Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla (Trossard 29′, Saka 64′)
If the Champions League was perceived to be a test of Arsenal‘s capabilities as a top European side it is one they are passing with flying colours.
A comfortable 2-0 victory over a desperately lacklustre Sevilla side inched Mikel Arteta‘s side closer to the last 16 with a four-point gap separating them from PSV and Lens in Group B with two fixtures remaining. The front three consisting of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli tormented their opponents throughout and each were involved in the goals.
It was a gratifying evening until the very end when Saka, a goalscorer and goal provider on the night, landed awkwardly on his ankle before gingerly walking around the perimeter of the pitch.
With Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus absent already due to injury, Arteta will hope Saka’s latest knock is not a serious one. Saturday’s meeting with beleaguered Burnley followed by an international break does at least give him time to recover should he require it.
INCREDIBLE Arsenal move!
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Jorginho with a fabulous pass
Leandro Trossard finishes it off#UCL pic.twitter.com/xzrOECecFD
Arsenal were entirely dominant against a team that has only beaten a Spanish sixth-tier side in their last nine matches. Diego Alonso made eight changes to his starting line-up, an indication that Sevilla’s priorities are fixed on Sunday’s derby with Real Betis. On this evidence, they would be quite happy to return to their natural Europa League habitat, thanks very much.
Initially, Arsenal looked as though they would break through via set-pieces. Both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes failed to capitalise upon the Sergio Ramos-shaped hole in the Sevilla backline in the opening eight minutes, with the former missing the best of those chances at the back post.
But when the breakthrough came it followed a similar formula to that in Seville last month. A surgically precise through ball to dissect a disorganised backline worked a treat then and was repeated in north London.
Jorginho was the architect this time, and while his inch-perfect pass did not immediately set up a goal as Jesus’ did in Spain, it left Saka with the simple task of teeing up Trossard to slide in the opener.
Sevilla offered virtually nothing in an attacking sense but were it not for William Saliba’s frightening recovery pace they might have gone in level at the break. Adria Pedroso was plotting his finish and preparing his celebration after bursting through on goal before Saliba raced back to nick the ball off his toes.
That was as good as it got for the visitors, who looked consigned to conceding a second before long. It arrived soon enough. Saka’s goal was less straightforward than his assist, but only just.
Martinelli ghosted away from Loic Bade and sent Saka scampering after the loose ball and once there the England winger twisted inside Pedroso, who committed the cardinal sin of showing him onto his favoured left foot, before bending a shot into the bottom corner.
Just before kick-off a Uefa-endorsed video featuring Michael Oliver flashed up on the big screens inviting people to sign up for a refereeing course. Ironic timing in light of recent events. Thousands of home fans had a go animatedly waving imaginary cards at the man in the middle during the contest as Saka and Martinelli took their familiar kickings.
Still, compared to Saturday it was a routine assignment and just what was required after the drama of St James’ Park.
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