Clinical strikes from Andrei Arshavin and substitute Aaron Ramsey helped Arsenal back to winning ways against a typically stubborn Stoke side to win 2-0 in their Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Arshavin put the hosts in front in the 26th minute with some exquisite close control to shuffle his way past Abdoulaye Faye and slot a crisp shot beyond Thomas Sorensen after a slick exchange with Cesc Fabregas on the edge of the Stoke box.
The match looked to be petering out poorly in a pretty drab second half, but substitute Aaron Ramsey lifted the mood once more and eased the anxiety around the Emirates with a composed finish, 11 minutes from time.
The margin of victory could have been considerably more handsome, but for some profligate finishing from the hosts, some heroic defending from Emmanuel Eboue on his opponent’s goal-line, and their skipper squandering a 21st-minute penalty.
Videos:
Arshavin goal:
Ramsey goal:
Fabregas Penalty miss:
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