Arsenal were not at their best but finally showed some character to relieve pressure on Arsene Wenger
Get Arsenal FC updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
Arsene Wenger’s ­problems are far from over, but finally some relief for the under pressure Arsenal boss.
An away win, their first in the league since January 14, when they demolished Swansea 4-0.
While it was not entirely ­convincing – a dip for 20 minutes after half-time allowed ­a ­ Middlesbrough revival – the rot has been stopped on their ­travels.
A superb free-kick from Alexis Sanchez, and a gritty ­winner, while under the cosh, from Mesut Ozil, claimed the points.
It was not Arsenal at their silky best, but they showed some character in rebuffing a ­ressurgent Boro who equalised through Alvaro Negredo.
It does not totally resurrect the Gunners’ top-four chances, but seven points adrift from Manchester City with a game in hand means there is still hope.
(Photo: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Ozil’s 71st-minute goal, his 11th of the season, was smashed home from close range after Sanchez’s cross was chested into his path by Aaron Ramsey.
Defeat leaves Boro adrift and facing relegation. They are six points behind fourth bottom Hull with a game in hand and have not won in the league since December 17.
Wenger was looking to avoid a host of damning statistics at ­the Riverside, and switched ­formation.
It was three at the back for the first time since 1997 and the era of Adams, Keown and Bould.
Gabriel, Holding, Koscielny does not have the same ring, but they did keep Boro at bay, although most teams have managed to stifle the Teessiders’ powder-puff attack this season.
The worst run of away form in Wenger’s reign was under little threat of being extended by the worst attack in terms of league goals scored.
(Photo: PA)
Arsenal had not lost five in a row away from home in the top flight since December 1984. ­Another slip here would match that record.
But that was never on the cards. Arsenal were far from sparkling, but showed bursts of pace and skill that frightened their hosts.
They took charge of the game just before half-time through a moment of brilliance from Alexis Sanchez.
Adam Clayton clattered Granit Xhaka 25 yards out and Sanchez whipped a curling free-kick over the wall for his 19th goal in 29 league starts.
Keeper Brad Guzan, in for a rare start because of Victor Valdes rib injury, was rooted to the spot.
The traveling fans were not entirely joyous in their chanting after the goal.
(Photo: Ian MacNicol)
“How s*** must you be, we’re winning away,” they sang.
Perhaps experience meant they knew what was coming.
Boro showed they were fighting to the end grabbing a lifeline after 49 minutes when Alvaro Negredo forced home his eighth of the season.
Stewart Downing made the equaliser with a speedy break down the right wing, cut inside and a left footed cross.
Negredo bullied Laurent Koscielny, sneaking in powerfully to poke home.
(Photo: 2017 Getty Images)
Boro would have taken the lead but for a super save by Petr Cech from Daniel Ayala’s header. Boro were on the front foot, and showing spirit.
There has been a subtle change in momentum, and more adventure under Steve Agnew. But when risks are taken attacking, Boro have crumbled at the back.
And so Ozil volleyed home, triggering a clenched fist celebration from Wenger.
“It was not perfect but the commitment and focus was there,” said Wenger.
“This was one of Middlesbrough’s last chances to stay in the league. At 1-1 we found a response and managed to win.”