In a contest that demanded every ounce of resolve and technical excellence, Arsenal took the lion's share of the first half proceedings and converted...
In a contest that demanded every ounce of resolve and technical excellence, Arsenal took the lion's share of the first half proceedings and converted it into a precious lead against the notoriously resilient Atletico Madrid. It was a moment of pure instinct and sharp reflexes that separated the two sides at the Emirates Stadium in this Champions League semi final second leg tie. Leandro Trossard, the Belgian winger, unleashed a fierce drive that seemed destined for the bottom corner, only for the formidable Jan Oblak to produce a save of the highest order. Yet the Nigerian sentiment in the stadium was quick to rise as Bukayo Saka, the Englishman of Nigerian heritage who many call the new Super Eagles talisman in spirit, was the quickest to react. He pounced on the loose ball with the predatory instinct of a seasoned fox in the box, slotting home from close range to hand the Gunners a 1. 0 advantage. GoalZaza can confirm that the Emirates erupted with the kind of noise reserved for only the most clinical of finishes. At the end of the day, it is this kind of sharpness in the final third that separates the contenders from the pretenders. Arsenal, for all their possession and intricate build up play, found Atletico. �s defence a tough nut to crack. But in the scheme of things, Saka. �s goal gives the powers that be at the Emirates a firm foothold in the tie. The Nigerian international Victor Osimhen, watching from the stands no doubt, would have nodded in approval at the sheer speed of thought and movement. The viewing centres in Surulere were a sight to behold. As Saka. �s rebound rippled the net, grown men in Arsenal jerseys leaped from their plastic chairs, spilling bottles of Gulder and malt drink in a frenzy of joy. In a crowded hall in Ikeja, a group of fans waved their jerseys above their heads, shouting that Saka is the true heir to the throne of Arsenal. �s great wingers. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and when the final whistle blew, the only sound was the collective sigh of relief and fierce debate over whether Mikel Arteta. �s men can hold this lead in the cauldron of the Wanda Metropolitano.
