Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla: Trossard and Saka shine in Champions League victory
Bukayo Saka was the hero for Arsenal as he celebrated scoring the team’s second goal in their UEFA Champions League match against Sevilla at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners put on a mature and composed performance, taking another step towards the knock-out stages with a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Right from the start, Arsenal dominated the game, enjoying 68% possession in the first half. Kai Havertz had an early chance to put the Gunners ahead but missed from close range. Despite wasting several other opportunities, Arsenal eventually made their dominance count when Leandro Trossard converted from close range after good work from Jorginho and Saka.
It took some time for the second goal to come, as Arsenal struggled with their final ball despite getting into promising positions. However, Saka eventually found the back of the net with an emphatic finish in the second half. Sevilla offered little resistance and failed to register a shot until the 97th minute, as Arsenal comfortably secured the win.
The talking point of the match was Arsenal’s potential qualification for the last-16. With their third win in four matches in Group B, the Gunners are on the verge of reaching the knock-out stages. They only need one point from their remaining two fixtures to continue their impressive record of qualifying from the initial group stage in every European campaign this century.
Gabriel Martinelli was named the player of the match for his outstanding performance. The Brazilian forward was a constant threat down the left flank, beating his man with ease. Sevilla struggled to handle his pace and agility, but Martinelli lacked the final product with his crosses. Nevertheless, his performance left the fans in awe.
Here are the player ratings for both teams:
– Arsenal: Raya 6; White 6, Saliba 7, Gabriel 7, Tomiyasu 6; Havertz 6, Jorginho 7, Rice 7; Saka 8, Martinelli 8, Trossard 8. Subs: Zinchenko 6, Vieira n/a, Nelson n/a, Kiwior n/a
– Sevilla: Dmitrovic 6; Sanchez 4, Bade 6, Gudelj 5, Salas 4; Lamela 4, Jordan 5, Sow 5, Fernando 5, Pedrosa 5; En-Nesyri 4. Subs: Soumare n/a, Rakitic 6, Diaz n/a, Nianzou n/a, Ocampos n/a
Key moments from the match:
– 29′ GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla (Leandro Trossard). Arsenal break the deadlock with a well-executed move. Saka is played in behind and he slides a low cross to Trossard, who converts from close range.
– 64′ GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla (Bukayo Saka). Saka produces a magnificent finish. Showing great composure, he times his run perfectly to beat the offside trap, skips past a defender, and curls the ball into the far corner from inside the box. Game over, surely.
– 67′ ZINCHENKO SHOT SAVED. Zinchenko strikes a brilliantly volley from the left-back position, but it’s straight at the goalkeeper, who does well to save.
– 90+7′ DIAZ SHOT SAVED. Finally, Sevilla have a shot! Diaz tries his luck from the edge of the area, but Raya makes the save.
In terms of key stats, Arsenal’s victory puts them in a strong position to qualify for the knock-out stages. They have won three out of four matches in Group B, with their only defeat coming against Lens in France. If it wasn’t for PSV’s surprise victory over the Blood and Gold in the Netherlands, Arsenal would have already secured their place in the next round.