Chamakh Scores But Arsenal Fall to Third

What a difference a few days make.  On Wednesday, Marouane Chamakh scored an all-important goal for Morocco's National Team, securing victory.  On Saturday he scored against Spurs in the North London derby, but it wasn't enough for the Gunners.

Arsene Wenger's side started off brightly enough opening the scoring with a gritty strike from Samir Nasri.  The French national, who also featured for his national team midweek, took on two defenders and the keeper and just barely squeaked the ball into the net from an impossible angle.  The goal was all his and jumpstarted the Gunners.
It wasn't long after Nasri's opener that Chamakh took a feed from Arshavin and outstretched Younes Kaboul and poked it past Gomes. 2-0 Gunners.
It's often said that 2-0 is the most dangerous score to lead by, and unfortunately for the Gunners' title hopes, it proved correct today.
The Gunners seemed to take their feet off the gas, and all were guilty of missed chances that should have been goals.  Their passing became less effective and the midfield broke down.  With no midfield, the strikers were devoid of clear chances.
Tottenham took full advantage of Arsenal's lack of focus. 
In the second half, the Gunners came out flat and the Spurs turned up the heat.  In the 50' Gareth Bale jumped on a pass from Rafael van der Vaart and pulled one back for the visitors. 2-1 Arsenal.
Spurs could now smell the blood in the water and it took a monumental mistake from the Gunner captain, Cesc Fabregas to level the match.  As van der Vaart took a freekick, Fabregas and Chamakh raised their arms to protect their faces and the ball hit Fabregas' arm.  Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot and van der Vaart scored a penalty.  2-2.
So Arsenal's chance to jump ahead of Chelsea in the standings (until the Blues' later match) looked in danger and the Gunners would be lucky to take a point.
Both sides had chances, but the Spurs were running the show now.  And in the 85' Younes Kaboul, who had allowed Chamakh to score in the 27', headed in a freekick from van der Vaart.  Arsenal 2-3 Spurs.  An historic win for Tottenham, and a real slipup from the Gunners.  The result put them third in the table, with United level on points with Chelsea after the Blues lost at Birmingham.
The Gunners will have to play more focused if they're going to reignite their title run.

Chamakh v Kaboul

Former Gunner William Gallas pulls down Chamakh

Chamakh misses out on a chance when Gomes clears the ball

Chamakh pokes home their second goal around Kaboul

Marouane and Cesc raise their arms and the VDV freekick hits Fabregas' arm.

Wenger can't watch as his Gunners give up a two-goal lead and lose at home once again.