Alexandre Lacazette scored the winner as Arsenal made it back-to-back Premier League victories with a 3-2 success away to Cardiff City on Sunday afternoon.
Cardiff twice came from behind to level the scores, but Lacazette's 81st-minute strike proved enough for the Gunners to collect all three points from Wales.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
12.31pmAfternoon all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from Wales as Cardiff City welcome Arsenal. Cardiff have collected two points from their first three Premier League matches this term - losing at Bournemouth before drawing with Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town. Arsenal, meanwhile, lost to Manchester City and Chelsea in their first two before winning 3-1 at home to West Ham United last weekend. Stay tuned for the action!
12.34pmThis afternoon will bring the first Premier League meeting between the two teams since January 2014, when Arsenal won 2-0 on home soil. The Gunners also recorded a 3-0 victory in Wales during that particular campaign, and Cardiff have actually not beaten Arsenal since February 1961. This should be a very, very interesting game of football this afternoon.
12.37pmIndeed, the two matches during the 2013-14 season are the only Premier League games between the two teams, and they had not actually met in the league before that since 1962. Cardiff's last victory over Arsenal was a 3-2 success away to the Gunners during the 1960-61 campaign. Remember it? Bit before me, but the home supporters would certainly take that result here.
12.40pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Wales. Are there any surprises in either XI? Let's run through the two teams here...
12.43pmTEAMS!
CARDIFF: Etheridge; Manga, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett; Arter, Camarasa, Ralls; Reid, Ward, Hoilett
ARSENAL: Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Sokratis, Monreal; Xhaka, Guendouzi, Ramsey; Ozil, Aubameyang, Lacazette
12.46pmCardiff boss Neil Warnock has made three changes to the team that started the goalless draw with Huddersfield last time out. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Josh Murphy are both out of the squad, while Kenneth Zohore has dropped to the bench. Junior Hoilett is back in the final third, while Bobby Reid and Danny Ward are also selected. It is a 4-3-3 for the hosts this afternoon.
© Reuters
12.49pmAs for Arsenal, head coach Unai Emery has made two changes to the team that started the 3-1 win over West Ham last weekend, with Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil coming in for Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang again starts for the Gunners, while Petr Cech continues between the sticks as summer arrival Bernd Leno is named on the bench.
12.52pmThe two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff in Wales. I shall speak about the home side a little bit later, but let's start with Arsenal. As mentioned, the Gunners will enter this match off the back of a 3-1 success at home to West Ham last weekend.
12.55pm
💥 @Aubameyang7 x @LacazetteAlex 😎
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 2, 2018
These 2️⃣ both start for us today 🔥#CARARS pic.twitter.com/6GhYh6Jzk4
12.58pmUnai Emery's reign as Arsenal boss started with a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City on the opening weekend, before suffering a 3-2 loss at Chelsea on August 18. It was not exactly the ideal start for Emery, but there were signs of encouragement – from an attacking sense – in both of those matches. Defensively, however, there is still a lot for the new head coach to work on.
1.02pmIt was absolutely vital that Arsenal bounced back at home to West Ham last weekend, and that was the case as the Gunners came from behind to record a 3-1 win. The capital outfit will now be looking to put some points on the board as they come into a period of extremely winnable matches.
1.05pmIndeed, Arsenal's next six in the Premier League after this one are against Newcastle United, Everton, Watford, Fulham, Leicester City and Crystal Palace. Emery's side will then host Liverpool before facing Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth in back-to-back league fixtures.
1.08pm
🔵 Then a Bluebird, now a Gunner 🔴@aaronramsey returns to his boyhood club today for #CARARS pic.twitter.com/PCxbRnMs17
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 2, 2018
1.12pmArsenal actually had the second-best home record in the Premier League last season – winning 15 of their 19 league games at the Emirates Stadium. However, they had a really rotten away record – losing 11 of their 19 matches and winning just four times, which was quite staggering.
1.15pmAs for Cardiff, the Welsh outfit will be looking to stay in the Premier League this season, which is something that they did not manage during the 2013-14 season. Indeed, the Bluebirds only won seven of their 38 matches during that particular campaign, and were relegated in 20th position.
1.18pmNeil Warnock's side started their season with a 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth on the opening weekend, before drawing back-to-back league games against Newcastle and Huddersfield, which has left them in 16th position in the table after three matches of the new season.
1.22pm
Looking sharp, Skip! 💙#CityAsOne 🔵⚽️🔵⚽️ pic.twitter.com/AGLrVO8pYr
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) September 2, 2018
1.25pmCardiff were also in EFL Cup action on Tuesday night, but exited the competition in the second round courtesy of a 3-1 home defeat by Norwich City. In truth, staying in the Premier League is the name of the game this season, and the loss to Norwich will mean little if they could pick up all the points here. Kickoff in Wales is now just five minutes away!
1.28pmHere we go then; both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff at the Cardiff City Stadium. The home side are looking for their first Premier League win of the season, while Arsenal will be hoping to build on their victory over West Ham. Game on here!
0 minKICKOFF: Arsenal kick things off in Wales...
1 min... Cech gets himself in a spot of bother in the first minute, with the Arsenal goalkeeper almost losing the ball inside his own box. Alisson did it for Liverpool yesterday, and Cech almost followed!
3 minIt must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. Cardiff might have to spend long periods without the ball, but they will fancy their chances of causing Arsenal problems from set pieces. Let's hope for an entertaining game of football.
5 minPlenty happening in the first five minutes of this match, with Arsenal on the front foot. Ramsey looks to dance into a shooting position, but Bamba is across to make the challenge. Cardiff then look to break forward through Morrison, but the skipper is brought to the deck.
7 minAs expected, Arsenal are having a lot of the ball in the early stages of this match. The Gunners force their first corner of the match, but Lacazette is beaten to the high ball.
8 minCHANCE! Huge chance for Cardiff as Cech passes the ball straight to Arter in a dangerous position, but the midfielder's effort is too high! Golden chance for the home side!
9 minSAVE! Super save from Etheridge to keep out a low strike from Ramsey. Monreal is the first to react, but the ball is over the Cardiff crossbar. Good goalkeeping from Etheridge!
11 minPlenty happening here as both teams take chances at the back. I would be astounded if there were not goals here, as neither defence looks secure. Excellent 11 minutes of football.
12 minSAVE! Another super save from Etheridge to keep out a Bellerin strike!
12 minGOAL! CARDIFF 0-1 ARSENAL (MUSTAFI)
13 minArsenal make the breakthrough in the 12th minute as a bullet header from Mustafi finds the top corner! The German was first to react from a corner, and it flew past Etheridge.
15 minThis match is very open at the moment, and you have to think that will suit Arsenal. Cardiff just need to tighten up and not the chase the match, which would be a dangerous tactic.
16 minSAVE! Etheridge has to make another save to keep out a Monreal strike!
18 minCardiff are all over the place at the back here, and it would be a surprise if Arsenal did not score a second during this dominant period. The home side really need to tighten up here.
19 minCHANCE! Couple of big chances for Cardiff. First, Ward just fails to meet a low cross from Reid, before Hoilett fires over inside the Arsenal box. Much better from Warnock's team.
21 minBennett is a touch fortunate to escape a card for a late challenge on Lacazette, but the Arsenal forward is back on his feet. The opening 21 minutes of this match have flown past.
23 minIt is still extremely frantic all over the pitch, with the match yet to settle despite the fact that this game is 23 minutes old. I sense a yellow card will soon arrive here.
25 minYELLOW CARD! Monreal (Arsenal) is booked for a foul on Reid.
27 minCardiff's back four remains all over the place, and they are going to concede a second unless they manage to tighten up. Manga looks very uncomfortable indeed at right-back here.
29 minSHOT! Xhaka strikes one from outside the Cardiff box, but his effort was always wide of the post. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, and Arsenal still lead 1-0.
29 minCHANCE! Stunning effort from Reid as the striker produces an over-head kick inside the Arsenal box, but the ball is just over the crossbar. Arsenal are coming under pressure.
31 minArsenal have the ball as they pass and probe in Cardiff's half of the field here.
33 minLittle over 10 minutes of the first period remaining, and Cardiff still trail to that Mustafi header. Both teams have had chances since then, and it has been a very open game of football.
33 minOFF THE POST! Lacazette's low strike from outside the Cardiff box strikes the post!
35 minHuge final 10 minutes of the first period coming up here.
37 minLacazette breaks into a dangerous position before looking to pick out Ozil, but Bennett is on hand to make a very important block. Cardiff then lose the ball down the other end.
39 minCardiff manage to clear out of their own box as Arsenal continue to force the issue. There is so much space for the away side on the counter, and they really should have a second.
41 minMonreal goes down inside the Cardiff box, but the referee is not interested, and the home side eventually manage to clear their lines. Arter then goes down with an injury.
43 minArter is back on his feet, and looks fine to continue. That stoppage has certainly interrupted the flow of the match, which is not a bad thing for Cardiff at this stage to be honest.
43 minCech manages to collect a dangerous Hoilett cross from the left.
45 minI should not imagine that there will be too much added time at the end of the 45 here.
45+1 minCHANCE! Arter fires high of the crossbar on the volley from a Morrison header!
45+2 minGOAL! CARDIFF 1-1 ARSENAL (CAMARASA)
45+2 minCardiff level! As expected, it comes from a cross, and the ball breaks kindly for Camarasa, who fires the ball into the back of the net! Not sure about the defending there!
45+3 minHALF TIME: CARDIFF 1-1 ARSENAL
2.18pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 1-1. Mustafi's header had sent Arsenal ahead in the 11th minute, but Camarasa found the roof of the net with a smart finish to level the scores in the final stages of the first half in Wales.
2.23pmSTATISTICS! Arsenal dominated the first-half possession with 70%, while they had seven attempts - four of which were on target. Cardiff, meanwhile, hit the target with just one of their five attempts, but it found the back of the net. Monreal was the only first-half booking here.
2.28pmBENCH WATCH! Arsenal boss Emery has plenty of high-quality options on his bench this afternoon, with the likes of Mkhitaryan, Torreira and Welbeck all available. Cardiff, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Madine, Paterson and Zohore. Plenty of talent on both benches.
46 minKICKOFF: Cardiff resume the action here...
47 min... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops here.
47 minSHOT! Hoilett fires wide of the Arsenal post after another poor pass from Cech!
49 minRamsey looks to feed a pass into Aubameyang as Arsenal go on the front foot once again, but the weight on the ball is too strong, and Cardiff can build from the back through Etheridge.
50 minCHANCE! Lacazette wrestles free inside the Cardiff box before striking towards goal, but his effort was always too high. Good strength from the Frenchman there.
51 minYELLOW CARD! Bellerin (Arsenal) is booked for handball.
53 minCardiff's latest free kick is delivered into the Arsenal box, but Morrison's header is harmlessly wide of the post. Very open start to the second period, with both teams having their moments.
55 minPossession football from Arsenal as Cardiff drop back into a defensive shape. Monreal eventually delivers a low cross into the box, but Manga is on hand to make the clearance.
55 minSAVE! Etheridge keeps out a flying header from Mustafi!
57 minArsenal are very much on the front foot at the moment, with Cardiff being forced to sit in and defend. You do get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be crucial.
57 minSHOT! Xhaka sees a powerful strike deflected high of the Cardiff crossbar!
58 minYELLOW CARD! Guendouzi (Arsenal) is booked for a foul on Camarasa.
61 minHoilett strikes harmlessly wide of the Arsenal post as Cardiff break forward.
62 minLittle under 30 minutes of the second period remaining, and Arsenal are very much on the front foot. Cardiff just need to find a way to take some of the pressure off, as it is constant here.
62 minGOAL! CARDIFF 1-2 ARSENAL (AUBAMEYANG)
63 minArsenal regain the lead in the 62nd minute as a wonderful passing move ends with Aubameyang finding the bottom corner with a brilliant strike from outside the box.
65 minCardiff have struggled in the second period, and Arsenal want a third here.
66 minYELLOW CARD! Xhaka (Arsenal) is booked for a foul on Camarasa.
68 minRalls has a strike moments after Cardiff call for a penalty, but the referee is not interested. Sokratis was all over the back of Morrison, and Arsenal are a touch fortunate there.
70 minGOAL! CARDIFF 2-2 ARSENAL (WARD)
71 minAll square! Cardiff are back on terms here, and it is a first Premier League goal for Ward, who meets Morrison's flick and guides his header into the bottom corner of the net!
72 minARSENAL SUB! Torreira replaces Guendouzi for the away side.
72 minYELLOW CARD! Hoilett (Cardiff) is booked for a foul on Monreal.
74 minLittle over 15 minutes of the second period remaining, and Arsenal are back on the attack.
75 minSAVE! Etheridge keeps out a header from Mustafi!
77 minLittle under 15 minutes of the second period remaining, and Arsenal are dominating the ball. A low cross from Bellerin drops into a dangerous position, but Cardiff manage to clear.
77 minYELLOW CARD! Camarasa (Cardiff) is booked for a foul on Sokratis.
79 minSAVE! Cech keeps out a strike from Reid following a bright run!
81 minLittle under 10 minutes of the second period remaining, and Arsenal are on the front foot. A goal at this stage would surely be the winner, but Arsenal might have thought that at 1-1.
81 minGOAL! CARDIFF 2-3 ARSENAL (LACAZETTE)
82 minLacazette turns inside the Cardiff box before finding the top corner with some strike!
84 minARSENAL SUB! Welbeck replaces Ozil for the away side.
84 minCARDIFF SUB! Zohore replaces Ward for the home side.
86 minCardiff are throwing crosses into the Arsenal box, but the danger is being cleared.
88 minIs there going to be a sixth goal in the final stages of this match? Arsenal currently have the ball, and Cardiff look lost for energy. How much stoppage time is going to be added?
89 minARSENAL SUB! Mkhitaryan replaces Aubameyang for the away side.
89 minCARDIFF SUB! Madine replaces Camarasa for the home side.
90+1 minWe are into the first of four additional minutes in Wales.
90+1 minCHANCE! Morrison heads over the Arsenal goal when Cech was out!
90+3 minCardiff again load the Arsenal penalty box as a long ball comes into a dangerous area, but the away side manage to clear their lines. Time is very much running out for the home side.
90+3 minYELLOW CARD! Arter (Cardiff) is booked for a foul on Torreira.
90+5 minSAVE! Etheridge keeps out a strike from Lacazette!
90+5 minFULL TIME: CARDIFF 2-3 ARSENAL
3.24pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Arsenal running out 3-2 winners away to Cardiff. What a game at the Cardiff City Stadium! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you soon!
