Prime News Ghana

Champions League: Nwaneri shines as Arsenal beat Girona to reach last 16

By Primenewsghana
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Arsenal scored two goals in four first-half minutes as they came from behind to beat Girona to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League.

The Gunners were all-but through to the last 16 of the competition going into the match but build up to the game was dominated with talk about their approach for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Girona looked like they were about to pull off a shock result when they took the lead in the 28th minute.

Neto, making his Arsenal debut in goal in place of the injured David Raya, raced out of his box and Arnaut Danjuma curled the ball past him into the empty net.

Arsenal drew level with a penalty 10 minutes later through Jorginho after Thomas Partey was brought down in the area by Arnau Martinez.

The Gunners were then ahead just before half time when 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri cut in from the right hand side and curled an effort into the bottom corner.

Girona thought they had scored a second and levelled the match when Cristhian Stuani tapped in from close range in the second half but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Arsenal had a chance to add a third in stoppage time but Raheem Sterling had a penalty saved by Pau Lopez.

The result leaves Arsenal on 19 points and comfortably in the top eight heading into the knockout rounds.

Mikel Arteta has spoken about wanting to take his side away for a mid-season break and as Arsenal will not be involved in the play-off games in February, there’s a 10 day gap in their schedule where he may be able to that.


BBC