Stoke City and Arsenal played out a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium in what was a war of attrition between two committed sides, who both had their respective goalkeepers to thank for salvaging a share of the spoils.
After a scrappy affair devoid of creativity in frosty conditions, neither side had that fluidity nor the necessary end product to breach what was two very well organised teams. The first-half saw Jack Butland make two crucial saves, rushing out to smother Olivier Giroud’s shot, before tipping over a curling long-range strike from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The latter stages saw the Potters pose more of a threat going forward but the hosts could not beat an inspired Petr Cech, who made a wonderful double save firstly from Joselu and then from the Bojan Krkic follow-up.
There was nearly a moment of late drama when Aaron Ramsey headed off the line, before Cech again thwarted Joselu as the gritty Gunners hung on for a hard earned point to return to the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal play the wrong notes without conductor Mesut Ozil
As news filtered through that Mesut Ozil would miss with a minor toe injury, there were doubts as to whether Arsenal would be the same creative force without their influential playmaker. His absence was felt, as the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey failed to fill the huge shoes left by the German.
Ball retention and efficient distribution is something that is integral to the way Arsenal play, but without the German and Santi Cazorla they lack a calming, calculated ball player in midfield, as Oxlade-Chamberlain in particular frequently coughed up possession, completing just 78% of his passes while creating only one opportunity, in what was another erratic performance from the Englishman.
The poor pitch and narrow dimensions make it difficult to play fluid passing football and in particular for a team like Arsenal who base their game on keeping possession, but even on the bowling green surface at the Emirates Stadium or in any conditions for that matter, you would be hard pressed finding anyone in the Gunners squad who could adequately fill the void left by Ozil, as Arsene Wenger took no chances in risking his record signing.
[interaction id=”569cf2858089e8dd05f85412″]
Cech and Butland play for keeps
While both Stoke and Arsenal have become fierce rivals on the pitch who often do not see eye-to-eye on a range of things both past and present, one thing is for certain, they can both agree that they both have top class goalkeepers in their ranks.
Both Cech and Butland would surely be in contention for team of year honours, as the duo have been immense this season. Butland particularly, who at just 22-years of age looks to have a huge future in between the sticks, both at club level and also at International level for England.
The Stoke custodian has made a total of 88 saves this term, the most of any goalkeeper in the Premier League this campaign, while Cech has totally transformed Arsenal from a defensive sense, culminating in the 33-year-old keeping 10 clean sheets to date – the most of any gloveman this campaign.
The two put on a exhibition of how valuable it is has to have a dependable leader commanding your penalty area, as they kept their sides in the contest coming up big at crucial interventions, knowing a solitary goal would of been enough to win what was a dour affair.
Petr Cech vs. Stoke City:
5 saves
1 cross claimed
1 aerial duel won
2 punches
57 touches
Man of the MatchTop performance!
— Arsenal News ⚽️ (@__arsenalnews_) January 18, 2016
A point gained for both sides
One could argue that it is a missed opportunity for Arsenal, as a win here would of been a massive psychological barrier broken and a significant statement sent, the Gunners have had a miserable time of it on their travels to the Britannia, winning just once in seven visits.
Without key personal, the Gunners can be satisfied with their efforts, showing battling qualities in what is a notoriously difficult place to go, with both the Manchester clubs and Chelsea all loosing on their visits to the Pottery.
Stoke continue to make the Britannia are fortress for travelling teams, in particular the bigger clubs in the league, as the hostile atmosphere and tricky conditions make it a daunting task for opposition who are not willing to match their doggedness and commitment.
While the club’s DNA has changed since the appointment of Mark Hughes, they now have a nice mix of footballers with a high level of technique and imagination, also still possessing that trademark defensive organisation and nastiness, making them a handful to play against when on song.
Sitting seventh in the standings, Stoke will be looking to better their best ever finish of ninth, and with the squad they possess, they are in a terrific position to eclipse that feat. They can take great comfort in gaining another hugely creditable point against the league leaders.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
