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Lucas Torreira scored his second goal in seven days as Arsenal left it late in win over Huddersfield, a narrow win considering they started as outright favorites. Torreira scored via bicycle kick with both his feet in air from an Aubameyang cross in the 83rd minute.
The win, a tough one for the Gunners showed how tired they were after the pulsating matches against Spurs and United. The team gave it it’s all in the last two matches and that was the reason they had less in the tank to conquer Huddersfield.
Huddersfield started the game on a positive note by pressing the Arsenal defense and making it tough for the Arsenal midfielders to get a foot in the game. There were many tactical fouls in the first half which prevented Arsenal from playing its sleek passing game.
Here are some Hits and Flops from the game.
#1 Hit: Lucas Torreira
Torreira covered a lot of ground just like he has been since the last week. His positional sense is what is making the Gunners tick both in defense as well as attack. Torreira is also a heavily fouled player as his neat play with the feet becomes frustrating for the opponents and they throw in a challenge.
In the first half Torreira tested the Huddersfield goal keeper with a neatly taken long ranger. It was saved inches from crossing the goal line and hitting the top corner.
The Uruguayan midfielder has become the fan favorite in a short time and his effort on and off the ball is highly appreciated by the Emirates faithful. His combativeness even with a small physique is for everyone to see as he doesn’t hide behind the more creative midfielders in terms of taking up responsibility. Torreira’s form will be crucial for Emery’s team to aim for the top four finish.
#1 Flop: Alexandre Lacazette
Lacazette who started a premier league match after a long time was bit rusty throughout his stay on the pitch in the first half. Lacazette did provide the pace and dynamisn in the second half against Manchester United, but in this match his first half display forced Unai Emery to make changes at the interval.
Lacazette had a wonderful opportunity in the first half when a Bellerin cross gave him ample space to balance himself and shoot, but he missed the opportunity and it was a symbol of the whole evening to come for Arsenal where they failed to take their chances.
#2 Hit: Jonas Lössl
Jonas was not as busy as expected in the first place. He made a terrific save in the first half from a Lucas Torreira strike which was on target. In the second half too he made crucial interventions to prevent many through balls reaching the Arsenal attack. Late in the second half, he prevented a Torreira pass reaching Matteo Guendouzi by assuming the pass and reacting quickly to win the ball. He was unlucky to lose his clean sheet to a brilliant strike from Torreira at the end.
#2 Flop: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang had 3/4 half chances which he would have easily converted on his day. But after playing two hard fought matches in the week, Aubameyang looked a bit complacent and Emery’s tactic of not resting him failed miserably in the first half. He was not able to control many through balls in the first half from Torreira and Mustafi.
His assist for Torreira did make him redeem himself but the performance in the match wasn’t of standard expected out of a top premier league striker. Harry Kane or Aguero would never take the feet off the paddle even after scoring consistently and that killer instinct is what Aubameyang should aim for. He missed a Granit Xhaka cross to guide it to Goal and hit it wide. In the second half he had an easy header to guide it goal wards but his anticipation failed him again. Emery would hope his top striker comes back to form soon as his goals are crucial in this hectic period.
#3 Hit: Terence Kongolo
Kongolo has been the most consistent Huddersfield player this season and he showed his abilities today too. In the first half, he was constantly marking Aubameyang and Lacazette both and it was a difficult task given both Arsenal players were playing narrow and near to each other.
Kongolo was the only Huddersfield player who was measured in his tackling and didn’t give loose fouls in danger areas. His ability to read crosses from Kolasinac and Bellerin really shut the shop for Arsenal attackers as they didn’t get enough deliveries to pounce upon.
Kongolo did have a sorry feeling in the end when Aubameyang created a cross out of nowhere for Torreira to score, but it was more of luck than the striker’s skill. Kongolo is young and fast, qualities which make you a good premier league defender and if Huddersfield is to stay alive in the Premier League, it will take many gutsy performances from Kongolo.
