Alexis Sanchez gave Arsenal a first-half lead against Middlesbrough with an excellent free-kick.
Arsenal have been seriously reeling in recent weeks, and had dropped to seventh place in the Premier League table ahead of Monday’s match against Middlesbrough. That was, admittedly, partly down to the fact they’d played fewer games than all the teams immediately above them, but even so, things haven’t looked for Arsene Wenger’s side, who had won only once in the league since Feb. 11, and were coming off a humiliating 3-0 loss away to Crystal Palace.
Boro — defensively resilient, but awful in attack — should have been an easy opportunity for the Gunners to get back on track, but Wenger was disturbed enough with his side’s form to try a new formation, going with three at the back instead of the 4-2-3-1 he’s favored for years.
Arsenal didn’t look particularly sure of the new system early on, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain their only player to show any real attacking promise. Boro even pegged the visitors back for a brief spell, and had a goal chalked off for offside.
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But Arsenal took the lead shortly before halftime, thanks, again, to Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean curled in a beautiful free-kick from 25 yards out, giving Boro keeper Brad Guzan no chance.
The game had hardly been a classic before the goa. Given how desperate Boro are, six points away from safety in 19th place, you’d think they will take a few risks in the second half, but that’s easier said than done for a side who have managed only 22 goals all season.
Arsenal will move back to sixth in the table with a win, three points behind Manchester United in third and seven behind Manchester City in fourth.