English Premier League - Game 31 - Arsenal FC (Away)
A massive match away to Arsenal. Even if we somehow manage to win, we will still need them - and both Liverpool and Chelsea - to drop further points. We were far too good for the Gunners last time we played them, but we are unrecognisable from the side we were a few months ago. Here’s hoping Forster can step up in the absence of Dragowski. Laporte also misses out due to tiredness from international duty, whilst Clasie’s suspension hurts us in midfield.
Pjaca almost got us off to a flyer, but his header from Chambers’ cross after 20 seconds hit the side netting.
He then should have put us in front in the 7th minute after Kurzawa found him just outside the 6 yard box, but he fired straight at Cech.
Thankfully, we hadn’t run out of chances, and Vietto buried one in the 17th minute after great work by Asensio! Surprised the flag stayed down actually.
A minute later Koscielny produced an important near post block on Asensio. Piling on the pressure, therefore Arsenal will probably score next.
Balic had other ideas, and when a 25th minute corner was cleared, he stepped up to the edge of the box and picked out the bottom right corner with a glorious strike! Amazing, as I picked him today because of his hat trick from midfield he scored in a friendly during the break! And that’s his first senior goal for the club!
In the 43rd minute I was swooning as a gorgeous sequence of passing ended in Kurzawa’s low cross being clipped into the top corner on the half-volley by Vietto! Second of the game, as he’s turned up to play against his former club!
And in the 50th minute it was hat trick time for the Argentine striker, as he swivelled to pop Asensio’s pass into the bottom corner! Incredible stuff!
In the 52nd minute it was brilliance up the other end which was the order of the day, Forster somehow keeping out Belotti’s volley from 6 yards!
In the 55th minute Balic tried to split the defence for Pjaca, but Bellerin was too quick. He intercepted and tried to pass back to Cech, but only succeeded in setting up a fourth goal for Vietto, who takes his season tally to 20 goals! Extraordinary!
Süle missed a header near halfway in the 66th, and it was Coquelin who raced through to face Forster- denied!
Two minutes later Tadic replaced Pjaca.
Only a brilliant reflex save stopped Vietto adding his 5th in the 75th minute, as Asensio picked him out once more.
But then potential disaster, as Vietto picked up a knock! He was immediately replaced by Sindelar in the 81st minute. Wanyama also replaced Gitschier and pushed Balic up to attacking midfield.
Well I can honestly say I never saw that coming. Arsenal had the Premier League title in their hands, as they would have led the table had they won their extra games. Technically they still do, although Chelsea have the goal difference edge. That was a massacre! 3 years ago they pumped us 8-1 on this ground, but today we returned the favour in style! They must be regretting the decision to sell Vietto, as he made them pay with his maiden Saints hat trick, which became a four goal haul. That was truly one of our best ever performances. I just don’t know where it’s come from! Hopefully this signals the end of our horror run of form. Spurs at home next should give us the answer. I just have to hope Vietto is okay.
POM: Luciano Vietto (9.8, 4G, 0A)