da gbg bet： Tonight’s Premier League affair between Arsenal and Sunderland may have lacked the vital ingredient of any classic football match, goals, but it was an intoxicating, exciting, gripping and dramatic scoreless draw which guaranteed the Black Cats’ Premier League status for at least another season.
da betobet：
Indeed, it was a backs-to-the-wall, one-moment-will-decide-it affair, and possibly the most entertaining nil-nil of the season.
But just in case you missed it – perhaps you were busy watching Corrie with the missus – we’ve listed the three biggest talking points, so your mates don’t have to find out!
Pantilimon wins this season’s Underrated Glove award
With the likes of David De Gea, Thibaut Courtois and Hugo Lloris all enjoying superlative form this season, the pivotal performances of Costel Pantilimon have gone unfairly unnoticed.
Despite starting just 22 Premier League fixtures this term, the 6 foot 8 Sunderland No.1 ranks joint-fifth in the division for clean sheets, leaving him on equal terms with Chelsea’s Courtois, and fourth for number of saves.
And the Romanian international was absolutely intrinsic in Sunderland claiming another clean sheet this evening. He began with a sensational close-down of Jack Wilshere as the Arsenal midfielder careered into the box, and ended with a string of saves from point blank range as the Gunners peppered Sunderland’s goal. Overall, he finished up with seven saves.
Needless to say, Sunderland fans on twitter were very impressed:
Arsenal lack killer instinct
Over the last few weeks, many have come to the opinion that Arsenal are just a few signings away from a title-winning side. That may be true – and in terms of using the ball, they were absolutely fantastic once again this evening.
Yet, they lacked the killer instinct of a Chelsea or Manchester City, failing to convert 28 shots and 74% possession into a goal – despite the fact Sunderland didn’t get out of their own box until the hour mark. This now makes it three games without a goal for Arsenal – and 270 minutes since they’ve netted at the Emirates.
Although blame can’t be placed on a single individual, one has to question Olivier Giroud. In terms of hold-up play and occupying defenders, the France international did his job tonight, but he lacked that poacher-esque ability to turn up in the box at the right time and turn a half-chance into a goal, ending the match with only three efforts – equating to just 11% of all Arsenal’s chances. Entering the summer, the Gunners should be looking for a world-class upgrade on the 28 year-old.
Offer Dick Advocaat anything he wants
Since arriving at the Stadium of Light at the expense of Gus Poyet in March, Dick Advocaat has transformed a Sunderland side that at one point looked destined for relegation.
Under his leadership, the Black Cats have lost two, drawn three and won four, making him directly responsible for over half of the club’s victories in the Premier League this season – and of course, their great escape from relegation via a draw this evening.
The former Netherlands, PSV, Rangers, Russia and Serbia manager has continually insisted he won’t stay on at Sunderland after the end of the season, apparently due to his wife not liking Wearside too much.
Well, you can hardly blame her – but the Black Cats need to throw the kitchen sink at Advocaat to retain him this summer, because they’re much stronger with him. Overwhelmed with emotion, the 67 year-old struggled to hold back tears after the final whistle, so he’s clearly enjoying his Sunderland tenure too.
For the club’s sake, let’s hope they’re not farewell tears.