Arsenal vs Sheffield United: 5 things learned in another draw

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal gesticulates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal gesticulates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

3. Are we truly unlucky?

When Gabriel Martinelli turned home that goal just before half, I remarked how lucky we were. After so many missed chances, after Sheffield dominated the entire half, Arsenal managed about eight good minutes and they got a fortuitous deflection that Martinelli couldn’t help but turn home.

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It was lucky. We were lucky. And that’s not a word I usually associate with this club. Just look at the “If VAR had gotten it right” table. We are unlucky. I don’t say that to deflect attention from our deficiencies. I say that because we are legitimately unlucky.

Then the second half happened. A second half that we dominated. We should have found a second goal. Nicolas Pepe had a legitimate shout for penalty. And just like every other match, we blew the one-goal lead in the 82nd minute and had to settle for a draw.

Was the draw deserved? Absolutely. Hard to say we earned any more than that. But seriously, what does it take to get a lucky break that’s substantial enough to earn us a better result every so often? Is it really too much to ask?

Onwards to No. 2.