Gooner Talk

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick as Arsenal beat Chelsea 5-3 in a stunning London Derby at Stamford Bridge.

André Villas-Boas’ side opened the scoring through a Lampard header before van Persie levelled for the visitors. Under-fire John Terry restored the home sides advantage just before the break to make it 2-1 to Chelsea at half time.

The Gunners came flying out the blocks in the second half and scored 2 goals in quick succession through Andre Santos and Theo Walcott, both burying their shots past ‘keeper Petr Cech.

Juan Mata then smashed home from 25 yards to draw Chelsea level but a late Van Persie double not only sealed his hat-trick but all three points for Arsenal as they ran out winners in a thrilling London Derby.

Arsenal XI: Szczesny (GK), Djourou (Jenkinson 75), Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos, Song, Ramsey, Arteta, Walcott (Rosicky 85), van Persie (c), Gervinho (Vermaelen 88).

Subs not used: Fabianski, Arshavin, Frimpong, Park.

Leave your thoughts on the astonishing match in the comments section below.

In-form Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge this weekend to take on Chelsea, and the good news is that their arch rivals will be without the suspended Didier Drogba.

He has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances against Arsenal in all competitions and their record against Chelsea with him playing is W1 D3 L10.

However when he has not played Arsenal have won two, drawn one and lost none!

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Tomas Rosicky is a doubt for Saturday’s lunchtime clash with Chelsea after suffering a groin injury recurrence in training earlier this week.

The Czech international has been plagued with injuries since joining the Gunners from German champions Borussia Dortmund in 2006, and it’s expected he’ll require a late fitness test before deciding on whether he can be involved in Saturday’s game or not.

Despite his injury problems, 31-year-old Rosicky recently earned plaudits for an impressive display against Sunderland in the absence of Aaron Ramsey.

With just one year left on his contract in north London, the Czech skipper will be hoping to recover and return to full fitness as soon as possible.

This season you can also play live, legendary football with Heineken Star Player. Play live with every UEFA Champions League match on TV and anticipate the outcome of live match moments to score. See video at the end for more information.

Despite turning in an indifferent display against Marseille at the Velodrome in France, Arsenal still managed to come away with a 1-0 win thanks to Aaron Ramsey’s last-gasp strike. However Didier Deschamps side will up their game and the Gunners need to be prepared as the showdown, which will go a long way to deciding who gets the top spot in the group, looms large.

Gunners celebrate after Aaron Ramsey nets the injury time winner

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Arsenal fought back from a goal down to secure their passage into the Carling Cup quarter-finals against a determined Bolton Wanderers side.

Manager Arsene Wenger fielded a weakened line-up for the cup clash in a first half where Arsenal struggled to break down their opponent’s packed midfield.

Former Gunners starlet Fabrice Muamba combined with Darren Pratley for Wanderers opener, driving his effort past Lukasz Fabianski in the Arsenal goal.

Shortly after, Andrey Arshavin equalised following a good spell of pressure from the Arsenal midfield.

Park Chu-Young then scored a sumptious first Arsenal goal, placing his shot past goalkeeper Bogdan after receiving Arshavin’s through ball.

Arsenal’s Starting XI: Fabianski, Yennaris, Squillaci, Vermaelen (c) (Boateng 84), Miquel, Frimpong (Ozyakup 76), Coquelin, Benayoun, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Ryo 73), Arshavin, Park.

Subs not used: Mannone (GK), Meade, Aneke, Watt.

Park Chu-Young will start for Arsenal in their Carling Cup clash with Bolton on Tuesday, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

The South Korean international made his first Arsenal appearance in last month’s Carling Cup win over Shrewsbury, but has yet to start a Premier League game due Robin van Persie’s superb form.

Park, 26, who joined Arsenal in a late spending spree from recently relegated French outfit Monaco, is a versatile forward who is known for his mobility, technical ability and work ethic.

“Yes [he will start against Bolton]“, Wenger revealed in his post-match press conference.

“He’s fantastic [in training]. He will get his chance. People forget that he arrived two months ago. Some big players have waited much longer than two months before they have played.”

Yossi Benayoun, Francis Coquelin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all expected to start in Tuesday’s fourth round tie.

Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski will continue his cup run between the sticks, despite recently telling a Polish newspaper that he’ll ‘consider’ his future in January unless he is given more opportunities to play.

Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie came off the bench to inspire Arsenal to victory over resilient Stoke City at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The impressive Dutchman scored twice in the second half to give the Gunners all three points after former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch had cancelled out Gervinho’s opener before the break.

Arsene Wenger’s men are up to seventh in the Premier League following the victory over Tony Pulis’ side, just six points behind Newcastle United in fourth.

Following the victory, Arsenal brought to an end a run of four consecutive defeats in games after Champions League matches.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou, Santos, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Arteta, Song, Walcott (Arshavin, 71), Ramsey, Chamakh (van Persie, 67), Gervinho (Frimpong, 91).