Joao on target again as Albion hold Arsenal

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Striker scores for second successive game as Albion make it seven points from three games.

2024-08-31T14:30+01:00

Joao celebrates after scoring for the second successive game. 📷Paul Hazlewood.

Joao Pedro scored for the second successive game as Albion made it seven points from their first three games with a creditable and fully deserved 1-1 draw at the Emirates.

Arsenal had taken the lead through Kai Havertz seven minutes before the break, but the game changed when Declan Rice was sent off after collecting two yellow cards either side of half-time.

Joao Pedro's shot beats David Raya and Albion are level. 📷 Paul Hazlewood

Albion got on top and Joao’s composed finish just before the hour made it 1-1 before both sides traded blows in the search for a winner. Substitute Yasin Ayari went closest for Albion while Bart Verbruggen celebrated his recall to the team with crucial saves to deny Havertz and Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal dominated the early stages, targeting Albion’s left with Saka and Odegaard, often doubling up on Jack Hinshelwood.

An early effort by Saka lacked power and it was Albion who forced the first save when Yankuba Minteh did well to climb above Jurrien Timber to meet Joao’s diagonal from the left but David Reya got down to push his header away.

Lewis Dunk is challenged by Thomas Partey as he attacks a set piece. 📷 Paul Hazlewood

Albion had to reorganise when James Milner went off after 16 minutes and they had a let-off shortly afterwards when Odegaard could only steer Leandro Trossard’s cross straight at Verbruggen.

Albion were playing well when Arsenal scored on 38 minutes, and it was a poor goal from a defensive perspective. Lewis Dunk failed to clear when he challenged Saka and his flick over Jan Paul van Hecke left Havertz time and space to lob Verbruggen into an empty net.

Jack Hinshelwood is challenged in the air by Ben White and William Saliba. 📷 Paul Hazlewood

When Declan Rice caught Joel Veltman late Hurzeler was booked by referee Chris Kavanagh for his protests and four minutes into the second half the England midfielder was sent off for a second yellow for kicking the ball away after another tussle with Veltman, his first dismissal in 245 Premier League games.

The momentum shifted and Albion levelled on 58 minutes. Dunk played a defence-splitting ball down the middle and Minteh did well to hold off Gabriel to get his shot away from just inside the box. Raya brilliantly parried it but only as far as Joao, who side-footed home from the penalty spot.

Yankuba Minteh is challenged by Gabriel. 📷 Photo: Paul Hazlewood

Albion were now on top although they were indebted to Verbruggen on 74 minutes when his outstretched leg kept out Havertz’ shot after Arsenal had broken from inside their own half.

Both sides went for it. Reya made a fine save to keep out Ayari’s shot, matched at the other end by Verbruggen who denied Saka. Van Hecke headed a corner narrowly wide and substitute Georginio Rutter directed a stoppage-time header past the post but neither side could find a second goal. Nonetheless, it’s been a fine start for Albion and Hurzeler.

Albion: Verbruggen, Veltman (Estupinan 71), Dunk, van Hecke, Hinshelwood, Baleba, Milner (Ayari 16), Mitoma (Adingra 85), Joao, Welbeck (Enciso 85), Minteh (Rutter 71).