Stoke City survived a late Arsenal comeback to continue their impressive recent home form against the Gunners with a 3-2 victory at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon.
The hosts made a dream start to the contest when Peter Crouch capitalised on some sloppy defending inside the opening 19 seconds to give his side an early lead.
Bojan was on hand to convert goal number two from close range, before Jonathan Walters put Stoke well in command heading into the break.
Arsenal sparked a revival in the second half with Santi Cazorla's penalty being followed up by Aaron Ramsey's volley 20 minutes from time, but a red card issued to Calum Chambers ended any hopes of a dramatic recovery.
Relive how the action unfolded with Sports Mole's live text coverage below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Premier League encounter between Stoke City and Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium.
The Gunners appear to have finally turned a corner following their worst start to a season under Arsene Wenger, winning their last three games in all competitions without conceding a single goal. It is a different story for today's hosts, meanwhile, who have lost their last three games to slip perilously close to the drop zone.
There's plenty to get through between now and kickoff at 3pm, so let's begin by taking a look at how these two sides line up...
TEAM NEWS!
STOKE CITY STARTING XI: Begovic, Bardsley, Shawcross, Muniesa, Pieters, Nzonzi, Cameron, Diouf, Bojan, Walters, Crouch
ARSENAL STARTING XI: Martinez, Bellerin, Chambers, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Flamini, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis, Cazorla, Giroud
Let's start by taking a look at the visitors, who have made three changes for this afternoon's tricky-looking visit to the Britannia Stadium. The big news is that Laurent Koscielny, such a rock at the heart of the Gunners' defence, drops to the bench with Calum Chambers moving into a central position. Kieran Gibbs returns to make his 100th Premier League appearance, meanwhile, in place of the injured Nacho Monreal.
The third and final change sees Olivier Giroud come back into the fold having finally returned to something close to full fitness, with Danny Welbeck making way for him up top. Theo Walcott had already been ruled out of this match in the week, meaning that the in-form Alexis Sanchez is likely to start from a wide position once more.
The big news as far as the hosts are concerned is the fact that Peter Crouch returns for this afternoon's clash, which could point to the way in which Mark Hughes wants his players to approach this one. The striker has scored seven goals against Arsenal in the past, although he was expected to miss out today having played just 45 minutes in the Potters' last five games.
Marc Wilson and Marko Arnautovic miss out this afternoon through injury, however, joining Steve Sidwell, Peter Odemwingie, Victor Moses and Dionaton Teixeira on the sidelines. Jonathan Walters was a doubt coming into this one, but he is deemed fit enough to start from the off.
BENCH WATCH!
STOKE CITY SUBSTITUTES: Butland, Huth, Whelan, Ireland, Adam, Assaidi, Shenton
ARSENAL SUBSTITUTES: Szczesny, Koscielny, Ajayi, Maitland-Niles, Campbell, Podolski, Welbeck
Stoke may have been struck down by various injury problems in recent weeks, although they can still name a fairly strong bench which is credit to the work that Hughes has done since taking over last year. Stephen Ireland may have started this one, but he has been struggling with a virus this week and is among the subs, along with Robert Huth who also misses out.
Arsenal have named two Under-21s on their bench in the shape of Semi Ajayi and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, although it is the inclusion of Wojciech Szczesny among the backups, seemingly dropped in favour of Emilliano Martinez today, which really catches the eye. More on that a little later. Elsewhere, as already mentioned, Welbeck misses out, as does Lukas Podolski perhaps unsurprisingly.
Well Stoke come into this game on the back of three-straight defeats in the Premier League, although performances have not been all that bad. I watched the Potters' clash with Liverpool last weekend, and on the reflection of things it could be strongly argued that they deserved all three points, never mind leaving Merseyside without anything. An inconsistent start left Hughes' side hovering in midtable, but they have slowly started to drop closer to that dreaded drop zone, which will have to be rectified soon.
They are in the midst of their worst run of form this season, which is largely down to the tough fixtures handed to them in the shape of Liverpool and Manchester United away, combined with what looked a tricky visit to White Hart Lane last month. Stoke came out on top in the latter of those games, though, which goes some way to backing up the claim that this term they are better away from home than they are in front of their own supporters.
In fact, Stoke have lost three games at the Britannia Stadium already this season, which is the same total as the duration of the last campaign. Seven points in all from 18 points is not great for a side with such a formidable home record in the past, and with Burnley coming here in the Potters' last home outing and claiming a 2-1 win, it does not bode too well for the Staffordshire-based outfit.
But as touched on a little earlier, Stoke's position in the bottom third of the table does not paint a truly accurate picture, because Hughes' charges have played some decent football this campaign. Ironically, they will have to revert to the 'ugly tactics' of the past if they are to get one over on their opponents this afternoon, you feel, in what should be a well-contested Premier League battle. I use that last word deliberately.
In terms of today's visitors, Arsenal supporters can be forgiven for feel a case of 'same old' at the moment. A terrible start to the campaign - their worst ever in the Premier League, in fact - has left them merely chasing a top four spot this season in reality, while advancing beyond the first knockout stage in Europe is merely a pipe-dream these days.
But it would be unfair to discredit their recent revival, as it appears that an Alexis Snchez-inspired Arsenal are finally able to string some wins together both domestically and in Europe. One of the keys to that has been their ability to keep clean sheets at the back, although with Koscielny absent today, maybe that may prove their downfall once more. Chambers has shifted to the centre alongside Mertesacker, but a fourth clean sheet in succession will be tough to achieve without their rock at the back.
Having covered Arsenal's slender victory over Southampton in the week, as well as their straightforward win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, it is clear to see that the Gunners are still not quite firing on all cylinders. Take Alexis and his 14 goals away, and you are left with a team who struggle to break down opponents.
Much like Hughes fielding Crouch up top, Wenger has made a big call by sticking with Martinez between the sticks with Szczesny among the subs. The Frenchman will no doubt argue that his No. 1 is still returning to fitness, but you feel he would not be in the squad at all if his injury problems are still an issue. Martinez has looked calm and composed in the four games he has featured in this season, conceding just once across those fixtures, and it seems like a logical choice from the Gunners boss.
An update to bring you from the day's early kickoff, which has seen Newcastle United end Chelsea's unbeaten start to the season. Hope for Arsenal?...
DID YOU KNOW? I made the point early with regards to how Arsenal often struggle to break teams down, well here's a stat to back that up: In their last five outings, the Gunners have been tied at 0-0 in each going into half time. It's worth mentioning while on the subject of goals that no side in the division has scored more late strikes than Arsenal, who have found the net seven times in the last five minutes of games this term.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS: The Britannia Stadium is not a happy hunting ground for Arsenal. Since 1981, the North-London outfit have walked away victorious on just one occasion in the Premier League; that coming back in 2010 when two late goals from Robin van Persie secured a 3-1 win. This is the 100th meeting between the sides overall, in fact, with Arsenal edging out their opponents on 52 victories to Stoke's 24.
Kickoff is now a little over 10 minutes away, meaning that there is still time to point you in the direction of Sports Mole's match preview:
PREDICTION: In terms of a personal prediction for this one, I believe that Arsenal will be pushed all the way much like they were against Southampton in the week, although the three points will be heading back to North London. If Stoke can replicated their second-half showing against Liverpool, combined with that frantic push for an equaliser late on against Manchester United, then there is no doubt that they can win this afternoon. But the strength of Alexis alone makes me favour the visitors to pick up a rare win at the Britannia Stadium. 1-3.
This may not be a local derby, far from it in fact in terms of location, but to put it bluntly - these two sides do not like each other. It was truly sparked by the leg-breaking challenge on Aaron Ramsey by Ryan Shawcross a few years back, and relations have not improved since. Charlie Adam was also dismissed for a horror challenge in this fixture last term, while in between Arsenal have found it tough to get to terms with the ferocious atmosphere.
So we have an improving Arsenal side up against a faltering Stoke outfit competing in front of a brilliantly vocal Britannia Stadium crowd. There's a load of underlying storylines heading into this one, but all that truly matters this afternoon are the three points on offer. Kickoff is now just a few minutes away, with both sides out onto the field.
KICKOFF! Here we go then, as referee Anthony Taylor gets us underway at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke instantly looking to push forward...
GOAL! STOKE CITY 1-0 ARSENAL (CROUCH)
I talked a lot about the inclusion of Crouch in the build-up to this game, and the opening 20 seconds has proved just why he is such a nuisance to defend against. Straight from kickoff Stoke lofted the ball forward to their returning front man, and with the ball eventually being worked into the box from the right, Bellerin was unable to clear with Crouch pouncing from close range inside the opening 20 seconds. Incredible start.
I believe 23 seconds is the official time being given for that Crouch goal, which has seen the atmosphere quadruple in terms of decibel levels. The Englishman now has eight goals against Arsenal, but this must surely have been the easiest of the lot having prodded in from a few yards out. Bellerin has been brought into the Gunners' fold this afternoon, but it was his costly slip that cost his side.
After being pegged back into their own half for the best part of the opening six minutes, Arsenal are finally allowed to push forward through Alexis, with his one-two on the edge of the box being cut out. The home fans chant "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" as a pointer to their 'rugby style of play', as a certain French manager once put it.
Arsenal looking far better now, finally stringing together some passes. Alexis is again involved in a break away, linking up with Oxlade-Chamberlain, but the Chilean is crowded out inside the box. Good closing down from Stoke, who are really fired up for this one.
CHANCE! Bellerin will be feeling a lot better about himself now after this wave of playing, some how stopping the ball from rolling out while at the same time picking out the unmarked Giroud at the back post who simply had to score. The returning striker could not find the target with his header, however, as the chance went begging. That came just moments after Bojan proved a threat at the other end, in a move which culminated in Bardsley's cross being well handled by Martinez. Fantastic start to this game.
I stand corrected - that Crouch goal was officially clocked at 19 seconds...
Half a chance for Crouch to double his personal tally for the afternoon, but he could not quite get on the end of Bojan's cross into the box. The former Barcelona man is at the heart of all things good for his side. Stoke really taking the game to Arsenal; they will not be sitting back and holding onto their slender advantage.
Just about time to take a breather in what has been a frenetic start to this contest. Crouch put the hosts ahead inside the opening 20 seconds following some sloppy defending from Arsenal and Bellerin in particular, while Bojan has proved to be a real menace for Stoke. It really should be 1-1, though, with Giroud missing a glorious back-post header.
SHOT! Both sides come close to adding the game's second goal. First, Bardsley's long-range drive, which was swerving and dipping in the air, was spilled by Martinez. Thankfully for him Crouch was in too tight an angle to convert from the rebound, but that will encourage the hosts nonetheless. Moments later Cazorla tried his long from similar range, missing the target by a matter of inches.
The game is more balanced now, with a nice open feel to it. The latest shot has come from the boot of Cazorla, who has driven his free kick from around 25 yards out well over the bar.
Ramsey and Gibbs link up well down the left, but the full-backs cross in overhit. Oxlade-Chamberlain was on hand to deliver the ball back in following some nice work with his feet, but Gibbs headed over the bar. What is apparent in these opening 25 minutes is that Arsenal have missed Chambers' crosses from the right, particularly with Giroud to aim for.
N'Zonzi, fresh on the back of his wonder strike against Manchester United in midweek, unleashes from range but sees his effort blocked away by Flamini. Every Stoke move at the moment is coming through Bojan, much like it did at Anfield seven days ago.
Crouch has also done well to hold the ball up, offering his side a different type of route to goal which Hughes clearly wanted this afternoon. In terms of the visitors, it will come as no surprise to hear that Sanchez is the liveliest player among their ranks thus far.
SAVE! Bojan's free kick into the area is flicked on by Walters towards the back post, where Diouf is waiting to head goalwards. Martinez produces a wonderful save to deny the effort, which leads to a goalmouth scramble, although the linesman's flag was up on the far side. Correct decision, as Diouf was certainly in an offside position.
GOAL! STOKE CITY 2-0 ARSENAL (BOJAN)
Stoke have doubled their advantage through star performer Bojan. Walters was given far too much time down the right to get a cross in, and the former Barcelona man's movement proved too hot for the Gunners to handle. He has been everywhere this afternoon, and on this occasion his gamble at the front post proved worthwhile as he opened up his foot to convert from close range.
Arsenal have hardly played terribly, but there they just look lethargic in the attacking third, as has been the case for much of this season. Stoke on the other hand are fired up, backed by a vociferous support, and are good value for their lead having taken their chances.
SAVE! Begovic needed to be alert to tip over Giroud's header, as Arsenal look for a route back into this game. Stoke are using the wings well, meanwhile, really stretching play which is a clear tactic of theirs.
Stoke rubbing salt into the wounds now by knocking the ball around in defence and into midfield, with Muniesa's run causing few problems for the visitors. Chants of "Ole" from the home support go up in unison with each touch of the ball. They are loving every minute of this so far!
YELLOW CARD! Muniesa receives the first yellow card of the game following a challenge on Alexis. Incidentally, the Chilean's deliveries have been poor this afternoon.
GOAL! STOKE CITY 3-0 ARSENAL (WALTERS)
Incredible. Stoke City have taken a three-goal lead against Arsenal with a minute of the first half still to play! The Potters may be known as a side in which capitalises on set-pieces, but incredibly this is their first goal of the campaign via that route. Bojan's corner was headed down by Crouch, and after the visitors failed to clear their lines Walters was on hand to fire into the roof of the net from a few yards out.
HALF TIME: STOKE CITY 3-0 ARSENAL
Well if you thought Arsenal's past troubles at the Britannia Stadium were merely a myth, you need simply take a look at the half-time scoreline here to prove just how much they struggle this ground. One win in their last nine league visits coming into this one, and right now it is a case of damage limitation because the hosts are running riot.
The Gunners were behind inside 19 seconds when Crouch made the most of some sloppy defending, before Bojan fired home a second from close range. Walters then rounded off a memorable first-half performance by hammering home the third, once more from close range following some poor defending, to compound Arsenal's misery.
I've seen Arsenal play worse than this before this season and still come out on top, but their profligacy in front of goal, particularly when Giroud missed his back-post header from close-range at 1-0 down, has proved to hunt them. Expect changes at the break, with Koscielny and Welbeck likely to be introduced. Something needs to change in the second half, or else the pressure on Wenger will increase another notch or two.
ARSENAL SUBSTITUTION: So as expected, Wenger has made a change at half time and it is a fairly drastic one - Welbeck on for Belerin. Striker for defender.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! Play has now resumed at the Britannia; can Arsenal find a route back into this one? Flamini has moved to full-back to fill in for Bellerin.
YELLOW CARD! Crouch become the second Stoke player to go into the referee's book after catching Mertesacker.
Alexis breaks forward quickly and picks out Welbeck whose shot is deflected wide. The Chilean takes the corner far too quickly, however, and Begovic is able to claim a simple cross.
Pieters has gone on another surge upfield, catching Arsenal out yet again, although Oxlade-Chamberlain is covering at full-back to thwart Diouf. The Gunners man is rather naive, though, pushing the striker over which leads to a Stoke free kick. Bojan almost made the visitors pay with his quick set-piece, although Martinez managed to push it away.
Alexis looked lively for the first quarter of the game, and he has still been his side's best player since then, but his influence has not been at the same level that we have become accustomed to. Great credit must go to Stoke for that, because they have closed down the ball all afternoon.
Frustration starting to show for Arsenal, as Cazorla bundles over Bojan. He has been the best player on the field today and has a goal to show for his work.
OFF THE POST! That was the moment that Arsenal have been waiting for to crawl back into the contest, but Alexis has not managed to make the most of his opening. Incredibly, the Chilean beat two defenders, rounded Begovic and then failed the simple task of rolling the ball into the back of an unguarded net.
Shawcross is just receiving some treatment down on the field, which has led to a little break in play. He should be fine to continue.
N'Zonzi delivers a sublime ball from the right into the path of Diouf on the edge of the opposition box, but his teammate sees his shot deflected behind. That Alexis chance aside, Stoke look the more likely of the two teams to score, and the Gunners still have just the one shot on target to their name.
YELLOW CARD! Chambers pulls back Crouch to earn Arsenal's first caution of the afternoon.
So disappointing from Arsenal, who have just squandered a rare attacking opportunity. They seemed to overplay it in and around the Stoke box following Welbeck's initial good play, but having finally worked it wide to Flamini the makeshift full-back swung it behind for a goalkick. It would be too easy to say that sums up Arsenal's afternoon.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Glenn Whelan has been introduced in place of Muneisa for City, while Giroud's disappointing afternoon draws to a close. Podolski is on in his place.
GOAL DISALLOWED! It looked for all the world as though Stoke has added a fourth goal, until the linesman ruled it out for offside. The lively summer purchase was allowed to cut inside and drill a shot beyond Martinez, but Diouf's close proximity to the goalkeeper saw it ruled out.
PENALTY TO ARSENAL! This game has had it all. Seconds after thinking they were 4-0 down, Arsenal have a chance to pull one back after Flamini was tripped by Diouf inside the box.
GOAL! STOKE CITY 3-1 ARSENAL (CAZORLA)
Cazorla squeezes the ball into the corner, just about beating Begovic to pull one back for the Gunners. What a game we're in for now...
GOAL! STOKE CITY 3-2 ARSENAL (RAMSEY)
We are witnessing a classic at the Britannia Stadium. Five minutes again Stoke had a fourth ruled out, perhaps wrongly, due to an offside infringement. Arsenal went up the other end and pulled one back via Cazorla's penalty, and now Ramsey has added a second for the visitors with a well-taken strike. A corner came into the box from Alexis, and the Welshman was standing around 15 yards from goal waiting to volley home. I wonder?...
Well in-between those dramatic moments Stoke brought on Charlie Adam in place of Diouf to shore up their midfield. Oxlade-Chamberlain also earned himself a second yellow for a cynical challenge.
Far more belief coming from Arsenal now, who can sense a memorable comeback. They were pegged back from three goals behind earlier this campaign, remember, with Anderlecht springing a huge surprise at the Emirates Stadium.
Having seen the reply of Stoke's disallowed fourth goal, it really is a tough one to call, but I think the officials got it wrong. There was nothing wrong with Bojan's strike, but one of Diouf or Walters - stood in close proximity to Martinez - was deemed to be offside. Diouf looked to be narrowly on, while the latter was not exactly interfering with play.
RED CARD! Arsenal's hopes of a comeback have taken a huge blow as Chambers picks up a second yellow card. He needs to cut out that part of his game, and this needless challenge on Bojan could have just cost his side. I still wouldn't like to call this one, mind...
SHOT! Bojan fires just wide with an effort from around 25 yards out as this incredible contest enters its final 10 minutes. Campbell appears to be coming on for Arsenal.
Arsenal are knocking the ball around in the middle of the park, stringing together numerous passes but so far unable to create any openings since moving within one goal of their opponents. Seven minutes to go at the Britannia.
YELLOW CARD! Adam, who was sent off in this fixture last season, is cautioned for his challenge on Alexis. Good chance this for the Chilean to swing one in...
Cazorla managed to get a shot away at goal, which Begovic turned behind for a corner. Arsenal were unable to capitalise on the set-piece like they were for their second goal, however, as the time continues to tick away.
STOKE CITY SUBSTITUTION: Huth's injury nightmare is officially over, as he comes on for man of the match Bojan. A more defensive approach to be taken by Hughes.
It would be harsh to criticise Alexis because he has been one of Arsenal's better players, but his foul throw a few moments ago sums up his afternoon on the whole. Still time for the Gunners to pull back a dramatic late goal. Remember - they have scored seven times in the last five minutes of games this term.
Nothing like beating the crowds...
We have entered stoppage time at the Britannia Stadium, where the official has indicated that we will play a minimum of FIVE minutes of added time. Still plenty of work for Stoke to do to see this one out.
ARSENAL SUBSTITUTION: Arsenal just seem to be overdoing things at the moment, knocking the ball around trying to work an opening. It has led to a corner, however, which will be swung in after Campbell comes on for Gibbs.
You can feel the tension as Stoke just about manage to clear their lines. These next three minutes will feel like a lifetime to them, as Arsenal continue to press for an equaliser.
Tension relieved for a few more seconds as Cazorla loses possession for the visitors. Two minutes to go now, and Stoke have hold of the ball inside their own half. They can see the finish line!
Arsenal are unable to get hold of the ball as Stoke look to see out the final minute of this gripping contest. Time looks to be up for the Gunners...
FULL TIME: STOKE CITY 3-2 ARSENAL
Stoke City fans, you can breath at last! Referee Anthony Taylor has blown his whistle to signal the end of what was a thrilling Premier League clash at the Britannia Stadium.
Stoke really should have had the game wrapped up at 3-0, but credit to Arsenal for pushing their opponents all the way. In the end if was not enough, though, and it is the Potters who walk away with all three points.
Well that's all from me this evening, but be sure to stick around on Sports Mole as we bring you player ratings and analysis from this dramatic match.
