Arsene Wenger’s 828th and final Premier League match in charge of Arsenal ended in a 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal reign came to an end in winning fashion on
Sunday as his side claimed a 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town at John
Smith’s Stadium.
A first-half goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, his 10th in the
Premier League since arriving from Borussia Dortmund, was enough to
secure the Gunners’ first points away from home in 2018.
It also allowed Wenger to celebrate victory in his 828th and final
top-flight match in charge at the 54th different ground he has visited
as Gunners boss in the competition.
A guard of honour greeted Wenger as he made his way out onto the
pitch and two planes carrying banners wishing him a fond farewell were
flown over the ground during the first half.
There was little to shout about on the pitch, with Arsenal secure in
sixth place and Huddersfield having guaranteed their survival with their
1-1 draw at Chelsea on Wednesday.
Aubameyang’s close-range finish was enough to separate the teams
despite some second-half pressure from the hosts, giving Wenger a
fitting farewell ahead of a new era in north London after 22 years at
the helm.
Steve Mounie brought a good save from David Ospina with an early
header in a quiet opening 15 minutes, during which two planes bearing
banners paying tribute to Wenger were flown over the stands.
It prompted an exchange of taunts from the two sets of fans, but they
were united in their ovation for Wenger in the 22nd minute, with the
action on the pitch doing little to inspire the same sort of applause.
That was until Arsenal produced a fitting moment of team magic 38
minutes in. Having won back possession 30 yards from the Huddersfield
goal, Henrikh Mkhitaryan combined with Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron
Ramsey, whose cross towards the right-hand post was poked in by
Aubameyang.
The home side stepped up the pressure in the second half, Ospina
doing well to tip a Tom Ince shot around the left-hand post and Rob
Holding heading into the side-netting of his own goal.
Lacazette wasted a good chance for a second for Arsenal, chipping the
ball straight into Jonas Lossl’s hands, and Danny Welbeck was then
denied by the Huddersfield keeper when he should really have done
better.
Aaron Mooy blasted a half-volley off the crossbar, but Arsenal were
able to see out a fond farewell for Wenger, and end a seven-game losing
run away from home in the league in the process.