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Match Report: Middlesbrough 1-1 Arsenal

Anything was possible going into today’s game at Middlesbrough. Both sides have had inconsistent runs of form recently, and with Boro’s superb record against Arsenal, a tough game was on the cards for Arsene Wenger’s young men.

French tactician Wenger welcomed back five senior players, two of whom included Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor. The latter scored the only goal during Arsenal’s league encounter with Wigan last week.

Middlesbrough Starting XI

Turnbull
McMahon – Huth – Riggott – Pogatetz (c)
A Johnson – Arca – Digard – Downing
Aliadiere – Tuncay

Arsenal Starting XI

Almunia
Sagna – Djourou – Gallas – Clichy
Denilson – Fabregas (c) – Song – Diaby
Adebayor – van Persie

First Half

Difficult conditions managed to strengthen Boro’s position during the opening stages. Fullback Tony McMahon showed some energetic running down the right hand flank, but it was an expertly-weighted ball from Julio Arca which fell for Stewart Downing that was the pick of the early moves.

England winger Downing won a corner from the move and Emmanuel Adebayor headed on to the roof of his own net giving Boro a second corner in quick succession, Johnson lofting a volley well over the bar from the edge of the six-yard box after a decent left-wing delivery.

It was Arsenal who settled to created two chances in five minutes.

Arsenal’s Stamford Bridge hero Robin van Persie edged a low shot just wide from 12 yards, before Adebayor set up Abou Diaby who brought a fine save from Ross Turnbull at his near post.

Wet conditions at the Riverside weren’t going to dampen Arsenal’s spirits though, a vital moment was set to come within seconds of Diaby’s shot.

The save from Turnbull brought a corner from which the Gunners took the lead as Cesc Fabregas delivered from the left and Emmanuel Adebayor was left with a free header on the edge of the six-yard box with just over 16 minutes played.

Goal: Emmanuel Adebayor (16) – Middlesbrough 0-1 Arsenal

As Boro tried to get back in the game McMahon picked out Aliadiere on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area, a sharp turn gave him space to shoot, but he sliced wide of Manuel Almunia’s right-hand post.

Tuncay was off balance when he shot tamely at Almunia from the edge of the penalty area minutes later, while it took smart goalkeeping from Turnbull to grab a low Diaby drive from deep inside the Boro box.

But with 28 minutes played the equaliser Boro’s play deserved arrived with their first headed goal of the season as Tuncay smashed in a cross from the left-hand edge of the Arsenal box and Jeremie Aliadiere flung himself ahead of the central defenders on the edge of the six-yard box.

Goal: Jeremie Aliadiere (28) – Middlesbrough 1-1 Arsenal

Boro had genuine claims for a penalty turned down when Gael Clichy caught Johnson, but vehement appeals went unheeded.

Back came Arsenal and Adebayor crossed low from the right, picking out van Persie unmarked seven yards from goal, but he went for the kind of finish which looks great when it comes off, but in attempting a flash backheel he missed the ball completely and the Boro fans were laughing for a little while after.

Denilson was next to threaten, though his approach was spoiled by the finish which took the ball well over the bar from 22 yards.

Second Half

Gareth Southgate’s side came straight out of the blocks after a subdued start to the second half from both respective teams.

Rock solid German international Robert Huth displayed nimble footwork on the halfway line, turning away from two yellow shirts to play a delicate ball over the top which just outran Aliadiere.

Tuncay was next to give Arsenal cause for concern but was just crowded out.

A long ball over the top saw Downing outpace Bacary Sagna and bring a smart save at his near post from Almunia who reacted well to a low drive.

As the game swung to the other end and the Gunners began to apply pressure, Diaby set up Van Persie who rolled a low shot across the face of goal and just wide.

The visitors began to step it up and Turnbull did well to hold on to a low 20-yard drive from Diaby.

But Boro dug deep and took the game back to a side attempting to go third in the table. Eye-catching approach work though didn’t render too many chances, but the same applied at the other end.

No-one has been involved in goals in the last 10 minutes of games this season more than Boro (15), though Arsenal are not far behind with 12, so it was no surprise that nerves on both sides were stretched – as were defences.

A wicked right-wing corner from Van Persie caused problems, while Turnbull made an excellent stop to prevent the lime green booted substitute Nicklas Bendtner from cracking in at the near post.

It would have been rough justice on a Boro side which arguably deserved at least a point. Arsenal’s problems continue to mount though, their is some good news coming up this Monday, Eduardo will make his return from injury in a Reserve game against Portsmouth.

Gooner Talk’s Man of the Match: Emmanuel Adebayor – The Togolese frontman showed exactly why Arsenal need him. With 11 goals this season, more is expected of the 25-year-old who you can guarantee will be linked with a whole host of European clubs in January.

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