Middlesbrough 2 - 1 Arsenal

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Arsenal Slip Up


It's not a crime, to get beaten away from home by another Premiership club, but when it's your first league defeat of the season, it still comes as a bit of a shock. More so after Middlesbrough went ahead after only 4 minutes, when Stewart Downing scored from the penalty spot, after Toure fouled Aliadiere.


Arsenal seemed to have lost some of their sparkle, and Eboue was fortunate not to be sent off for raising his hands against Pogatetz. It must be said that Arsenal's lack of their usual fluency, was largely due to the way Boro restricted their performance, whilst always looking dangerous themselves. Perhaps the early goal had energised them, but whatever it was they often looked superior. Adebayor had a good chance to level, but his header went wide and met with a determined counter attack by the persistent northerners.


Tuncay Sanli seemed sure to score early in the second half, but his shot was just wide of the mark. However, compensation was not far away, and Boro went farther ahead when he tapped in a loose ball after 74 minutes.


Rosicky finally scored for Arsenal in extra time, but it was too late to make any difference, and the game resulted in a fine win for Graham Southgate's team. It was a significant result for both sides. For Middlesbrough, it was their first win in 11games, and fittingly came against the Premiership league leaders. Arsenal are now out of their comfort zone, with Manchester United only one point adrift, and playing out of their skins.


Next weekends fixtures will be particularly interesting, when the big four have all to play each other. There will be the London Derby when Arsenal meet Chelsea, and a northern equivalent when Liverpool play host to Manchester United. So there is plenty at stake and plenty to see!


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Middlesbrough Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
Middlesbrough Vs Arsenal