Arsenal go on a ‘joy-ride’ at last
This was an enjoyable game for an Arsenal fan, despite the lurking feeling that Sheffield United would equalise and neutralise the great work in the first two thirds of the match.
Surprisingly, Arsenal were yet to win at Bramhall Lane in the Premiership.
Sheffield United versus Arsenal matches were more famous recently for Cup games, including the Kanu goal and replayed FA Cup tie, although the first game between the sides was in 1903.
There were five changes from Thursday – Martinelli got a start, Xhaka was at left back with Holding and Mari in the centre of defence and Chambers on the right – Ceballos, Partey and Saka formed the midfield, with Pepe and Lacazette partnering the young Brazilian up front.
Arsenal hadn’t had a clean sheet in 14 games.
Unusually they started well, and the form continued on an upward curve during the match. Some Arsenal fans were no doubt dreading the clunking physicality of the Blades, with Prague in mind. But the Sheffield team seemed muted – perhaps resigned to their fate – and seeking a new way of playing.
Martinelli, with customary concentration and verve dribbled, faced right but set up Saka on the left who shot wide.
Then the England international cleared straight to Osborn who found McGoldrick who had a good chance to score but sent it wide.
A brilliant move saw Ceballos backheel to Lacazette who set Martinelli away, but his shot to the near post was disappointing given three blue shirts in the six-yard box waiting for a parry.
Saka sent it wide to Martinelli who cut inside onto his right and fired in, deflected off Baldock and saved by Ramsdale.
All this attacking was building up to something special. Partey, Lacazette, Saka, and Ceballos combined, resulting in a third backheel from the Spaniard for the Frenchman to place it into the corner of the net for his 14th of the season. A rare one for Arsenal Match of the Day Goal of the Month contenders this season?
Soon after, Lacazette set Saka away in front of goal – but he couldn’t connect. Striking practice needed.
Was it realistic or negative for an Arsenal fan to expect an equaliser, after brilliant work?
Partey lost out in a duel with Lundstram, leading to a corner and an Egan shot – saved by Leno.
Ceballos lost the ball straight after half-time resulting in a corner and Sheffield pressure. This felt like a 1-1 in the making.
But then the Spaniard showed his other side when he set Chambers away who found Pepe who cut inside for a free hit on goal from Lacazette – wide. The worry was that Arsenal weren’t carving out too many clear chances against the bottom club.
Brewster and McBurnie came on for McGoldrick and Burke with a more direct approach in mind.
Ampadu, one of numerous loanees from Chelsea in the various leagues, clashed with Martinelli, who fell to the ground. Then Saka pulled up with with what was thought to be a dead leg from Brewster and went off for Willian. And Arsenal fans’ pre-match fears, were being realised.
Lunstram sent a stray ball across the final United third – picked up by Pepe, who dribbled into the area sending a shot -parried by Ramsdale straight to the waiting Martinelli, to tap in a goal. Great news for Arsenal and the Brazilian and his first goal for 15 months after a lengthy lay-off. Just think, there may be two Martinelli’s playing for Arsenal next season if transfer rumours are to be believed.
Partey dummied Osborn in midfield followed by a defence splitting through ball to Lacazette, who gave Ramsdale the eyes and fired it into the opposite corner of the net. Arsenal need to keep the Frenchman, with a year to go on his contract. He has emerged as reliable and leader during the Covid crisis and someone the younger players look up to. Nketiah came on for him at the death for a rare outing.
Mikel Arteta said: “It is never easy winning 3-0 away from home. We’ve had a long run without clean sheet. We showed quality in big parts of the game.”
Alexander Lacazette said: “It gives us confidence before the Slavia game.”
Sheffield United: 1Ramsdale, 22Ampadu (Booked at 90mins), 12Egan, 3Stevens, 2Baldock, 7Lundstram, 16Norwood, 4Fleck, 23Osborn, 14Burke (Substituted for Brewster at 64’minutes), 17McGoldrick (Substituted for McBurnie at 64’minutes, Substituted for Mousset at 83’minutes)
Arsenal: 1Leno, 21Chambers, 16Holding, 22Marí (Booked at 80mins), 34Xhaka, 18Partey, 8Ceballos, 19Pépé, 7Saka (Substituted for Willian at 69’minutes), 35Martinelli (Substituted for Elneny at 83’minutes), 9Lacazette (Substituted for Nketiah at 89’minutes)