Stoke City 1-3 Arsenal: Arsenal's Late Winner Marred By Ramsey Injury

As expected away game at Stoke was a gruelling one, both mentally and physically.

Arsene Wenger had to deal with a few injury problems to regular starters, as a result Aaron Ramsey got another game to showcase his talent, also Emmanuel Eboue was rewarded for some stunning performances of late with a starting berth on the right flank.

Stoke got off to a flying start and created a few half chances in the opening few minutes. Arsenal looked shaky and that was a nervy start.

Soon after, Arsenal stumbled after being pressurized and conceded on the eighth minute.
Rory Delap's long throw-in did the trick. Even before the game has kicked-off, there were plenty of talks about Delap's "cannonballs" and he did exactly what was expected of him. Delap swirled in a flat throw from the right side which was met by Ryan shawcross only to flick it towards the far corner.

But, Danny Pugh was alert to the situation and he scrunched down to head the ball back into the net.

After going one-nil up, Stoke started playing deep. They actually allowed Arsenal to come at them and waited for the right time to break.

Arsenal slowly started finding their feet and threatened at the Stoke goalmouth with some quick passing.

However, Rory the "Cannon" was a constant threat with his long-throw ins. Arsenal were struggling to deal with his flat and strong darts.

Cesc Fabregas afterwards fired a shot from far-away out, although his shot went wide, Sorensen deflected it out for a corner.

Long spell of Arsenal possession was finally rewarded with a goal, thanks to Nicklas Bendtner's header from a dipping Fabregas cross after the half-hour mark. Fabregas floated in an inch-perfect cross from the right for Bendtner to exhibit his wonderful heading prowess.

After levelling the game, Arsenal continued to keep possession, but little were created to test Stoke keeper Sorensen.

After the half-time, Arsenal continued their dominating passing game with plenty of possession.

Later, Ramsey was brought down in the penalty box by Abdoulaye Faye, but referee was not interested in listening to Arsenal's penalty shouts. For a moment, I thought it was a penalty.

Meanwhile, Stoke terrorised Arsenal's defence with three corners on the trot, but the away team defended well.

After the hour mark, Eboue tried his luck from range only to see Sorensen diving to push it over the bar.

Alex Song later collected his 10th yellow card of the season for obstructing Delap that means Song will miss next two League games.

Most devastating moment of the game came after 65 minutes. A frightful tackle by Shawcross broke Ramsey's right leg. Terrible sight! Eduardo's injury is the first thing coming to my mind after watching the replays. One of the worst challenges you will ever see. Ramsey was carried off on a stretcher and Shawcross was sent off for his malicious challenge. First impression suggest that Ramsey will be out for a long period.

Injured Ramsey was taken off and replaced with Thomas Rosicky. Arsenal were having plenty of possession but not creating enough to take the lead. Perhaps, that horrible injury was back on the minds of players and understandably so.

Eduardo and Theo Walcott came on for the final 10 minutes in place of Samir Nasri and Eboue respectively, to push on for a win

Eduardo then missed a clear chance to score from close range. He chested the ball down only to fire the ball wide of the post.

Arsenal were running riot at the Stoke defense in the final few minutes. Eventually, Arsenal's persistence was rewarded with a penalty on the 90th minute.

Hard-working Bendtner's pass was handled by Pugh and Fabregas scored from the spot to give Arsenal an all important lead in the closing stages of the game.

Seven minutes were added on after the normal time. On the 95th minute, Arsenal increased the lead. This time from a corner. Rosicky's low drive was finely saved by Stoke goalie but Fabregas followed up to square the ball from rebound for Vermaelen to score.

Arsenal's tenacity was rewarded with a 3-1 victory over Stoke, who were unbeaten in 2010 before this game.

Chelsea dropped another three points and this Arsenal win opens wide the floodgate for a close title finish. The Gunners are surely back on track, but starlet Ramsey's injury is unfortunate. All we can do is hope and pray for his early return. Curse you Shawcross.