Arsenal could not keep pace with the top four berths as they falter yet again only managing a 1-1 draw against a weaker Brighton side. Chelsea won their particular game and sealed a top-four spot and Unai Emery’s men were pretty much in that contention today if they would have won. But now with three points between them and their rivals Tottenham who are at fourth position in the league table, only means that Unai Emery got to do it the hard way and win the Europa League with the Gunners to gain Champions League qualification.
It was an emotional affair as Aaron Ramsey, Danny Welbeck and Petr Cech were given their honours as they lineup up for their last Premier League home game. Coming to the match it was fiery start for Emery’s men as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang gave the Gunners an early lead as he converted from the spot after Alireza Jahanbaksh brought down Nacho Monreal.
However despite being down the Seagulls got back in the game as they gradually had their foothold in the game as Granit Xhaka’s lapse in concentration meant that he brought down Solly March in the box, as Glen Murray made no mistake in converting it from the spot and equalizing the scoreline in the second half. Both sides had the chance to seal the deal and secure three points but both of them were wasteful in front of goal.
Talking Points-
3. Emery will have a hard time replacing Aaron Ramsey
It was an emotional night for the Wales international as well as he bids the Emirates his final goodbye. He came to Arsenal as a boy and is leaving after so many years being a well-established footballer. He is a player who scores from the midfield and when on song he will score a few and it can really make a difference in the overall scenario. He is a rare breed of midfielders who are versatile and yet can effect the scoresheet with their assists and goals in crucial games. Leaving him for free was a huge mistake all together and now Emery is given the task to find his replacement which is going to be a tough task for the Spaniard.
The Wales international could have made a difference in the match but he has already played his last match for the Gunners as his current injury sidelines him for quite some time.
2. Brighton ride on Arsenal’s defensive woes
The Seagulls have been pretty decent against Spurs as well earlier and now earning a point against the Gunners as they look on course to spring a surprise against Manchester City. The can be the kingmakers this season and Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool will hope that Chris Hughton’s men can come up with the upset of the season in the last day itself.
However, the chances they created were mostly because of Arsenal persistent defensive problems. The Gunners have had several issues in their back-line for a long time and this summer Emery must sort out this matter properly. Shkodran Mustafi is clearly out of his prime and crumbles under pressure, similarly, Granit Xhaka on the night was very rash as he brought down Solly March with the player going nowhere. it was definitely a cheap penalty to concede.
1. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang takes the EPL golden boot race to the final day of the season
The Gabonese striker scored from the spot and handed Arsenal an early lead and is now in touching distance with Mohamed Salah going into the last game of the season. Despite not bagging three points Aubameyang can be satisfied with his performances this season for the Gunners.
The current scenario puts Aubameyang in the third position behind Salah and Sergio Aguero. The former BVB man is equal on 20 goals this season with both Aguero and Sadio Mane. The Manchester City forward is ahead in the race because of his superior assist count. However, Aubameyang keeps his hopes alive in the final day of the season as he believes he can overtake or at least equalise Mo Salah’s tally of 22 goals, who also has a game in hand by the way.
