Arsenal V Stoke City

Arsenal V Stoke City

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 23 October 2011 – 13:30 (GMT)

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Preview

Arsenal have never dropped a point at home in the Premier League versus Stoke, winning all three of their meetings in north London. Then again, I don’t recall them making this average a start, winning just three of their first eight games, and so their flawless record at home to the Potters is in serious jeopardy this weekend as the prepare to commence battle with Tony Pulis’ battle-hardened side who, in some people’s opinions anyway, stand as much chance, if not better, of qualifying for Europe this season than Arsene Wenger’s team of misfits.

So could a shock be on the cards? The bookmakers tend to think not. Stoke – can you believe it – are a jaw-dropping 6/1 shot on Sunday to record their third league win over Arsenal, although it would have to be their first at the Emirates. But the Potters can do no wrong at the minute; sat prominently in seventh, just four-points off the Champions League places having already held both Chelsea and Manchester United this season – albeit at the Brittania – plus Thursday’s comprehensive win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv sent them top of their Europa League group.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are a couple points further back in lowly tenth as the team continues to struggle post Fabregas-Nasri. They have already been beaten at home this season, by Liverpool, suffered defeat in the first north London derby of the season just before the international break to Tottenham, and, of course, were spanked 8-2 by Manchester United at Old Trafford. The positives? Well there aren’t many, but they have won each of their last three Premier League fixtures at home, all against sides in the lower half of the table it must be said – and Stoke are no longer lurking in that region of the division.

Arsenal

League Position: 10th

League Form: WLWLW

Whether they’re out disappointing the locals by getting beat in the north London derby or spanked away at Old Trafford, or whether they’re recording a string of wins at home against some of the league’s ‘lesser’ teams, you never quite know where you stand with Arsenal. So at ridiculous odds, surely the Gunners are a definite no-go this weekend?

But the omens are promising… Not only have Arsenal won their last three Premier League matches at the Emirates Stadium, five in all competitions if you include their nervy win over League Two Shrewsbury in the cup and their Champions League triumph over Olympiacos, they post a flawless record of three wins out of three at home to the Potters, whose only goal in this fixture came in their first season back in the top-flight back in 2009, and it came from the spot.

So why isn’t their a cue of folk eager to get their bets on Arsene Wenger’s men trumping Stoke for the fourth successive league meeting in north London? It’s simple really – they haven’t been at all convincing all season, not even when they’ve won. The new signings haven’t bedded in well, with Mikel Arteta apart, and once again there’s a heavy reliance on a certain Dutchman picking up the slack.

Robin Van Persie, now Arsenal skipper following the departure of Cesc Fabregas, just hasn’t stopped scoring in 2011 and on Sunday, last week, took his tally for the year to 23 in 25 Premier League appearances. It really doesn’t bare thinking about where the Gunners would reside in the table right now with his goals, but more importantly his aura.

RVP has been one of a select few to lead by example this season, one of a select few who has the mental toughness to thrive under adversity and to produce the goods when it really counts, as he did when scoring the crucial equalising goal in Italy during Arsenal’s Champions League qualifier with Udinese – and as he did last week at home to Sunderland when netting the winner with a classy free-kick. Can he guide his team through Sunday’s Stoke physical?

Stoke City

League Position: 7th

League Form: WLDLW

Nobody will curb Stoke’s enthusiasm and zest for life at this moment in time, especially not Arsenal, who Stoke feel have never shown them the respect they deserve. So they’d love nothing better than to end a fantastic week with their first ever Emirates victory over the Gunners, who have won their last three league matches at home but looked fragile at home to Sunderland last time out.

I guarantee Stoke are smelling an upset on the cards here, which shows you how far the club have come, that they genuinely rate their chances heading to Arsenal. It also highlights how quickly Arsenal have rocketed down the Premier League food chain, and I’m one of several who believe Stoke have the confidence, experience, momentum and, crucially, the ability to gobble Arsene Wenger’s fragile men up for for dinner when they meet at the Emirates dinner-time Sunday – and at tasty odds as well.

Some will highlight the fact they were playing in Europe on Thursday as to why they won’t end their run of three straight Premier League defeats in this fixture. But was it really a match? Stoke ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, winning the game inside the first 30 minutes through goals from Kenwyn Jones, Cameron Jerome and Ryan Shotton. The game turned into an exhibition match thereafter. It’s also worth remembering that it was at the Brittania, so no travelling was involved.

Moreover, Thursday’s match with mediocre opposition, who were swept aside by a rampant, ruthless and oozing with confidence Stoke side, who made it two wins within the space of a week after their 2-0 win in the league over Fulham last Saturday, came a mere 24 hours after Arsenal’s gruelling encounter IN Marseille, over in France. Yes Arsenal may have won but they were made to work a darn sight harder for their narrow one-goal victory than Stoke were for theirs.

Furthermore, Tony Pulis could also freshen things up by drafting in a whole host of key players who sat out Thursday’s game. Asmir Begoviic, Jonathan Woodgate, Glenn Whelan, Rory Delap, Jermaine Pennant and Peter Crouch were all rested while Wilson Palacios and Jonathan Walters were brought on midway through the second half. Stoke’s Emirates package already looked outstanding value, but throw in fresh legs, the return of umpteen key players, and you really do have yourself a bargain.

Match Pointers

- Arsenal have a 100% record in this fixture with three wins from three, with Stoke netting just the one goal which came from the spot back in 2009.

- The Gunners have won their last three Premier League home games as well, five in all competitions.

- Stoke’s two defeats this season did come while out on their travels, and they were their most recent outings as well, away to Sunderland (4-0) and Swansea (2-0).

- Both of Stoke’s two away goals this season were scored in the 90^th minute or later, while four of Arsenal’s six goals at home were netted in the second half.

Betting

I can only think that bookies are concerned by Stoke’s Thursday night exertions, as their odds of victory are out of this world. I know the Emirates hasn’t bore much fruit for Stoke so far, losing on each of their previous three visits in the Barclay’s Premier League, but they are a team in imperious form right now, right on top of their game. They’re enjoying their football, which is something Arsenal are finding impossible at this moment in time, because the expectations on them are enormous – and probably unrealistic as well.

Stoke’s physicality has caused numerous teams problems in recent times, however the Potters can match teams stride for stride on the deck as well. Matty Etherington and Jermaine Pennant are a real handful on the flanks and they’ll be doing their utmost to ensure whoever spearheads the attack – I would say Peter Crouch, who didn’t feature on Thursday, is favourite – is kept busy throughout. However, the man who I feel who inflict some serious damage is Jonathan Walters. He’s a bulldozer of a forward who isn’t afraid to charge at defenders and he’ll scare the living daylights out of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker – Thomas Vermaelen is still out for Arsenal.

At 6/1, I’m all giddy with excitement at the prospect of seeing what I genuinely believe is exceptional value on Sunday. Arsenal have been extremely unconvincing for a while so who better to seize the initiative and take full advantage than Stoke?

Match Outcome: Stoke City to WIN – 6/1 SkyBet

Value Bet: Jonathan Walters to Score – 10/3 StanJames

Match odds

Arsenal – 8/15 Ladbrokes

Draw – 10/3 BetFred

Stoke City – 6/1 SkyBet

Arsenal V Stoke City

Kick-off: Saturday, 18th December – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Emirates Stadium

Arsenal

Before watching his side go down 1-0 away to bitter rivals Manchester United last Monday, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed his surprise at where his side were in the table, top at the time, despite dropping so many costly points. Another three were dropped at Old Trafford as the Gunners fired blanks, in fact they did little firing whatsoever if truth be told, and while it was another significant setback, Arsene Wenger can at least take some solace from his players’ response following previous league defeats, with Arsenal having come back from a defeat to win their next match on three separate occasions this season.

Arsene Wenger won’t have been at all happy with how his team performed on Monday night at Old Trafford, a match which had so much riding on it as had Arsenal won, or even avoided defeat, then there was a real possibility of the Gunners heading into the new year as league leaders. That could still happen, however, they’ve fuelled the United fire, have bolstered their title rivals’ already healthy confidence levels, meaning the Red Devils will be difficult to stop. But Arsenal can at least pile the pressure on as United don’t play until 24 hours later, while the fact it’s against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge should further enhance the motivation levels and desire to register three vital points against an opponent which has troubled them in recent encounters.

Last season, Stoke dumped Arsenal out of the FA Cup in emphatic fashion, while the very first Premier League meeting between the two, back in 2008, finished in a Stoke victory as Arsenal continue to struggle against the Potters’ aerial dominance. Ironically, Arsenal may be boosted by Lukasz Fabianki’s latest injury setback, which forced youngster Wojciech Szczesny to take the gloves against Manchester United in what was his first ever start in the Premier League for the 20-year-old. However, despite his lack of experience at this level and exuberant age, the Polish shot-stopper could be the perfect answer to Stoke’s aerial threat. Fabianski has never been strong in the air, in fact it’s one of his well-known weaknesses, whereas Szczesny, at 6ft 5inchs tall, should have the raw materials to deal with the expected aerial onslaught. Although, in fairness, considering the match will be played at The Emirates, the keeper shouldn’t really be called into action a great deal, what with Arsenal so often dominating games on home soil. At least that used to be the case.

The Emirates hasn’t quite been the same this season, with that fear factor having diminished following shock defeats to West Brom, Newcastle United and more recently arch-rivals Tottenham. Teams are no longer going their to sit back as that only plays into Arsenal’s hands, and as of yet Wenger hasn’t found a tactic or solution to counter this. To make the task a whole lot tougher for Wenger, who must plot Stoke’s downfall this weekend, he’ll be up against a team who work as tirelessly as any other in the top-flight, so time on the ball will probably be at a premium for the Arsenal players. Fortunately, their midfield maestro, Cesc Fabregas, is set to return to the starting XI and it could be his magic which carves a usually well-organised Stoke defence open.

Stoke City

Even though the winter transfer window is looming large, Stoke City are one of the few clubs in the Premier League not expected to bolster their ranks. Their chairman, Peters Coates, who sanctioned the moves of Kenwyn Jones and Jonathan Walters in the summer window, as well as having a say in the loan deal of Jermaine Pennant, claims the current squad is good enough and able to uphold the club’s Premier League status and feels it would be foolish to mend something which patently isn’t in need of fixing.

After a stop-start season which has contained a couple dry spells, fans hope manager Tony Pulis is of the same opinion as the chairman in this current crop of players as there have been periods this season when Stoke’s Premier League status has come under scrutiny only for a resurgence in form to bail them out of trouble. With their fixtures over Christmas and early January not easy, and with Stoke’s impressive five-match unbeaten league run coming to an end last Saturday, when Blackpool became only the third team this season to win at The Brittania, you get the impression that come mid-January the chairman may need to rethink his strategy, especially as whenever Stoke have suffered a league defeat completely out of the blue they tend to record several more in quick succession.

For now, Tony Pulis has to be content with what he has, and I’m sure he is. His lads have got the team up to 12th in the table, five points clear of any danger, while it took a case of bad luck in front of goal to stop them extending their encouraging run of five league matches without losing when losing for the first time since early November at home to Blackpool. However, the signs are all there for another disappointing patch of form for the Potters, who have endured miserable periods where Lady luck just hasn’t been on their side, while they’ve also been a team which have found escaping lulls of form extremely difficult. This weekend’s trip to the capital spells trouble for Pulis and his team, as a second successive defeat is to be expected and before long, what with the fixtures coming thick and fast from this point onwards, the losses could soon add up.

Away from home Stoke haven’t faired too badly of late, unbeaten on their travels in their last two, however, up against sterner opposition, Stoke have tended to falter. Trips to Chelsea, Everton and Sunderland, teams with real attacking threats, have resulted in zero points being registered, as well as Stoke failing to score a single goal, and although they do have a two-match unbeaten away platform to build from, those results were achieved at West Brom, who were in dire straight at the times, and Wigan Athletic, who are rapidly becoming a popular choice for relegation. Nevertheless, Stoke have scored five times in their last two outings and are hoping to maintain that fine run of form in front of goal at the Emirates, where Arsenal have kept just two clean sheets in eight league games this season.

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Recent Form (Last 5):

Arsenal

Premier League: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal
Champions League: Arsenal 3-1 Partizan Belgrade
Premier League: Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
Premier League: Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal
Champions League: Braga 2-0 Arsenal

Stoke City

Premier League: Stoke City 0-1 Blackpool
Premier League: Wigan Athletic 2-2 Blackpool
Premier League: Stoke City 1-1 Manchester City
Premier League: West Brom 0-3 Stoke City
Premier League: Stoke City 2-0 Liverpool

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Head-to-Head (Premier League):

2009/2010: Stoke City 1-3 Arsenal
2009/2010: Arsenal 2-0 Stoke City
2008/2009: Arsenal 4-1 Stoke City
2008/2009: Stoke City 2-1 Arsenal

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Statistics (Premier League):

Arsenal

League Position: 2nd
Win-Draw-Lose: 10-2-5 (Home: 5-0-3)
Form: WLWWL (Home: WWLLW)
Goal Difference: 34-19 (Home: 19-10)
Top Goalscorer: Samir Nasri (8)

Stoke City

League Position: 12th
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-3-8 (Away: 2-1-5)
Form: WWDDL (Away: LLLWD)
Goal Difference: 21-22 (Away: 9-12)
Top Goalscorer: Kenwyn Jones (4)

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Match Prediction: Arsenal to WIN – 1.30 WilliamHill

Stoke stunned the Gunners in their first ever Premier League meeting with a 2-1 victory courtesy of their famous long-ball antics. Since then, however, Arsenal have coped admirably with Stoke’s aerial threat and have won the last three league contests. They were, of course, beaten in the FA Cup by Stoke in last season’s FA Cup but once again it was at the Brittania, where matches at the Emirates have been a completely different story. The Potters, without their passionate fans roaring them on, just haven’t been the same side away from home against Arsenal, with the Londoner’s wealth of creative options in the centre of the park just too much for Stoke to handle.

The two previous league meetings on Arsenal soil have both gone the way of the home side in comfortable victories. With a midfield to die for and Cesc Fabregas expected to make his return to the starting fold, we just can’t envisage any result other than another predictable home success for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, who still carry with them an indifferent record at home this season of 5-0-3. In the air Stoke are a match for anyone, but this won’t be an aerial battle but a pitch invasion for Arsenal, who we believe will run away with this match if given time and space on the ball.

Match Odds:

Arsenal – 1.30 WilliamHill
Draw – 5.50 Bet365
Stoke City – 12.00 VictorChandler

Arsenal V Stoke City

Kick-off: Saturday 5^th December – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The Emirates

Arsenal

League Position: 4th

Recent Form: DWWLL

This really could be a ‘make or break’ part of the season for Arsenal as some difficult fixtures await them over the festive period. Their recent drop in form, losing back-to-games for the second time this season on Sunday, means the pressure cooker is rising a few degrees on Arsene Wenger as the debate on not only how will Arsenal cope without their talismanic forward, Robin Van Persie, but also whether or not Arsene Wenger will swallow his youthful pride and dip into the transfer market in January as, in many people’s opinions, Arsenal desperately need strengthening.

The mood in the Arsenal camp will be bitter to say the very least this week after not only suffering a bitter defeat at the hands of Chelsea last weekend, made worse by it being at The Emirates, but the kids were also knocked out of the Carling Cup on Wednesday, a match which see Man City run out 3-0 winners over the Gunners and Arsene Wenger leave the pitch in one of his famous hissy fits. Wenger refused to shake hands with Mark Hughes come the end of the game, scampering down the tunnel like a child, so will his childish antics have a negative affect on the players mindsets heading into what is still a tricky fixture, regardless of Arsenal possessing home advantage.

The biggest question asked of Arsenal of late was how they would cope without Robin Van Persie, a player who can not only create goals but can also score a fair few, as well. The Dutch forward was on seven league goals for the season before suffering an ankle injury while on international duty, with Van Persie now out of action and unavailable for Arsenal action until well into the new year, an estimated four months out of the game. Eduardo has since attempted to take over the big role and shoes Van Persie has filled up front but has failed to make the desired impact when needed. The Croatian international has only managed two league goals all season but will he not get a better chance to bolster his poor tally then a home fixture with Stoke City?

At The Emirates, generally a very happy hunting ground for Arsenal, the Gunners were unstoppable before Chelsea paid them a visit last Sunday. The blues’, guided by Carlo Ancelotti, were in a rampant mood and although Arsenal did play some very attractive and sweet passing moves, they failed to create too many clear cut chances, while Chelsea stuck the few they did manage to create away. At the end of the day, Chelsea were far more clinical then the Gunners and Arsenal paid the price. With Van Persie now out for a sustained period of time, Arsenal look extremely lightweight up top and you can only think, what with Nicklas Bendtner still out injured, also, that a new forward thinking face is needed to spice up the ranks and bolster Arsenal’s limited attacking options.

Nevertheless, Arsenal should still have enough, even up front, to overpower Stoke City at The Emirates in a must win game for Arsenal as three defeats in a row could have a devastating affect on the mood of the camp heading into a game with Liverpool the following week. Eduardo looks likely to start up front, again, although since he’s taken on the mantle from Van Persie, Arsenal have failed to score in two fixtures. Eduardo’s last league goal came over 720 hours ago in a 4-0 rout of Wigan Athletic, back in September. Perhaps, with Eduardo struggling to find the net, the midfielders; Arshavin, Fabregas, Samir Nasri, will have take some of the responsibility and chip in with a few themselves.

Stoke City

League Position: 9th

Recent Form: WDLWD

Stoke have made a terrific start to the season and already find themselves in an extremely healthy position in the league, with The Potters in a more than boast-able league position of 9^th, and have spent the past several weeks occupying top ten status. Their hard working and tenacious attitude on the pitch is just two of many reasons why the Stoke camp has enjoyed such a successful start to the campaign, but as they’ve found out last season, and in parts this season, there is a still a huge gulf in class between them and the leading contenders in the league, so will a day out at The Emirates result in an epic failure for Tony Pulis & Co.  

Stoke have only visited The Emirates once in recent history, that coming last season in their first ever stint in the Premiership. After a poor showing in London on their previous trip, Tony Pulis will be eager to avoid such an emphatic result at the second time of asking. Stoke did beat Arsenal 2-1 at The Brittania, home of Stoke, but that incredible victory over the Gunners was overshadowed somewhat by the 4-1 defeat inflicted on them in the reverse fixture.

Stoke have made a very good start to the season but their impressive early season form has come about through their superb record at The Brittania. 4-1-2 is their current record at home this season, while you can compare that to their poor away showing of 1-4-2 to see that Stoke have clearly gained the vast majority of their points back on home soil. However, how can we forget their surprise defeat of Tottenham Hotspur only a month ago when they beat Arsenal’s bitter rivals 1-0 at White Hart Lane, a stadium only a brief walk away from The Emirates.

On the road, Tony Pulis tends to set Stoke up in a ‘safe’ manner. They aren’t adventurous, the stick plenty of numbers behind the ball and they work their socks off to close the opposition down. Stoke have become a set-piece specialist under Pulis, but one of their biggest aerial threats, Ryan Shawcross, will miss the trip to Arsenal, and with Stoke’s biggest goal threat coming from set-pieces, that could leave them a little light when they do make a rare appearance in the Arsenal third.

Stoke’s away defensive record is very impressive, conceding just eight away goals in seven away outings. Only Liverpool (4) and Hull City (2) have managed to score on more than one occasion because of their defensive mindset when on their travels but this has, inevitably, lead to a big drop in goals actually scored by themselves. The Stoke forward line has broke through on just four occasions away from The Brittania, whilst they’ve failed to score in three away outings and have yet to score more then one in any away game this season.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Arsenal W: 1 Stoke City W: 1 Draws: 0

It’s honours even so far between the two but it was Arsenal who gained the upper hand last season with a resounding 4-1 victory over Stoke last season, at The Emirates. However, that result was nothing unexpected as the Gunners were gunning for revenge after previously suffering a 2-1 defeat at The Brittania, the home of a hard-working Stoke City.

Arsenal have often been found wanting against sides superior in strength and physical stature and this was clearly evident at The Brittania last season. The Potters rustle & bustle approach to games has earned them so much respect around the league, especially from the big boys, but that style of play is accustomed to most managers so will it work this time around? Arsenal learn from their harsh lessons at The Brittania last season by dishing out a spanking of their own at The Emirates. Could another high scoring Arsenal win be on the cards in just Stoke’s second visit to The Emirates?

Match Verdict:- Arsenal to WIN – 1.30 Boylesports

Anything but a home win for Arsene wenger and Arsenal would be a big shock and a massive setback in their bid to stay in touch with Chelsea. The home defeat to Chelsea last Sunday will have dented the the morale of the Arsenal camp, especially as the Gunners have now lost two on the spin, and another defeat would be far too costly. Stoke will look to pose a threat from set-pieces, as per usual, but that probably won’t be enough and for Stoke to take anything from The Emirates they will need to put in one heck-of-a defensive shift.

Match Odds:

Arsenal – 1.30 Boylesports

Draw – 5.50 PaddyPower

Stoke City – 13.00 Bet365

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Arsenal to WIN to NIL – 2.10 totesport