Arsenal 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Needing a win to stay in the hunt for a top four place, Arsenal just had to beat lowly Brighton in today’s Premier League clash at the Emirates… but they simply couldn’t do it.
Manchester United’s earlier draw with Huddersfield Town meant that there were two Champions League places up for grabs between Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs. And when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave the Gunners an early lead from the penalty spot it all looked good for Unai Emery’s side. But a second half spot kick for Brighton, converted by Glenn Murray put an end to all that.
In the Premier League 2019 odds for the weekend, this game was a home banker at SBOBET, and a draw virtually puts an end to Arsenal’s top four hopes. They can still qualify, but need to win next week and make up an eight goal deficit on North London rivals Spurs.
Highlights of the game
The Gunners were completely toothless in defeat to Leicester City last week but they started today like a house on fire. They almost went ahead on two minutes when Henrikh Mkhitaryan beat Mat Ryan with a low drive but his shot bounced back off the post.
And the hosts went ahead on eight minutes when Nacho Monreal was fouled right on the edge of the penalty area by Alireza Jahanbaksh, and referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot. It looked like a close call but the Brighton wide man just had a touch on Monreal who was first to the ball.
Aubameyang stepped up and coolly and slotted home the penalty, just inside the left hand post, for his 20th league goal of the season.
It wasn’t the start they wanted but Brighton could play with more freedom having won their fight for survival, thanks to Crystal Palace’s win over Cardiff City which relegated the Bluebirds in their first season back in the top flight. And as the Seagulls worked their way into the game veteran striker Glenn Murray had two chances to equalise, but his first effort was blocked by Shkodran Mustafi, and he then forced Bernd Leno to make as save with a well aimed header.
Ryan made a good save from Mustafi after he met a Granit Xhaka corner and then the Brighton keeper made an even better stop to deny Aubameyang whose shot was heading towards the bottom corner.
The Seagulls started the second half brightly and Solly March came close with a low drive. The Gunners looked a little complacent in the early stages and they were punished on the hour when Taylor gave his second penalty of the game when Granit Xhaka fouled March as the winger ran into the area.
Murray used all his experience to slam the ball into the corner and send a hush around the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal now simply had to score or their hopes of Champions League football would begin to fade rapidly.
Aubameyang fired a volley over from a corner and then, when he found space to shoot he tested Ryan with a low drive. And then, with 17 minutes left on the clock the top scorer had a great chance from around ten yards out but fired wide.
Alexandre Lacazette came close but again the Brighton defence stood firm as the Gunners had a series of corners. Unai Emery made a triple substitution bringing on Alex Iwobi in an attempt to stretch the Brighton defence. And as the Gunners desperately hunted a winner Aubameyang was inches away from heading home.
And then Shane Duffy made a brilliant interception to deny Arsenal’s hit man as he prepared to pull the trigger.
Key statistics
Arsenal’s poor run for form, losing the last three, has come at the worst possible time, and failing to beat Brighton at home leaves their Champions League hopes in tatters.
With 70 per cent possession and 20 shots to 11, Arsenal had their chances, but the Seagulls hung on to win their first point against a top six side in 12 attempts.
What’s next?
What a weekend of Premier League 2019 results! In the chase for a Champions League place Manchester United drew with Huddersfield Town while Spurs lost; and now Arsenal have pretty much blown it.
Arsenal almost certainly needs to win the Europa League to qualify for next season’s Champions League and they take a two goal semi-final lead to Valencia on Thursday. Then they visit Burnley in the last league game. Turf Moor would not be Emery’s first choice of venue at which to try to get a big away win.
The Seagulls have had a poor second half of the season and they will be glad of a summer break. Before they get there they face Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side aims for back to back premier League titles.
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