Kings threatens to dethrone Krylia in 10-man Arsenal’s thrilling draw

Krylia Sovetov Samara 2-2 Arsenal Tula
Sunday 6 March, Solidarnost Samara Arena 

Goals: Krylia - Sarveli 52’, Ignatyev 83’; Arsenal - K. Kangwa 13’, Despotovic 71’ (pen)
Man of the Match: Kings Kangwa (Arsenal)
Sent off: Arsenal - Causic 86’

Kings Kangwa’s stunning early strike handed Arsenal a rare lead away from home to set the challenge to Krylia, even though they spent some time on the back foot.

The Zambian midfielder robbed Fernando Costanza of possession well outside the penalty area, steadied himself and lashed a rocket past Ivan Lomaev.

Krylia had already hit the post in the first half, but went one better shortly after the break as Vladislav Sarveli calmly let the ball drop to cut inside and steer a finish past Anton Kochecnkov - who had kept his side in the game with a stunning scrappy triple save before the break - to draw the dominant hosts level.

The apparent control counted for nothing with 20 minutes left though, as Djordje Despotovic put Arsenal back in front from the penalty spot.

Sergey Pinyaev was brought off the bench for his usual late cameo and wasted no time in terrorising Arsenal’s defence, but new arrival Ivan Ignatyev was the one to draw the hosts level with seven minutes left with an instinctive first-time finish from Glenn Bijl’s hard, low cross.

The last moments were tense as Goran Causic saw red to leave a late onslaught from Krylia.

Krylia stay eighth on 28 points, while Arsenal go 12th on 20 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 12 March - Arsenal vs Dynamo; Sunday 13 March - Krylia Sovetov vs Zenit