Gooner Talk

There may have only been two league games played this season, but even opposition fans have got to admit that this particular statistic is outstanding.

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is yet to give the ball away in 180 minutes of Premier League football, with all of his 69 passes being to his own team-mates.

And before someone rubbishes the analysis, those passes haven’t been the “sideways” sort that Denilson has been critcised for in the past. As you can see from the Guardian chalkboard diagram below, Vermaelen has moved the ball forward on the majority of occasions, creating attacks and supplying the midfield.

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Barcelona have won 85% of games with Ibrahimovic in the side compared to 50% when the Swede is missing.

Arsenal have the best attacking record in the Champions League this season: 20 goals in 9 games.

The Gunners have always won when Nicklas Bendtner has been on the scoresheet this season: 8 games, 8 wins.

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If Arsenal beat West Ham, it will be six wins in a row, equalling the longest run by any team in the Premier League this season.

Arsenal have only won one and lost two of the last four home matches against the Hammers.

Andrey Arshavin’s goal against Hull last Saturday was the 800th scored in the Premier League this season.

Arsenal have won their last five Premier League games in a row, the last time they achieved six on the trot was in Autumn of 2007.

So far this season, Alex Song’s completed passes percentage is 84% – and so is his tackle success.

With thanks to Orbinho & OptaJoe for the stats.

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