Once again, Arsenal failed to put in a performance worthy of mentioning them in the same breath as the rest of the top six. The Gunners began the first half on the back foot but found a way to head into halftime with the lead thanks to a sumptuous free-kick from Alexis Sanchez.
With Arsene Wenger experimenting with a 3-5-2 formation for the first time in almost 20 years, the North London club were expected to at least surprise Middlesbrough but familiar shades mediocrity shone the brightest under the dull sky by the Tees.
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Alvaro Negredo did to Arsenal what Christian Benteke did last week and scored the equaliser minutes into the second half.
And while the Gunners did score the winner thanks to a lovely Mesut Ozil finish, this result leaves Arsenal far from safe in their race to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, here’s looking at five things we learnt from the Riverside stadium:
#5 Frustration flows through the veins
Arsenal are having arguably their worst period under manager Arsene Wenger. They’re at a stage in their season where almost every club in the League can beat them – they’re devoid of confidence, devoid of ideas and possibly devoid of guidance.
Goalscorer Alexis Sanchez was visibly frustrated throughout the game thanks to poor passing, poor positioning and poor decision making. But the fact that the team walk away with three points is a step in the right direction.
Next up for the Gunners is Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals and it could be a pivotal fixture in what is turning out to be a very tense end to the season.
#4 Middlesbrough didn’t learn from Crystal Palace
Christian Benteke, Wilfred Zaha and Mamadou Sakho drained Arsenal of any confidence at Selhurst Park last week and the red and white team from the North West of England should’ve done just that.
Despite Arsenal fielding three centre-backs in the game this time around, should Alvaro Negredo and Rudy Gestede have started the game and used their natural build against Arsenal’s fragile defenders, the scoreline could’ve looked a lot more different.
And now with only six games to go, the Riverside club have quite the challenge to ensure they remain in England’s top flight. Three points against Arsene Wenger’s side could’ve helped them dramatically in closing the gap to Swansea and Hull.
#3 What will Arsenal do without Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil?
Alexis Sanchez’s incredible free-kick gave Arsenal the lead but Mesut Ozil’s measured finish thanks to a lovely chest-down from Aaron Ramsey ensured that the spotlight once again shone on the two players whose future with the club remain amongst the darkest of clouds.
The Gunners have reportedly offered massive contracts to the former La Liga stars but with a host of other European giants – and Premier League giants – eyeing them up with the chance to win titles every season, they might think hard if whether pledging support to Arsenal’s project is the right decision.
Should the two of them decide to leave Arsenal in the summer, it’ll leave a huge gaping hole for Arsene Wenger – or a new manager – to fill.
#2 Boro’s lack of attack could cost them dearly
They’ve been struggling for goals this season and once again, against a defence that could crumble with a little pressure, they failed to capitalise on plenty of options. Two clear-cut chances inside the box from set pieces could’ve turned this game on its head.
Alvaro Negredo, Adama Traore, Rudy Gestede, Stewart Downing and Martin de Roon were all expected to be amongst the goals but they’ve failed to follow any kind of plan and seem almost drained of chances to put the ball away.
While the defence has been bright this season, Boro’s attack is the one that could potentially see them relegated to the Championship.
#1 3-4-3 to the rescue
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right wing was easily the best player on the pitch by a mile. The Englishman took the right wing-back position like a duck to water and ensured that his side always have an option going down the touchline.
With his natural pace and strength, the side looked more solid going forward. While this was the first time since 1997 that Arsenal played a 3-4-3, it always looked like a work-in-progress – something that was visible in the way the team looked lost trying to deal with Alvaro Negredo scoring his goal.
Arsenal were amongst the last few sides in the Premier League yet to work in a 3-4-3 system but this match further strengthens the argument that the more defensive formation is here to stay.
