Costa Denies Arsene Wenger A Perfect Farewell

Written by on May 4, 2018

Arsene Wenger was denied the opportunity of a perfect Arsenal farewell as Atletico Madrid won 1-0 to secure a 2-1 aggregate triumph and a spot in the Europa League final.

Wenger confirmed in April that his 22-year association with the club will conclude at the end of the season and the players’ bid to see him sign off with a first European trophy ultimately came up short against Diego Simeone’s characteristically shrewd Atletico, for whom Diego Costa netted the decisive goal.

Arsenal’s luck appeared to be out early on as they lost captain Laurent Koscielny to injury, with the France international now a potential doubt for the World Cup as a result.

And, although the Gunners responded with commendable spirit, they failed to capitalise on their time in the ascendancy and Atletico showed them how it was done just before the interval – familiar foe Costa netting a fourth goal in seven games against Arsenal.

While Atletico continued to craft chances in the second half, there was a hint of tension in the stands – from where the banned Simeone watched on – that was transferred to the players and gave Arsenal encouragement.

But the visitors, still facing a battle just to claim a top-six spot in the Premier League, were simply incapable of breaking through Atletico’s exceptionally well-drilled defence as the home side dug deep to hold off Arsenal’s late onslaught, booking passage to the final in Lyon on May 16.

 

Watch highlights below…


Current track

Title

Artist

Background