Arsenal fans were celebrating the news of a big win, but not everyone was happy. The Gunners beat Kairat Almaty 3-2 in their last Champions League league phase game. This victory kept their perfect record alive with eight wins out of eight. It also locked in top spot, giving them huge advantages in the knockout draws. But defender Piero Hincapie was raging at the end.
The Sloppy But Successful Match
The game at Emirates Stadium was not Arsenal’s best. They started strong, scoring three goals in the first half. Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring just two minutes in with a sharp finish after a pass from Kai Havertz. Then Havertz himself scored a beauty, dancing past defenders and curling the ball into the top corner. Gabriel Martinelli added the third by tapping in at the back post.
But news of Arsenal got messy. Riccardo Calafiori, back from injury, gave away a penalty early on by pulling a shirt. Kairat scored from the spot. In the second half, Arsenal got sloppy and conceded again in stoppage time when Ricardinho headed in at the back post. The final score was 3-2, but it could have been much more one-sided. Arsenal had tons of chances but wasted them.
Hincapie’s Explosive Reaction
As the whistle blew, most players were relieved to have won and topped the table but not Piero Hincapie. The Ecuadorian defender, who came on at halftime for Calafiori, was fuming. He booted the ball hard to the side of the pitch. Then, as he walked off, he ripped off his wrist tapes and flung them away. His face showed pure frustration.
This news of Arsenal outburst surprised some, but it showed how high Arsenal’s standards are now. Even in a win against a weak team like Kairat, who finished last in the standings, players expect perfection. Piero Hincapie, a tough center-back who joined from Bayer Leverkusen, has been solid but wants more from the team.
Missing Out on a Historic Record
Arsenal were just seconds from breaking a massive record. They were about to be the first team ever in Champions League or old European Cup history to win eight straight games by at least two goals each. That would have been huge.
But that late header from Ricardinho changed everything. The goal came deep in added time, turning a comfy 3-1 lead into a narrow 3-2. The record slipped away right at the end. Manager Mikel Arteta was also annoyed, shaking his head. Players like Hincapie felt they should have kept a clean sheet or scored more to make it safe. It was a missed chance to make history, even if the win was what mattered most.
The Triple Draw Boost Explained
Despite the frustration, the win brought big rewards. By topping the league phase, Arsenal get a “triple boost” in the knockout draws. First, they play the second leg of the round of 16 at home. Second, if they advance, the quarter-final second leg is also at Emirates. Third, the semi-final second leg would be home too.
This is a game-changer. Last season, Arsenal had tough away games in knockouts, like at PSG and Real Madrid. Now, home advantage could help them go far. The draw happens on February 27, and Arsenal will face a team from 9th to 24th place. It’s a nice reward for their perfect run.
What It Means for Arsenal’s Season
Hincapie’s anger shows Arsenal’s hunger. They’re not just happy with wins; they want dominance. But they need to fix sloppy moments, like those conceded goals. With the draw boost, Europe looks promising. In the league, they’ve drawn recent games, so focus shifts there. Hincapie’s fire might inspire the squad to aim higher.
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