English Premier League
Result: Stoke City 1-0 Arsenal
Date: 19 August 2017
Venue: Bet365 Stadium
A former Real Madrid striker was on target to help Stoke City claim a 1-0 win over Arsenal at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday evening.
The early exchanges saw both teams cancel each other out as the defences stood strong and repelled the attackers from both sides.
Arsenal had an appeal for a hand ball rejected by the referee after Erik Pieters handled the ball in the area but was fortunate not to be charged by the referee.
Arsenal were picking up momentum and seeing more of the ball as Oxlade-Chamberlain put in an enticing cross for Welbeck but the forward failed to finish off.
Mark Hughes' men were waiting on the counter and had an opportunity to capitalise after loan signing Jese Rodrigues made a great run down the flank and saw his cut back tamely finished by Choupo-Moting.
Stoke looked to be having the better opportunities despite seeing less of the ball and Ryan Shawcross saw his powerful header sail over the crossbar from a delightful cross from Choupo-Moting.
Granit Xhaka had the last chance of the half with a long range shot which was easily saved by Stokes keeper Jack Butland. The first half ended goalless with some entertaining football on display.
Jese Rodriguez combined beautifully with Saido Berahino and the Spaniard finished clinically to put the hosts in front just 90 seconds into the second half.
The goal sparked Arsenal to life and the Gunners played with more intensity in their attack.
Two chances fell for Welbeck with the second, a free header, just sailing over the crossbar as they continued to push for an equaliser.
Despite persistent pressure from Arsenal, Stokes City stood firm in defence and held on to claim a 1 – 0 victory in front of their vocal home crowd.
