Sheffield United 1-2 Arsenal

Goals: McGoldrick 87′ – Pepe (penalty) 25′, Ceballos 90’+1.

The drama of the match was pushed to a climax in the last five minutes.

While Sheffield’s spirit was high and they were starting to dream about the FA Cup semi-finals, Arsenal poured cold water on the home team.

Pepe successfully scored an 11m kick to open the score.

Arsenal did not win against Sheffield in both matches in the Premier League this season.

As a result, Arsenal’s goal was soon shaken right after the opening whistle.

In the 23rd minute, Alexandre Lacazette – standing right on the edge of the penalty area – received the ball and was fouled from behind by the home player.

McGoldrick took advantage of Arsenal’s defensive mistakes and scored the equalizer.

Being advantageous, when being pressured, brings a big mental boost to Arteta’s students.

Early in the second half, Luiz injured his knee and had to leave the field.

Under pressure from the home team, Arteta switched to counter-attacking by bringing on Ceballos, who held the tempo better than Joe Willock, and withdrew Lacazette to be replaced by Nketiah.

VAR made two decisions in favor of Arsenal.

The specter of losing at the last minute, like in the match against Brighton, reappeared when the Arsenal defender broke the ball and hit his teammate’s back, creating an opportunity for McGoldrick to run down to equalize the score 1-1.

Entering the semi-finals of the FA Cup, Arteta’s teachers and students are still burdened with the Premier League.

Squad

Sheffield: Henderson, Basham (Sharp 76′), Egan, Robinson, Baldock (K Freeman 62′), Lundstram (Berge 35′), Norwood, Fleck, Stevens, McGoldrick, McBurnie.

Unused substitutes: Zivkovic, L Freeman, Jagielka, Mousset, Osborn, Moore.

Arsenal: Martinez, Luiz (Holding 54′), Mustafi, Tierney, Maitland-Niles, Willock (Ceballos 67′), Xhaka, Kolasinac, Pepe, Lacazette (Nketiah 67′), Saka.

Subs not used: Bellerin, Sokratis, Aubameyang, Nelson, Macey, Smith.