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May 11, 2015 at 8pm UK
 
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Live Commentary: Arsenal 0-1 Swansea City - as it happened

Sports Mole brings you live text commentary of the Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at the Emirates.
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Swansea City boosted their hopes of qualifying for Europe by beating Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium this evening.

The Gunners dominated from the start, but they were unable to find a way past their former goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who made a number of important saves.

Bafetimbi Gomis scored the winner for the Swans with five minutes left to play, as he headed in from Jefferson Montero's cross.

Find out how the action unfolded below.


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Hello everyone! We've had another huge weekend of Premier League action and there's still one more game left to play in this round of fixtures, as Arsenal look to continue their fine run of form against Swansea City.

It's been a great couple of months for the Gunners, who have won nine of their previous 10 league games to book their spot in next season's Champions League. A win tonight would go a long way to securing a top-three finish, while they also have an FA Cup final to look forward to in just under three weeks.

Swansea have also enjoyed a very good spell recently and they have won four of their last six games. There is still a chance that they could snatch a European spot, with Southampton four points ahead of them in the table, but for that to happen they would have to produce a big display to win this evening.

Right, I think it's about time we checked out which players will be starting at the Emirates, as the team news has been announced.

ARSENAL XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud

SWANSEA XI: Fabianski, Rangel, Fernandez, Williams (capt), Taylor, Ki, Shelvey, Cork, Sigurdsson, Montero, Dyer

ARSENAL SUBS: Szczesny, Gibbs, Gabriel, Flamini, Wilshere, Rosicky, Walcott

SWANSEA SUBS: Tremmel, Richards, Britton, Grimes, Barrow, Emnes, Gomis

So, that's how our teams will be lining up this evening. Arsenal have named an unchanged lineup for the fifth Premier League match in a row for the first time since 1994. It does appear that this is the team that will be playing at Wembley later this month, and with everything going so well for the Gunners, there is no need for Arsene Wenger to change a winning formula.

Swansea, meanwhile, have made just one change to the starting XI that beat Stoke last weekend. Ki Sung-Yueng is the man who comes into the side to replace Nelson Oliveira, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

Let's take a closer look at each team, starting with tonight's hosts. The Gunners really are having a great time lately and their season looks to be heading towards a successful conclusion. It wasn't always easy for them though, as they were dumped out of the Champions League by Monaco in February and have been heavily criticised for defeats against the likes of Stoke and Tottenham.

Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal (R) celebrates with Francis Coquelin as he scores their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Hull City and Arsenal at KC Stadium on May 4, 2015© Getty Images


That defeat to Spurs was their last in the league and they are currently on a 10 game unbeaten run, with nine of those games ending in victories. It has seen them rise up to third in table and they could still end up in second place if they win all of their remaining games before the end of May.

Arsene Wenger's side have also won plaudits for their fine displays and last week against Hull was no exception. They produced a stunning first half to brush aside their opponents on their way to a 3-1 victory. Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla were unplayable at times and they probably could have scored even more goals if they didn't take their foot of the gas after the break.

Another win today would move them five points clear of Manchester United and put them in pole position to claim an automatic qualifying spot for the Champions League. With a trip to Old Trafford to come next weekend, they will be desperate to pick up the three points today and make sure of a place in the group stages.

Swansea may not have made as much noise as Arsenal have recently, but they have quietly gone about their business to solidify a position inside the top eight. They have beaten Newcastle and Stoke in their last two games and another victory today would be only the second time this season they have strung together three league wins in a row.

Swansea City's Portuguese striker Nelson Oliveira celebrates with teammates after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle and Swansea at St. James' Park stadium in Newcastle, north east England on April 25, 2015© Getty Images


There is still a slim chance that they could get into the Europa League, as they have closed to within four points of Southampton. It will be tough for them though, as they don't have an easy run in, with Manchester City to come next week, before an end of the season clash at Crystal Palace.

Garry Monk may not be too bothered if his side miss out on European qualification, as we have seen a number of teams struggle to cope with the added amount of games. The club were of course involved in the Europa League last season and they memorably claimed a 3-0 victory at Valencia in the group stages, before they were knocked out in the last 32 by Napoli.

No matter what happens to the Swans, they have already beaten their record Premier League points tally and they are on course to beat their highest-ever finish of ninth place. It is easy to forget that this is only Garry Monk's first full season in charge of the club and Arsene Wenger has actually said that it would be unfair if he wasn't named the manager of the year.

When these teams met earlier this season, it was Swansea who came away with the points. Alexis Sanchez had actually given Arsenal the lead just past the hour-mark, but Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bafetimbi Gomis struck in quick succession to claim the win for the Swans at the Liberty.

Swansea player Bafetimbi Gomis (c) heads the second Swansea goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Arsenal at Liberty Stadium on November.9, 2014


Since Swansea's promotion to the Premier League, they have fared well in their contests with the Gunners and have won three of their last eight meetings. Their record at the Emirates isn't too shabby either, as last season they came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw, while in December 2012 a late brace from Michu gave them a stunning 2-0 win.

PREDICTION: With both teams coming into tonight's match in good form, I think we will see an open and entertaining game of football. The Gunners have been scoring for fun recently, while Swansea are more than capable of getting a goal of their own. So, I'm going to tip this game finishing in a 3-2 win for the Gunners. Let's hope I haven't jinxed the match by talking about a high-scoring encounter!

We're around five minutes away from kick off, so if you haven't already, make sure you check out our video preview of tonight's match.


The players have just made their way out onto the pitch at a packed Emirates Stadium and we are now just moments away from the start of tonight's match!

KICKOFF! We are underway at the Emirates!

CHANCE! The Gunners have seen plenty of the ball in these opening minutes and they create the first chance of the match. A flowing team move sees Ramsey get in down the right and he stands up a cross that is met by Giroud in the box, but the Frenchman can only place his header onto the roof of the net.

As you would expect, Arsenal are in control and have dominated the possession. Swansea seem happy to let their opponents play it around in the midfield, before aiming to close them down whenever they try and get into the final third.

SHOT! First moment of danger from the Swans, as they steal the ball on the halfway line and get a number of players forward. The ball is eventually worked out wide to Rangel, who cuts inside and fires in a low strike towards the near post, but it is comfortably saved by Ospina.

We know that Shelvey is capable of producing the spectacular and the midfielder goes for goal from just inside the Arsenal half when he spots Ospina just off his line. His effort ends up going well over the bar, but this is a good spell in the match for the visitors.

Swansea could have a problem here, as Williams is down and receiving some treatment. He was stretching to try and tackle Giroud, but ended up bringing the striker down and hurt himself in the process.

Ozil steps up to take the resulting free kick, but it's a poor effort from the German, who hits it straight against Mertesacker. Sanchez will probably want to take the next effort, having scored from a set piece against Hull last week.

The Gunners are still enjoying plenty of possession, but they haven't been able to trouble Fabianski. Swansea are getting everyone back whenever Arsenal are on the ball and they are doing a good job of closing them down quickly and are giving them no time or space.

Shelvey has looked a real danger for the Swans and the midfielder steals the ball before driving to the edge of the box. He then shifts past a couple of challenges and fires in a low drive, but once again there is not enough power to seriously trouble the keeper.

It's just not happening for the Gunners at the moment and they are struggling to get in behind their opponents. They almost do manage to spring the organized Swansea defence, but Giroud is flagged offside after racing onto Ozil's delightful pass.

This really has been a committed display by the visitors and they have put in a great deal of effort. They are also going in with a couple of heavy challenges and Giroud is left on the floor after being caught from behind by Fernandez.

PENALTY APPEAL! Arsenal scream for a penalty when Sanchez appears to be dragged down inside the box by Taylor from a free kick. There did seem to be contact between the players, but probably not enough for the referee to give the spot kick.

Arsenal are still trying to play their way through the Swansea defence, but the visitors are still standing firm. Monk will be happy with how his players have performed so far, but the likes of Ozil and Sanchez only need a second and a yard of space to make the difference.

Almost a chance for the Gunners, as Giroud and Williams battle to meet Ozil's corner, with the ball dropping dangerously into the middle. However, before anyone can take advantage, the referee blows his whistle for a foul by the Arsenal striker.

YELLOW CARD! Shelvey picks up the first booking of the match for a lunging tackle on Sanchez.

Arsenal have just increased the pressure as we enter the last five minutes of the half, but they still can't squeeze the ball through, despite some neat play on the edge of their opponents' box.

SHOT! Giroud has cut a frustrated figure for Arsenal and he has a rare opening when he is found around 25 yards out from goal. He then swivels on the ball and fires in a strike, but it ends up heading well wide of the post.

There are going to be two minutes added on to the end of this first half.

SHOT! Right at the end of the half Swansea almost break the deadlock, as Montero steals the ball from Bellerin and drives forward. He reaches the edge of the box and then drills in a low strike, but it is just wide of the far post.

HALF-TIME: Arsenal 0-0 Swansea

So, it's half time at the Emirates and we're still yet to see a goal this evening. Arsenal have seen all of the ball, but they have been unable to find a way past a well-organized Swansea defence. I feel that I may have to take some of the blame, for predicting a goal fest just before the kick off!

Hector Bellerin of Arsenal and Jefferson Montero of Swansea City battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on May 11, 2015© Getty Images


I've mentioned that Arsenal have had a lot of the ball and they have managed to rack up 68% of the possession. They have had five shots on goal, but none of those have found the target. Meanwhile, Swansea have had six attempts, with two of those forcing Ospina into comfortable saves.

We haven't seen the best of Arsenal's creative players this evening, with Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil not causing too many problems in the attack. You really have to give a lot of credit to the Swans, who have worked so hard at the back and have stuck to their gameplan rigidly throughout the half.

I can tell you that the players have just made their way back out onto the pitch and we are now just a few moments away from the second half!

Swansea take the kick off and get us back underway!

The second half has started in very much the same vein as the opening 45 minutes, with Arsenal on the ball. There haven't been any changes made by either side yet, but if things stay the same then I'm sure we will see the manager's shuffle their packs.

The Gunners burst into life and Bellerin gets in down the right before driving a low ball across the box. Giroud throws himself at the cross, but Fernandez is there to make a vital clearance and puts it behind for a corner.

SHOT! It has opened up slightly and the Gunners get in behind when Giroud flicks a long ball into the path of Sanchez. The Chilean then shrugs off Fernandez and fires in a strike from a tight angle that ends up crashing into the side netting.

More good play from the Gunners, as Ramsey is slipped in down the left and shows great skill to get to the byline and past Cork. He then looks to whip a cross into the box for Giroud, but he gets the delivery all wrong and instead puts it straight out of play.

Arsenal aren't the only ones who are finding space down the flanks, as Shelvey shows good strength to drive past Bellerin on the right. The midfielder then drives in a dangerous low cross looking for Ki, but Ospina is quickly off his line to smother the ball.

SHOT! Half chance for Giroud, as he is found by Ozil inside the box after a good spell of pressure from the Gunners. He has to take the shot quickly and drills in a low effort, but it is straight at Fabianksi, who manages to hold on.

SUBSTITUTION: Swansea make their first change of the match, with Richards coming on for Angel.

CHANCE! Arsenal are looking far more threatening at the moment and Ramsey is picked out just inside the box, before shifting the ball past Fernandez and firing an effort into the side netting. They are getting closer, but they have still only managed just one attempt on target.

SHOT! Swansea really are coming under some intense pressure now and they are being pegged back inside their own box. This time, after they repel a number of crosses from the Gunners, the ball breaks kindly to Cazorla, who drives in a low effort that is saved by Fabianski and the keeper does well not to palm it into the direction of Giroud.

SUBSTITUTION: Arsenal are going to make their first sub of the evening, as Coquelin heads off to be replaced by Wilshere.

SUBSTITUTION: It's another change for the Gunners, with Walcott coming on to replace Giroud.

Walcott almost makes an immediate impact as he is picked out inside the box by Bellerin's low cross, but he can only make the slightest contact with the ball to poke it straight into the hands of Fabianksi.

SUBSTITUTION: Gomis is coming on for the Swans, with Ki heading to the bench. The Frenchman scored the winner as a late substitute against Arsenal earlier this season.

SAVE! Monreal is the latest Arsenal player to try his luck as he latches onto Sanchez's pass down the left-hand side of the box. He then drills in a low shot from a tight angle, but Fabianski gets down at his near post to turn the ball behind.

SAVE! Swansea are hanging on and if they do get a point then they will have their keeper to thank. They allow the ball to squirm through to Sanchez, who fires in a low effort that is palmed away by the keeper, before he gets up quickly to save Walcott's follow up.

SAVE! Once again Fabianksi stops his team from falling behind, as he makes another smart stop to block Cazorla's strike. He received plenty of criticism during his time at Arsenal, but he is enjoying a fine night at the Emirates.

SUBSTITUTION: Final change for the visitors, with Barrow replacing Dyer.

There is just no respite for Swansea at the moment and as soon as they hammer the ball clear, it is coming straight back at them. A point now really would be a great achievement, but there is still a lot more defending for them to do, as Arsenal desperately search for a winner.

GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Swansea (Bafetimbi Gomis)

Out of absolutely nothing, Swansea take the lead and Arsenal's unbeaten run looks like coming to an end. Montero gets in down the left and stands up a cross to the back post that is headed goalwards by Gomis. It looks as if Ospina has pulled off a great save to get it clear, but the ball had actually gone in, as confirmed by the goalline technology.

That goal really has stunned the Emirates and there seemed to be no indication of a Swansea winner. They were being put under so much pressure, but now they are heading towards a double over Arsenal, unless there is more late drama.

There are going to be four minutes of stoppage. Will it be enough for Arsenal to salvage something from this match?

Arsenal are still pushing for an equalsier, but it just isn't happening for them. Wilshere has got to the byline down the left and whipped in a couple of very decent low crosses, but on both occasions Fabianski has bravely claimed.

FULL-TIME: Arsenal 0-1 Swansea

It's all over at the Emirates and Swansea have pulled off a shock by beating Arsenal. Bafetimbi Gomis scored the winner for the visitors for the second time this season against the Gunners to end their 10-match unbeaten league run.

Bafetibis Gomis of Swansea City celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on May 11, 2015© Getty Images


That's all we've got time for here, after a surprise result in North London. I'll be back soon to bring you analysis and player ratings from the match, so stay tuned for that. Until then, goodbye!

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Swansea player Bafetimbi Gomis (c) heads the second Swansea goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Arsenal at Liberty Stadium on November.9, 2014
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