BERLIN – Bruno Duarte scored a spectacular goal in stoppage
time as Vitoria Guimaraes held visiting Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in the
Europa League on Thursday.
The Gunners led from Shkodran Mustafi's header with 10 minutes left
before Duarte levelled with an overhead kick early in added on time
on a rainy afternoon in northern Portugal.
Last season's runners-up Arsenal dropped their first points in Group
F but lead the way with 10 points. They will clinch a place in the
last 32 if Standard Liege (three points) lose at Eintracht Frankfurt
(six) on Thursday.
Unai Emery's side has struggled domestically lately and also in the
first date with Vitoria which they won 3-2 from 2-1 down in the last
10 minutes from Pepe's brace.
The Portuguese were also dangerous Wednesday, with their Pepe
smashing against the left post eight minutes into the game, and
Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez making saves against Marcus
Edwards and Edmond Tapsoba's header.
Arsenal, who were without new captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, his
predecessor Granit Xhaka and Mesut Oezil, had no effort on target
apart from Mustafi's goal and have now drawn their last four matches
in 90 minutes.
Vitoria deserved the equalizer for their first point in the campaign,
and could have even grabbed a late winner, with Mustafi deflecting a
cross against the outside post of his goal and Rochinha aimed inches
right.
The game was brought forward by one day because Guimaraes' stadium is
just 20km away from that of Braga who play Besikats Thursday.