Girona 1-2 Arsenal
Ethan Nwaneri steals the show as Arsenal book their spot in the Champions League last 16
Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages with a 2-1 victory over Girona, thanks to a moment of brilliance from 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.
Mikel Arteta’s side started brightly, with Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard both missing early chances. But it was the home side that struck first, as Arnaut Danjuma took advantage of a defensive lapse and lobbed debutant Neto from 40 yards after the goalkeeper was caught miles out of position.
Arsenal responded quickly. Thomas Partey won a penalty after a driving run into the box, and Jorginho calmly converted from the spot to level the score.
Just before halftime, Nwaneri produced the decisive moment. Cutting inside from the right, the teenager unleashed a stunning 20-yard strike into the bottom corner, giving Arsenal the lead. Trossard came close to adding another shortly after, rattling the crossbar.
The second half was less dramatic, though Girona thought they had an equalizer when Christian Stuani found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Arsenal had a chance to seal the win in stoppage time, but Sterling’s penalty was saved by Pau Lopez.
Goalkeeper & Defence
- Neto: A nightmare debut. Almost lost possession with his first touch before being caught out badly for Danjuma’s goal. Recovered with some decent saves, but the damage was done.
- Thomas Partey: Struggled defensively at times but made up for it with strong forward runs, winning the penalty that led to Arsenal’s equalizer.
- Jakub Kiwior: Caught out for Girona’s opener and looked shaky in one-on-one situations. Fortunate that Stuani’s goal was ruled out after losing his man at the back post.
- Gabriel Magalhães: Led the defence well and provided much-needed composure at the back.
- Riccardo Calafiori: Pushed forward well and was unlucky to see a goal ruled out for offside. Still needs improvement defensively.
Midfield
- Jorginho: Played a key role, making a crucial block to deny Danjuma a second goal before calmly converting the penalty. Kept Arsenal ticking in midfield.
- Mikel Merino: Controlled the tempo well without being overly flashy, doing what was needed to keep the team in control.
- Martin Ødegaard: Showed his usual class in possession with some clever turns and passes. Perhaps a risk to play him in a game with little at stake, but he came through unscathed.
Attack
- Ethan Nwaneri: The standout performer. Constantly caused problems with his dribbling and movement, and his long-range strike proved to be the winner. A special night for the youngster.
- Leandro Trossard: Missed an early sitter but grew into the game. Unlucky not to score when his powerful shot struck the crossbar.
- Raheem Sterling: Looked dangerous cutting inside but endured a frustrating evening. Booked for diving and missed a penalty in stoppage time, capping off a disappointing performance.
Arsenal’s victory confirms their place in the Champions League last 16, with Nwaneri’s breakthrough moment stealing the headlines.
