The Gunners struggled to create chances without star man Mesut Ozil, who was injured, and had to settle for a point
Arsenal came through their title test at the Brit to return to the top of the Premier League.
The Britannia has been Arsenal's bogey ground and they still have only won once here in nine visits.
But Arsene Wenger's men showed character to earn a point on an ice-cold evening in the Potteries and were denied all three by Jack Butland.
Butland was outstanding and denied Olivier Giroud twice and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to underline his standing as a serious rival to England No 1 Joe Hart.
Stoke also had chances to win and Petr Cech thwarted Joselu and Bojan.
In form: Petr Cech jumps to make a save
1. True grit from the Gunners
Arsenal can show grit at the Brit. Arsenal had lost five of their last eight visits here and it is Stoke fans' favourite fixture of the season. But Arsene Wenger's side stood up to the challenge manfully and took the sting out of the crowd.
Cold snap: Arsene Wenger and Mark Hughes watch their players
2. Oxlade-Chamberlain can play in the middle
The Ox can play in the middle. This was a big test for Oxlade-Chamberlain playing in the heart of Arsenal's midfield because the Gunners were missing the injured Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez and he performed well against his dad's old team. He was denied a goal by a great save by Jack Butland.
Chance: Olivier Giroud has a shot saved by Jack Butland
3. A day to forget for the referee
Craig Pawson was not at his best today. Pawson got too many decisions wrong and Arsenal will feel they should hve had a penalty for Philipp Wollscheid's challenge on Theo Walcott just inside the area.
Jeers: Aaron Ramsey is booed by Stoke fans
4. Bojan disappointing again
Bojan has gone off the boil. Bojan has been great for Stoke this season and has been one of their main creative forces. But the little Spaniard's form has dipped over the last game or two and he was subbed for the second match running.
Wry smile: Theo Walcott and referee Craig Pawson
5. Stoke fans let themselves down
The Stoke fans should lay off Aaron Ramsey. We all know about his history with Ryan Shawcross and the broken leg he suffered here in 2010, so why should his every touch be jeered by the home supporters who chanted "Aaron Ramsey, he walks with a limp"?
Their abuse of Arsene Wenger wasn't pleasant either. The Brit crowd is one of the best, but they don't need to do that.
Shot: Marko Arnautovic is closed down by Per Mertesacker
Mirror
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Want to comment? write down here