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Ari's Samovar and Fernandes's Masterpiece

Lokomotiv have thrashed Arsenal in Gameweek 23 of the Russian Premier League and climbed to the 5th position on the table.

Lokomotiv went to Tula by bus. The Railroaders arrived on Saturday evening and held a training. Next morning, the team went for a walk around the city centre. In the local Kremlin, Ari was the most curious: upon seeing a samovar he asked his teammates "how this thing worked". On the way back he saw a monument to Lenin. Guilherme was there to tell him about the leader of the Russian Revolution - the keeper is an expert in the Russian History.

Arsenal is a real trendsetter in terms of hospitality. The club advises the arriving fans on the best route to the stadium, the sights they could visit etc. The friendly relations were sealed by a friendly game between the supporters of both teams where the Red-Green fans were victorious. In fact, this trip has been one of the most numerous this season, with the visiting fans' stand being sold out.

By 16 minutes Lokomotiv's dominance was obvious. Arsenal pulled all their men behind the ball while the Railwaymen were looking for soft spots in their defence. Lokomotiv created their fisrt chance early in the game when Barinov finished a combination involving Igor Denisov and Ari, but Gabulov parried the ball sent from 7 metres counter his move.

The weather was poor and by the middle of the first half the rain started falling. It really prevented the players from enjoying the game, especially the hosts, who were failing to pull things together.

Lokomotiv kept on attacking throughout the first half. The most promising opportunity came in on 35 minues when Ari passed to Miranchuk and the midfielder took a first-touch shot at the goal but Gabulov again was perfect. A minute later it became hot on the opposite end: the hosts' striker Rasic smashed into Guilherme and soon saw a second yellow card for dangerous play.

In halftime Yuriy Syomin substituted Barinov for Kasaev in a move to change the tactics. And soon Lokomotiv scored.

A quick flashback here: three years ago here in Tula Manu Fernandes scored his first goal for Lokomotiv. This time he promised to score again, and delivered. Being about 25 metres away from the goal, he bent it along an unbelievable trajectory that made the ball end up behind the goalie's back in the net. Another masterpiece!

Twenty minutes later defender Vergara stepped on Alexey Miranchuk's foot in his area, and Lokomotiv were awarded with a penalty. Maicon converted it and doubled the lead. On 76 minutes Ari netted a winner.

Another victory and a fourth clean sheet in a row have allowed the Railwaymen to climb to the 5th spot on the table, four points behind Krasnodar.

ROSGOSSTRAKH Russian Championship. Gameweek 23.

Arsenal - Lokomotiv - 0:3 (0:0)

Goals: Fernandes, 53 (0:1). Maicon, 74 (pen.) (0:2). Ari, 76 (0:3)

Arsenal: Gabulov, Belyaev, Kombarov, Sunzu, Burmistrov, Rasic, Steklov (Shevachenko, 82), Vergara, Doumbia, Bourceanu, Aleksandrov

Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Yanbaev (Rotenberg, 82), Kverkvelia, Corluka, V.Denisov, I.Denisov, Barinov (Kasaev, 46), Farfan (Maicon, 62), Fernandes, Al. Miranchuk, Ari

Bookings: Vergara, 10. Rasic, 34. I.Densov, 38. V.Denisov, 75. Al. Miranchuk, 81. Shevchenko, 90.

Red cards: Rasic, 37.

Referee: Sergey Lapochkin (St Petersburg)

April 16, 2017. Tula. Arsenal Stadium.