Arsenal have been one nil down in their first three games at their magnifient new stadium. Draws against Aston Villa and Middlesborough were secured despite utterly dominating both games. Chances were not taken and four points were dropped.
Since then Arsenal have won difficult away games against Hamburg and Manchester United. They seem to be on a roll and confidence looks high. An impressive victory on home turf was on the cards.
The Gunners looked for an early goal but were frustrated by a hardworking Blades team playing with ten men behind the ball. Chances came for Gallas, Ljungberg, Adebayor and Henry all to no avail. For just over an hour Arsenal dominated this game without finding the net.
An uneasy "here we go again" vibe wafted round the stadium and frustrated shouts of "shoot!" could be heard. Then all at once the ball fell to Henry who chipped it into the box towards Fabregas. As he controlled the ball, Gallas moved in to thump the ball into the roof of the net.
A huge cheer went up and a sigh of relief was audible. Arsenal had never looked in danger of conceding a goal and Gallas's volley opened the floodgates.
Henry looked a yard short but he still caused the Blades problems. His work on the left wing was repaid when his cross was sliced passed the United keeper by Jagielka.
The third came after Eboue's cross was met by Henry on the far post who headed home with ease. Steve Kabba forced United best chance with a header from Kozluk's cross. Lehmann saved easily.
For the first time this season Arsenal got their just rewards from a thoroughly dominant display.
Good Stuff: Arsenal looked to attack with more pace than had been evident in the previous home games.
Bad Stuff: Sometimes a sense of urgency is lacking, but I guess Wenger preaches patience.
Noticeable: Rosicky and Gallas have slotted into the team seamlessly. Both great buys!
Star Man: Fabregas controlled the game.
| Arsenal | Stat | Sheffield Utd |
| 11 | Shots on Target | 4 |
| 3 | Shots off Target | 3 |
| 7 | Corners | 2 |
| 4 | Offsides | 2 |
| 11 | Fouls | 8 |
| 2 | Saves | 7 |
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 59% | Possession | 41% |
Arsenal (4-4-2): Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Gallas, Ljungberg (Baptista 78), Gilberto, Rosicky (Hleb 71), Fabregas, Henry, Adebayor (van Persie 71). Unused subs: Almunia, Flamini.
Sheffield United (4-4-2): Bennett, Armstrong, Davis, Geary (Kozluk 78), Leigertwood, Sommeil (Quinn 78), Wright, Gillespie, Jagielka, Hulse, Kazim-Richards (Kabba 89). Unused subs: Bromby, Akinbiyi.
Attendance: 59,912
