Undated: Arsenal beat Stoke City 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, as a goal in each half from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud condemned the Potters to defeat.
In truth the Gunners dominated proceedings and bar the brilliance of Jack Butland, it could have been a heavier defeat for the visitors. With the win Arsenal move up to third on 10 points, while Stoke have yet to win this season and are bottom of the table on two points.
The Gunners had an early chance to go ahead, but Alexis Sanchez’s header was tipped onto the post by Butland and Walcott was offside as he tapped the rebound wide. Sanchez hit the post again early on as his low shot hit the outside of the post and went wide. The Gunners were rampant.
Arsenal did go ahead in the 31st minute as Mesut Ozil picked up a loose ball inside his own half and launched a superb 40-yard ball which set Walcott free. The England international beat Marc Muniesa for pace and rounded Butland to make it 1-0.
In the second half Arsenal continued to pour forward but Stoke looked increasingly dangerous on the counter attack as first Xherdan Shaqiri stung the palms of Cech with a low shot at the near post, then Mame Diouf took a tumble in the box after a teasing cross from the right flank.
Butland made stops from Walcott and Ramsey , plus Ozil twice tried to sneak it by the England international. Despite pushing hard for an equalizer late on, Stoke left the Emirates empty-handed as they switched off at a set piece in the 85th minute.
Santi Cazorla whipped in a free kick to the near post and Giroud easily headed home to make it 2-0 and make it three wins from five games for Arsenal this season. (Agencies)
