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')
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Updated 22/09/2013 at 14:25 GMT
54'
Gnabry, probably slightly shaken up, gets to the byline but can't find a red shirt.
53'
Gnabry is flattened by Robert Huth. Awful challenge. But Arsenal play the advantage as the ball breaks to Giroud. Ozil runs beyond him, but the striker lashes a shot at goal. Turned over by Begovic.
52'
Ozil... Wilshere... Sagna... Gnabry... Ramsey... Gibbs... Is this going to be the ultimate team goal? No, Gibbs ruins the move with a sloppy ball over the top.
51'
Stoke looking a touch more adventurous in this second half. Adam blasts a cross into the chest of Sagna and wins a throw.
50'
Ramsey lofts a delightful pass towards Giroud. Wilshere is in loads of space to his right, but the Frenchman's first-time lay-off is dreadful.
49'
Gnabry shows good strength to outmuscle Pieters and win the ball back for Arsenal. He cuts inside and unleashes a left-footed strike at goal. Well held by Begovic.
48'
Untidy start to the second half with both sides struggling to hold onto the ball.
47'
If anything, the jeers have got louder for Shawcross. Football fans don't forget.
46'
The second half is underway!
45+3'
Mike Dean brings the first half to a close to rapturous applause from the stands. See you in 15.
45+2'
Giroud, with his back to goal, rolls his marker. His shot on the turn is blocked.
45+1'
The fourth official signals three added minutes.
45'
Good news as both players are up and moving. With half-time just moments away, both have 15 minutes to nurse their headaches.
44'
Mike Dean blows his whistle urgently as Mertesacker and Jones clash heads.
43'
Ozil throws in a cheeky stepover which fools Wilson completely. Unfortuantely for Arsenal, his cutback evades all the red shirts in the area.
42'
Flamini plays a sweeping diagonal out towards Gnabry who stands his ground and wins a free-kick after Eric Pieters tries to swap shirts before half-time.
41'
The linesman's flag shoots up high as Giroud strays into an offside position.
40'
Begovic's clerance finds Gnabry. The youngster finds Ozil, who has drifted to the right wing, before receiving the ball back from the former-Madrid man. He can't keep his shot down though.
39'
Mark Hughes' expression is now pretty concerned. His arms are up by his sides as a hopeful punt down field finds no one.
38'
Giroud... Wilshere... Giroud is in! Begovic anticipates the danger and dives at the striker's feet to gather the ball.
37'
The home section of the stadium, which is most of it, is a happy place once more.