sábado, 22 de outubro de 2016

Arsenal 0-0 Middlesbrough: Petr Cech stars as Gunners settle for a point - 5 things we learned

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The Gunners had won the last seven coming into this game, but a diligent Boro refused to cave in north London


Arsenal's winning run came to an end at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday when they were held to a goalless draw by Middlesbrough.
The Gunners had won the last seven coming into this game, but a diligent Boro refused to cave in north London.
And indeed the visitors could have left with all three points were it not for the heroics of Petr Cech.
Few believed Aitor Karanka's side stood a chance against Arsene Wenger's in-form stars but they were good value for their point.
MirrorFootball's John Cross was at the game, this is what he learned...

Dan Mullan
Theo Walcott evades Gaston Ramirez
Shaun Botterill
Hector Bellerin and Marten der Hoon compete for the ball

1. Arsenal carried away with their own hype

They celebrated putting six past Ludogorets in midweek with dressing room selfies. You’d have thought they’d have learnt their lesson from last season when they did the same after beating Leicester - and then collapsed in the title race.
Arsenal have been on a great run, Arsene Wenger was celebrating his birthday, the fans were expecting a n easy win as Boro have been struggling.
That’s exactly when you tend to slip up. Especially if you’re getting carried away with selfies.

Dan Mullan
Shkodran Mustafi and Alvaro Negredo battle for possession
Shaun Botterill
Theo Walcott in action at the Emirates

2. Santi Cazorla is still Arsenal’s key man

Cazorla missed the game because of an Achilles injury. And it’s only when he is missing that you realise that he is the man who makes Arsenal tick.
Arsenal were not the same without him last season when he was injured and Cazorla just controls the tempo, sits and dictates.
Individually, Mohamed Elneny and Francis Coquelin, but Cazorla runs games.

Getty ImagesPetr Cech of Arsenal saves a header from Gaston Ramirez of Middlesbrough
Petr Cech of Arsenal saves a header from Gaston Ramirez of Middlesbrough
Getty Images
Alexis Sanchez reacts to a missed opportunity

3. Arsenal’s defence is improved - but they always give you chances

Shkodran Mustafi has been a superb signing, he’s combative, strong and is a terrific character.
But rather like against Swansea last week, this Arsenal defence will give you chances. And if it had not been for a combination of woodwork and Petr Cech, Boro would have punished them.
That is probably more to do with the way the team sets up, they are great going forward but invite teams onto them.
Yes, Granit Xhaka and Santi Cazorla were missing, but Arsenal still look vulnerable defensively which ultimately might be their undoing in the title race.

Getty ImagesArsenal's Petr Cech blocks a shot from Middlesbrough's Alvaro Negredo
Petr Cech blocks a shot from Middlesbrough's Alvaro Negredo
ReutersArsenal's Alex Iwobi in action
Arsenal's Alex Iwobi in action

4. Adama Traore is enjoying a new lease of life

He had a nightmare at Aston Villa and it looked like a strange signing for Middlesbrough.
But Aitor Karanka is clearly getting the best out of the 20-year-old former Barcelona prospect.
Traore had pace to burn, caused Arsenal so many problems on the counter attack and is clearly enjoying his football again.
Watch him go at Boro.

ReutersMiddlesbrough's George Friend in action with Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi
George Friend in action with Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi
ReutersArsenal's Shkodran Mustafi sustains an injury
Mustafi after picking up an injury

5. Middlesbrough will stay up

After losing at home to Watford last week, it was all doom and gloom, predictions of relegation.
But Boro responded brilliantly at Arsenal. Resolute in defence, bright in attack and very well organised.
It’s often how a team responds to adversity which defines them. Clearly, Boro dug in and produced a performance which surely proves there are three worse teams than them in the Premier League.
Surely they’ll beat the drop.

Getty ImagesArsenal's Mohamed Elneny (L) takes on Middlesbrough's Adam Clayton
Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny (L) takes on Middlesbrough's Adam Clayton
Getty ImagesPetr Cech of Arsenal saves a shot from Adama Traore of Middlesbrough
Cech of Arsenal saves a shot from Adama Traore

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