Arsenal Tula 1-2 Rostov
Sunday 17 April, Arsenal Stadium

Goals: Arsenal - Smolnikov 45’; Rostov - Komlichenko 10’, Poloz 87’
Man of the Match: Kirill Shchetinin (Rostov)

After Rubin and Ufa picked up points on Saturday, Arsenal’s battle against the drop got off to the worst possible start when Nikolay Komlichenko continued his fine run of form to put Rostov in front. Kirill Shchetinin threaded a ball through to the Russian international to smash home an unstoppable drive.

Sergey Tkachev’s free kick struck the post after 22 mins in what was the hosts’ best chance, and hinted at the improved control they had after the break.

Right before half time Rostov again carved open Arsenal’s defensive line with ease as Dmitry Poloz slipped Roman Tugarev through into yards of space, only for the young winger to place his shot onto the outside of the post. 

A few moments later Igor Smolnikov was the gleeful beneficiary of Sergey Pesyakov’s spilled save from Ayaz Guliev’s hopeful shot. The full-back tucked away the loose ball after racing into the box unattended.

Just as the game seemed to be petering out into a draw, The ball fell to the one man Arsenal didn’t want it to - Rostov’s top scorer Dmitry Poloz, who swivelled and sent it past Mikhail Levashov for a late winner.

Arsenal remain bottom on 21 points, while Rostov go ninth on 31 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Sunday 24 April - Rubin vs Arsenal; Rostov vs Spartak