2009–10 Arsenal F.C. season

{{see also|2008–09 Arsenal F.C. season}}

Arsenal made one outfield signing during the summer, defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax in a deal estimated at £10 million.{{cite news |first=John |last=Ley |title=Arsene Wenger releases eight Arsenal players |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/5698642/Arsene-Wenger-releases-eight-Arsenal-players.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=30 June 2009 |access-date=20 April 2019}} Several players were let go, including Amaury Bischoff who joined in 2008 and played the majority of his football in the reserves and Rui Fonte. Striker Emmanuel Adebayor was sold to Manchester City for a fee of £25 million and Kolo Touré soon joined him, ending a seven-year association with Arsenal. His former teammate Sol Campbell rejoined the club during the winter transfer window, having been a free agent.{{cite news |title=Sol Campbell completes shock return to Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8455133.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 January 2010 |access-date=20 April 2019}} Wenger, who signed him to bolster the squad's defensive options, said: "He has a fantastic attitude and good fitness. Of course he is not the youngest but he is in a very good shape. He can still play in the Premier League. He is important in the dressing room as well. He's positive with the young players."

A number of players were loaned out during the season for game time and career development. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny joined Brentford in November 2009 and stayed their for the remainder of the season, while in the January window Jack Wilshere and Philippe Senderos moved to Bolton Wanderers and Everton respectively.

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 18 July 2009

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Barnet

|score = 2–2

|report = [https://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/pre-season-barnet-2-2-arsenal-report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Yakubu {{goal|45}}
Charles {{goal|83}}

|goals2 = {{goal|43}} Arshavin
{{goal|51}} Barazite

|location = Barnet

|stadium = Underhill Stadium

|attendance = 5,099

|referee =

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 21 July 2009

|time = 18:30 CEST

|team1 = SC Columbia {{flagicon|AUT}}

|score = 1–7

|report = [https://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/pre-season-friendly-sc-columbia-1-7-arsenal Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Lehner {{goal|35}}

|goals2 = {{goal|36||44}} Bendtner
{{goal|39||83}} Ramsey
{{goal|56|pen.|73}} Van Persie
{{goal|77}} Gallas

|location = Columbiaplatz

|stadium = Schwarzlackenau Stadium

|attendance = 6,900

|referee =

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 27 July 2009

|time = 19:00 CEST

|team1 = Szombathelyi Haladás {{flagicon|HUN}}

|score = 0–5

|report = [https://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/friendly-szombathelyi-0-6-arsenal-report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 =

|goals2 = {{goal|17||43}} Bendtner
{{goal|24||40}} Eduardo
{{goal|66|pen.}} Van Persie

|location = Szombathely

|stadium = Rohonci Street Stadium

|attendance = 12,500

|referee =

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 29 July 2009

|time = 19:00 CEST

|team1 = Hannover 96 {{flagicon|GER}}

|score = 0–1

|report = https://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/hannover-96-0-1-arsenal-match-report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Balitsch {{yel}}
Haggui {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{goal|8}} Fàbregas
{{yel}} Bendtner
{{yel}} Van Persie
{{yel}} Sagna

|location = Hanover

|stadium = AWD-Arena

|attendance = 31,412

|referee =

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Emirates Cup

|date = 1 August 2009

|time = 16:15 BST

|team1 = Arsenal {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 2–1

|report = [https://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/arsenal-2-1-atletico-madrid-match-report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ESP}} Atlético Madrid

|goals1 = Arshavin {{goal|86||90}}

|goals2 = {{yel|29}} Juanito
{{yel|44}} Ujfaluši
{{goal|88}} Pacheco

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 54,224

|referee = Mark Clattenburg

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Emirates Cup

|date = 2 August 2009

|time = 16:15 BST

|team1 = Arsenal {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 3–0

|report = [https://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/arsenal-3-0-rangers-match-report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|SCO}} Rangers

|goals1 = Wilshere {{goal|2||72}}
Eduardo {{goal|11}}

|goals2 = {{yel|50}} McCulloch

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 56,758

|referee = Mike Dean

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 8 August 2009

|time = 21:30 CEST

|team1 = Valencia {{flagicon|ESP}}

|score = 2–0

|report = [https://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/valencia-2-0-arsenal-match-report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Míchel {{goal|75}}
Villa {{goal|90}}

|goals2 =

|location = Valencia

|stadium = Mestalla Stadium

|attendance = 55,000

|referee =

|result = L

}}

{{see also|2009–10 Premier League}}

A total of 20 teams competed in the Premier League in the 2009–10 season. Each team played 38 matches; two against every other team and one match at each club's stadium. Three points were awarded for each win, one point per draw, and none for defeats. At the end of the season the top three teams qualified for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League; the team in fourth needed to play a qualifier.{{cite news |url=http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/News/publications/handbooks/premier-league-handbook-2009-10.pdf |title=Premier League Handbook – Season 2009/10 |publisher=Premier League |date=3 October 2009 |access-date=24 December 2013 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924092519/http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/News/publications/handbooks/premier-league-handbook-2009-10.pdf |url-status=dead }}

The provisional fixture list was released on 17 June 2009, but was subject to change in the event of clashes with other competitions, inclement weather, or matches being selected for television coverage.{{cite news |title=Draft 09/10 Barclays Premier League fixtures |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/draft-2009/10-premier-league-fixture-list |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=17 June 2009 |access-date=24 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103917/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/draft-2009/10-premier-league-fixture-list |archive-date=24 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}

File:Emmanuel Adebayor (cropped).jpg scored against Arsenal and reacted by celebrating in front of the visiting supporters.]]

The league campaign began for Arsenal with a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on 15 August 2009. Denílson scored the opening goal four minutes before the half-hour and Vermaelen doubled Arsenal's lead, heading the ball in from a Robin van Persie cross.{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Lovejoy |title=Cesc Fábregas takes two to seal Arsenal rout at sorry Everton |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/15/premier-league-everton-arsenal |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=15 August 2009 |access-date=17 April 2019}} Everton's failure to mark Gallas brought about the visitors' third just before the break. Fàbregas scored two goals in the second half and substitute Eduardo added Arsenal's sixth, before Saha scored for Everton in stoppage time. The game marked Vermaelen's league debut and the player was described by The Guardian's match correspondent Andy Hunter as "comfortably the finest defender on display," having limited his counterpart Marouane Fellaini to so few chances while "anticipating danger expertly".{{cite news |first=Andy |last=Hunter |title=Unsettled Joleon Lescott strikes at the heart of Everton's unity |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/16/everton-arsenal-match-report |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=16 August 2009 |access-date=17 April 2019}} The following week Abou Diaby scored two goals as Arsenal beat Portsmouth 4–1.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 4–1 Portsmouth |first=David |last=Ornstein |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8209326.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 August 2009 |access-date=15 January 2014}} Arsenal then travelled to play the incumbent champions Manchester United at Old Trafford. Arshavin's goal in the 40th minute gave Arsenal the lead, but Manuel Almunia conceded a penalty in the second half, as he adjusted to have fouled striker Wayne Rooney in the penalty box.{{cite news |first=Duncan |last=White |title=Manchester United 2 Arsenal 1: match report |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/6106158/Manchester-United-2-Arsenal-1-match-report.html |newspaper=The Sunday Telegraph |location=London |date=30 August 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} Rooney converted the spot kick to level the scoreline, before Diaby headed the ball into his own net from a United free-kick. Late on, Wenger was sent to the stands for kicking a water bottle after Van Persie's equaliser was correctly disallowed. He felt the defeat was an "undeserved" one, going further to criticise his opponents' tactics: "I have seen a player make 20 fouls without getting a yellow card. If you have seen the game, you don't need me to tell you who but their player gets away without a yellow card. It's quite amazing."{{cite news |title=Wenger fury at 'repeated fouls' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8229064.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 August 2009 |access-date=24 December 2013}}

Arsenal did not play another game for a fortnight because of the international football break. On the resumption of club football, they faced Manchester City. At the City of Manchester Stadium, Arsenal lost for the second league match in succession, this time by a two-goal margin.{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Ogden |title=Manchester City 4 Arsenal 2: match report |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/6174074/Manchester-City-4-Arsenal-2-match-report.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=12 September 2009 |access-date=17 April 2019}} Adebayor scored against his former club and caused controversy by running towards the Arsenal section and celebrating in front of them.{{cite news |first=Emily |last=Benammar |title=Emmanuel Adebayor insists Arsenal fans' abuse justifies his goal celebration |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/6204477/Emmanuel-Adebayor-insists-Arsenal-fans-abuse-justifies-his-goal-celebration.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=18 September 2009 |access-date=17 April 2019}} Television replays also caught the striker attempting to stamp Van Persie's face.{{cite news |first=Jeremy |last=Wilson |title=Arsenal captain Cesc Fàbregas accuses Emmanuel Adebayor over stamping |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/6202874/Arsenal-captain-Cesc-Fabregas-accuses-Emmanuel-Adebayor-over-stamp-on-him.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=18 September 2009 |access-date=17 April 2019}} At home, Arsenal responded with a 4–0 win against Wigan Athletic and a single Van Persie's goal was enough to beat Fulham away in the team's final match of September.{{cite news |first=David |last=Lacey |title=Arsenal's failings persist as Emirates says sorry to Emmanuel Eboué |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/sep/21/arsenal-wigan-athletic-emmanuel-eboue |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=21 September 2009 |access-date=17 April 2019}}{{cite news |first=Alyson |last=Rudd |title=Vito Mannone's heroics earn victory for Arsenal |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/vito-mannones-heroics-earn-victory-for-arsenal-26bfbhdcrvk |newspaper=The Times |date=28 September 2009 |access-date=17 April 2019}} {{subscription required}} Vito Mannone's performance at Craven Cottage was praised; he stood in for the injured Almunia. After six games, Arsenal garnered 12 points and stood in fifth position, having played a game less than each of the teams occupying the top four.{{cite news |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |title=Fulham 0–1 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8270588.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 September 2009 |access-date=17 April 2019}}

The visit of Blackburn Rovers to the Emirates Stadium in early October coincided with the start of Wenger's 13th year at the club.{{cite news |first=Ian |last=Hughes |title=Arsenal 6–2 Blackburn |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8280477.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 October 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} Six different players (Vermaelen, Van Persie, Arshavin, Fàbregas, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner) scored in the team's 6–2 win. Arsenal defeated Birmingham City 3–1 at home before conceding twice away to West Ham United on 25 October 2009 to draw.{{cite news |first=Russell |last=Kempson |title=Alessandro Diamanti makes Arsenal pay penalty |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/alessandro-diamanti-makes-arsenal-pay-penalty-l6gvncddzxk |newspaper=The Times |date=25 October 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} {{subscription required}} Arsenal's final game of October was a North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Van Persie scored the opening goal in the 42nd minute, before Fàbregas added a second immediately – he won the ball straight from the kick-off and went past Tottenham's static defence, before shooting past Heurelho Gomes.{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Arsenal 3–0 Tottenham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8330353.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 October 2009 |access-date=17 April 2019}} Van Persie scored Arsenal's third in the second half and the 3–0 win moved Arsenal into third position, five points behind Chelsea in first who played a game more.

File:Aaron Ramsey Stoke City FC V Arsenal.jpg made his breakthrough into the first eleven for Arsenal during the 2009–10 season.]]

Arsenal's first fixture of November was against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux Stadium. The team moved into second place as a result of a 4–1 win.{{cite news |first=Ian |last=Hughes |title=Wolverhampton 1–4 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8344200.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 November 2009 |access-date=17 April 2019}} Wenger was sceptical of whether his team could reach a century of goals in the league, but was overjoyed at Arsenal's goal tally of 36 in 11 league matches: "[It] shows that the way we play football, the way we are organised and the way we go forward suits our players."{{cite news |first=Stuart |last=James |title=Arsenal's four-goal haul against Wolves leaves Wenger eyeing record|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/nov/09/wolverhampton-wanderers-arsenal-premier-league |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=9 November 2009 |access-date=16 September 2017}} Following the international football break, Arsenal played Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Eduardo deputised for Van Persie, who injured himself whilst playing for the Netherlands. Darren Bent's goal in the 71st minute won the match for Sunderland, who became the first team to prevent Arsenal from scoring in a league match.{{cite news |first=Ian |last=Hughes |title=Sunderland 1–0 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8364367.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 November 2009 |access-date=13 April 2019}} Manchester United's defeat of Everton moved Arsenal down into third position in the league table, three points ahead. At home to league leaders Chelsea on 29 November 2009, Arsenal lost 3–0; striker Didier Drogba scored two goals in either interval of the game. When asked if Arsenal's title chances were over, Wenger replied, "It is not over and I believe, on what I have seen of Chelsea, that the team can drop points."{{cite news |first=Mikey |last=Stafford |title=Carlo Ancelotti dismisses Arsène Wenger's gloomy Chelsea prediction |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/31/carlo-ancelotti-arsene-wenger-spat |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=4 January 2010 |access-date=27 September 2017}}

December saw Arsenal win five out of six league matches. Arshavin and Aaron Ramsey each scored against Stoke City at home, and the team came from behind to beat Liverpool at Anfield – a ground where they were winless in five years.{{cite news |title=Arsenal inflict more misery on Liverpool

|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/arsenal-inflict-more-misery-liverpool |magazine=FourFourTwo |date=13 December 2009 |access-date=18 April 2019}} The victory was attributed to Wenger's half-time team talk where he uncharacteristically shouted at his players and told them they were "not fit to wear the shirt" after a poor first-half performance.{{cite news |title=Arsène Wenger admits team-talk at Liverpool could have backfired |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/16/arsene-wenger-team-talk-liverpool-arsenal |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=16 December 2009 |access-date=26 September 2017}} "Of course it can always go the other way and you can lose 6–1. Then it's a crisis; it is like that." he told reporters. Arsenal were then held to a 1–1 draw at Burnley which meant they remained in third spot, with the gap between themselves and Chelsea ever increasing.{{cite news |first=James |last=Ducker |title=Arsenal draw adds insult to injury for Cesc Fabregas |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/arsenal-draw-adds-insult-to-injury-for-cesc-fabregas-whthgndwp2m |newspaper=The Times |date=17 December 2009 |access-date=18 April 2019}} {{subscription required}} The team returned to winning ways at home to Hull City as Denílson, Eduardo and Diaby got on the scoresheet in a 3–0 victory.{{cite news |first=Mikey |last=Stafford |title=Not even three points can help Arsenal through their pain barrier |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/21/premier-league-arsenal-hull-city |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=21 December 2009 |access-date=14 June 2019}} A day after Boxing Day, Arsenal beat Aston Villa by the same scoreline; Fàbregas came off the substitutes' bench and scored twice.{{cite news |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |title=Arsenal 3–0 Aston Villa |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8423583.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 December 2009 |access-date=27 September 2017}} The Arsenal captain however injured himself in the closing stages of the match and was ruled out for their next game, away to Portsmouth. Nevertheless, the team recorded a 4–1 victory to move four points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand.{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Hughes |title=Impressive Arsenal add to Portsmouth misery with effortless victory |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/impressive-arsenal-add-to-portsmouth-misery-with-effortless-victory-g8wmstklkk2 |newspaper=The Times |date=31 December 2009 |access-date=26 April 2019}} {{subscription required}}

Tomáš Rosický scored in stoppage time to deny Everton their first win at Arsenal in 14 years. The match, which saw the visitors lead twice, was played in cold conditions as a result of the "Big Freeze". Arsenal then faced Bolton Wanderers back-to-back; the home fixture was originally called off on 6 January 2010 due to heavy snow.{{cite news |title=Arsenal P–P Bolton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8440005.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 January 2010 |access-date=13 April 2019}} At the Reebok Stadium, goals from Fàbregas and Fran Mérida saw the visitors to victory in what was Owen Coyle's first game in charge of Bolton.{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |title=Bolton 0–2 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8454216.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2010 |access-date=13 April 2019}} In the reverse fixture three days later Arsenal won again to go back in first spot, this time coming back from two goals down to win 4–2.{{cite news |first=Dominic |last=Fifield |title=Andrey Arshavin takes Arsenal top after fightback against Bolton |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jan/20/arsenal-bolton-premier-league-report |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=20 January 2010 |access-date=26 September 2017}} Their stay at the top of the table was brief and moved back down to third, after they were held to a goalless stalemate against Aston Villa in the midweek round, while Chelsea beat Birmingham.{{cite news |first=David |last=Ornstein |title=Aston Villa 0–0 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8473143.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2010 |access-date=13 April 2019}} Arsenal's best chances in the match came in the first half; Fàbregas and Rosicky both had efforts hit the post and crossbar respectively.

The end of January brought the visit of Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium. Wenger described the game as an opportunity for Arsenal to prove they were "mentally prepared" to compete in the title race, but his team were outclassed by the visitors which prompted boos from the home support at the final whistle.{{cite news |first=Dominic |last=Fifield |title=Arsène Wenger goes public with criticism of Arsenal's frailties |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jan/31/arsenal-arsene-wenger-manchester-united |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=31 January 2010 |access-date=14 April 2019}} Nani opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark and was involved in the counter-attack that led to the second goal four minutes later, finished off by Rooney.{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Arsenal 1–3 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8473143.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2010 |access-date=13 April 2019}} Park Ji-sung added a third for United in the second half, before Vermaelen scored late on to make the scoreline 3–1. The defeat left Arsenal still in third with 14 games remaining, five points behind leaders Chelsea.

Arsenal's poor form against the title challengers continued: at Stamford Bridge they were unable to get the better of a Chelsea side that powered into a 2–0 lead in the first half-hour.{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |title=Chelsea's Didier Drogba devastates brittle Arsenal at the Bridge |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/feb/07/chelsea-arsenal-premier-league |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=7 February 2010 |access-date=11 May 2019}} Drogba opened the scoring in the eighth minute when John Terry headed the ball across the face of goal and he tapped in at the far post. The striker scored his second of the game from a counter-attack. In his match report for The Guardian, Kevin McCarra opined that Arsenal were "strangled by stereotype" and a second successive defeat put end to their title bid. Wenger downplayed the defeat, and told reporters "we didn't get a demonstration of football but they were efficient;” his comments on possession irked Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack.{{cite news |first=Jim |last=Van Wijk |title=Wenger refuses to give up Arsenal title hopes |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-refuses-to-give-up-arsenal-title-hopes-1892752.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-refuses-to-give-up-arsenal-title-hopes-1892752.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=8 February 2010 |access-date=11 May 2019}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |title=Arsene Wenger blames media for Michael Ballack row |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/8505270.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 February 2010 |access-date=11 May 2019}} Arsenal returned to winning ways in midweek with a narrow victory against Liverpool and then scored twice to beat Sunderland.{{cite news |first=Henry |last=Winter |title=Arsenal 1 Liverpool 0: match report |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/7206628/Arsenal-1-Liverpool-0-match-report.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=11 February 2010 |access-date=12 May 2019}}{{cite news |first=Jeremy |last=Wilson |title=Arsenal 2 Sunderland 0: match report |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/7279442/Arsenal-2-Sunderland-0-match-report.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=20 February 2010 |access-date=12 May 2019}} At the Britannia Stadium, Arsenal forged a comeback against Stoke City but their win was overshadowed by the injury to Ramsey.{{cite news |first=John |last=Aizlewood |title=Aaron Ramsey horror injury overshadows Arsenal victory |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/aaron-ramsey-horror-injury-overshadows-arsenal-victory-gvz5b5lk0fl |newspaper=The Sunday Times |date=28 February 2010 |access-date=11 May 2019}} {{subscription required}} The midfielder broke his right leg following a challenge by Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross, who was immediately sent off. Wenger described the tackle as "horrendous" and added "People say we don’t fancy the physical side of it, but this is the result. If you see a player getting injured like that, it’s not acceptable."

A win against Burnley in March put Arsenal level on points with second-place Chelsea having played a game more.{{cite news |first=Ian |last=Hughes |title=Arsenal 3–1 Burnley |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8546288.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 March 2010 |access-date=13 April 2019}} The team needed a late goal against Hull City, courtesy of Bendtner in the third minute of stoppage time to get three points and move above Manchester United into second place.{{cite news |first=Phil |last=Dawkes |title=Hull 1–2 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8558061.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 March 2010 |access-date=15 June 2019}} Wenger was defiant his team could win the title after Arsenal beat West Ham to move top; it was their sixth consecutive league win and victory was ensured when Fàbregas converted a penalty late on.{{cite news |title=We can win the title says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8578374.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 March 2010 |access-date=14 June 2019}} They were without Vermaelen for the trip to St Andrew's as the defender was sent off against West Ham.{{cite news |first=Stuart |last=James |title=Squad sheets: Birmingham City v Arsenal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/26/birmingham-arsenal-squad-sheets |website=The Guardian |date=26 March 2010 |access-date=12 May 2019}} Arsenal were unable to hold on to their lead against Birmingham as Almunia's error gifted a stoppage-time equaliser, scored by Kevin Phillips. With six games remaining, Arsenal stood in third place, three points behind Chelsea and four on leaders Manchester United.{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Sheringham |title=Birmingham 1–1 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8587242.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 March 2010 |access-date=12 May 2019}}

At home against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bendtner scored the winning goal in stoppage time, rising highest inside the six-yard box and heading in Sagna's cross.{{cite news |first=Phil |last=Dawkes |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8595275.stm |title=Arsenal 1–0 Wolverhampton |date=3 April 2010 |access-date=11 May 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport}} In the North London derby, Tottenham beat Arsenal at White Hart Lane to record their first league win against Wenger's side since November 1999.{{cite news |first=Marc |last=Vesty |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8616181.stm |title=Tottenham 2–1 Arsenal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 April 2010 |access-date=11 May 2019}} Danny Rose on his debut opened the scoring with a 30-yard volley and Gareth Bale doubled the host's lead minutes into the second half. Bendtner scored with five minutes remaining of normal time but the game ended 2–1 to Tottenham, leaving Arsenal six points adrift of Chelsea at the top.

Wenger was so incensed by Arsenal's response against Wigan – conceding three in the final 10 minutes to throw away a 2–0 lead – that he ordered the team bus to drop his players at Wigan railway station and told them to make their way back home.{{cite news |first=David |last=Hytner |title=Theo Walcott urges Arsenal to forget win over Chelsea as Wigan beckon |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/dec/28/theo-walcott-arsenal-wigan |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=28 December 2009 |access-date=11 May 2019}} With Arsenal's title bid over, the team played out a goalless draw against Manchester City and then lost to Blackburn Rovers in early May.{{cite news |first=Mikey |last=Stafford |title=Shay Given injury a problem for Manchester City after Arsenal draw |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/apr/26/arsenal-manchester-city-premier-league |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=26 April 2010 |access-date=14 June 2019}}{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Brereton |title=Arsène Wenger refuses to flap over Lukasz Fabianski errors |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/arsene-wenger-refuses-to-flap-over-lukasz-fabianski-errors-psnb5qt5xs7 |newspaper=The Times |date=4 May 2010 |access-date=26 April 2019}} {{subscription required}} Arsenal secured third place on the final day, beating Fulham at home by four goals.{{cite news |first=Ian |last=Hughes |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8665276.stm |title=Arsenal 4–0 Fulham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 May 2010 |access-date=12 May 2019}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 1

|date = 15 August 2009

|time = 17:30 BST

|team1 = Everton

|score = 1–6

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3149186/first-team/everton-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Saha {{goal|90}}

|goals2 = {{goal|26}} Denílson
{{goal|37}} Vermaelen
{{goal|41}} Gallas
{{goal|48||70}} Fàbregas
{{goal|89}} Eduardo

|stadium = Goodison Park

|location = Liverpool

|attendance = 39,309

|referee = Mark Halsey

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 2

|date = 22 August 2009

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 4–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3149295/first-team/arsenal-v-portsmouth?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Portsmouth

|goals1 = Diaby {{goal|18||22}} {{yel|90}}
Gallas {{goal|51}}
Ramsey {{goal|69}}

|goals2 = {{goal|37}} Kaboul

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,049

|referee = Steve Bennett

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 3

|date = 29 August 2009

|time = 17:15 BST

|team1 = Manchester United

|score = 2–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3149367/first-team/manchester-united-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{yel|35}} Evra
{{goal|59|pen.}} {{yel|62}} Rooney
{{yel|62}} Brown
{{goal|64|o.g.}} Diaby

|goals2 = {{yel|23}} Song
{{yel|32}} Gallas
{{goal|40}} Arshavin
{{yel|45}} Van Persie
{{yel|58}} Almunia
{{yel|71}} Eboué
{{yel|75}} Sagna

|stadium = Old Trafford

|location = Manchester

|attendance = 75,095

|referee = Mike Dean

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 4

|date = 12 September 2009

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Manchester City

|score = 4–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3149532/first-team/arsenal-v-wigan-athletic?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{yel|14}} Lescott
{{goal|20|o.g.}} Almunia
{{goal|72}} Bellamy
{{goal|80}} {{yel|81}} Adebayor
{{goal|84}} Wright-Phillips
{{yel|90+3}} de Jong

|goals2 = {{yel|19}} Sagna
{{goal|63}} Van Persie
{{yel|72}} Song
{{goal|88}} Rosický

|stadium = City of Manchester Stadium

|location = Manchester

|attendance = 47,339

|referee = Mark Clattenburg

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 5

|date = 19 September 2009

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 4–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3149532/first-team/arsenal-v-wigan-athletic?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Wigan Athletic

|goals1 = {{goal|25||49}} Vermaelen
{{goal|59}} {{yel|23}} Eboué
{{goal|90}} Fàbregas
{{yel|40}} Song

|goals2 = {{yel|53}} Gómez
{{yel|65}} Scharner

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 59,103

|referee = Mike Jones

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 6

|date = 26 September 2009

|time = 17:30 BST

|team1 = Fulham

|score = 0–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3149601/first-team/fulham-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{yel|26}} Murphy
{{yel|45}} Zamora
{{yel|70}} Pantsil
{{yel|79}} Konchesky

|goals2 = {{goal|52}} Van Persie

|stadium = Craven Cottage

|location = London

|attendance = 25,700

|referee = Martin Atkinson

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 7

|date = 4 October 2009

|time = 13:30 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 6–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3162396/first-team/arsenal-v-blackburn-rovers?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Blackburn Rovers

|goals1 = {{goal|17}} Vermaelen
{{goal|33}} {{yel|45}} Van Persie
{{goal|37}} Arshavin
{{goal|57}} Fàbregas
{{goal|75}} Walcott
{{goal|89}} Bendtner

|goals2 = {{goal|4}} Nzonzi
{{goal|30}} Dunn
{{yel|11}} Di Santo

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 59,431

|referee = Peter Walton

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 8

|date = 17 October 2009

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3149808/first-team/arsenal-v-birmingham?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Birmingham City

|goals1 = {{goal|16}} Van Persie
{{goal|18}} Diaby
{{goal|84}} Arshavin
{{yel|73}} Song

|goals2 = {{goal|38}} Bowyer
{{yel|58}} Hart
{{yel|63}} Ridgewell

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,082

|referee = Lee Probert

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 9

|date = 25 October 2009

|time = 16:15 GMT

|team1 = West Ham United

|score = 2–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0910/pre/first-team/west-ham-united-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{goal|74}} Cole
{{goal|80|pen.}} Diamanti
{{Sent off|2|78|85}} Parker
{{yel|71}} Hines
{{yel|78}} Collison

|goals2 = {{goal|16}} Van Persie
{{goal|37}} Gallas
{{yel|77}} Eboué
{{yel|80}} Mannone

|stadium = Boleyn Ground

|location = London

|attendance = 34,442

|referee = Chris Foy

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 10

|date = 31 October 2009

|time = 12:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3149949/first-team/arsenal-v-tottenham-hotspur?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Tottenham Hotspur

|goals1 = {{goal|42||60}} Van Persie
{{goal|43}} Fàbregas
{{yel|78}} Vermaelen

|goals2 = {{yel|62}} Crouch

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,103

|referee = Mark Clattenburg

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 11

|date = 7 November 2009

|time = 17:30 GMT

|team1 = Wolverhampton Wanderers

|score = 1–4

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0910/pre/first-team/wolverhampton-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{goal|89}} Craddock
{{yel|27}} Ebanks-Blake
{{yel|60}} Milijaš

|goals2 = {{goal|28|o.g.}} Zubar
{{goal|36|o.g.}} Craddock
{{goal|45}} Fàbregas
{{goal|66}} {{yel|40}} Arshavin
{{yel|10}} Gallas
{{yel|59}} Gibbs

|stadium = Molineux Stadium

|location = Wolverhampton

|attendance = 28,937

|referee = Steve Bennett

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 12

|date = 21 November 2009

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Sunderland

|score = 1–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3150106/first-team/sunderland-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{goal|71}} Bent
{{yel|84}} Bardsley
{{yel|90}} Richardson

|goals2 = {{yel|90}} Traoré

|stadium = Stadium of Light

|location = Sunderland

|attendance = 44,918

|referee = Alan Wiley

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 13

|date = 29 November 2009

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 0–3

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3150189/first-team/arsenal-v-chelsea?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Chelsea

|goals1 = {{yel|26}} Traoré
{{yel|90+5}} Fàbregas

|goals2 = {{goal|41||86}} {{yel|37}} Drogba
{{goal|45|o.g.}} Vermaelen
{{yel|70}} Mikel

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,067

|referee = Andre Marriner

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 14

|date = 5 December 2009

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3150241/first-team/arsenal-v-stoke-city?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Stoke City

|goals1 = {{goal|26}} Arshavin
{{goal|79}} Ramsey
{{penmiss}} 20' Fàbregas

|goals2 =

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,041

|referee = Mark Clattenburg

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 15

|date = 13 December 2009

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Liverpool

|score = 1–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3205392/first-team/liverpool-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{goal|41}} Kuyt
{{yel|44}} Aurélio
{{yel|55}} Mascherano
{{yel|85}} Lucas

|goals2 = {{goal|50|o.g.}} Johnson
{{goal|58}} {{yel|81}} Arshavin
{{yel|24}} Denílson
{{yel|82}} Fàbregas

|stadium = Anfield

|location = Liverpool

|attendance = 43,853

|referee = Howard Webb

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 16

|date = 16 December 2009

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Burnley

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3205393/first-team/burnley-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{goal|28|pen.}} Alexander
{{yel|40}} Eagles
{{yel|88}} Caldwell

|goals2 = {{goal|7}} Fàbregas

|stadium = Turf Moor

|location = Lancashire

|attendance = 21,309

|referee = Mike Dean

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 17

|date = 19 December 2009

|time = 17:30 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3150397/first-team/arsenal-v-hull-city?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Hull City

|goals1 = {{goal|45+4}} Denílson
{{goal|59}} Eduardo
{{goal|80}} Diaby
{{yel|45}} Nasri

|goals2 = {{yel|45}} Barmby
{{yel|45}} Hunt
{{yel|45+2}} Zayatte
{{yel|45+5}} Boateng
{{yel|90+3}} Olofinjana

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,006

|referee = Steve Bennett

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 18

|date = 27 December 2009

|time = 13:30 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3205398/first-team/arsenal-v-aston-villa?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Aston Villa

|goals1 = {{goal|65||81}} Fàbregas
{{goal|90+1}} Diaby
{{yel|67}} Song

|goals2 = {{yel|55}} A. Young
{{yel|76}} Cuéllar
{{yel|90+4}} Delph

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,056

|referee = Phil Dowd

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 19

|date = 30 December 2009

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Portsmouth

|score = 1–4

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3205402/first-team/portsmouth-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{goal|74}} Belhadj
{{yel|45+2}} Mokoena
{{yel|86}} Hughes

|goals2 = {{goal|28}} Eduardo
{{goal|42}} Nasri
{{goal|69}} Ramsey
{{goal|81}} Song

|stadium = Fratton Park

|location = Portsmouth

|attendance = 20,404

|referee = Alan Wiley

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 20

|date = 9 January 2010

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3150628/first-team/arsenal-v-everton?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Everton

|goals1 = {{goal|28}} Denílson
{{goal|90+2}} Rosický
{{yel|87}} Sagna

|goals2 = {{goal|12}} Osman
{{goal|81}} {{yel|90+1}} Pienaar

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,053

|referee = Peter Walton

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 21

|date = 17 January 2010

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Bolton Wanderers

|score = 0–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3214686/first-team/bolton-wanderers-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{yel|35}} Robinson

|goals2 = {{goal|28}} Fàbregas
{{goal|78}} Mérida
{{yel|37}} Rosický
{{yel|77}} Vermaelen

|stadium = Reebok Stadium

|location = Bolton

|attendance = 23,893

|referee = Phil Dowd

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 22

|date = 20 January 2010

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 4–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3236684/first-team/arsenal-v-bolton-wanderers?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Bolton Wanderers

|goals1 = {{goal|43}} Rosický
{{goal|52}} Fàbregas
{{goal|65}} Vermaelen
{{goal|85}} Arshavin
{{yel|87}} Clichy

|goals2 = {{goal|7}} Cahill
{{goal|28|pen.}} Taylor
{{yel|47}} Muamba
{{yel|68}} McCann

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 59,084

|referee = Alan Wiley

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 23

|date = 27 January 2010

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Aston Villa

|score = 0–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3150808/first-team/aston-villa-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{yel|55}} Heskey
{{yel|90+3}} Dunne

|goals2 = {{yel|13}} Vermaelen
{{yel|84}} Clichy

|stadium = Villa Park

|location = Birmingham

|attendance = 39,601

|referee = Lee Probert

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 24

|date = 31 January 2010

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–3

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3214688/first-team/arsenal-v-manchester-united?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Manchester United

|goals1 = {{goal|80}} Vermaelen
{{yel|17}} Song

|goals2 = {{goal|33|o.g.}} Almunia
{{goal|37}} Rooney
{{goal|52}} Park

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,091

|referee = Chris Foy

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 25

|date = 7 February 2010

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Chelsea

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3221546/first-team/chelsea-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{goal|8||23}} Drogba
{{yel|88}} Zhirkov
{{yel|88}} J. Cole

|goals2 = {{yel|83}} Song
{{yel|84}} Fàbregas

|stadium = Stamford Bridge

|location = London

|attendance = 41,794

|referee = Mike Dean

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 26

|date = 10 February 2010

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3221548/first-team/arsenal-v-liverpool?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Liverpool

|goals1 = {{goal|72}} Diaby
{{yel|40}} Clichy
{{yel|64}} Bendtner
{{yel|90+5}} Fàbregas

|goals2 = {{yel|41}} Rodríguez
{{yel|62}} Degen

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,045

|referee = Howard Webb

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 27

|date = 20 February 2010

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3151039/first-team/arsenal-v-sunderland?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Sunderland

|goals1 = {{goal|27}} Bendtner
{{goal|90+3|pen.}} Fàbregas
{{yel|50}} Fàbregas

|goals2 = {{yel|34}} Cana
{{yel|44}} Turner
{{yel|58}} Richardson
{{yel|71}} Mensah
{{yel|90+2}} Ferdinand

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,083

|referee = Steve Bennett

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 28

|date = 27 February 2010

|time = 17:30 GMT

|team1 = Stoke City

|score = 1–3

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3151137/first-team/stoke-city-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{goal|8}} Pugh
{{Sent off|0|66}} Shawcross

|goals2 = {{goal|32}} Bendtner
{{goal|90+1|pen.}} Fàbregas
{{goal|90+4}} Vermaelen
{{yel|62}} Song

|stadium = Britannia Stadium

|location = Stoke-on-Trent

|attendance = 27,011

|referee = Peter Walton

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 29

|date = 6 March 2010

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3151197/first-team/arsenal-v-burnley?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Burnley

|goals1 = {{goal|34}} Fàbregas
{{goal|60}} Walcott
{{goal|90+4}} Arshavin

|goals2 = {{goal|50}} Nugent
{{yel|27}} McDonald
{{yel|48}} Paterson
{{yel|69}} Carlisle
{{yel|72}} Elliott

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,043

|referee = Chris Foy

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 30

|date = 13 March 2010

|time = 17:30 GMT

|team1 = Hull City

|score = 1–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3151268/first-team/hull-city-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{goal|28|pen.}} Bullard
{{yel|39}} Dawson
{{Sent off|2|41|45+1}}Boateng

|goals2 = {{goal|14}} Arshavin
{{goal|90+3}} {{yel|40}} Bendtner
{{yel|28}} Campbell

|stadium = KC Stadium

|location = Kingston upon Hull

|attendance = 25,023

|referee = Andre Marriner

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 31

|date = 20 March 2010

|time = 17:30 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3151337/first-team/arsenal-v-west-ham-united?tab=report Report]

|team2 = West Ham United

|goals1 = {{goal|5}} Denílson
{{goal|83|pen.}} Fàbregas
{{Sent off|0|44}} Vermaelen
{{yel|39}} Campbell

|goals2 = {{yel|38}} {{penmiss}} 44' Diamanti
{{yel|45+1}} Kováč
{{yel|62}} Upson
{{yel|90+1}} Daprelà

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,077

|referee = Martin Atkinson

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 32

|date = 27 March 2010

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Birmingham City

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3151427/first-team/birmingham-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{goal|90+2}} Phillips
{{yel|73}} Ferguson
{{yel|85}} Gardner
{{yel|89}} Carr

|goals2 = {{goal|81}} Nasri
{{yel|16}} Song
{{yel|25}} Clichy

|stadium = St Andrew's

|location = Birmingham

|attendance = 27,039

|referee = Howard Webb

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 33

|date = 3 April 2010

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3151494/first-team/arsenal-v-wolverhampton?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Wolverhampton Wanderers

|goals1 = {{goal|90+4}} Bendtner

|goals2 = {{Sent off|0|66}} Henry
{{yel|64}} Jarvis
{{yel|79}} Mancienne

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,067

|referee = Andre Marriner

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 34

|date = 14 April 2010

|time = 20:00 BST

|team1 = Tottenham Hotspur

|score = 2–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3263098/first-team/tottenham-hotspur-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals2 = {{goal|85}} Bendtner
{{yel|36}} Denílson

|goals1 = {{goal|10}} Rose
{{goal|47}} Bale
{{yel|33}} Modrić
{{yel|36}} Kaboul
{{yel|83}} Dawson

|stadium = White Hart Lane

|location = London

|attendance = 36,041

|referee = Mark Clattenburg

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 35

|date = 18 April 2010

|time = 13:30 BST

|team1 = Wigan Athletic

|score = 3–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3250360/first-team/wigan-athletic-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = {{goal|80}} Watson
{{goal|89}}, {{yel|68}} Bramble
{{goal|90+1}} N'Zogbia
{{yel|24}} Diamé

|goals2 = {{goal|41}} Walcott
{{goal|48}} Silvestre
{{yel|37}} Nasri

|stadium = DW Stadium

|location = Wigan

|attendance = 22,113

|referee = Lee Mason

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 36

|date = 24 April 2010

|time = 17:30 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 0–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3151749/first-team/arsenal-v-manchester-city?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Manchester City

|goals1 = {{yel|42}} Silvestre
{{yel|51}} Diaby
{{yel|67}} Song
{{yel|82}} Van Persie

|goals2 = {{yel|81}} Bellamy
{{yel|83}} Zabaleta

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,086

|referee = Mike Dean

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 37

|date = 3 May 2010

|time = 17:00 BST

|team1 = Blackburn Rovers

|score = 2–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3269419/first-team/blackburn-rovers-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Grella {{yel|25}}
Dunn {{goal|44}}
Pedersen {{yel|59}}
Samba {{goal|68}}

|goals2 = {{goal|13}} Van Persie
{{yel|65}} Silvestre
{{yel|90}} Campbell

|stadium = Ewood Park

|location = Blackburn

|attendance = 26,138

|referee = Martin Atkinson

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 38

|date = 9 May 2010

|time = 16:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 4–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3151895/first-team/arsenal-v-fulham?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Fulham

|goals1 = Arshavin {{goal|21}}
Van Persie {{goal|26}}
Baird {{goal|37|o.g.}}
Eboué {{yel|68}}
Fabiański {{yel|69}}
Vela {{goal|84}}

|goals2 = {{yel|65}} Dempsey
{{yel|90+3}} Kelly

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 60,039

|referee = Mike Jones

|result = W

}}

{{:2009–10 Premier League|showteam=ARS}}

{{Fb_rs |hw=15 |hd=2 |hl=2 |hgf=48 |hga=15 |aw=8 |ad=4 |al=7 |agf=35 |aga=26 }}

{{Fb rs footer|u= |s= |date=July 2009}}

{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b

|header=Round

|label1= Ground

| res1=A/H/A/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H

|label2= Result

| res2=W/W/L/L/W/W/W/W/D/W/W/L/L/W/W/D/W/W/W/D/W/W/D/L/L/W/W/W/W/W/W/D/W/L/L/D/L/W

|label3= Position

| res3=1/1/5/8/6/5/4/4/3/3/2/3/4/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/2/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/2/3/3/3/3/3/3/3

|text_H=Home|text_A=Away

|color_W=green2|text_W=Win

|color_D=yellow2|text_D=Draw

|color_L=red2|text_L=Loss

|color_1=1st|color_2=2nd|color_3=3rd|color_18-=red1

|updated=

|source={{cite web |url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/2009-2010 |title=Arsenal – 2009–10 |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=26 October 2012 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023055759/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/2009-2010 |url-status=dead }} |notes=

|date=May 2011

}}

{{main|2009–10 FA Cup}}

Arsenal entered the FA Cup in the third round (last 64), in which they were drawn to face fellow Premier League club West Ham United away from home.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/8384168.stm |title=FA Cup third round draw pairs Chelsea and Watford |date=8 December 2009 |access-date=18 April 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport}} They came from a goal down to beat their London rivals and progress,{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |title=Aaron Ramsey takes Arsenal past resilient West Ham United |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jan/03/west-ham-arsenal-match-report |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=3 January 2010 |access-date=14 June 2019}} but made an exit the following round against Stoke where an understrength side were undone in the final 20 minutes. Wenger defended his team selection, pointing out to the media: "We had 10 injuries and a very difficult programme coming up."{{cite news |title=Wenger defends selection policy |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8477774.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 January 2010 |access-date=12 May 2019}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Third round

|date = 3 January 2010

|time = 16:15 GMT

|team1 = West Ham United

|score = 1–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3223893/first-team/west-ham-united-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Diamanti {{goal|45+1}}
Daprelà {{yel|45}}

|goals2 = {{goal|78}} Ramsey
{{goal|83}} Eduardo
{{yel|27}} Song

|location = London

|stadium = Boleyn Ground

|attendance = 25,549

|referee = Mark Clattenburg

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Fourth round

|date = 24 January 2010

|time = 13:30 GMT

|team1 = Stoke City

|score = 3–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3234378/first-team/stoke-city-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Fuller {{goal|2||78}}
Whitehead {{goal|86}}

|goals2 = {{goal|42}} Denílson

|location = Stoke-on-Trent

|stadium = Britannia Stadium

|attendance = 19,735

|referee = Martin Atkinson

|result = L

}}

{{main|2009–10 Football League Cup}}

Arsenal entered the Football League Cup in the third round, where they were drawn at home against West Bromwich Albion. Helped by the dismissal of Jerome Thomas, Arsenal's young team – averaging at 20 years – were able to beat the visitors by two goals to progress.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 2–0 West Brom |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8256834.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 September 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} A strong performance against Liverpool followed in the competition,{{cite news |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |title=Arsenal 2–1 Liverpool |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8323097.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 October 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} but Arsenal were knocked out in the quarter-final stage when Manchester City defeated them by three goals.{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Man City 3–0 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8387312.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 December 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Third round

|date = 22 September 2009

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3191260/first-team/arsenal-v-w.b.a.?tab=report Report]

|team2 = West Bromwich Albion

|goals1 = Watt {{goal|68}}
Vela {{goal|76}}
Senderos {{yel|32}}
Ramsey {{yel|57}}

|goals2 = {{Sent off|0|37}} Thomas
{{yel|38}} Cox

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 56,592

|referee = Lee Mason

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Fourth round

|date = 28 October 2009

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0910/pre/first-team/arsenal-v-liverpool?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Liverpool

|goals1 = Mérida {{goal|19}}
Bendtner {{goal|50}}

|goals2 = {{goal|26}} Insúa

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,004

|referee = Alan Wiley

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Fifth round

|date = 2 December 2009

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Manchester City

|score = 3–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3214402/first-team/manchester-city-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Tevez {{goal|50}}
Wright-Phillips {{goal|69}}
Weiss {{goal|89}}
Kompany {{yel|82}}
Bellamy {{yel|83}}

|goals2 = {{yel|38}} Traoré
{{yel|39}} Eastmond
{{yel|58}} Silvestre
{{yel|77}} Wilshere
{{yel|79}} Song
{{yel|82}} Ramsey

|location = Manchester

|stadium = City of Manchester Stadium

|attendance = 46,015

|referee = Chris Foy

|result = L

}}

{{main|2009–10 UEFA Champions League}}

Given Arsenal finished fourth in the league the previous season, the club played a qualifying round against Celtic to ensure progression into the group stages.{{cite news |title=Celtic & Arsenal in Euro showdown |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8187226.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} In the first leg at Celtic Park, Arsenal broke the deadlock when Fábregas' free-kick deflected in off defender William Gallas and past the goal net.{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |title=Slick Arsenal put Celtic to the sword |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/18/arsenal-celtic-champions-league |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=19 August 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} Gary Caldwell's own goal deep into the second half strengthened Arsenal's advantage on a night when their midfielder Alex Song was described by journalist David Hytner as being "…outstanding, his strength, smart positioning and interceptions helping to stem Celtic raids and launch those of his own team."{{cite news |first=David |last=Hytner |title=New-look Arsenal aim to capitalise on Cesc Fábregas's craft |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/aug/18/arsenal-celtic-champions-league |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=18 August 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}}

Arsenal beat Celtic 3–1 in the return leg a week later; it was not without controversy as the Celtic players accused Eduardo of diving to win his team a penalty that led to the first goal.{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Arsenal 3–1 Celtic (agg 5–1) |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8215721.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} UEFA charged the striker and banned him for two matches as he was found guilty of deceiving referee Manuel Gonzalez.{{cite news |title=Uefa bans Eduardo for two matches |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8232544.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} Arsenal lodged an appeal and the ban was overturned at a later date.{{cite news |title=Uefa overturns Eduardo diving ban |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8236689.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 September 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}}

{{main|2009–10 UEFA Champions League qualifying phase and play-off round}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = First leg

|date = 18 August 2009

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Celtic {{Flagicon|SCO}}

|score = 0–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/171494/first-team/celtic-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = {{yel|52}} Fox
{{yel|58}} N'Guemo
{{yel|86}} Loovens

|goals2 = {{goal|43}} Gallas
{{goal|71|o.g.}} Caldwell
{{yel|84}} Clichy

|location = Glasgow, Scotland

|stadium = Celtic Park

|attendance = 58,165

|referee = Massimo Busacca (Switzerland)

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Second leg

|date = 26 August 2009

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Arsenal {{Flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 3–1

|aggregatescore = 5–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20120908021409/http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/171495/first-team/arsenal-v-celtic?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|SCO}} Celtic

|goals1 = {{goal|28|pen.}} Eduardo
{{goal|53}}, {{yel|53}} Eboué
{{goal|74}} Arshavin
{{yel|83}} Denílson

|goals2 = {{goal|90+2}} Donati
{{yel|33}} Caldwell
{{yel|56}} McGeady
{{yel|83}} Brown

|location = London, England

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 59,962

|referee = Manuel Mejuto González (Spain)

|result = W

}}

{{main|2009–10 UEFA Champions League group stage#Group H}}

Arsenal were drawn in Group H, along with Greek club Olympiacos, Belgian side Standard Liège and Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar.{{cite news |title=British clubs avoid Euro giants |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8223263.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 August 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} The team mounted a comeback against Standard Liège on the first night of the competition, having conceded twice in the space of the first five minutes.{{cite news |first=David |last=Hytner |title=Eduardo makes most of reprieve to cap Arsenal comeback at Liège |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/sep/16/champions-league-standard-liege-arsenal |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=16 September 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} Eduardo's deciding goal, which came nine minutes before the end marked the fifth season in the previous six that Arsenal opened their campaign with a win.{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Lyon |title=Standard Liege 2–3 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8254473.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 September 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} Late goals from Van Persie and Arshavin secured a 2–0 win at home to Olympiacos,{{cite news |first=Henry |last=Winter |title=Arsenal 2 Olympiakos 0: match report |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/6243806/Arsenal-2-Olympiakos-0-match-report.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=30 September 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} but the team were unable to make it three wins after conceding a stoppage-time goal to draw 1–1 against AZ.{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |title=AZ Alkmaar 1–1 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8315195.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 October 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} In the reverse match, staged on matchday four, Fábregas scored twice in Arsenal's 4–1 win which put the club on 10 points in the group.{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |title=Arsenal 4–1 AZ Alkmaar |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8338520.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 November 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} Victory against Standard Liège ensured qualification into the knockout stages with a match to spare.{{cite news |first=Russell |last=Kempson |title=Kieran Gibbs injury removes gloss from easy Arsenal victory |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/kieran-gibbs-injury-removes-gloss-from-easy-arsenal-victory-qgm5vxmqvgq |newspaper=The Times |date=25 November 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}} {{subscription required}} That game was against Olympiacos, which Wenger made changes to his first XI. Arsenal lost 1–0 at the Karaiskakis Stadium.{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Ashenden |title=Olympiakos 1–0 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8402103.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 December 2009 |access-date=15 June 2019}}

{{:2009–10 UEFA Champions League group stage|transcludesection=Group H|show_matches=n|showteam=ARS}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 1

|date = 16 September 2009

|time = 20:45 CEST

|team1 = Standard Liège {{Flagicon|BEL}}

|score = 2–3

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20150923225341/http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0910/pre/first-team/standard-liege-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Mangala {{goal|3}}
Jovanović {{goal|5|pen.}}
Witsel {{yel|68}}
Nicaise {{yel|76}}

|goals2 = Clichy {{yel|34}}
Bendtner {{goal|45}}
Vermaelen {{goal|78}}
Eduardo {{goal|81}}

|location = Liège, Belgium

|stadium = Stade Maurice Dufrasne

|attendance = 23,022

|referee = Eduardo Iturralde González (Spain)

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 2

|date = 29 September 2009

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Arsenal {{Flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0910/pre/first-team/arsenal-v-olympiacos?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|GRE}} Olympiacos

|goals1 = Van Persie {{yel|52}}, {{goal|78}}
Arshavin {{goal|86}}
Fàbregas {{yel|90}}

|goals2 = Żewłakow {{yel|52}}
Dudu {{yel|66}}
Torosidis {{yel|80}}
Bravo {{yel|89}}

|location = London, England

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 59,884

|referee = Stéphane Lannoy (France)

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 3

|date = 20 October 2009

|time = 20:45 CEST

|team1 = AZ {{Flagicon|NED}}

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0910/post/first-team/az-alkmaar-1-1-arsenal-full-time-report?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Mendes da Silva {{goal|90+3}}
Lens {{yel|89}}

|goals2 = Fàbregas {{goal|36}}
Van Persie {{yel|48}}
Clichy {{yel|66}}
Vela {{yel|77}}

|location = Alkmaar, Netherlands

|stadium = DSB Stadion

|attendance = 16,666

|referee = Martin Hansson (Sweden)

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 4

|date = 4 November 2009

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal {{Flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 4–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0910/pre/first-team/arsenal-v-az-alkmaar?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|NED}} AZ

|goals1 = Fàbregas {{goal|25||52}}
Nasri {{goal|43}}
Diaby {{goal|72}}

|goals2 = Moisander {{yel|66}}
Lens {{goal|82}}

|location = London, England

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 59,345

|referee = Alain Hamer (Luxembourg)

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 5

|date = 24 November 2009

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal {{Flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3190208/first-team/arsenal-v-standard-liege?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|BEL}} Standard Liège

|goals1 = Nasri {{goal|35}}
Denílson {{goal|45+2}}
Fàbregas {{yel|87}}

|goals2 = Mulemo {{yel|68}}
Mangala {{yel|70}}
Carcela {{sent off|0|86}}

|location = London, England

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 59,941

|referee = Konrad Plautz (Austria)

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 6

|date = 9 December 2009

|time = 21:45 EET

|team1 = Olympiacos {{Flagicon|GRE}}

|score = 1–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3190215/first-team/olympiacos-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Leonardo {{yel|24}}, {{goal|47}}

|goals2 = Mérida {{yel|40}}

|location = Piraeus, Greece

|stadium = Karaiskakis Stadium

|attendance = 30,277

|referee = Lucílio Batista (Portugal)

|result = L

}}

{{main|2009–10 UEFA Champions League knockout phase}}

Arsenal faced Porto in the knockout stages. In the first leg at the Estádio do Dragão, an own goal by goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański gave Porto the lead, but Campbell scored Arsenal a crucial away goal seven minutes later when he headed in a corner.{{cite news |first=Henry |last=Winter |title=FC Porto 2 Arsenal 1: match report |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/7258205/FC-Porto-2-Arsenal-1-match-report.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=18 February 2010 |access-date=15 June 2019}} Radamel Falcao restored Porto's lead in the second half and the tie finished 2–1 in their favour. At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal overturned Porto's slender advantage as Bendtner scored twice inside the first 25 minutes.{{cite news |first=Oliver |last=Kay |title=Samir Nasri's dancing feet supply Arsenal's highlight of an irresistible beauty pageant |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/samir-nasris-dancing-feet-supply-arsenals-highlight-of-an-irresistible-beauty-pageant-ggk9sfclvw8 |newspaper=The Times |date=10 March 2010 |access-date=15 June 2019}} {{subscription required}} Nasri and Emmanuel Eboué added further goals before Bendtner converted a penalty to round off a hat-trick.

{{Football box collapsible

|round = First leg

|date = 17 February 2010

|time = 19:45 WET

|team1 = Porto {{Flagicon|POR}}

|score = 2–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20100220132731/http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3227911/first-team/fc-porto-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Fabiański {{goal|11|o.g.}}
Falcao {{goal|51}}
Alves {{yel|34}}
Fucile {{yel|64}}
Pereira {{yel|78}}
Fernando {{yel|84}}

|goals2 = Campbell {{goal|18}}
Diaby {{yel|31}}

|location = Porto, Portugal

|stadium = Estádio do Dragão

|attendance = 40,717

|referee = Martin Hansson (Sweden)

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Second leg

|date = 9 March 2010

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal {{Flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 5–0

|aggregatescore = 6–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3227583/first-team/arsenal-v-fc-porto?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|POR}} Porto

|goals1 = Bendtner {{goal|10||25||90+1|pen.}}, {{yel|44}}
Nasri {{goal|63}}
Eboué {{goal|66}}
Vermaelen {{yel|38}}

|goals2 = Falcao {{yel|24}}
Pereira {{yel|59}}

|location = London, England

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 59,661

|referee = Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)

|result = W

}}

In the quarter-finals, Arsenal played Barcelona which marked the return of former club captain Thierry Henry.{{cite news |first=David |last=Hytner |title=Barcelona draw reawakens 2006 final agony for Arsenal's Arsène Wenger |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/20/arsene-wenger-arsenal-barcelona-champions-league |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=20 March 2010 |access-date=15 June 2019}} Barcelona dominated proceedings but did not find a way through the Arsenal defence until the early stages of the second half; Zlatan Ibrahimovic took advantage of Almunia leaving his box and rushing towards him by lofting the ball over the goalkeeper.{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |title=Cesc Fábregas penalty gives Arsenal hope to take to Barcelona |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/31/arsenal-barcelona-champions-league-match-report |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=31 March 2010 |access-date=15 June 2019}} Ibrahimovic doubled Barcelona's lead, to which Wenger responded by bringing Walcott on. The forward made an instant impact with his pace and acceleration, scoring past Victor Valdes. Barcelona defender Carles Puyol was sent off for a second bookable offence when he fouled Fábregas in the box, and the Arsenal captain converted the penalty awarded by the referee to equalise.

Walcott, who Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola described as Arsenal's biggest threat,{{cite news |first=Sid |last=Lowe |title=Pep Guardiola of Barcelona fears speed of Arsenal's Theo Walcott |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/apr/06/barcelona-arsenal-champions-league |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=6 April 2010 |access-date=17 April 2019}} was named in the first XI for the return leg and set Bendtner up to score.{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |title=Lionel Messi blows Arsenal away with four goals for Barcelona |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/apr/06/barcelona-arsenal-champions-league |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=6 April 2010 |access-date=15 June 2019}} The joy was short lived as Messi equalised within minutes and he added a further three goals to give Barcelona a 6–3 aggregate win – 4–1 on the night. Wenger was full of praise for Messi afterwards, telling reporters: "…We lost against a team that is better than us and that has the best player in the world. Once he's on the run, Messi is unstoppable. He's the only player who can change direction at such a pace."{{cite news |title=Arsene Wenger hails Lionel Messi as world's best player |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8606391.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 April 2010 |access-date=15 June 2019}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = First leg

|date = 31 March 2010

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Arsenal {{Flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 2–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/171507/first-team/arsenal-v-barcelona?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|ESP}} Barcelona

|goals1 = Walcott {{goal|69}}
Fàbregas {{goal|85|pen.}} {{yel|44}}
Arshavin {{yel|21}}
Song {{yel|40}}
Eboué {{yel|74}}
Diaby {{yel|79}}

|goals2 = Ibrahimović {{goal|46||59}}
Puyol {{sentoff|0|84}}
Piqué {{yel|72}}

|location = London, England

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 59,572

|referee = Massimo Busacca (Switzerland)

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Second leg

|date = 6 April 2010

|time = 20:45 CEST

|team1 = Barcelona {{Flagicon|ESP}}

|score = 4–1

|aggregatescore = 6–3

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3260741/first-team/barcelona-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{Flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Messi {{goal|21||37||42||88}}

|goals2 = Bendtner {{goal|18}}
Denílson {{yel|31}}
Rosický {{yel|45}}
Eboué {{yel|67}}

|location = Barcelona, Spain

|stadium = Camp Nou

|attendance = 93,330

|referee = Wolfgang Stark (Germany)

|result = L

}}

Arsenal used a total of 41 players during the 2009–10 season and there were 20 different goalscorers. There were also four squad members who did not make a first-team appearance in the campaign. This was the first season the team played in a 4–3–3 formation, utilised for the benefit of Fàbregas. Sagna featured in 44 matches – the most of any Arsenal player in the campaign. Vermaelen started in 33 league matches.

The team scored a total of 115 goals in all competitions. The highest scorer was Fàbregas, with 19 goals, 15 of which scored in the league. Vermaelen was the only Arsenal player to be sent off in the entire season. The side's continuing sportsmanship was acknowledged at the end of the season with the Barclays Fair Play Award.{{Cite web|url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-top-premier-league-fair-play-table|title=Arsenal top Premier League Fair Play table|date=14 May 2010|access-date=15 June 2019|publisher=Arsenal F.C.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100517125613/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-top-premier-league-fair-play-table|archive-date=17 May 2010|url-status=dead}}

;Key

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

No. = Squad number

Pos = Playing position

Nat. = Nationality

Apps = Appearances

{{col-3}}

GK = Goalkeeper

DF = Defender

MF = Midfielder

FW = Forward

{{col-3}}

File:Yellow card.svg = Yellow cards

File:Red card.svg = Red cards

{{col-end}}

Numbers in parentheses denote appearances as substitute. Players with number struck through and marked {{dagger|alt=Left club during playing season}} left the club during the playing season.

Source:{{cite web |title=First Team Stats |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/statistics?season=2009/10 |publisher=Arsenal F.C |access-date=15 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215213835/http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/statistics?season=2009%2F10 |archive-date=15 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Arsenal Squad Stats |url=http://espnfc.com/team/squad/_/id/359/season/2009/league/all/arsenal?cc=5739 |publisher=ESPN FC |access-date=15 December 2013}}

{{Portal|English football}}

• 2009–10 in English football
• List of Arsenal F.C. seasons

{{reflist}}

{{Arsenal F.C. seasons}}

{{2009–10 in English football}}

{{good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2009-10 Arsenal F.C. season}}

2009-10

Category:2009–10 Premier League by team

Arsenal