Arsenal overcome Stoke

Division 1

Britannia Stadium

Attendance: 27,302

The Penultimate game of the season mostly leaves teams with either everything or nothing to play for. Last nights game was the later, Arsenal were now looking to complete their fall from grace and confirm a 3rd place finish the same outcome they found themselves in last season. (At least Arsenal are consistent) Stoke look nailed on for a 16th place finish a step backwards perhaps on last seasons 12th place finish.

With Arsenals crunch games against Chelsea it was a question of what Arsenal the crowd was going to see, the travelling fans were not to be left disappointed with a full strength side out.

Kick Off

Heung-Min Son a good capture for Stoke unleashed a early testing shot for Arsenal keeper Lloris to deal with, the feeling around the ground was that the game would be a entertaining one even if a pointless one.

It was announced before the game that a bid for one Kevin De Bruyne had been placed at the door of Manchester City a bid many sources

were reporting would be accepted within 24 hours. One of the players propping up the deal was Danish man Eriksen a firm favourite at Arsenal having joined the club in season 1. Eriksen looked lively throughout the game, in the 8th minute he set up Mbappe who forced Butland into a fine save.

Not long after Mbappe was at the races again such a fine season for the Gunners linking up with Messi has proved to become second nature for the french teen. In the 14th minute the pair did just that, a nice give and go saw Messi in one on one with Butland everyone knew the final outcome here.... goal. 1-0 Arsenal

(The beach not on anyone's minds just yet)

Stoke also weren't on their holidays either and in the 35th minute hit back with former Arsenal man Giroud. Wijnaldum played in the sexy french man, a beautiful first touch allowed the ball to get out underneath the Frenchman's feet before firing his effort into the roof of the net. Stoke 1-1 Arsenal.

We mentioned Eriksen was looking lively and just before half time at the worst possible moment for Stoke to concede que the man himself. Eriksen smashed a swerving dipping shot. Butland left flapping at thin air. Arsenal 2-1.

Second Half

Stoke were left rocked by the late first half goal and clearly had not recovered. In the 48th minute Arsenal were awarded a free kick, Messi standing over the ball with many expecting a effort on goal. Instead a dangerous cross was lifted into the box and with young Spanish centre back Llorente there to meet the ball with his head a few yards from goal no mistake. Arsenal 3-1.

The game lost most of its cutting edge from that moment on wards. Arsenal didn't need to press a Stoke really didn't have a reason to bust a leg so to speak to get back into the game.

Stoke were however awarded a penalty in the 74th minute. Welbeck stepped up, took a short stuttering run up which gave Lloris a indication of the way the ball was going to go. Reading the direction Lloris got down well to save the spot kick.

The game came to a end which guaranteed Arsenal's 3rd place finish bar a big win over Chelsea who sit second 3 points ahead with a +4 goal difference. Stoke who were never really in any relegation danger could finish as high as 14th though a -7 goal difference probably means a 15th place finish is the most they can hope for.

The last game of the season will see the top 4 all play each other on whats to be called Thunderous Thursday. Unlike last nights game a lot rests on the two games. Watford host Liverpool with both needing the win, Watford for 4th and Liverpool for the total assurance of the title.

Arsenal host Chelsea. Chelsea needing a win here and that coupled with anything but a Liverpool win see' the title head to London thanks to their +9 goal difference they have on Liverpool. Arsenal boss Ben Clifford has said Arsenal will be as professional as possible with some suggesting a weak side will be put out.

#Arsenal #Division1 #Stoke