Arsenal 2 – 0 Sevilla

Arsenal edged nearer to the Champions League knockout phases as Bukayo Saka’s aim and help helped them to a commanding 2-0 win over Group B opponents Sevilla on the Emirates Stadium.

4 days on from their acrimonious defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park, victory by no means regarded unsure from the second Leandro Trossard swept residence Saka’s low cross within the first half.

Saka added the second with a composed end after latching onto a go from the equally harmful Gabriel Martinelli within the second interval, however a constructive night time was dampened when the 22-year-old limped off after hurting his ankle within the closing phases.

Arsenal will probably be inspired by the very fact Saka took half within the post-match celebrations, nevertheless, and Arteta performed down damage issues afterwards. “It was only a kick,” he stated. “I used to be advised by the physios that he wasn’t pleased to proceed. He had some discomfort however, hopefully, I will assume he’ll be OK.”

The victory, throughout which Sevilla registered their one and solely shot within the remaining minute of stoppage time, sees Arsenal keep their four-point cushion on the high of Group B with solely two video games to play.

How Arsenal eased to victory

Arsenal have been with out Eddie Nketiah along with Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus however carried an attacking risk proper from the beginning and may have led after a minute, when Kai Havertz headed inexplicably extensive from just a few yards out following a nook.

Sevilla discovered themselves pinned again and remained there throughout the primary half, having specific issues on the flanks, the place Saka pressured a succession of fouls and Martinelli repeatedly obtained the higher of right-back Juanlu Sanchez.

Sevilla survived a succession of openings on Martinelli’s facet, with Arsenal unable to capitalise on the Brazilian’s one-on-one superiority, however the guests had no such luck after Jorginho’s defence-splitting go launched Saka for the opening aim.

The England worldwide regarded up and squared the ball for Arsenal’s false 9 Trossard, who swept a first-time end past Sevilla goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic for his fifth aim of the marketing campaign.

Sevilla noticed extra of the ball after the break nevertheless it remained a one-sided affair, with Havertz seeing an effort blocked early on within the half earlier than firing narrowly extensive from outdoors the field.

Trossard was subsequent to go shut as Martinelli continued to torment Sevilla right-back Juanlu – the Brazilian accomplished 9 profitable dribbles in complete – and he was the creator of the second.

It was a breakaway effort as Martinelli charged ahead and slid the ball by means of to Saka, who lower inside his man earlier than steadying himself and curling a low effort into the far nook.

Arsenal had probabilities to increase their lead, with substitute Oleksandr Zinchenko’s stinging volley forcing a parry from Dmitrovic, however the two-goal margin was sufficient to make sure a routine and much-needed victory after the acrimony of their defeat to Newcastle.

The Champions League knockout phases at the moment are inside attain for Arteta and his gamers.

Arteta: Saka must be OK

The sight of Bukayo Saka limping off after showing to land awkwardly on his ankle was a worrying one for the membership’s supporters however Mikel Arteta performed down damage fears in his press convention.

“It was only a kick,” he stated. “I used to be advised by the physios that he wasn’t pleased to proceed. He had some discomfort however, hopefully, I will assume he’ll be OK.”

The winger was fouled 5 instances within the first half as Sevilla struggled to include him. “There may be contact in soccer,” added Arteta. “For the wingers that need to take individuals on particularly.

“On the finish he was uncomfortable to hold on so hopefully it is not massive however I am actually pleased along with his efficiency.”

Requested if the 22-year-old was born with resilience to fouls, Arteta joked: “Born?! He is getting used to it! That is not going to alter with the way in which he attracts gamers.”

The story of the match

Alonso: No excuses, Arsenal have been higher

Sevilla boss Diego Alonso was grilled by Spanish journalists in his press convention as their poor type this season continued and admitted they have been outplayed by Arsenal.

“After all we’re disenchanted, we’re hurting however we’re conserving our heads up figuring out we’ve got an enormous alternative on Sunday to show issues round within the derby [against Real Betis]. We’ll give every thing we’ve got to show this round.

“We had a plan for the sport however we couldn’t put it into place. I believe our opponents have been higher than us tonight. There are not any excuses, we simply have to simply accept it: they have been higher than us.”

Saka matches Fabregas feat – Opta stats

• Bukayo Saka is the primary Arsenal participant to attain and help in consecutive residence video games within the Champions League since Cesc Fabregas in opposition to Sevilla and Slavia Prague in 2007/08.
• Sevilla’s solely shot on this match got here from Mariano Díaz after 96 minutes and 20 seconds. They’d simply two touches in Arsenal’s field throughout your complete sport.
• All 5 of Leandro Trossard’s objectives in all competitions this season for Arsenal have been assisted by Bukayo Saka, essentially the most assists by one Premier League participant for one more this time period.
• Arsenal have received each Champions League group stage video games in opposition to a fellow big-five European league facet for the fourth time, beforehand doing so in 2006/07 (in opposition to Hamburg), 2012/13 (in opposition to Montpellier) and 2013/14 (in opposition to Marseille).
• Gabriel Martinelli accomplished 9 dribbles on this match, essentially the most by an Arsenal participant in a Champions League sport since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in opposition to Bayern Munich in March 2017 (10).

Arsenal’s remaining group video games

November 29: RC Lens (H) – kick-off 8pm

December 12: PSV Eindhoven (A) – kick-off 5.45pm

What’s subsequent?

Arsenal return to Premier League motion on Saturday after they welcome struggling Burnley to the Emirates Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

Up subsequent for Sevilla is a house match in opposition to Actual Betis in LaLiga on Sunday (kick-off 5.30pm).