Premier League - Flamini own goal puts end to Arsenal title charge
Wilfried Bony, left, scores the opening goal for Swansea City at Arsenal. Photograph: Matt Dunham/AP
Emirates Stadium - Arsenal 2 (Podolski 73, Giroud 74) Swansea 2 (Bony 11, Flamini og 90+1)
Mathieu Flamini’s injury time own goal has put the final nail in the coffin of Arsenal’s title hopes after gifting Swansea a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
The French midfielder was simply jogging back as Wojciech Szczesny saved low from Leon Britton when the ball ricocheted off his legs and into the back of the net to break Arsenal hearts and gift Swansea a vital point in their fight against relegation.
The Gunners looked to have rescued the three points after going behind early to a Wilfried Bony header when Lukas Podolski came on to score the equaliser and then lay on a goal for Olivier Giroud within a minute.
But Swansea never gave up and managed to peg Arsenal back and steal a point from the Emirates.
The draw means Arsenal are now just six points ahead of Everton who have a game in hand in 5th place while Swansea go five points clear of the relegation places.
Mathieu Flamini’s injury time own goal has put the final nail in the coffin of Arsenal’s title hopes after gifting Swansea a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
The French midfielder was simply jogging back as Wojciech Szczesny saved low from Leon Britton when the ball ricocheted off his legs and into the back of the net to break Arsenal hearts and gift Swansea a vital point in their fight against relegation.
The Gunners looked to have rescued the three points after going behind early to a Wilfried Bony header when Lukas Podolski came on to score the equaliser and then lay on a goal for Olivier Giroud within a minute. But Swansea never gave up and managed to peg Arsenal back and steal a point from the Emirates.
The draw means Arsenal are now just six points ahead of Everton who have a game in hand in 5th place while Swansea go five points clear of the relegation places.
TALKING POINT
Is Arsenal’s assault on the title over? This was a must win game for Arsenal following their Chelsea drubbing and they failed to deliver. Now six points off Chelsea and three behind Man City who have two games in hand, it looks like the Gunners have missed out on their first title since 2003/04.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Wilfried Bony – Worked tirelessly all match and caused the Arsenal defence all kinds of problems with his strength and hold-up play. More than deserved his goal after spending much of the game on his own up top.
PLAYER RATINGS
ARSENAL: Szczesny 6, Sagna 6, Mertesacker 6, Vermaelen 5, Gibbs 7, Flamini 5, Arteta 6, Oxlade-Chamberlain 6, Rosicky 6, Cazorla 6, Giroud 7.
Subs: Kallstrom 6, Sanogo 6, Podolski 8.
SWANSEA: Vorm 7, Rangel 6, Williams 7, Chico Flores 7, Taylor 7, Britton 7, Shelvey 6, de Guzman 6, Routledge 6, Michu 6, Bony 9.
Subs: Davies 6, Dyer 6, Hernandez 7.