ARSENAL’S shocking season was just 12 minutes away from reaching new lows in Belgium.
Goals from Alexandre Lacazette and teenage star Bukayo Saka salvaged a draw after Standard Liege punished some horrible defending to go two goals ahead.
Alexandre Lacazette was the catalyst to Arsenal’s comebackCredit: Reuters
Saka, left, scored the equaliser in BelgiumCredit: Reuters
The Gunners knew they were through to the next round unless they conceded five but they still made hard work of it as Freddie Ljungberg’s fourth audition fell flat on its face.
Unemployed boss Carlo Ancelotti can stick another zero on his wage demands after tonight’s showing.
Standard Liege had lost each and every of their previous five meetings with the Gunners but could quickly sense a famous night against Arsenal’s fragile reserve team.
In a largely uneventful opening 45 minutes, the first real chance came from Konstantinos Mavropanos’ dreadful clearance.
It fell to the feet of Carcela but luckily for the Gunners he has scored just once in 24 appearances and his tame effort was straight at Martinez.
Emile Smith Rowe had Arsenal’s best effort when he ran onto Lacazette’s through ball but was denied by the keeper’s toe.
Saka missed two good opportunities before Reiss Nelson headed straight at the keeper on the stroke of half-time.
Liege were determined to give their fans something to cheer and just 90 seconds into the second half their supporters were on their feet.
Bastien was gifted too much space and his strike deflected off Sokratis’ arm and out of Emiliano Martinez’s reach.
It could have sparked Arsenal into life but it had the opposite impact as Liege continued to believe they could pull off a stunning upset.
On 68 minutes the Gunners’ defence was punished again, this time Joe Willock the guilty party as he passed it straight to Amallah.
His shot took another deflection before nestling into the corner to cause further embarrassment to Arsenal and Ljungberg.
Lacazette sparked the comeback when he headed in Saka’s wicked cross from close range.
Standard Liege blew their chance to qualifyCredit: Reuters
Then Saka turned provider to goalscorer when he played a neat one-two with Martinelli before curling it superbly in the bottom corner.
The goal would prove pivotal in Group F as it meant Liege finished third behind Eintracht Frankfurt after they lost at home to Guimaraes.
Arsenal top the group but it will be little consolation to a team who failed to build momentum on their win at Crystal Palace.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
