UEFA Europa League Recap: Arsenal Continue Europa League Success against Bodo/Glimt
Image Credit: Sky Sports
LONDON — Arsenal’s winning streak is going full steam ahead as they get another win in the Europa League. They overcame visitors Bodo/Glimt 3-0, with goals from Eddie Nketiah, Rob Holding, and Fabio Vieria securing another three points in the group stage.
Arsenal came into this game bouncing from a 3-1 win in the North London Derby. The Gunners would host their first Europa League game on Thursday evening since their first game was played in Switzerland against FC Zurich, where they won 2-1. The Gunners have been playing some top-quality football as of late, and they looked to continue their fine form at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had the flexibility to rest key players for an important game against Liverpool this coming weekend and field younger players along with those who haven’t had the opportunity to gain minutes in the Premier League. Also, this is a massive crunch time for club football, with the FIFA World Cup just weeks away. So squad fitness will be tested.
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As expected, Arteta made several changes to his side. Only Gabriel, Xhaka, and Martinelli retained their starting spots in the team. American goalkeeper Matt Turner was given the nod in goal, and Rob Holding started alongside his Brazilian partner with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieren Tierney starting in the full-back positions. Arteta opted for a flat 4-3-3, playing Xhaka, Vieria, and Belgian midfielder Sambi Lokonga. The frontline included Martinelli and Marquinhos on the wings, with Eddie Nketiah playing up top.
The London side controlled the game from start to finish. They gave Bodo/Glimt constant pressure until they cracked in the 22nd minute. An initial Tierney effort smashed the side post and deflected right into the feet of Nketiah. All he had to do was point the ball in the right direction, and sure enough, Arsenal was up 1-0.
It wasn’t long before the Gunners added another through an unlikely candidate. In the 26th minute, Fabio Vieria swung in a corner, and the Norweigan side hit his first attempt out. However, he received the ball at the edge of the box, where he dummied into a comfortable position. From there, he swung in another decent ball which met the head of Holding, who sent it in the back of the net, putting his team up 2-0. Xhaka had a chance to add to his team’s fortunes with a decent free-kick but sent it over.
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The second half was not as clear-cut as the first. It seemed like Bodo/Glimt got the half-time talk they needed. They managed to find themselves in the Arsenal half on several occasions. The defense and Turner ensured their opponents didn’t dent their clean sheet hopes. Arsenal had failed to register one at home in all competitions so far this season.
The Gunners would score a third goal in the 84th minute, with Vieria as the goalscorer. The Portuguese youngster was a constant threat to the opposition but couldn’t convert any of his chances. His goal would come from a brilliant Jesus dribble, where he blazed past the defense. He squared the ball to Vieria, who couldn’t miss from point-blank range in an empty net.
While the scoreline suggests the Gunners had it easy, it was a tough game in the second half. Arteta was becoming concerned as Bodo/Glimt became a presence in the game. At the hour mark, he brought on Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard to finish the job. There was even a cameo from a certain English player who’s often out on loans. Winger Reiss Nelson managed to play a few minutes for the Gunners. He’s been constantly out on loan, having spent time with German side Hoffenheim and Dutch side Feyenoord. Seeing as Arteta hasn’t sold him this summer, he could be vital to his future plans and be of use in the immediate future.
One of the issues that Arteta has begun to address is the depth of the squad. It was one of his undoings in his race for the top four last season. This year, he’s made no mistake and assured that his team has a sense of depth, and he’ll most likely attempt to make at least two key signings this coming winter.
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Arsenal’s next game sees them host defending Premier League Champion Manchester City on Sunday (October 16) at 11:30 A.M. EST (4:30 local time).