Arsenal 2-1 Cardiff City: 3 reasons why Arsenal won | Premier League 2018-19

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Arsenal rekindled top 4 hopes with a 2-1 win
Arsenal rekindled top 4 hopes with a 2-1 win

Arsenal had to work very hard for a victory over Cardiff at the Emirates. The first half was again dull for the Gunners, just like it has been throughout the season. Ozil’s inclusion in the starting line-up didn’t provide any magic in the first half.

Neil Warnock’s side had some golden opportunities in the first half, and they did not allow Arsenal dictate play. The Gunners meanwhile looked pathetic from open play, but were unlucky not to be given a penalty when Lacazette refused to go down to a bad challenge.

But they did get a penalty in the second half, and they played with more freedom after the first goal. Iwobi's inclusion in the second half gave them the much needed impetus to push for the second goal, which they eventually got through Lacazette.

Here are three reasons why Arsenal won the tough match.


#1 The Lacazette and Aubameyang partnership

Lacazette combined very well with Aubameyang in the second half of the game
Lacazette combined very well with Aubameyang in the second half of the game

Lacazette had a chance in the first half to go down from a challenge and earn a penalty, but as he has shown in previous matches, he always tries to get up and score. Other than that, Arsenal did not have anything to cheer for in the first half. But the second half saw the strike force of Lacazette and Aubameyang combine well, as they created some good chances.

Aubameyang scored via a penalty, but it was Lacazette’s goal which had class written all over it. The strike force is one of the best in the Premier League, and after a lot of experimentation, Emery has found a way to fit both in the starting 11.

Aubameyang has been finding it tough to score from open play lately, but then Lacazette has taken the responsibility to score some belters, and has really eased the pressure upfront. Only time will tell if both can get 20 goals each this season.

#2 Alex Iwobi’s impact

Iwobi came off the bench and impressed in the second half
Iwobi came off the bench and impressed in the second half

After a dull first half, Arsenal needed some fire in the attacking third. Unai Emery decided to release the hand brake, and brought in Alex Iwobi who made some dangerous runs at the Cardiff defence throughout the second half. Often criticised for his wayward passing, Iwobi looked more confident, and combined well with the forwards.

His brilliant ball to Kolasinac resulted in the penalty which Aubameyang scored. It was a surprise that Iwobi was not included in the starting line-up, but there are no doubts that he seems to be the most improved player in the new regime.

There may be chances he could be tried in the #10 role in which Ozil did not contribute satisfactorily on the night. It remains to be seen if Arsenal bring in competition for Iwobi, as they lack serious firepower on the wings. Perisic’s signing would make Iwobi fit in as a #10.

#3 Manga’s error for the penalty

Manga's needless tackle handed a penalty to Arsenal
Manga's needless tackle handed a penalty to Arsenal

Cardiff wasted a lot of chances till the 68th minute. The first half saw Cardiff have more chances to score than Arsenal. But not taking those chances came to haunt them as Bruno Manga’s error gave Arsenal the penalty which they scored from.

Manga foolishly stuck a boot out and brought down Kolasinac in the penalty area. Unai Emery would be hoping to sign one or two players before the transfer window closes, as this team looks seriously short of ideas.

Warnock who had recently said that only a miracle can keep Cardiff in the Premier League, would be furious with his team after gifting a win to Arsenal. Had the Cardiff strikers been a bit clinical in their finishing, they would have at least got an all-important point from the Emirates.

With United drawing against Burnley, Arsenal have an advantage in the top 4 race, but still have to do plenty to chase and outrun Chelsea.

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Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.