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Goals from Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe put Arsenal on track to a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United, which placed them in fourth place in the Premier League.
After receiving his first call to the England team, Saka capped off an incredible week by breaking the deadlock in the 61st minute with a confident header. Substitute Pepe doubled Arsenal’s lead less than four minutes later to give Mikel Arteta’s team a break in the game.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang produced the only quality moment in the first half, with his shot from 30 yards forcing a good save from Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal struggled to knock down the stubborn visitors. Eddie Nketiah, who started ahead of fit Alexandre Lacazette, recorded the first shot of the match in the 28th minute, the longest wait for a shot in a Premier League match this calendar year.
However, the main talking point of the first period came after just five minutes, when last man David Luiz appeared to push back Sheffield United striker Oliver Burke after the Brazilian was caught in possession, but referee Lee Mason allowed the game to continue and the hosts survived.
Arsenal got back on their feet after the restart and opened the scoring with his first incisive move of the game, Hector Bellerin choosing Saka at the far post, before Pepe gave the hosts what seemed like a comfortable lead.
David McGoldrick scored Sheffield United’s first goal of the season with a beautiful shot from the edge of the box to give the visitors hope with six minutes remaining, yet Arsenal held on to win their third league game of the season, leaving Chris Wilder’s men. useless after four games.
Arsenal’s French-born Ivorian midfielder Nicolas Pepe (R) celebrates scoring his team’s second goa
Image Credit: Getty Images
TALKING POINT: Arsenal win to maintain momentum
This was far from a classic Arsenal performance, as for much of the game they lacked the imagination to unlock a stubborn and disciplined Sheffield United.
The Gunners have had trouble taking down hardworking teams in the past and, in fact, lost four points to Wilder’s hardworking men last season. It seemed history would repeat itself, until a quick double put Arsenal in control.
And while Arteta needs a fresh face or two before the transfer window, with a quick-thinking and creative midfielder as a priority, he’ll be delighted to see his team dig deep for a win and keep the momentum going. He has developed a winning mentality at the club and, for the first time in a few years, it looks like Arsenal could once again be one of the top four contenders.
MAN OF THE MATCH – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
It really has been a week to remember for the 19-year-old, who seems to be gaining confidence with each passing week. At the left-back position, Saka was Arsenal’s most threatening player and conceded that his first goal at The Emirates came just days after receiving the call from Gareth Southgate.
PLAYER RATINGS
Arsenal: Leno 6, Gabriel 6, Luiz 5, Tierney 7, Bellerin 7, Ceballos 7, Elneny 6, Saka 8, Willian 5, Aubameyang 7, Nketiah 5. Alternates: Maitland-Niles N / A, Pepe 7, Xhaka N / A.
Sheffield Utd: Ramsdale 6, Baldock 6, Egan 7, Basham 6, Robinson 5, Stevens 5, Osborn 6, Berge 5, Lundstram 6, Burke 6, McGoldrick 7 .. Alternates: Fleck 5, McBurnie 5, Sharp N / A.
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KEY MOMENTS
61 ‘- GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield Utd (Saka): Saka personally ends an incredible week with the first goal! An incisive move opens up the visitors, with Bellerin selecting Saka at the far post and ending with a confident header.
64 – GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sheffield Utd (Pepe): Arsenal is moving away now! Pepe puts a break between the clubs with a beautiful goal. He runs to Bellerin’s pass and his pace takes him into the penalty area and finishes in the bottom corner with a precise shot.
83 ‘- GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Sheffield Utd (McGoldrick): Game on ?! McGoldrick gives Sheffield United hope with a fine curling effort from the edge of the penalty area to give us the chance for some late-night drama at The Emirates.
KEY STATISTICS
- There were 19 passes in preparation for Nicolas Pépé’s goal for Arsenal against Sheffield United; more before a goal in the Premier League this season.
- Arsenal won their first Premier League match against Sheffield United since September 2006.
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