The Gunners tormented a strangely listless Stoke to come away with three points and an outside chance for a top four finish. Stoke had some moments, but they were few, and the only one they made count was when Peter Crouch blatantly handed a cross past Cech. By that time it was 2-0 Arsenal due to some incisive passing and clueless defending. Coquelin slipped Bellerin behind the defense, and he crossed for an easy Giroud tap-in at around 40 minutes. Early in the second half, Alexis hit a charging Ozil in stride and two perfect touches later the ball hit the back of the net as a despairing Jack Butland watched from the ground. After Crouch's "goal" Alexis drove towards goal and uncorked a hard shot into the lower left corner, and Giroud got his second as substitute Ramsey cut back and the Frenchman launched himself at the ball and left-footed it past Butland.
Every Gunner looked good, but much of that was due to Stoke's poor play. They gave us space to make passes, opting to pack the 18 yard box and try to block shots. But they didn't get that right either. Even Coquelin looked like an offensive threat; Monreal could have had two goals in the first 15 minutes. (He hit the post with a header and fumbled a great opportunity across the endline.) If today's game with Swansea was any indication, Sunderland won't be strong opposition mid-week. I hope Everton has already gone on vacation as well by next Sunday, and Liverpool catches the Spursiness that Tottenham seems to have shaken.
Wizards force Game 7 with a game-winning three from John Wall. Fiorentina beats Lazio 3-2 in a meaningless (for the standings) game.
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