Emirates Stadium @ 15:00

I fancy a good result today. Stoke have only won 2 of their last 10 PL games, and have a terrible record against us at home, with us beating them in all 10 previous home games (in all competitions). Last home defeat was in 1981.

Stoke will defend well but I doubt very much that they will venture forward and give it a go like a lot of other sides have done, which will take the pressure off our defense. Vermaelen possibly sitting this one out and Mert-Kos should be comfortable. Bit worried if Santos plays, but don't expect Stoke to put much pressure on him. Would be nice to see Nacho Monreal given a run out

If we move the ball around like we have been doing the past few games I can see us winning by a large margin - 4-0 to the Arsenal.

Am I the only one watching this game?

Fantastic half from the lads so far. Applying constant pressure. Our movement up front has been very, very good. Walcott and Chamberlain offering good outlets and a good foil for Giroud to lay off to. Wilshere seems inspired as always and Arteta and Diaby have been good in the middle.

I have to commend the energy and work rate being shown.

We could have been 1 or 2 up if not for good saves from Begovic. Good half.

Tuned in from 25mins on and we could easily be out of sight, barring some solid saves from an excellent stickman in Begovic, and Giroud for some reason deciding not to head on goal.

Another 45mins like that will seal the deal.

Diaby's sheer size and ability is taking apart the Stoke midfield and ability to retain possession.

How's Monreal?

I was just thinking he doesn't seem to show any of the attacking bent that he has in his repertoire, but he's just played a one two with Chamberlain and stood up a superb cross from the byline. After years of watching Gael Clichy shit the bed in the final third, that was more like a Leighton Baines delivery.

He has been solid. Kept it very simple, but he's probably wanting just not to make an error on his debut.

Hasn't got much to do so far. But looks good positionally, produced one good cross to Giroud and came out on top after clashing heads with Walters.

I've been watching it all, should definitely be at least a goal up. Anywhere but where Chamberlain put his effort inside the 6 yard box and it would be. Encouraging performance but we need a goal.

I suppose being his first game he's trying to keep it simple.

Podolski and Cazorla coming on for Chamberlain and Diaby.

20mins remaining and I'm confident we will crack Stoke, even if it takes until the last minute.

We've only really created two clear cut chances though. Hope you're right mind.

Not sure what the lineo was fussing about there? 1-0 Good timing with the above post of mine Even if it was very fortuitous.

...

I guess we cracked them.

Cazorla should have made it 2.

There it comes. Podolski freekick which deflects in, and it is deserved, despite the fact we haven't been as offensively sharp in this second half.

Wilshere acting like a tool with Michael Owen late in the game. WHY?!

On the plus side Sissoko has just scored a later winner v Newcastle.