Arsenal slump to shock 2-0 defeat against Braga
Braga’s Brazilian striker Matheus scored two goals in the space of seven second-half minutes to condemn Arsenal to their second consecutive defeat in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The result has set up a thrilling final round of matches in Group
H.
The defeat means Arsenal’s progression into the knockout stage still hangs in the balance. The Gunners are now tied on nine points with Braga, while Shakhtar Donestk top the group with 12 points after their 3-0 victory against Partizan Belgrade in the other
group H match.
Arsene Wenger made seven changes to the side that lost the North London derby 3-2 against Tottenham over the weekend, despite leading two-nil at half-time. Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner was also back in the starting eleven.
The visitors started the first half strongly, but failed to capitalise on the half-chances they created. Theo Walcott had an impressive first half and was causing Braga problems down the right hand side. Walcott featured in Arsenal’s first real attempt on
goal, when 18 minutes into the game he passed the ball to Bendtner, who found Cesc Fabregas only to see his shot go over. Fabregas failed to convert two free kicks in a lacklustre first half for the Spaniard, before Walcott tried his luck, but the Englishman
only succeeded in firing the ball over the bar.
The second half was as disappointing as the first for the fans, as both teams lacked creativity in their play. Wenger was forced to make a change on 69 minutes, when captain Fabregas suffered a hamstring injury; Samir Nasri came on to replace the midfielder.
Moments later Tomas Rosicky's cross was cut off on its way to Bendtner, who was waiting in the box.
Bendtner was later replaced by Marouane Chamakh, and Walcott made way for Mexican winger Carlos Vela. Vela was in the mix of things, when he was booked for diving in the box, but replays clearly showed he was brought down by Alberto Rodriguez. To make matters
worse, Matheus scored a break-away goal in the 83rd minute, as Emmanuel Eboue received treatment for an ankle injury on the touchline. Arsenal was down to ten men, when Matheus struck again in the 90th minute to put the game to bed.
Wenger furious with officials
After the match, a furious Wenger lashed out at the officials on their poor decisions. In his post match interview, the Gunners manager said, "We are going through a period where we have bad luck, we had Eboue kicked off the park without any punishment and
we also had the penalty turned down. What was the fifth official doing? We have another proof that it is absolutely useless, this system.” UEFA has added two officials behind the goal line on either side in the Champions League, bringing the total number
of on-field umpires up to five.
Braga manager Domingos Paciencia, commented on the incident saying, "I have seen it on TV, but before there was an offside, so first should be offside, then no penalty would be allowed for Arsenal.'' Braga has a realistic chance of qualifying for the last
16 in there very first appearance in the competition. Paciencia feels that it will be difficult to beat group leaders Shakhtar, but there is every possibility of his side going through to the next round.
The Gunners play Partizan Belgrade at home in the last round of group matches. Only a win will guarantee Wenger’s side a place the last 16. Wenger seemed confident when asked about his team’s chances of qualifying, "It is a concern, but we'll make it.''
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