been very average today, he hasn't really been involved in the game.
65
Substitution DIABY REPLACES ROSICKY: Hmmm, does that mean Tomas has a knock? Anyway, good to see Abou back
64
HERE COMES RVP... and that might have cleared two goals. Lots of power, not enough accuracy. Time for another sub...
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
Is a point enough now? Newcastle have still got to play Chelsea at Stamford Bride. You can't lose to your rivals but I don't think a point is such a bad thing.
63
FREE-KICK TO ARSENAL: RVP is brought down and he'll try to exact revenge from a little over 25 yards
62
CAN ARSENAL FIND THEIR RHYTHM? There's no lack of effort but, as against Wigan, a lack of imagination in the final third
Top Comments:
@olarayz2010 on Twitter says:
Now is the time for Diaby to come in for Ramsey... That midfield needs some steel
60
Substitution GERVINHO COMES ON: And it will be Walcott coming off after he pulls up again. That doesn't look good at all - another injury for Arsenal
Top Comments:
@QueensGunner89 on Twitter says:
C'mon Gervinho!
59
GIBBS DOES WELL: Good harrying from the left back, who's played well today. Arsenal get a corner... but it's wasted. Dear me
Top Comments:
@whitey500 on Twitter says:
The midfield needs a spark, it's looking tired and second best
58
HALF-CHANCE: RVP gets into the box but Terry closes him down before he can get the shot away. Eventually he finds space but Cech claims comfortably
58
THEO IS BACK ON: He'll try to run it off, hopefully it's just a slight pull
57
WALCOTT IS DOWN: He looks in some discomfort after stretching too far as he went in for a challenge. Theo was holding the back of his thigh.
Top Comments:
@BtheGunner on Twitter says:
I'm very annoyed at how easily Arsenal are giving the ball away. #COYG we are better than this, now lets show them.
56
RVP IS OFFSIDE: Song finds him with one of those trademark balls over the top but RVP is a few yards offside
Top Comments:
@JakeAsby on Twitter says:
Both the Arsenal wide men need support. Too often they're given the ball and expected to culminate something from nothing.
54
Yellow Card CAHILL GETS BOOKED: Bad challenge on Walcott and he's the fourth man to go in Mike Dean's book
54
SUBS WARMING UP: Diaby, Santos and Gervinho are stretching as Song gives the ball away. Another groan - Arsenal are just not finding their passes
Top Comments:
@TSteinerB on Twitter says:
Koscielny has got Torres in his pocket.
53
SZCZESNY DOES WELL: A slide-rule pass for Sturridge almost leaves him one on one but the keeper sees the danger and charges out to smother the ball
52
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Kenny Sansom 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:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
I think Chelsea need to win to stay in the race to be honest, even with a game in hand. But Tottenham go to QPR later so it will be interesting to see the table on Monday.
51
CORNER TO CHELSEA: Torres goes past one man but Koscielny does well and concedes the corner. It's cleared to the Ox, who hoofs forward for Walcott to chase, but Chelsea get it back
50
Yellow Card AND ANOTHER BOOKING: This time it's Van Persie for a needless late challenge on Essien
Top Comments:
@Gooner_Kevin on Twitter says:
Come on @aaronjramsey. Prove 'them' wrong. #CoYG
49
Yellow Card MALOUDA BRINGS DOWN RVP: And he goes in the book for that
47
IT'S A BIT QUIET: Fans still retaking their seats after the interval - and there's no doubt some anxiety among the home fans. A win for Arsenal today would be so valuable
46
PROMISING: The Ox is playing more centrally and he gets on the ball early on. Now Rosicky, and onto Gibbs. Decent cross but that's headed away
Top Comments:
@Gooner_Kevin on Twitter says:
Let's do this, Gunners. Game on again!
Kick Off WE'RE BACK UNDERWAY AT THE EMIRATES: Arsenal attacking the Clock End goal in the second half
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
Overall I think it has been a fairly even game. My 4-2 prediction is not looking good so I am going to say 1-0 Arsenal.
45
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45
MATCHDAY SHOW: Stay online for a half-time feature and get your e-mails in for Dan Roebuck and Kenny Sansom at www.arsenal.com/studio
45
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW: A very eventful half ends goalless. Arsenal finished strongly and were a whisker away from taking the lead through RVP and Koscielny - who both hit the post - but Chelsea have been very lively
45
CHANCE FOR THE OX... Walcott sends him clear on the left but his first touch is poor. He cuts inside eventually and has a shot blocked... but wins a free kick
45
HOW IS IT STILL GOALLESS? Arsenal have hit the woodwork twice and Chelsea have threatened regularly. This is another open London derby
Top Comments:
@brandon_toh on Twitter says:
We should be at least 2-0 up by now!
44
CECH DENIES RVP! Song picks out the captain as he peels off to the left of the box, it's a firm effort but Cech gets in the way
Top Comments:
@Coopster_1991 on Twitter says:
Seems as if Chelsea are ruling out our wingers from the game. Walcott and the Ox have been pretty ineffective so far.
43
CAHILL HEADS OVER: And he should have done better. He got free from a Chelsea corner and, like Koscielny, should have hit the target
43
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42
AGAINST THE BAR! RVP clips in the free kick and Koscielny, in acres of space, nods against the bar. How on earth did he get so much room? And how did he miss the target?
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
Those free-kicks bent into the box are working. They've hit the woodwork twice and won a corner from another. Shocking defending from Chelsea.
40
CORNER COMES IN... and Chelsea clear. Bosingwa goes down the right and sends in a cross but Szczesny is there
39
ARSENAL BREAK... Rosicky leads the charge and he picks out Walcott. His cross deflects behind for a corner. RVP to take it...
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
That was good defending from Chelsea against Walcott. A good break from Arsenal, though.
37
LACK OF COHESION: Arsene Wenger looks exasperated by his team's laboured efforts so far. I suspect we'll see a brighter Arsenal after a good half-time team talk
36
CORNER TO ARSENAL: Terry clears the free kick for a corner and the Ox will take this... decent ball in, Chelsea clear and the move loses momentum - drastically
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
There is a restlessness about the supporters here, they want Arsenal to get the ball forward quicker.
35
MUCH MORE LIKE IT: Good interplay between RVP, Rosicky and Song. The latter releases Sagna, he finds Walcott... and Terry clatters him.
34
VERMAELEN CLEARS: He and Koscielny have been solid - and busy. This time Bosingwa gets a cross in and Thomas hacks it away
Top Comments:
@Hospe1886 on Twitter says:
Taking the boys a while to settle down. Keep possession lads.
33
RVP PERIPHERAL: He can't get into the game because Arsenal can't get any service into him
32
RAMSEY HOBBLING: Aaron is struggling, he's not running freely. No subs warming up yet but this could be a chance for Diaby
Top Comments:
@aboude_93 on Twitter says:
Hahaha Verminated is trending!
31
UP THE TEMPO: Arsenal's passing lacks its usual zip and purpose at the moment - Arteta is certainly missed
30
Yellow Card ROSICKY BOOKED: That's a late challenge on Essien and Tomas gets the first yellow card
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
I think we've seen Gibbs give the ball away, Oxlade-Chamberlain give the ball away and Ramsey give the ball away because there is no space. We have to get the ball to Van Persie quicker.
28
SAGNA INJURED: He needs treatment after a clash of heads. Colin Lewin patches him up on the sidelines... and he's Bac on
27
GREAT CHANCE! Szczesny rushes out to meet Kalou and gets away with it as the ball rolls wide of the Arsenal goal. The home side really living dangerously
Top Comments:
@sachabrady on Twitter says:
Would like to see us do something to draw Chelsea backline out of position more.
26
RAMSEY CAUGHT IN POSSESSION: Once again Aaron is closed down quickly, this time it's Torres. He's not having his best game, it's fair to say
25
CAHILL SHOOTS... but that flies over the bar. It was the third effort on goal following a Chelsea corner but Arsenal survive
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
I think that's the third time Chelsea have hit Arsenal on the break now. They're putting so many men behind the ball and making it very difficult for Arsenal to break through.
24
GREAT DEFENDING: Koscielny concedes a corner after Malouda fizzes a low cross into the Arsenal six-yard box. Chelsea do look a serious threat when they go forward. Malouda and Sturridge especially
23
TENACIOUS GIBBS: Good driving run into the box and a sliding challenge to win a 50:50
Top Comments:
@DionSitompul on Twitter says:
Let's hope whichever ghost tripped Terry in the bridge does it again here
22
OX MOVES INSIDE: Rosicky is now on the left with Alex in a more central role. This is a very fluid Arsenal midfield
20
GIBBS WITH THE CROSS... Cech claims and Terry goes down in a heap after Vermaelen jumped into him. The home fans enjoyed that
Top Comments:
@WeLoveYouArseFC on Twitter says:
It's great to Koscielny back too. He's such a beast.
19
RVP HITS THE BAR! But the flag is up anyway. He was a yard offside when the ball was played over the top
18
BOSINGWA GETS FORWARD: Lots of options for Chelsea and this time the right back jinks outside the Ox to get a shot away. Szczesny gets there again
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
It looks like this game could be won on the break this afternoon. I said 4-2 before the game, I think I regret that now...
17
RVP WITH THE CORNER... and that's easy for Petr Cech. It's an open game though, real end-to-end stuff. Chelsea counter-attack, Torres crosses and Szczesny claims. Breathless
16
KOSCIELNY DOES WELL: Good initiative from Laurent, who steals in front of his marker to nick the ball away and relieve the pressure. Arsenal can break... and they have a corner
Top Comments:
@charlescobb1995 on Twitter says:
I feel RVP will score again today - great chance
14
RVP HITS THE POST! Theo floats a fantastic ball towards the far post and the skipper sticks out a leg to divert the cross against the upright. He should have scored
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
That was a terrific ball from Walcott, straight from the training ground.
13
DOWN GOES THE OX: That's a free kick for Arsenal, just outside the box. No Arteta so Walcott is over it with RVP in close attendance
11
MIDFIELD CONCERN: Arsenal aren't controlling that area at the moment - Song and Ramsey need to stamp their authority
Top Comments:
@MikeyUNS on Twitter says:
Crowd seem up for it today. Good to see.
10
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9
ATTACKING BLUES: With Sturridge and Kalou up in support of Torres, Chelsea have a lot of advanced players. They are really going for it... and Torres almost gets on the end of a left-wing cross. Flag up though
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
If that's Torres at Liverpool it is in the back of the net, even though he was offside. Surely he had to make contact with that, it was a great cross in.
8
WELL DONE RAMSEY: He turns Bertrand and gets a cross in that's headed clear just before RVP can get to it. Even-stevens so far
Top Comments:
@OfficialBenH on Twitter says:
Rambo make yourself a hero today son.
7
KALOU THROUGH ON GOAL: Sagna is tracking him and puts him off enough to win the goal kick - real chance for Chelsea though
6
RAMSEY ROBBED: No one gave Aaron a call there and he's dispossessed by Sturridge. The fans are on his back already
5
ROSICKY WITH THE SHOT: He looked right for the overlap but Sagna wasn't there, so Tomas shoots low. Cech parries and gathers the loose ball
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
That was worth a go, why not? He tested the goalkeeper and nobody really expected him to have a dig.
4
SONG FOULS TORRES: Howls of derision from the home fans as Alex is penalised. Chelsea play a short free-kick
Top Comments:
@wAlex on Twitter says:
At the airport listening to the game on my iPhone. No sports bars open yet!
3
ROSICKY DOWN THE LEFT: The Ox finds him and Tomas sends in a cross with the outside of his right foot. Terry clears
2
NORTH BANK SUNSHINE: It's a chilly day but the sun is shining on the noisy home fans in the lower tier as Arsenal knock the ball around in the early stages
Top Comments:
@MikeGreenburg on Twitter says:
Solid line-up, going to need a strong first half.
Kick Off ARSENAL GET US UNDERWAY: Come on you Gunners!
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Top Comments:
@Nirvaans on Twitter says:
Come on Arsenal! Let's get game to winning ways and confirm London is Red.....COYG
WALCOTT v BERTRAND: That's another key battle with Ashley Cole on the bench today. Theo will fancy his chances - and he's got a good scoring record against Chelsea
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
I think the two wide players could win the game for Arsenal today.
BIG CHEER FOR THE OX: The home fans love Alex and he's got his chance today on the left flank. His battle with Bosingwa will be interesting
FULL HOUSE: The Emirates is packed again for this huge match in the race for third place. A win and Arsenal will stay in pole position - but anything else and Spurs or Newcastle can catch them
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
When you look at the Arsenal side they look very strong. Chelsea will be thinking about the Champions League and they have a lot of experienced players on that bench.
TERRY IN THE TUNNEL: The Chelsea captain leads his team out of the away dressing room. RVP isn't far behind and we're just minutes away from the off
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Top Comments:
@_willsmum on Twitter says:
If this game is anything like the last time Arsenal and Chelsea met then it is one not to miss!
MAGIC MOMENTS: The big screens at the Emirates are showing some of the Club's finest triumphs - including some classic goals against Chelsea. Kanu at Stamford Bridge, anyone?
PITCH PERFECT: The Emirates turf looks incredible again and the man responsible is making his final checks - congratulations Paul Ashcroft, Groundsman of the Year
Top Comments:
@Thomas_Timson on Twitter says:
The Emirates really is beautiful.
RVP MILESTONE: If Robin scores he'll be the third player to reach 50 Premier League home goals for Arsenal - after Wright and Henry
WHAT'S YOUR PREDICTION? Have your say on Twitter using the #ArsenalLive hashtag and e-mail our commentary team via www.arsenal.com/studio
CHELSEA ROTATION: Cole, Lampard, Mata, Meireles are all on the bench while Drogba is injured. Torres will lead their attack
FOUR CHANGES: Koscielny is back from suspension and Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey also come into the side. Out go Djourou, Santos, the injured Arteta and the ineligible Benayoun
SUBS: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos, Diaby, Coquelin, Gervinho, Chamakh
TEAM NEWS: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Van Persie
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Dan Roebuck and Arsenal legend Kenny Sansom are your commentary team so get your e-mails in via the website at www.arsenal.com/studio
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Hello and a very warm welcome to Arsenal Player for live coverage of our London derby with Chelsea
Arsenal
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
03 SAGNA, Bacary
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
06 KOSCIELNY, Laurent
28 GIBBS, Kieran
25 SONG, Alex
16 RAMSEY, Aaron
07 ROSICKY, Tomas
02 DIABY, Abou (65)
14 WALCOTT, Theo
27 GERVINHO (60)
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, Alex
11 SANTOS, Andre (70)
20 VAN PERSIE, Robin
21 FABIANSKI, LUKASZ
20 DJOUROU, JOHAN
11 SANTOS, ANDRE
02 DIABY, ABOU
22 COQUELIN, FRANCIS
27 GERVINHO,
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
Chelsea
01 CECH, Petr
19 BOSINGWA, José
24 CAHILL, Gary
26 TERRY, John
34 BERTRAND, Ryan
03 COLE, Ashley (77)
05 ESSIEN, Michael
06 ROMEU, Oriol
OBI MIKEL, John (66)
15 MALOUDA, Florent
23 STURRIDGE, Daniel
21 KALOU, Salomon
10 MATA, Juan (74)
09 TORRES, Fernando
22 TURNBULL, ROSS
19 FERREIRA, PAULO
03 COLE, ASHLEY
OBI MIKEL, JOHN
10 MATA, JUAN
16 RAUL MEIRELES, JOSE
08 LAMPARD, FRANK
Top Comments:
@btwiggin on Twitter says:
It's getting late at the Emirates. Can @Arsenal sneak a late winner?