Arsenal Vs Middlesbrough: Recap, Highlights And Analysis

Arsenal took a trip to Middlesbrough is much need of a win. Here is the full recap, all the highlights and analysis from the 2-1 win.

Three at the back!! Arsene Wenger has not made the tactical switch to a three-at-the-back system since 1997, having done so just once in all of his 21-year tenure at Arsenal. Unlike his many Premier League adversaries, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte, Wenger is not known for his sweeping tactical changes. And yet, here we are.

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It was a change in system that did see Arsenal win. They now have a fighting chance of hauling their way back into the top four and, quite frankly, it is nice to simply be writing after a victory, even one as mechanical and hard fought as this.

The first half started in thoroughly boring fashion. Arsenal, as expected, dominated possession and Middlesbrough looked to make life tough for them in central areas. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was the main threat for the Gunners, stationed as a right wing back, driving on a number of occasions towards the byline and clipping balls across the box, but chances were hard to come by.

Marten de Roon had a goal ruled out for offside after he was caught out of position and Rob Holding was forced into a couple of last-minute challenges but for much of the game, very little happened.

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Thankfully, Arsenal did find the all-important breakthrough just before the break and it came through that man once again. After Granit Xhaka cleverly stepped across the ball to draw the foul on the edge of the area, Alexis Sanchez stepped up and whipped a diving free kick up and over the wall and into the gaping net. It was a crucial goal for the Gunners who could now look forward to a second half spurred on by the confidence that the breakthrough brings.

Unfortunately, that confidence never came. With Arsenal in comfortable possession, the ball squirmed through to Stewart Downing on the left-hand side. With Nacho Monreal trailing in his wake and unable to haul his way back into position, Downing cut inside, took advantage of Monreal lazily failing to close down the cross, curled a beautiful ball over the head of Laurent Koscielny and onto the outstretched foot of Alvaro Negredo who, having evaded the attentions of the Frenchman, poked past Petr Cech from close range.

The game, from that moment on, opened up. Cech made an outstanding save from Daniel Ayala after meeting a pulled-back header from a free kick, Adama Traore ran Nacho Monreal ragged and Alexis Sanchez began to cause issues, driving inwards from his wide left position. While it was unconvincing, Arsenal did eventually find the second goal, and it was their most fluent move of the game.

Sanchez clipped a lovely floated ball over the top for the onrushing Aaron Ramsey, who then had the presence of mind to chest the ball down to Mesut Ozil, who fired a low shot past Brad Guzan at the near post.

There were some hairy moments as the game entered the closing stages. Boro had a few good chances from set pieces, with Cech making another save from Ben Gibson after a dangerously knocked-down free kick. But ultimately, this was a win that was wholly necessary and keeps the Gunners’ top-four hopes alive.

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Wenger made the change to the system with varying success. In doing so, he showed an element of desperation and willingness to find an approach that brought success. It worked, just, and now the focus shifts to the vital FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Highlights

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