The boss reflects on Saturday's draw at Stoke
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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. Tim Peters and Martin Hayes 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: Arsenal have to settle for a draw at the Britannia but RVP's first-half strike could prove vital. It's another point towards that top-three target - and Newcastle have lost at Wigan
90
SONG WITH THE THROUGH-BALL... but that's straight through to Begovic. Such a pity, that was a good position for Arsenal
90
SZCZESNY CLAIMS THE HIGH BALL: Confident keeping from Wojciech and Arsenal come forward again
90
CORNER TO ARSENAL: But that is easily cleared and Stoke win the free kick much to Wenger's disgust
90
WALTERS GOES CLOSE: Another escape for Arsenal as Walters gets free on the left and clips a shot across goal
90
WELL DONE SAGNA: He got to the flick-on from Delap's long throw - otherwise it would have been 2-1
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Massive play by Bacary Sagna. As I said earlier, this is a good point.
90
WE'RE INTO STOPPAGE TIME: Four minutes will be added on as Stoke win a throw on the right. Delap time... and that's hooked away from under the crossbar!
89
VERMAELEN SHOOTS... and that fizzes just wide. Good effort from the centre back
88
RVP IS TRIPPED: Whitehead the guilty party and Arsenal have a free kick just under 30 yards out
87
QUICK FREE-KICK: Santos and Rosicky link up and Arsenal have a throw deep in Stoke territory. The ball comes in... and Sagna volleys but that won't trouble Begovic
86
SANTOS TRIES HIS LUCK: That's a good run from the Brazilian but he's stopped on the edge of the box
85
HERE COME ARSENAL: RVP to Chamakh, who returns the favour. Diaby gets on the ball and Arsenal can knock it around in midfield. Can they fashion a chance?
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
One shot on goal for Stoke. compare that with Arsenal: 15 shots, four of them on goal.
84
Substitution STOKE CHANGE: Etherington is replaced by Delap
84
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Tim Peters and Martin Hayes 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
Substitution FINAL ARSENAL CHANGE: Santos replaces the impressive Benayoun
Top Comments:
@RoOkie_162 on Twitter says:
Santos for Benayoun, very defensive...obviously Wenger happy with a point. Can't argue with that, as long as they dont score...
82
SZCZESNY SAVES: Jerome gets a sight of goal and Wojciech shows good reflexes to push his shot away
81
DIABY PENALISED: The foul is for a high foot, but he brought it down perfectly. Wenger is angry again and you can understand why
80
DIABY DOES WELL: He drifts past two challenges but the pass towards Chamakh is overhit
Top Comments:
@stanleygyver on Twitter says:
I think Diaby is a creative player & can make a goal too
78
Substitution CHAMAKH COMES ON: And it's Gervinho who comes off. Interesting move. Perhaps it will allow RVP space as Chamakh goes up alongside the centre backs
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Hold the phone - it's a 4-4-2
77
Substitution STOKE CHANGE: Pennant comes off, Jerome comes on
76
CAN'T BELIEVE THAT WASN'T GIVEN: Wenger is furious and the Stoke fans are loving that. To make matters worse the ref gives Pennant a free kick for a much less obvious foul
Top Comments:
@ArsenalBanter1 on Twitter says:
It would be nice if everyone could donate £1 for Chris foy. Lad needs eye surgery
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
When Arsenal have had penalty claims they haven't appealed them, but this time Van Persie was incensed
75
PENALTY? SURELY? RVP gets into the box and squares for Benayoun - and he's shoved to the ground by Whelan. Big shout for a spot-kick but Chris Foy says no
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Benayoun was nudged over, it's as simple as that. It is clear as day. Pat Rice is giving it to the fourth official
74
WOULD YOU TAKE A DRAW? Have your say on Twitter using the #ArsenalLive hashtag
74
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Tim Peters and Martin Hayes 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).
73
Substitution RAMSEY SHOOTS... and that's just wide. It's his last action as Abou Diaby comes on for the last 15 minutes or so
72
RVP RUNS UP... and hammers it into the wall. Vermaelen with the follow-up... and that's blocked too. Good defending to be fair
71
FREE-KICK TO ARSENAL: Vermaelen is tripped and that's a perfect position for RVP
70
CROUCH BEATS SAGNA: But Koscielny wins the ball off Etherington... and promptly loses it again. Where was the call?
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
It's a bit of a battle out there and Arsenal need to reestablish themselves as top dogs
69
SZCZESNY COMES TO CLAIM: He gets the ball but clatters Koscielny as well. He'll be OK though
68
WHITEHEAD SHOOTS... that takes a deflection and Stoke have a corner. Tense times for Arsenal fans
67
Yellow Card SONG GETS BOOKED: Chris Foy dishes out another card for a bad challenge
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Stoke are getting a bit of joy out of this and with bookings to Benayoun and Song I'm slightly worried about the yellow cards.
66
CHANCES AT A PREMIUM: Stoke have tightened up and Arsenal are getting so much space in midfield since the interval.
65
CROUCH TUMBLES: Stoke's fans bay for a penalty but he just seemed to lose his footing
64
RAMSEY TO GIBBS: Chance for Kieran to shoot and he goes first-time - but that's a great block
Top Comments:
@kts_gunner on Twitter says:
Seeing no urgency in the game. Worried.
63
GOOD SKILLS: Yossi makes amends with some fine play, holding off two markers and getting a counter-attack going. Shawcross comes across to clear
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
One thing I can say about this game is that Arsenal have not been shrinking violets against Stoke
62
Yellow Card YOSSI GOES IN THE BOOK: That's a cynical trip and a deserved yellow. No complaints
61
TIME FOR THE OX? Tell us what you think - join the debate on Twitter using the #ArsenalLive hashtag
60
WHITEHEAD BREAKS CLEAR: He angles a pass towards Walters... but that is wildly overhit
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
The game has lost its way in the last minute or so since that Crouch injury, but it has been a really good game of football
59
ATTENDANCE: It's 27,502 if you're interested. We have a stoppage after Crouch takes a blow to the head. The away fans take the opportunity to wind up the home fans
58
BENAYOUN IN THE BOX: Gervinho finds him and Yossi ghosts past one challenge but Shawcross stops him
Top Comments:
@sayskaragc on Twitter says:
We need to break that defence to win! Great tackling and control so far
57
MISTAKES CREEPING IN: Rosicky gives it away, then Stoke lose possession cheaply. Hard to pick a winner right now
56
Substitution STOKE CHANGE: Shotton is replaced by Upson
55
VERMAELEN SHOOTS: But that's high and wide. The defender got forward and cut inside his man, but that was over-excitement
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
The wrong foot of a centre half and that ball is going to end up where it did: in the stands.
53
LIMBERING UP: The Ox, Chamakh and Diaby are warming up on the touchline
52
SZCZESNY HAS TO BE QUICK! A risky back-pass from Gibbs forces the keeper to charge out - he just beats Walters to the ball and clears into the stand
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
A little bit of life from Stoke -- and the Stoke fans.
@Farhan_Azeem on Twitter says:
Szczesny's brilliance is keeping us in the game
51
WILSON TOWARDS CROUCH: Stoke have an overload on their right but Pennant's control deserts him and Arsenal get the throw
50
VAN PERSIE! Oh, what a chance that was. Sagna swings the cross in and a stooping header from RVP is saved by Begovic
Top Comments:
@anezkp on Twitter says:
Begovic is a top class goalkeeper, very under rated
49
STOKE PRESSURE: Pennant fires two crosses into the box and eventually Rosicky brings it away. Good start from the home side though
48
WELL IN GERVINHO: Tenacity, that's what we like to see. Mind you the pass didn't reach its intended recipient. Gervinho, like the whole team, is working hard
47
STOKE ON THE ATTACK: Early chance for the home side but Arsenal can get that away and hit Stoke on the counter. Benayoun to RVP but his shot is blocked... and Gervinho fires over
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I thought Van Persie was about to get it on his left foot to make it 2-1
Kick Off WE'RE BACK UNDERWAY: Arsenal get us started as the wind-chill factor threatens to affect my typing
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
It's very windy here at the Britannia going from left to right -- going with Arsenal in the second half
45
HERE COME THE PLAYERS: Both teams jog out of the tunnel. Arsenal will be attacking the end housing the travelling fans in the second half
45
HALF-TIME ANALYSIS: Tim Peters and Martin Hayes will take you through the first-half talking points back in the studio - so don't go anywhere
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
What Arsenal need to do is don't give away silly fouls. Keep the ball in Stoke's half and wait for the chances to come. I said 2-1 before the game and I'm still happy with that
Half Time THAT'S ALL FOR NOW: Stoke got the early advantage here at the Britannia through Crouch's header but RVP equalised - thanks to an outstanding assist from Rosicky - and Arsenal have fashioned the best chances since then
Top Comments:
@wilshere_team19 on Twitter says:
Ramsey improved, what a first half he has had!
@BarebearJose on Twitter says:
Good attitude and work rate from the boys. Just need to improve the finishing
45
INTO STOPPAGE TIME: And that won't take long - just one added minute
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
For me Arsenal have been the better side in the first 45 minutes, but it has also been one of the best games of football i have seen at the Britannia Stadium
45
HUTH WITH THE SHOT: That's from a very long way out and rolls a very long way wide
44
EXCELLENT DELIVERY: Up goes Shawcross but Koscielny gets there to concede the corner. Nervous moments
43
ANOTHER FREE-KICK: And another chance for Pennant to curl it into Arsenal's box. RVP was penalised
43
HAVE YOUR SAY: Join the debate on Twitter using the #ArsenalLive hashtag. We'll print a selection of your comments right here
42
ARSENAL BREAK: Koscielny heads clear and RVP sends Rosicky clear on the left. His audacious cross is heading towards the skipper... but Begovic plucks the ball from the air
41
EVEN STEVENS: Stoke have come back into the game in the past few minutes
39
POOR FROM PENNANT: Stoke get a free kick but the former Gunner can't get it past the first defender
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Stoke clearly get up for the big games. But now the Stoke fans are quiet. They are sitting down. Arsenal have won a small battle.
38
NEAT INTERPLAY: RVP to Gervinho, he returns the pass... and RVP can't quite slide the ball back into Gervinho's path
37
WALTERS GET CLATTERED: Koscielny just gave the striker a nudge and his momentum took him into Szczesny. The keeper came off better
35
WENGER WILL BE PLEASED: His team have battled well, passed it well and look bright and inventive. The final ball has been lacking - except for that beauty from Rosicky
Top Comments:
@tbigears on Twitter says:
Arsenal are playing well, but will need a goal before our level drops!
34
STOKE THROW: Delap is not on the pitch but Shotton can lob them in. Here it comes... Song flicks it on and Benayoun hacks clear
32
CAPITALISE: Time to make hay while the sun shines in the opposition penalty area, as they say. Arsenal are enjoying lots of possession - now let's make it count
Top Comments:
@real_dkirsch on Twitter says:
It's going to come down the arsenal left side combination of Rosicky, Benayoun and RVP. They're in the mood today
32
GOOD TEMPO: Arsenal are keeping the pace of their passing nice and high - and Stoke are struggling to keep up at times
Top Comments:
#amdakkak on Twitter says:
Great running back by Rosicky. That's the spirit the fans want to see!
@popiamy on Twitter says:
That's the way to play Stoke - fight for every ball. Benayoun brings the dynamism to our play
31
GERVINHO WRIGGLES CLEAR: That's good positive stuff from the Ivorian but once again his final ball is poor. Frustrating for Arsenal
30
THE BREAK IS ON: Yossi picks out Rosicky and he shoots first time... but that's blocked and Stoke can counter... but the through-ball is poor. End to end stuff
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
This is the best Arsenal have played in about a month. they are very fluid. It is 1-1 so we shouldn't get carried away, but it looks good so far
29
SONG PENALISED: Not sure if the ref got that one right as Crouch runs into the Arsenal man. Stoke launch the free-kick - of course - but Szczesny can gather
28
WIGAN 2 NEWCASTLE 0: That's very good news from the DW Stadium. Come on Wigan!
Top Comments:
@willmum_ on Twitter says:
Wigan are beating all the big team at the moment. But they're doing Arsenal a favour keeping Newcastle in 4th position
27
E-MAIL OUR COMMENTATORS: It's www.arsenal.com/studio - Dan and Richard will field your e-mails during the game
27
HAVE YOUR SAY: Join the debate on Twitter using the #ArsenalLive hashtag. We'll print a selection of your comments right here
26
VERMAELEN AWAY: Stoke enjoy a burst of pressure and Pennant crosses from the right... but the big Belgian is there to nod clear
24
STRONG FROM KOSCIELNY: He gets ahead of Walters to deny Stoke an opening inside the box. At the other end RVP is just offside after bringing down a lofted pass
23
BLUSTERY: The wind is certainly a factor here. It's blowing Yossi's fine locks all over the place and it must make defending high balls that much more difficult
22
GERVINHO GOES THROUGH... and he lashes his shot over the bar. Good run and he was under pressure - but he should have hit the target
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
We have to remember that Gervinho is just 24 and he has the best of his football to come We haven't seen the goal scoring yet, but I think we will next year
21
BREATHLESS STUFF: It's a really entertaining game this and Arsenal are in charge after levelling the scores
Top Comments:
@TheRhythmBeats on Twitter says:
RVP's goal helped to increase the confidence level.
20
KOSCIELNY WITH THE HEADER! And that flies just over. He was on the stretch from RVP's free kick
19
VAN PERSIE SHOOTS FIRST TIME: But that one is blocked. Excellent spell for the Gunners
Top Comments:
@tshidiso9 on Twitter says:
Looks like Song is up for it today which can only mean good things to come
18
GERVINHO! Ooh, so close. Great ball from RVP to pick out Sagna's run and his cross is inches away from Gervinho in the six-yard box
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
That should have gone in. a missed opportunity for the Ivorian
17
RAMSEY GETS STUCK IN: Aaron wins a 50:50 against Whelan and that sums up the attitude in this Arsenal team today. They will not be bullied
16
AWAY FANS IN GOOD VOICE: The travelling Gooners are making all the noise at the moment
15
WELL PLAYED YOSSI: A word for Benayoun, whose tenacity in the build-up won the ball back for Arsenal. The away fans are singing his name and rightly so
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I'm pleased Yossi Benayoun has come back in. Arsenal lack a bit of fluidity since Arteta went out with injury
15
WHAT A BALL FROM ROSICKY! Tomas got the perfect angle on that cross into the box - it completely took the back four and keeper out of the game. And RVP was there to tap it in for the equaliser!
15
GOAL! - Robin van Persie 1 : 1 YEEEESSSSS!!! ROBIN VAN PERSIE!!!
Top Comments:
@DinuNaim on Twitter says:
Hard work by Benayoun, great ball by rosicky, excellent finish by RVP
13
RAMSEY WITH THE SHOT: That's a good effort but it flies a yard wide. More good build-up play from the visitors
12
BACK COME ARSENAL: Song tries to muscle his way through but the ball is shepherded out for a goal kick. No need to panic - Arsenal have played some decent stuff so far and have had two great chances
Top Comments:
@eAlvinator on Twitter says:
We need to keep our nerves,it's going to be a long day! #Patience
10
HAVE YOUR SAY: Join the debate on Twitter using the #ArsenalLive hashtag. We'll print a selection of your comments right here
10
GREAT LEAP FROM CROUCH: He climbed above Vermaelen and Szczesny could do nothing about that - it was a powerful, well-placed header
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
No team has scored more goals from within the six yard box than Stoke.
9
GOAL! - Peter Crouch 1 : 0 STOKE HAVE THE LEAD: Etherington crosses from the left and Crouch leaps high to power a header past Szczesny
Top Comments:
@Mr_DYD_Gooner on Twitter says:
After a perfect start! Arsenal find themselves a goal down at the the Britannia
8
GREAT CHANCE RVP! Rosicky with a fine cross and the captain's downward header is pushed away by Begovic. Excellent save... and the corner is cleared
7
ARSENAL GAINING MOMENTUM: Yossi runs at the heart of the Stoke defence and almost plays in Gervinho. Stoke on the back foot
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
It's great to see that fluidity of movement, Arsenal have been missing that without Mikel Arteta
6
OH, YOSSI! Excellent pressure from Benayoun to close down his man, RVP slides a return ball to him and he's through on goal... but the left-foot shot lacks power
Top Comments:
@tjwilliamscom on Twitter says:
Robin van Persie is certainly revved up this afternoon
5
CROUCH WITH THE HEADER: He's been prominent in the early stages but the offside flag stopped him there
4
STOKE ARE WELL UP FOR THIS: As they always are. But Arsenal get their first sniff of goal as a high ball almost picks out RVP
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal need to remember to play their game, that's what Arsnee Wenger said earlier. Don't get drawn into a battle - play your football
3
Yellow Card OUCH: Whitehead goes in on Song and earns a yellow card. His studs were up
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I don't think Chris Foy was going to book Dean Whitehead but for the intervention of Robin van Persie. And Tony Pulis is giving it to Arsene Wenger
3
RAMSEY AND SAGNA CLASH: Both men go up for a header which Whelan wins and Aaron comes off badly. He's OK to carry on though
2
EARLY PRESSURE: Shotton crosses to the back post and Crouch leaps high but Vermaelen wins the second ball
Top Comments:
Richard Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
The high crosses are a tactic that works for Stoke and it's waht we know they are going to do. Why change it if you are Tony Pulis?
1
SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT: The home fans have sung that ironically since their style was described as "rugby" by a certain someone
Kick Off WE'RE UNDERWAY AT THE BRITANNIA: Stoke kick off and attack the away end in the first half. Come on Arsenal!
E-MAIL OUR COMMENTATORS: Dan Roebuck and Richard Clarke are sat along from me, calling the shots on today's game. Send your e-mails via www.arsenal.com/studio
HAVE YOUR SAY: Join the debate on Twitter using the #ArsenalLive hashtag. We'll print a selection of your comments right here
HUDDLE TIME: Arsenal's players embrace in the centre circle as the wind ruffles their blue shirts. I wonder if that will be a factor today?
HERE THEY COME: RVP leads out the Arsenal in their change kit of all blue. Ryan Shawcross leads out Stoke. 'The 12th Man - Loud And Proud' is the message on a banner in the main stand. It's certainly noisy
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
I see stoke scoring but I think Arsenal have a couple of goals in them
YOU ONLY GET ONE SHOT: Eminem's Lose Yourself is the pre-match tune of choice here at the Britannia. Hopefully we'll get more than one shot
TEN MINUTES TO GO: A guard of honour awaits the players - as does a strong wind. Not ideal conditions at the Britannia but the pitch does look in good shape
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Stoke's problem this season is that they lost five of their away games over the course of their European run. That's where they dropped points and why they are 14th rahter than eighth or ninth
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Is that the team you would have picked? Will Arsenal win today? What will be the key battles? Have your say on Twitter using the #ArsenalLive hashtag
Top Comments:
@ThisDumebi on Twitter says:
Great line-up!This gives strong confidence for 3 points.Everyone here has got to be esp Rosicky,Gervinho
TWO CHANGES: Walcott is injured and Oxlade-Chamberlain is on the bench; in come Benayoun and Gervinho
SUBS: Fabianski, Diaby, Santos, Chamakh, Squillaci, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Coquelin
ARSENAL TEAM: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Gervinho, Van Persie, Benayoun
#ARSENALLIVE: That's the hashtag to use if you want to join the debate on Twitter. Have your say and we'll publish a selection of your comments on this page
I'm Chris Harris, your text commentator today, and I'll bring you the all-important team news as soon as we have it
Our commentary team at the Britannia Stadium is Dan Roebuck and Richard Clarke - you can send your e-mails to them via the website at www.arsenal.com/studio
Our Matchday Show begins at 2.35pm (UK time) with Tim Peters and former Gunner Martin Hayes in the studio to bring you action, analysis and exclusive interviews
Hello and welcome to Arsenal Player for live coverage of our Premier League clash with Stoke City
Stoke City
01 BEGOVIC, Asmir
30 SHOTTON, Ryan
20 UPSON, Matthew (56)
17 SHAWCROSS, Ryan
04 HUTH, Robert
12 WILSON, Marc
20 PENNANT, Jermaine
33 JEROME, Cameron (77)
06 WHELAN, Glenn
18 WHITEHEAD, Dean
26 ETHERINGTON, Matthew
24 DELAP, Rory (84)
19 WALTERS, Jonathan
25 CROUCH, Peter
09 JONES, KENWYNE
19 FULLER, RICARDO
20 UPSON, MATTHEW
24 DELAP, RORY
33 JEROME, CAMERON
08 PALACIOS, WILSON
29 SORENSEN, THOMAS
Arsenal
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
03 SAGNA, Bacary
06 KOSCIELNY, Laurent
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
28 GIBBS, Kieran
17 SONG, Alex
16 RAMSEY, Aaron
02 DIABY, Abou (73)
07 ROSICKY, Tomas
30 BENAYOUN, Yossi
11 SANTOS, Andre (83)
20 VAN PERSIE, Robin
27 GERVINHO
29 CHAMAKH, Marouane (78)
21 FABIANSKI, LUKASZ
11 SANTOS, ANDRE
18 SQUILLACI, SEBASTIEN
02 DIABY, ABOU
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, ALEX
22 COQUELIN, FRANCIS
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
That's two really good opportunties for Stoke in the final minutes.