London : With a goal in each half, Arsenal’s win against Sevilla at the Emirates Stadium took them to the brink of Champions League knockout stages with three wins in four Group B matches.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta said: “I’m really pleased with the performance, and the determination, quality, aggression that we showed today, it was pleasing to watch. It was a really convincing win, generating a lot and not conceding anything. It was a big step for us.”
He added: “The win extends our lead on the top of the group, and means we will definitely progress as group winners, should we beat Lens at home on matchday five.”
Arsenal have injury problems with three of their regular starters unable to play. Furthermore, Bukayo Saka who had a superb game, limped off injured in the 86th minute after receiving some rough treatment.
Arteta said: “I’m not sure if he was born embracing these sorts of challenges but I think he is getting used to it. I don’t think that’s going to change, especially with the way he plays and the way he attracts players, so he better get used to it. There is contact in football and for the wingers who want to take people on, this is going to happen.”
Arsenal were well in control of the game from the start and could have taken the lead in the opening minute but Gabriel Matinelli’s perfect far-post cross was met by a poor header from Kai Havertz. Then eight minutes later, from Saka’s curling free-kick, Gabriel headed wide.
Arsenal eventually opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Declan Rice grabbed possession from Fernando and passed to Jorginho. The Italian sent a long inch-perfect pass to Saka who raced down on the right before crossing beautifully for Leandro Trossard to side-foot into the net.
Sevilla had a chance for the equaliser when Adria Pedrosa dashed through the Arsenal defence only for the quick-footed William Saliba to catch up and pass the ball back to his goalkeeper David Raya.
Arsenal kept the pressure on through the second half and Havertz missed two further chances. His shot at goal was charged down by Juanlu following yet another brilliant surge forward and a cross by Saka. That was followed by another powerful shot by Havertz which went just wide.
There was yet another missed chance when Trossard sent a shot narrowly wide in the 60th minute after Rice and Martinelli had combined for a fine pass. Sevilla were being outplayed again as they were almost throughout the first half but their hosts needed to score again to get their cushion.
And it came in the 64th minute. Saka who had been outstanding right through the game, received an excellent pass from Martinelli who had ghosted away from Loie Bade. Saka cleverly beat Pedrosa turning inside him before unleashing a left-footed low drive into the bottom corner. Thereafter, Sevilla were given little chance to get back into the game as Arsenal’s domination continued.
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