Last Gasp Gunners Keep Top Four Chase Alive
Apr 26th, 2017 by 'holic
Arsene Wenger rested tired legs for the visit of Leicester City. In came Hector Bellerin, Kieran Gibbs, Francis Coquelin, and Theo Walcott for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rob Holding, Aaron Ramsey, and Olivier Giroud. Nacho Monreal switched to one of the back three.
It was the visitors who got the first chance when a careless back heel by Alexis in the right back berth was switched via Mahrez and Albrighton to Vardy who mercifully fired wide of Petr Cech’s near post. Otherwise the defences were very much on top and both sides were being caught offside.
That encouraged Francis Coquelin to try his luck from long range and forced Schmeichel to parry the ball for a corner. Granit Xhaka was next to strike from distance but the ball sailed over the bar and into the Clock End.
Midway through the half a Mahrez volley brought a fine save out of Petr Cech. The match was anything but predictable at this point. Bellerin and Gibbs ran into blind alleys on the edge of the Leicester box. Drinkwater’s fierce challenge on Coquelin warranted only a free-kick and raised eyebrows in the crowd.
As the clock clicked to the 27th minute Walcott brought a save out of Scmeichel with a snapshot from the inside right channel. It signalled the start of a period of Arsenal control as a stream of crosses tested Leicester’s central defenders. Alexis was denied a blatant penalty by an offside flag as we sought the opening goal.
Simpson took a yellow for a cynical foul on Bellerin, and moments later Ozil just failed to find Alexis as he darted across the box. Leicester broke the shackles six minutes from the break when Mahrez wriggled free in the box and drove the ball into the side-netting.
At the other end Ozil again set Alexis in motion and the Chilean hit a drive from the edge of the box that flew past Scmeichel but bounced back into play off the crossbar. The whistle concluded a goal-less opening half. Would Arsenal regret not having more to show for their 73% possession and six shots to three?
Fuchs went into the book for clattering into the back of Walcott as the Gunners struggled to create a clear opening at the start of the second-half. Ten minutes in Alexis was denied at point-blank range by Huth after Bellerin had played him in. When the two combined again Bellerin failed to find Walcott with the cut-back.
Xhaka’s deflected effort was well tipped around the post by a flying Schmeichel. The first chants of the Danny Welbeck song rose into the night air as a frustrated crowd looked to prompt the manager into action with an hour on the clock.
Mesut Ozil’s cross was cleared for a corner from which Laurent Koscielny headed Bellerin’s cross into the arms of a grateful Schmeichel. Then Alexis smashed another effort from the edge of the box straight into the goalkeeper’s arms. Cue the introduction of Danny Welbeck for Gibbs. Eyebrows were raised again. Arsene Wenger reverted to a back four. Leicester sent on Okazaki for Ulloa.
Welbeck’s first meaningful contribution was a cross that sailed across a Gooner-free zone in the Leicester box. Giroud and Ramsey were sent on for Walcott and Coquelin as the Arsenal manager went for broke with sixteen minutes remaining. With the substitutes all made it was oh so Arsenal that Koscielny went down with what looked like a painful twisted knee. Thankfully the skipper was able to hobble back on after treatment.
That Benalouane’s assault on Giroud was deemed worthy only a yellow card was quite incredible. The studs of his right boot and both knees were slammed into the back of the Frenchman. Xhaka picked up a yellow moments later for pulling down Mahrez.
Then, for the second season running a late winner and a release of joy in the stands. That Nacho Monreal’s effort was deflected goalwards by Huth was all the sweeter. Four minutes plus injury time to go. It was that close.
Arsenal 1-0 Leicester City
Ozil had the ball in the net with two minutes to go but his joy was cut short by the assistant referee’s flag. For the four added minutes the visitors brought on the rapid Grey for Benalouane. All of a sudden their time-wasting had evaporated.
The handbags when Fuchs threw the ball at Alexis, who went down a little too theatrically, took up precious minutes. Huth was carded for felling Koscielny in the ensuing goalmouth scramble. After six added minutes the final whistle signalled that we had climbed to sixth place and still mathematically in the hunt for better.
It might have been tense but it ended well. A big shout out to Nacho Monreal who filled two roles on the evening, played well throughout, and assisted that oh so vital goal. Well played Nacho!
136 Responses to “Last Gasp Gunners Keep Top Four Chase Alive”
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Didn’t see any of it, thanks for a great summary. I like them maths.
Kudos to the Boss Holic,
He knew he had to make changes after the marathon at Wembley,and he got it right for mine.
Kept it tight at the back,and sent the cavalry on late when Leicester were tiring.
Chelsea had a tough struggle with the Saints last night,and were decidedly nervy till the 3rd goal went in,and the Spuds struggled for long periods at Palace tonight,so we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.
So all in all a good old fashioned 1 nil to the Arse,and we played as a team with everyone doing their bit.
Despite others suggesting to the contrary,i expect the run on side against City,barring injuries,to be the same for the Spuds game.
Should be a cracker.
4 Spot? Never in doubt! 😀
The three at the back suits us more even though we went to a back four after the welbeck substitution. Theo unfortunately doesn’t fit into a 3-4-3 system. Leicester came with the intention of playing out a goal less draw and we should have been much bolder in our play as well as the timing of our substitutions. Nacho once again had a very good game and showed with the deflected goal that positive shot taking intent at the edge of the box does have its rewards.
The team that played against City will be the one to line up against the spuds perhaps with the exception of Welbeck starting instead of Giroud. Koscienly’s injury was a real scare and he didn’t seem to be moving freely after that. Hopefully it’s nothing serious and he will be fully fit for the NLD. Alexis had a worryingly error prone game tonight so hopefully that’s his stinker out of the way. We won’t be favorites in the NLD after a long long time and maybe it would suit us to be in a position to really end their title hopes. Looking forward to a cracking game.
Three more points; keep it going. And a draw in the Mancs derby, seasoned with a few red cards for violent conduct, would be welcome.
Just on the train on the way back from a largely frustrating evening at The Grove. The game can simply be summed up as Leicester we’re happy with a point and we did not have the quality to break them down.
I thought we were slow and laboured for much of the game. We didn’t break with any real pace and lacked any meaningful width. I will never ever understand the thought process of lofting looping balls into the box and expecting Sanchez to out jump 4 defenders.
The changes were made and we did look more lively. Danny will always work hard but is hardly a natural striker. His ball across the six yard box however deserved someone getting on the end of it.
An own goal from a defender’s deflected shot was probably the only way we were going to win it. It was funny that it came off of Huth. I was particularly proud of the fact that I managed to get a chant of “Nacho Monreal. He scores when he wants” going from block 4.
We have some tough fixtures in the run in. Three points is three points. But we will have to play considerably better than that if we want to win many more.
Nice write up H. Can you or anyone else tell me why Sanchez was booked at the throw in debacle please? Couldn’t see from where I was.
Thanks Holic. I was elsewhere and it sounds like Ididn’t miss a classic but we won although I bet Kos is out for the Derby. And I bet they didn’t get any injuries tonight.
I’m a massive Nacho fan and hope we keep him. I think the Kolasinac stories are exaggerated but whether he or another LB comes Nacho is a versatile and highly committed player
Evening Steve
Never going to be easy tonight after Sunday marathon,tired minds and bodies,certainly not good viewing,but as the only team trying to win the game,we got the break in the end.
3 wins in a row,and only 2 goals conceded,so pragmatism has made the difference,at the expense of all our attacking football leaving the defence seriously exposed.
Handbags at the end over a throw in,when Huth threw the ball at Sanchez who was preventing them taking the throw.
Sanchez theatrically fell over,and got booked for interfering with the play.
Doesn’t sound like good news on Kos,in Arsene’s presser after the game,he said he had a knee injury and didn’t know how long he would be out.
Will know more tomorrow when he has it checked out.
I am surprised he can walk at all after what looked like a painful twist of his knee,but must be very doubtful for Sunday.
Never in doubt. ?
Evening Clive. Hope you and yours are all fit and well.
Thanks for that. I had guessed as much from what I had read elsewhere.
I think you are right. We looked tired tonight but we also looked short of ideas. There was no lack of spirit which was pleasing, but there was a definite lack of quality.
I will be happy with anything that we get at the weekend.
Nice report H.
Tired legs and minds tonight but never in any real danger of defeat. Good work by Gabriel, Monreal, Cech and Xhaka. All the rest kept trying throughout and FFSFeo tried for a while.
Still smiling from Sunday.
Fingers crossed for Kos.
On to the Lane.
COYG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnAiXUWEXMM
a tune for whoever
or not
i dunno
.
FUCK OFF !!!!
or not
i dunno
.
*hides from bath*
@14
You can run but you can’t hide.
We know where you live, pal.
jeez
bad timing
13 was not for you
sweet merciful fuck
i’m digging a big unintentional
tartan hole for myself
13 had managerial leanings
but
wouldn’t ye fuckin know it
the dandies arise
or
in Scotlandish
“ayeddleyeyedlleydoopal anyway “
*hole deepens*
*contemplates bigger shovel*
any Welsh in the bar ?
.
i’ve a whole routine ready ?
Top tune CBA.
Off to the land of The Sweaty in a few weeks. Will pass on my verdict then.
Until then, I’ll see your shovel and raise you two forks.
tuck yer trousers in yer socks steve
they’re a strange people
they know no better
think of it as missionary work
Taking the wee man for added muscle.
Will ring Bath and BTM to assist with translation.
?
If not, just play the fool.
Again, Bath and BTM to assist.
??
have a goodun big man
say hello to the Mighty Zico
should you fall over him
he be brilliant
The Mighty Zico with the feelgood factor.
Interrupter number 3.
One for you CBA. A personal favourite
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9TMqef2KQk
who can argue with a bitta Jam
Banana skin avoided … just. Second yellow for the plain awful Alexis also avoided, I hope he is ordered to watch the whole game again. His pantomime collapse when the ball bounced off his shoulder was the silliest dive seen in years. And if anything should be avoided in the future it’s playing Walcott in this team format, with no room to move in a crowded last third and no attempt by the midfield to track his numerous runs he was a spectator for most of the game.
Leicester were also truly disappointing offering no concerted effort until the ship had sailed – although they could still have been 2 goals up by half-time.
All in all a game everyone concerned will no doubt want to forget, except possibly Nacho who was my motm for the second game running. After a period when he suddenly looked older, slower and in need of January replacement he has applied himself brilliantly and looks back to his very best. Well done that man.
And good luck to the rest rediscovering their best while top 4 is still a possibility. All we have to do now is win our remaining games and that should take us past both Manure (assuming they lose tomorrow) and Poo. Otherwise we’ll be relying on others dropping points and/or AW’s magic touch coming to the rescue. We live in interesting times…
bitta flim flam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc2To-pKMSg
hello chris ?
no pressure to respond
just wanna say hello
response does not necessarily
incur the interminable wrath of
nonsense
Hello cba. I am never concerned by your interminable wrath, it’s like a cold shower on a cold day – cleansing.
Hope all is well in cbaland.
though the estate of Bon Scott’s velour geansaí
might think differently
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5hllAy-6UM
i am in fine fettle chris
best wishes to Max
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhuEioAXv8g
esso knows
Great to see Bon Scott again! Here’s one for you. You may have seen the movie … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRYRLhlsXQ0&list=PLJXdkoZKKy1v2T8_zipUoO60aRX6zDv2O
‘holic
i’ve stretched yer front room kindness
wi just a few slap downs so far
.
am lucky and proud de know ye , fella
.
here’s to ye putting on yer crombie and brogues
and flipping
and calling me all shower o shites
go on
get cynic to join in
he’s another shitehawk !
ya fuckin pair o gooners !
etc
until such times as points have not only been made
but
MADE WELL
.
the cack one must boke
50/100 for to have
1-0 with a late own goal after a
mediocre performance.
I’ll be happy with that in the next
game too 🙂
Cheers H!
Cheers H. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 3 posts.
cba. ‘Interminable Wrath of Nonsense’ is odds on to be my fantasy team name next year. If it is too many characters then i may just throw a hissy fit and not play the wretched game.
This is is the first time i can remember (excepting outliers like Bale and Kane) when not picking Spuds has actually been a hindrance. Not picking Stoke players has remained a benefit.
I am glad I wandered into the bar last week just before a couple of good results. Nice timing. Here’s to some momentum that carries us to 3rd place and an FA Cup win before the season is out.
UTA
Well we got 3 valuable points in a game which we needed to win. It was as quiet a crowd at the Ems as I can remember, emphasising that there was very little to get us off our seats. Poor Feo was just a passenger and Alexis was a frustrated soul last night, nothing went right for him and his antics on the touch line deserved the yellow card.
The bobble hat gift from the boys came into it’s own on what was a freezing night. Nacho was the pick of the bunch of a mentally tired side, let’s hope there is something left in the tank for Sunday.
COYRs
Me @55.
Screw it, in for a penny…
Here’s to a Spuds collapse that is magnificent even by their own incredible standards, leading to 2nd place, St Tott’s Day, and an FA Cup triumph.
Now that’s a proper wishlist. Get to it lads.
Nice one Delia.
I love a bobble hat, me.
I have heard cba wears 3 simultaneously and refuses to take any of them off. ?
Great to see you GSD. I hope you are still in a mellow place.
Good to see the rascal that is cba too. ☺️
In addition to the tripke bobble hat crime, I’m informed that cba wears a tea cosy in place of underpants.
triple as well
both hats and tea cosies.
We should ask him to post a snap, Cynic ?
Put me off me chips that has
He can only do the tea cosy thing following an attack of lurgy as a child, which withered his leg and made it perfect for the spout hole. He can’t get pants to fit his malformed body so he started off buying cosies from Woolies, but now knits his own.
At Christmas he has a special one with Santa where the bobble should be. He’s been arrested at least twice for asking elderly ladies if they’ve had “Santa down your flue lately”.
He’s unstoppable.
Cynic. Hahahahaha!
H @63. Sometimes emoticons really aren’t expressive enough!
And yeah thanks, I’m in a good place. Very mellow indeed (and it has been ages since that last prescription Dr F gave me ran out!) ?
GSD
Nice to have you back, always a welcome caller. Watching the Mancs play each other . Dire so far
Don’t worry folks, Olivier Giroud has a special pair of boots that he’s only going to wear on Sunday, so we’re bound to win.
Seriously, fuck off with this nonsense. Whoever does it, it just makes me cringe.
Special hair, special boots, tattoo for the occasion, special goal celebration planned… cock off, you marys.
Donkey Fellaini head butts Aguero for a straight red. Won’t see him at the Emirates.
One could fall asleep watching Mourinho’s teams play.
As a matter of fact, I slept through most of today’s game in front of the television. I call that evidence.
Both Mankie clubs drop points, and all in the same game. RESULT.
We have been allocated 28,000 tickets for the final. Apparently that’s 3000 more than before.
So that’s about 35,000 for the good old “football family.”
I wish Steve, I’m sweating.
Cheers Holic,
In a very cold Emirates last night, I thought Leicester were just as horrible as last year.
I part company with the purists I’m afraid on the subject of Sanchez’ antics at the infamous throw in. It was so unusual to see Arsenal partaking in a bit of proper gamesmanship. It took up a bit of time, broke up Leicester’s attack and wound up one of the niggliest, wind-uppy teams around. Maybe we just needed warming up a bit on a cold, dour night but it made us laugh and I thought it was bloody hilarious.
The 2 yard rule is clearly new – and stupid. If Sanchez was doing something wrong, why didn’t the ref or lino tell him it’s a rule first time, rather than let the fiasco build up over three attempts to take the throw.
It was also good to see our players get stuck in and come to the aid of a team mate for once – however silly / unnecessary /genuine Sanchez was being – couldn’t see exactly where the ball hit him at the time.
It was a decent, spirited performance on the whole.
Theo was useless.
Thought Xhaka had a really good game.
Leicester a slightly less violent version of Rory Delap’s Stoke.
When Alexis did his stuff I laughed out loud in the bar where I was watching the game.
79, 75, 71 are the total points we have earned in each of the last three seasons. Noticing a pattern there I may put some cash on our total being 67 this year.
It’s also interesting that after an absolutely terrible challenge from Leicester’s Belaloonie bloke, which involved studs and two knees buried in the middle of Giroud’s back, the only misdemeanour discussed on Sky and elsewhere seems to have been Sanchez bit of play acting.
Good luck to him on this occasion, I say. I know many will disagree but it’s just what Rory Delap imitating, ball up front lumping, Huth loving, time wasting, back making, easy falling, dirty tackling Leicester deserved.
Romantic, fairy tale champions ?
Do me a favour.
I’m with you as far as Alexis’s effective time-wasting foolery is concerned, Trev, but falling down as if poleaxed (as if hit by anything hard enough to bowl a maiden over) was plain silly. And made to look even sillier by his mistake-studded game to that point. A game he needs to forget in a hurry.
Theo was indeed surplus to requirements in a 3.4.3. format which invites opposition to sit back and crowd out attacks. He needs space on the wing to work in and there was none. What would you have him do, become another midfielder and go looking for the ball? He made run after run looking for through balls all night, but none ever reached him, indeed few were attempted. If we’re going to play wingbacks he shouldn’t start, but be kept for last rites.
I’m delighted we have now won 3 games playing 3.4.3. but I still believe 4.3.3. brings us more goals – and with GD looking increasingly likely to decide top 4 we need to up ours in the remaining games.
We have a new name in Arsene Wenger’s “I almost signed him” drinking game. Deli Alli.
How about this?
I do wish he’d shut up, because all he does by claiming to have spotted these great players without getting them is make me think “Why did you sign that other twat instead then?”
He’s trying to make it look like his judgement is great, but if it was so hot why have we got a bunch of players nobody else would want?
Hmmmm?
Still on my sick bed so couldn’t get out to my usual venue and could not find a decent stream for love nor money ; so listened to the ‘official’ commentary on the AFC website for the second time this season – it’s pretty decent if you are ever tuck for pictures – listening to David Hiller pontificate on the quality of his Scampi and Chips is certainly better than the “we love the Spuds” circle jerk on the Bbc and Talkshite.
Off my sick bed and in front of a tv on Sunday whatever happens health wise…
Great interview with the Landlord in the Islington Gazette here. Nice one David. Really enjoyed that.
http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal/friday-fanzone-q-a-david-faber-aka-goonerholic-1-4995120
Get well soon NDR
Same here H. For the first time in ages, not enough away credits.
Nice interview for the gazette.
+1 c100 81
+ +1 82
+ ??
Seems Kos is 60-40 for the NLD
according to AW in the presser.
If he’s fit then i guess it will be
the same team as the semi-final.
Be great to break their tiny spud
hearts.
Excellent interview there Guvna. You kept that under wraps.
I hope there was a nice emolument or at least a bacon sarnie.
Thanks for posting the link CM100.
Great interview Boss. Well in.
‘The Wonderful Goonerholic’. Indeed.
And here’s to New Day Rising rising.
(I hear there is loads of vitamin c in raisons.)
ascorbic wit ?
raisin d’etre ?
sorry
raisin d’être
forgot
to
put
the
all
important
single
BOBBLE HAT
on
*sammy nelsons*
.
.
Heh. cba bobbles one in.
–
.
–
Morse only from now on.
..
.
*moooooooooooooooooooooos off into the sunset*
Sorry Cynic.
I know you like earlier cop shows. ?
*eye twitches*
*turns*
*signals one more to the coffin maker*
Blondie, you know what you are?
Countryman
Thanks for attaching the interview with Holic. Worth a read by all posters. What joy this club has given so many of us. We are very privileged!
weirdo
aww fer the love o fuck
see what ye did now dino
m’lud now thinks i think he’s a 112
i don’t !
.
for the record
110 is the biggest 112 round these parts
.
.
the Scotiary now the Judiciary
i give up
i’m fucked either way
.
.
wi my luck
my case will be presided over by a tin of shortbread
.
.
..
Wouldn’t want to telegraph strategy in a way the enemy could understand.
bt8. Mission accomplished.
They’ll never guess your inside scoop on Arsene’s revolutionary 1 1 2 formation for the Derby. ?
Revolutionary probably due to the bench strength that formation gives you. 🙂
pfffttt
?
yeah
whatever
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqQT3oKA3v8
.
had a haircut not dissimilar
me mates said i looked stupid
.
.
.
.
.
drummers gotta stick together
havin a massive 120
.
?
.
i love 121
123
not so keen
DUPLICATION !
122
genius
.
.
*120s*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UiSMyyj-Ac
Nice interview Holic and hard to disagree with your team selection although I think I still prefer McNab over Nutty.
UTA.
Thanks for the kind words. Double whammy of Ear infection and Stomach virus. Not pleasant. Off the drink and everything. Might try a Guinness tonight. Purely medicinal you understand.
#121 – Raise ya : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3kQlzOi27M
PS – Great interview !
sick man 128
my Jane Wiedlin
admiration
lust a shorter word
.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-GVPBNPUEo
130
Just read a great book about the early LA Punk scene called ‘Under The Big Black Sun’ – the pre-fame Go Gos are pretty central figures in it – and not as squeaky clean as their latter image suggests !
Nice bit of Jim Thirwell and co….that takes me back 30 odd years…
Thanks all. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
when is the Artist
formally known as
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
.
¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
bastard
what colour are my socks
Ya fucker
*tinfoils windows*