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Arsenal got an ugly win here, but it is a welcome win nonetheless in their quest for a top-four spot.
The starting line-up was similar to that of the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. Stephan Lichtsteiner, the Swiss summer signing from Juventus, started and it was a retention of the back-three system that head coach Unai Emery is implementing currently. Another change was that both Aubameyang and Lacazette were starting, and with both high in the scoring charts, this can frighten any defense out there.
Arsenal won the game via a strike from Lucas Torreira. It was his second in successive home games, following his winner vs. old enemies Tottenham Hotspur.
However, his side was not in full flow. It was possibly a mix of tiredness, fatigue, and in fairness to Huddersfield Town their gameplan and tactics. David Wagner's team clearly were looking to contain Arsenal, and it worked in large part.
Arsenal had chances in the first half - Aubameyang and Lacazette had substantial opportunities to score in this period but missed them both.
Moreover, in the second half, Arsenal again looked slow, and while dominating possession, they didn't create many chances. Guendouzi was booked for simulation, while Mkhitaryan's introduction didn't really correct the attacking limpness.
Huddersfield missed a good opening, as Leno had to save from a low cross in the six-yard box late on.
The winning goal though was a product of a deft chip from Aubameyang, which Torreira dispatched via a well-worked overhead kick. Arsenal was able to see the game out, despite lengthy injury time, and while not at their fluent best gained three vital points in the hunt for a top-four spot.
Chelsea defeated Manchester City 2-0 later in the day, while their "friends" Spurs won 2-0 at Leicester City. But it seems Arsenal has improved to the extent that they will give them both a run for their money, to get into the 2019/2020 Champions League group stage.
#4 Wagner game plan
David Wagner, the Huddersfield Town manager, is heading a side near the bottom of the league. So it was telling that he would have some kind of game plan to try to contain and nullify Arsenal.
It showed, since whilst Arsenal was as not sharp and fluid as normal, Wagner's game plan was working since Huddersfield was pressing Arsenal both in midfield and defence, and getting Arsenal to make mistakes at the back.
They also were not very adventurous, but this is expected given their comparatively lesser player quality and the fact Arsenal is often very strong team at home.
However, on this showing, Huddersfield can take heart that they can retain a Premier League placement for the 19/20 season.
It should be noted though that both Arsenal and Huddersfield Town share a connection via Herbert Chapman, who was a legendary manager in the 1920s and 30s. He achieved great success with both sides, including numerous titles and cups, and maybe next season they can sustain another leg of the "Herbert Chapman Derby".
#3 Lucas Torreira
Arsenal fans have a noted chant for Uruguay international and summer signing, Lucas Torreira:
"Torreira, oh, oh! Torreira, oh, oh! He comes from Uruguay! He's only five foot high!"
This echoes one devised years ago, for Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.
The reasons for this are patent. Whilst Vieira was physically bigger and more able on the ball, both are strong, tough-tackling, and quick, and Torreira now is matching Vieira's goal-scoring exploits. Vieira often got vital goals for Arsenal via forward runs into the box, and it seems that the comparisons are becoming firmer game by game.
It's often said that Arsenal has lacked a combative midfielder for years - and Torreira brings this to the team. An enhanced midfield balance is a critical reason why Arsenal has improved its top four chances lately, and the combativeness of Torreira has allowed others like Xhaka and Guendouzi to be more creative.
Torreira is not a player many fans had heard of, prior to the World Cup and his performances with Uruguay. However, he is proving to be a big hit and can be pivotal in Arsenal resuming Champions League football in 19/20 season.
#2 Poor showing from Aubameyang and Lacazette
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is now the joint top scorer in the league, following Mohammed Salah's hattrick at Bournemouth. However, both he and Alexandre Lacazette were poor this game, and missed two great chances a piece.
Lacazette's miss was arguably the most glaring of the two, as he seemed to have more space to maneuver in, and perhaps took too much time when taking a shot. It eventually came off his shin to go for a goal kick, but it was a glaring miss all the same.
The former BVB striker's chance was from a low cross which ordinarily he should have converted. Aubameyang did get a fine assist for Torreira's goal. Though overall the contributions of both attackers were muted.
However, they are to be forgiven bad performances here and there, especially given the prolific goal tallies of both forwards.
Aubameyang still is joint top scorer in the league, given Mohammed Salah's hat-trick at Bournemouth. Kane and Aguero, as other close runners for the Golden Boot, didn't score for Tottenham Hotspur nor Manchester City respectively.
#1 Top four is on
Unai Emery has done well to get Arsenal to the verge of the top four this season.
They are currently in fifth place, and just behind their rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the table.
The differences between this and last season are a changed midfield balance, tactical flexibility, and in some games a new-found resilience.
Most players have improved compared to the latter Wenger period, and a few have stated publicly that they enjoy the new environment. Mustafi, Kolasinac, and Bellerin have all come out and said in the press that the new setting and coaching practices have enhanced their games.
However, the team has gained a few injuries of late, and this could both test their squad depth and resilience. But Emery is proving to be a sound tactician, and a man capable of using several formations per game. This was key vs. Spurs, and has been a boon in other games also.
It's clear that Arsenal is steadily improving under Emery - and it will be a hard fought path to top four along with Tottenham and Chelsea.
Manchester United may also feature if they can pick up form and beat Liverpool soon. However, one cannot discount Arsenal and they definitely are a capable contender for the top four this season.
