Lucas Torreira made the difference on a frustrating evening for Arsenal, who notched up a narrow 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town at the Emirates on Saturday.
On an evening when the chances came few and far between for them, the hosts were almost made to rue the misses by Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the first half. Arsenal should have led going into half-time either way, with Lacazette denied a goal due to a dubious offside call.
The second half continued in a similarly frustrating fashion, as the Gunners struggled to carve out meaningful chances on a consistent basis. But, just when it looked like Huddersfield were going to hold them to a draw, Lucas Torreira delivered the goods with an acrobatic finish.
The goal from the Uruguayan international was the difference in the end, as Arsenal stretched their unbeaten run to 21 games. And, “One nil to the Arsenal” was the chant on the fans’ minds, as the North Londoners climbed up to third on the Premier League table.
FT 1-0 #afc Scrappy, hard-fought but Torreira gets Arsenal over the line. 21 games unbeaten now. Emery described this as a big week for his team and so he'll no doubt be greatly encouraged by 7 points from 9. Mustafi injury the obvious concern.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) December 8, 2018
One nil to the Arsenal ???
Far from best but got the vital 3 points. 21 unbeaten #AFC #ARSHUD— RÖY (@19AJR) December 8, 2018
Wow! Make it 21 unbeaten.
One-nil to the arsenal!
One-nil to the arsenal!
One nil to the arsenal! ????#ARSHUD— Anirudh (@TheMezzala07) December 8, 2018
That's 21 games without defeat.
WWWWWWWWWWWDWDDDWWWDW pic.twitter.com/APwgKwp04h
— AFTV?? (@AFTVMedia) December 8, 2018
? 14 games unbeaten in Premier League
? 21 games unbeaten in all competitions#CampaignAgainstArsenal : FAILED
Better luck, next time @FA @premierleague
????????? pic.twitter.com/ginKiTLxgU
— Berita Arsenal (@BeritaArsenal) December 8, 2018
Another major subject that Arsenal fans discussed was the questionable offside call that denied Alexandre Lacazette a clear goal. The calls for VAR grew.
Lacazette goal disallowed after a misplaced back pass. #CampaignAgainstArsenal in full force this week. pic.twitter.com/9cA8mTXOZ8
— Joshua ?? (@big_man_joshyy) December 8, 2018
-Son’s controversial penalty
-Herrera’s offside during Martial’s equalizer
-Fellaini pulling Guendouzi’s hair with no consequence
-Rojo holding Aubameyang whilst already booked
-Lacazette’s goal being cancelled outAll in the space of 6 days. VAR can’t come quick enough.
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) December 8, 2018
The officials should be demoted to the Conference next week after disallowing that Lacazette goal. One of the worst decisions you’ll see all season.
— Highbury Harold ? (@BlackScarfAFC) December 8, 2018
Meanwhile, the big concern for Arsenal is the situation at the heart of the defence, with Sokratis suspended for the next league game while Shkodran Mustafi picked up an injury.
They’ve got a week to work on it but Emery’s preferred back three of late- Sokratis (suspended), Mustafi (suspended/possibly injured) and Holding (injured) will all be missing against Southampton. Monreal back but must be short of match fitness, Koscielny the same.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) December 8, 2018
The lineup for the next game will be a mess
— ☜ Twitt£r Boy ? ♔ (@OT_Silz) December 8, 2018
But, the undoubted hero for Arsenal was yet again Lucas Torreira, who is already a contender for signing of the season.
4 Man of the Match performances in last 5 Premier League games.
North London Derby goal and bicycle kick winner in last 7 days.
Lucas Torreira is already an Arsenal legend.
— BlameFootball (@blamefootball) December 8, 2018
When life gives you Lucas, make Torreira not Moura.
— King of Strong Style (@IAmTheAyology) December 8, 2018
Lucas Torreira last 6 games ??
✅ MOTM v Liverpool
✅ MOTM v Bournemouth
✅ MOTM v Tottenham
✅ MOTM v Man United
✅ MOTM v Huddersfield pic.twitter.com/bS3oYRVnIx— Ahmed (@Ahmed91Gooner) December 8, 2018
Torreira really bagged 2 crucial goals in a difficult period for us, whilst still maintaining his build up and defensive responsibilities. pic.twitter.com/tPCj9AdbDF
— Dezil Dez (@DezilDezz) December 8, 2018
Arsenal 1-0 Huddersfield
Goal scorer: Lucas Torreira
Match winner: Lucas Torreira
Man of the match: Torreira
Signing of the season: Torreira
My happiness is brought to you by: Lucas Torreira.
Rivals are pissed because of: Lucas Torreira
21 unbeaten courtesy of: Torreira— Danny Welbeck (@WellBeast) December 8, 2018
Emery’s reaction to Torreira’s goal is just the best. pic.twitter.com/RFDAhHB30d
— Pádraig (@afcpadraig) December 8, 2018
Superb little man ,,,, ooh Torreira ??
— David Hillier (@davehillierr) December 8, 2018
Someone needs to check what’s in the Uruguayan tea that Torreira is constantly drinking. The man is a joke. 270 minutes in 6 days, two of which were against direct rivals, and not only did he perform in all of them, he managed to score two goals in the process. What a signing.
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) December 8, 2018
