Arsenal Win Ugly 1-0

Arsenal came into their game against Stoke City with a dire need for three points. And after toiling away for over 70 minutes with no return, that's exactly what they got. It was a tough 1-0 victory at the Emirates that pushed them closer to Everton and Chelsea and kept them four points behind Tottenham (who won 1-0 at West Brom). Podolski was the hero, with his 78th minute deflected free kick the difference. He and Cazorla came off the bench in the 68th minute and ignited the spark that led to the goal. While Arsenal dominated the action for most of the game, they were having trouble getting it past Begovic, who made a number of fine saves including two against Ox in the first half. 

Stoke didn't push forward often and rarely created a real chance, but it was a decent defensive performance for the much maligned back four, particularly Nacho Monreal, who stood up to the most physical team in the EPL with relative aplomb. While I have loved the play of Gibbs this year, Monreal looks a more solid player from front to back and may be able to put in more dangerous crosses to help Giroud's confidence, and goal count, continue to rise. And Walcott had another fine game that only missed a goal, though he did have a couple of half chances he couldn't quite pull off against a team that played at least 9 back most of the game. It was a key win for the Gunners that might restore a little confidence at home, where they have clearly lacked it this year (with a