Bauer’s power is a reminder of better times for Addicks
these type of teams just need a long ball, a second ball, a set-piece and you can give the points away.”
It was the same against Crystal Palace last week when Jordan Ayew brought the Eagles level and it was that which prompted Arteta’s (right) programme notes.
So no wonder he was upset they’d done it again.
He said: “There is a history of that and it makes it even more disappointing.
“In the Premier League if you are 1-0 up in the last 10 or 15 minutes be careful, because anything can happen.”
Arsenal took the lead when Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette combined to release Bukayo Saka and his cross fell kindly to Martinelli after a deflection off George Baldock.
But the visitors snatched a point when Billy Sharp headed on fellow substitute Callum Robinson’s cross and Fleck volleyed home a firm effort, much to the delight of the
United faithful.
Blades boss Chris Wilder was as candid as ever with his assessment.
He said: “I didn’t think we were anywhere near our best – the result is better than our performance.
“It was one of our poorer performances with the ball. It wasn’t a game of real high quality, no one built up a momentum. I’m pleased that we got point out if it. “We always give ourselves an opportunity with our attitude of not rolling over. But we need to play a lot better than that for us to regularly pick up points.” Still, after 23 games a side who have been promoted twice in three years to get to the top flight are seventh and above traditional powerhouses such as Arsenal and Spurs.
Wilder added: “The key now is for us to turn a really good story into a fantastic one.”
CHARLTON’S promotion hero Patrick Bauer broke his old club’s heart with his winner for Preston.
The big German came up for a corner that was floated in perfectly by Josh Harrop and used every bit of his 6ft 4ins frame to head home for North End.
It silenced Charlton’s 900-strong following, who still have fond memories of Bauer’s last-gasp winner that gave the Addicks their play-off final victory over Sunderland last season.
Even though Bauer was offered a new contract at the Valley he left on a free and signed a three-year deal with Preston, where he has been a rock at the back.
Addicks’ boss Lee Bowyer blasted his defence for “falling asleep” when Bauer headed home.
He said: “We know all about Patrick. We know his strengths but we gave him a free header from six yards out. He lost his marker and we paid the price.
“We’re down to the bare bones again and had to play four kids. We need help and to bring in bodies – the sooner the better.”
Yet it was a shell-shock start for Preston against a side looking for their first win in 16 games.
Andre Green – on loan for the first half of the season at Deepdale, and now a Villa loanee at the Valley – was gifted a chance in the fifth minute.
Alfie Doughty burst down the left channel and hit in a low cross that Green steered past keeper Declan Rudd from close range in one flowing move.
North End steadied quickly, with Daniel
Johnson – back from nine games out with a knee injury – pulling the strings in his attacking midfield role.
But it was in-form Harrop who brought Preston level, making it three goals in as many games.
The former Manchester United youngster was out on the right side and after an exchange with Darnell Fisher, Harrop saw his chance.
He floated a beautiful, long-range effort over Charlton’s defence and past keeper Dillon Phillips. Bowyer was gracious enough to say of Harrop’s strike: “You have to hold your hands up and admit it was a great goal but we threw it away when we let Bauer’s in.”
Preston boss Alex Neil said: “I’ve no issue with Patrick not celebrating his goal.
“He has memories of scoring for Charlton at Wembley and he showed them respect.
“It was a poor start for us but we stayed calm and Josh’s goal was excellent.”
Neil said that new signing Scott Sinclair was still finding his way and added: “He had a good game out there and was a threat.
“He should have had a penalty but the ref didn’t give it. He will get better the more he plays.”