A late goal from Bafetimbi Gomis was enough for Swansea to secure a late win at the Emirates.
Despite dominating possession and having more shots on goal, Arsenal saw their undefeated run in the Premier League ended and now face a fight to remain in the top three. Former Arsenal goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski was consistent but not spectacular in goal against his former side as Garry Monk’s side strengthened their charge to the top six.
Monk’s stock continues to rise
Most would pick Southampton as the surprise packet of the season, but Swansea have quietly moved to within a point of Ronald Koeman’s side thanks to a consistent run of form since the turn of the year. Garry Monk deserves all the plaudits in his first full season in charge – not only have Swansea played a good standard of football this season but they have now done the double over Arsenal and Manchester United as well.
Swansea midfielder Jack Cork compared his mentor to fellow Premier League managers Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers this week in the press, and it is easy to see why. Both are known for their tactical flexibility, which Monk perfectly exhibited against Arsenal. With Gomis only just returning from injury, the Swansea boss played Gylfi Sigurdsson as a makeshift striker in front of a hard-working midfield of Ki Sung-Yeung, Jack Cork and Jonjo Shelvey.
The move worked wonders as the Welsh side repelled the Gunners with ease in the first half and well into the second, and it was with an astute substitution that Monk won the game. With Arsenal pouring forward and bringing on more attacking players, the introduction of Gomis made sure Swansea would be ready to capitalise on any quick transition. The script was fulfilled in the 85th minute as Jefferson Montero’s cross was headed home at the far post by the former Lyon striker.
Goal-line technology saves blushes
Gomis would not have scored his goal last season. Luckily for the Ivorian striker, the Premier League implemented goal-line technology in the off-season and it was able to show us what no-one had seen with the naked eye. Ospina had moved smartly down to his left to palm away Gomis’ header, but in fact the ball was well over the line.
It is moments like this where goal-line technology pays off. Players, fans and commentators alike did not believe the ball had passed over the line and where instead confused that Kevin Friend had not awarded a corner. The referee did not seem entirely convinced of the goal that he was awarding either, simply shrugging at gesturing towards his GLT watch.
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Lack of urgency costs Gunners
There’s no doubt Arsenal had the quality of players and chances to win the game. Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott both should’ve scored with chances seconds apart, but instead hit their shots directly at Fabianski in the Swansea goal. However, this occurred in the 78th minute, clearly showing just how slowly Arsenal started the match.
The first half was a dire affair, rather than taking the initiative to immediately put Swansea on the back foot, the Gunners elected to move the ball slowly across the pitch and out of defence. The visitors were able to produce six attempts on goal compared to Arsenal’s five, an absolutely criminal statistic. The second half was a massive improvement, but it is easy to understand why a team does not win when they only play one half of football.
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