It certainly wasn’t pretty, but Arsenal got the job done at the Riverside Stadium on Monday night.Goals from Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil either side of Alvaro Negredo’s equaliser handed the Gunners a much-needed 2-1 win against Middlesbrough.Of course, it doesn’t deny the fact that Arsenal remain outside of the top four and worryingly out of form - Ozil’s goal papered over the cracks of what was another concerning display at times - but it’s something for the Gunners to build on as they prepare to face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at the weekend.Having dropped to seventh in the Premier League table, it was crucial that Arsenal returned to London with all three points.And their mission started well enough, with Sanchez scoring a wonderful free-kick minutes before half-time.Gary Lineker said the Chilean’s effort was “brilliant” on Twitter, and that’s one of many superlatives that were suitable to describe the goal.
Arsenal conceded a poor goal
Arsenal’s defending for Negredo’s goal, however, was not brilliant.
Sanchez gave the ball away cheaply in Middlesbrough’s half and the ball reached Stewart Downing on the right flank. Apparently unaware that Downing is predominantly left-footed, Nacho Monreal allowed the Boro winger to cut inside and deliver a cross that landed perfectly in front of Negredo, helped by some amateurish defending from Laurent Koscielny.
It looked as if the Gunners could be on the brink of another embarrassing defeat away from home, following the recent losses at Crystal Palace and West Brom.
Worrying moments
Middlesbrough pushed in search of a go-ahead goal and came close when Daniel Ayala’s effort was cleared off the line.
But eventually Arsenal’s class prevailed. With 19 minutes remaining, Ozil grabbed the winner.
The German lashed home Aaron Ramsey’s knockdown for his 11th goal of the season and second in three matches.
To see Sanchez and Ozil on the scoresheet given the stories surrounding both right now left Arsenal fans delighted. Both are locked in contract disputes and it’s not entirely clear yet whether either player is ready to commit his future to the club.
Sanchez's reaction at full-time
But Sanchez offered supporters hope with his reaction at full-time. The 28-year-old wrapped his arms around Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before taking his shirt off and giving it to a young fan in the crowd.
Just look at his face after he gives his shirt away. Does that look like an unhappy man?
Sanchez takes to Instagram
Arsenal fans are buzzing
Check out the jubilant reaction from Arsenal fans on Twitter.