Arsenal… Title contenders? Who would have thought it? Despite a disastrous start against Aston Villa, four games into the Premier League season the Gunners are perched near the top and there is renewed optimism around the club. Today they have the opportunity to fly to the summit as they welcome Stoke to North London. Welcome to live coverage of Sunday’s clash at the Emirates.
Premier League / Matchday 5
Emirates Stadium / 22.09.2013
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- A. Ramsey(5')
- P. Mertesacker(36')
- B. Sagna(72')
- G. Cameron(26')
Live
Live Updates
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Updated 22/09/2013 at 14:25 GMT
- All
- Highlights
90+4'
Giroud attempts a wild bicycle kick in a desperate attempt to get himself on the scoresheet. That will be that. Huge cheers greet the final whistle. Arsenal win 3-1.
90+3'
Ramsey breaks through down the right and flashes a shot over the bar. Think Begovic got a touch on that...
90+2'
"Ole, ole, ole" greets a succession of Arsenal passes. Has there ever been a football match when the home team is comfortably ahead and their fans don't start cheering simple five yard passes?
90+1'
Ireland hauls down Arteta to earn himself a yellow card. Only the second caution of the game.
90'
The board goes up to signal four minutes of injury time.
89'
Stoke look pretty deflated as they knock the ball about with little purpose. They haven't played badly at all but have strangely conceded from three set-pieces. That's not the Stoke way.
88'
Arsenal back on the ball once more and using it nicely down the left with Arteta and Monreal linking up.
87'
Walters is penalised for a push inside the area. Doesn't matter as the ball fell to Ireland who lashed high over the crossbar.
86'
Ireland tries to send Walters through on goal with a ball over the top. Szczesny saunters off his line to clasp the bouncing ball.
85'
Five minutes to go. Arsenal are going top of the Premier League. Hands up who thought that possible after their opening day defeat to Villa... I thought not.
84'
Slight lull as Szczesny takes his time over a free-kick.
83'
More Stoke pressure but they just can't get through. Aside from the goal, it's been a pretty solid job from Arsenal at the back.
82'
Pennant's misplaced through ball draws a chorus of cheers from the home fans.
81'
Unfortunately for Bendtner fans, Arsenal have used all three of their substitutions. So unless they sneak him on illegally we won't be seeing him today.
80'
A standing ovation for Ozil who played a crucial role in all three goals. A huge cheer for Arteta, too, as he jogs on to join the party.
79'
Stoke win a free-kick but it's overhit and Arsenal have a goalkick. Mikel Arteta about to make an appearance...
78'
Stoke have responded well to going two goals behind but they are lacking a cutting edge in attack. It's too easy for Mertesacker and co.
77'
Walters forces another corner and Shawcross gets his head to the second set piece. Goes wide.
76'
Wilson is challenged by Miyachi who concedes a corner. It's Pennant to take... He gets a mixed reception from the Arsenal fans.
75'
On comes Jermaine Pennant for the visitors with Jones making way.