It is difficult to criticize Arsenal and Mikel Arteta for focusing on their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid. Their initial leg win was among the most unforgettable evenings the Emirates Stadium has ever seen, highlighted by a stunning brace of free-kicks from Declan Rice.
Rice and Bukayo Saka both hobbled off against the current European champions with the victory secured, and the latter wasn't risked initially, while the former was and ultimately he was the standout player on the field once more.
It was a game characterized by irony. Brentford, a team that frequently punishes rivals on the counterattack, experienced the opposite, as a lethal forward netted for the guests. In the meantime, both goals in the 1-1 tie resulted from corner kicks by the Bees.
In these matches, one typically anticipates the underdog to exploit their stronger rivals during counter-attacks, and Thomas Frank’s team aimed to do just that, earning a corner from a quick break, only for David Raya to easily gather the cross and initiate an Arsenal counter-attack. The former Brentford goalkeeper passed it to Rice, who, using his lengthy strides, rushed up the field and timed his lay-off to Thomas Partey flawlessly.
That was always the strategy, but many players often try the assist too soon or wait too long, resulting in losing possession. It's quite simple to achieve, but Rice isn't just any player – his choices were excellent and what seemed like a straightforward pass was executed flawlessly.
The dullness of Saturday's draw with Brentford was reflected in the somewhat lackluster atmosphere at the Emirates. Maybe the supporters are focused on the midweek visit to the Bernabeu, and it's difficult to fault them. The choice of team – just like in the match against Everton – demonstrated that this tournament is far from Arteta's main focus. Liverpool are now just three victories away from securing the league, with their upcoming rivals being West Ham, Leicester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. We may as well congratulate them now if you haven't done so already. Secure three victories and it will be a guard of honour from Chelsea, not from Arsenal!
Things might have turned out differently if the referee's mood had varied, as there was a legitimate call for a red card for Christian Norgaard, which Arsenal supporters believe would have been issued had one of their players made the same infraction. Indeed, Myles Lewis-Skelly received a red card for a lesser offense, but that verdict was subsequently reversed.
Kieran Tierney had a goal disallowed, marking his first Premier League start in two years. He was clearly offside, so no objections on that front… not even from Arsenal supporters. In that regard, semi-automated offsides are already having a substantial impact.
Goalkeeper Mark Flekken had a few shaky moments, nearly handing Bukayo Saka a chance to secure a win, but it ultimately turned out to be another excellent outcome for Brentford away from home. Their performance on the road has been remarkable after a terrible beginning to the season, completely reversing their home and away results in an unusual manner.
The Bees are in the well-known ‘on the beach’ position of mid-table insignificance, whereas Arsenal has secured second place, unless something catastrophic occurs.
With the disruption of a Premier League match behind them, Arsenal can concentrate entirely on Wednesday's journey to Real Madrid – that tournament is what the Gunners’ season revolves around.
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