Late, late show as Arsenal see off Stoke

Petr Cech watched from the stands having picked up a slight groin injury, but in truth he would not have had much more work had he been between the sticks for Arsenal - David Ospina was rarely tested in his stead.

Stoke began the match brightly and it was clear that this game mattered to them more. Paul Lambert’s side are mired at the wrong end of the table in 19th, while for Arsenal the league season is practically over.

The ‘Potters’ worked industriously, pressing Arsenal high up the pitch and first to every second ball but throughout the game the struggled to create any clear cut chances. Xherdan Shaqiri went close with some efforts from range, but it was an uninspiring first half.

Arsenal created even less in that half, although Aaron Ramsey did hit the bar with a cute effort from a tight angle.

After the break the teams came out in much the same fashion, although Shaqiri did hit the post from a corner. However with twenty minutes to go, Arsene Wenger brought on Lacazette who was returning from injury, and Arsenal looked a completely different team.

Five minutes later the Frenchman played in Mesut Ozil who went down under pressure from Bruno Martins Indi, and Craig Pawson pointed to the spot. Replays suggest the player may have got to the ball first, but that was not a problem for Aubameyang who sent Butland the wrong way.

Lacazette won a corner four minutes later and Stoke fell to pieces. Aubameyang was left unmarked next to the penalty spot and he picked his spot with a sliced effort on the outside of his boot which beat Butland’s outstretched leg.

 

1 April 2018

Lacazette then won a penalty himself, and it was surprising to see that Aubameyang handed over kick-taking duties to the Frenchman, giving up the chance of a potential hat-trick. The former Lyon man picked the same corner as Aubameyang and Arsenal had scored three times in 15 minutes.

It was a scoreline that flattered the ‘Gunners’, who for 70 minutes looked as if they only had thoughts for their Europa League tie on Thursday, but eventually their class showed. They maintain a five point gap to the teams below, who will have to work hard to catch Wenger’s side.

Stoke are now three points from safety, having played a game more than many of their rivals, and while they would not have expected to win today the manner of the loss and the way in which they capitulated after conceding will bring some worry. Things do not get easier as they welcome Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham next week.

 

1 April 2018