Judgment Of Solomon

Lokomotiv have won over Arsenal in their opening game of the season.

A month ago, Arsenal was headed by Miodrag Bozovic. The Montenegrin is well-known for his skill of making solid teams with scarce money. In the first half, Miodrag's trademark style was easily seen. The visitors defended well and occasionally attacked through the tall Rasic.

However, Lokomotiv did create chances. On 9 minutes Ari passed to Miranchuk along edge of the penalty area but Alexey sent the ball wide.

Soon Ari could have opened the score. The Brazilian tried to finish off Ignatyev's cross, and then Kverkvelia's pass. Both times he missed the net.

Soon after the break Yuriy Syomin fielded Alexander Kolomeytsev who became one of the main actors in the second half. On 55 minutes Alexander was close to scoring from about 11 metres but Gabulov tipped away right from the goal line. Two minutes later Kolomeytsev was fouled at near the penalty area, Lokomotiv were granted a free kick and Aleksandrov of Arsenal got booked.

As it turned out, this was a key episode. On 58 minutes the free kick was played and Solomon Kverkvelia drove the ball into the net, scoring his first goal for Lokomotiv.

Soon after that, young talent Mikhail Lysov made his debut at the main team. The youngster went to play on the side and demonstrated some really impressive speed bursts.

Arsenal were determined to score and kept shooting at our goal. Khagush had a go from merely 5 metres but Guilherme saved being already on the ground. Lokomotiv were able to repel the attacks and secure an important victory.
After the final whistle, it was Manuel Fernandes's fifteen minutes of fame. The Portuguese received three awards - Best Player for April, May, and of the Season.

ROSGOSSTRAKH Russian Championship. Gameweek 1

Lokomotiv - Arsenal - 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Kverkvelia, 58 (1:0)

Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Farfan, Barinov, Kverkvelia, Pejcinovic, Ignatyev (Kolomeytsev, 46), I. Deniv=sov, An. Miranchuk (Lysov, 58), Fernandes (Kasaev, 81), Al. Miranchuk, Ari.
Arsenal: Gabulov, Belyaev, Berkhamov (Khagush, 72), Kombarov, Sunzu, Rasic (Sikoev, 76), Causic, , Gorbatenko, Bourceanu, Aleksandrov, Shevchenko.
Bookings: Barinov, 29. Aleksandrov, 56. Sunzu, 61. Causic, 76.
Referee: Aleksey Sukhoi (Lyubertsy)
July 18, 2017. Moscow, Lokomotiv Stadium.