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Three key elements: Stoke City’s loss at Arsenal

By Garry Welsh

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal challenges Julien Ngoy of Stoke during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Stoke City at Emirates Stadium on December 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal challenges Julien Ngoy of Stoke during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Stoke City at Emirates Stadium on December 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /
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If you were expecting anything less than defeat on Saturday, then you may just be one of the most optimistic of fans. But of course, there were some positives Stoke City can take away from the game.

Stoke City have not won away to Arsenal in 15 consecutive games. The last one being a 0-1 back in 1981. If you remember that then I’m sure you had a crush on Cheryl Baker or Jay Aston.

Either way, what were the positives to come out from the clash at the Emirates?

1. Debut for Ngoy

Julien Ngoy, the 19-year-old starlet was let loose for the last ten minutes. Having scored six goals for the under-23 side this season, Ngoy possesses a tremendous physical presence.

Premier League minutes can only be a good thing for the youngster as Mark Hughes seems to be slightly flustering at his obvious lack of options up front.

Wilfried Bony has now seemingly been relegated to the bench. With the Ivorian still struggling to fire, the Hughes’ patience has appeared to have worn thin.

Instead, Mame Biram Diouf and Marko Arnautovic have been tasked with the role up top in recent games. Clearly a statement of intent from the manager.

This could, however, prove to be a slight opening for Ngoy.

2. Stats talk, prove Stoke City were in the game

Stoke City had very little possession (36%) at the Emirates. Which begs the question as to how or why they were able to rattle off 12 shots.

Arsenal had 21 shots in total but only six of those were on target. The Potters got five of their 12 on target – which equates to just over 40%, compared to the 28.5% of Arsenal.

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Clearly Arsenal scored half of their on target-chances; fairly efficient considering Stoke only converted one of their five.

Take from that what you will, but that stat alone proves that Stoke were by no means played off the Emirates park on Saturday. If Hughes an solve the striking problem, it won’t be long before we see those half-chances buried.

3. It’s the wrong time of year to play Arsenal

In typical Arsenal fashion, the run-up to Christmas often bears much fruit for the Gunners.

Every year, the club seem to peak too early, and are hyped to be top of the pile come May. The reverse fixture however, isn’t until 13 May.

So by then, fourth place will have their name written all over it…right?