A point in Sarandí against Arsenal with your stand-out player of the season stretchered off early should be a point gained but Indepediente’s 1-1 draw was not really enough to exert any pressure on River Plate and Lanús. Martín Palermo’s Arsenal may well be pushovers on their travels but have been formidable at home and El Rojo became the latest side to fail to leave with all three points.
It could have been worse for Independiente as Arsenal felt they could have had an early goal when Diego Rodriguez appeared to allow a harmless cross to float over the line in his efforts to catch it.
If El Rojo had a break from the officials not noticing that then their luck definitely changed when after 22 minutes, midfield talisman and leading scorer, Federico Mancuello was stretchered off with concussion after a kick to the head from Mariano Sarulyte.
Ten minutes before the interval, Arsenal did take the lead after some woeful defending from Independiente. Lucas Villalva’s weak clearance was pounced on by Uruguayan, Brahian Alemán and he danced between two challenges to slot in the opener.
In the second half, Independiente managed to get more of a foothold and eventually got back on level terms. Half time substitute, SebastiánPenco headed in Daniel Montenegro’s corner and it was then perhaps El Rojo who had the best opportunities to steal it.
The point maintains Arsenal’s unbeaten home record but perhaps ends Independiente’s faint title hopes. Monday’s match at home to Lanús will certainly put an end to any hopes but could also have a major impact on the championship.
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