Despite having a huge possession of the ball, Arsenal failed to convert their chances and many a times felt as though they might have lost their creativity to score.
Image source: www.dailymail.co.uk
Tottenham took the lead on the 56th minute through Nacer Chadli. Mathieu Flamini lost his concentration on the ball and was robbed by Christian Eriksen just 40 yards outside the penalty box. Flamini and Eriksen were tugging away when Erik Lamela carried the ball forward. Lamela spotted Nacer Chadli unmarked on the right and delivered a through ball into the penalty box. The pass left both the Arsenal defenders Kieran Gibbs and Laurent Koscielny stranded and they could only watch the ball roll into the net. Credit to Nacer Chadli who controlled the ball before slotting it into the left post to the dismay of Wojciech Szczesny. I would say this was a moment of poor defending and lost of concentration off the ball which cost the goal.
There was more urgency by the Arsenal team after the goal came. They started to push forward in greater numbers and became more aggressive. The goal for them came at the 74th minute through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Image source: www.dailymail.co.uk
Alexis Sánchez picked up the loose ball on the left flank of the penalty box. He was immediately marked by 2 Tottenham defenders and as a result of this, Sánchez squared the ball to Santi Cazorla who was just outside the box. Cazorla tried his luck by shooting from just outside the box and the ball was deflected by Younes Kaboul. The loose ball bounced in front of Danny Welbeck but he mistimed his kick thus allowing the ball to bounce towards Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. His on the volley shot directed the ball towards the roof of the net and the Arsenal stadium erupted with joy!
I feel that even though the depth of Arsenal's squad should have claimed all the 3 points, the results from last night was definitely disappointing. I think Arsenal will have to gain their focus back again to get the job done. The next match is the Champions League game where Arsenal will host Galatasaray. Good luck Gunners!
