Arsenal match report vs Qarabag and Twitter reactions
Arsenal ended their Europa League group stage at the top of the table after beating Qarabag 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Unai Emery deployed a much changed side, handing a number of stars some much-needed rest.
French striker Alexandre Lacazette’s goal in the first half all but ensured three points for the Gunners on Thursday. The win saw them remain unbeaten in the Europa League this season and finish at the summit.
Lacazette opened the scoring in the 17th minute by sending a low strike past Qarabag goalkeeper Vagner. The Azerbaijan outfit finished at the bottom of the table after enduring a poor European campaign. They just won one game in the group stage and barely troubled the Premier League side’s backline on the night.
Bakayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah could have further extended the scoreline but they were unable to make their chances count. Saka looked superb on the night and was very unfortunate not to earn himself a goal. The youngster had a curling effort from the edge of the box saved by Vagner after just nine minutes into the game. He could have been Arsenal’s youngest ever European goalscorer had he found the back of the net.
Lacazette, on the other hand, scored his first Europa League goal of the season for Arsenal and has continued his fine form for the Gunners. The London club were also very strong at the back with captain Lauren Koscielny returning to the line-up in this game. The Gunners were barely troubled at the back by a Qarabag attack that looked toothless up front.
Mesut Ozil returned to the line-up too and looked sharp on the night. Unai Emery should be pleased with the German’s performance after he missed out on the last few games through injury troubles.
All in all, it was a comfortable victory for the Gunners who will now turn their attention to Southampton in the Premier League this weekend after which they face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup in mid-week.
Here’s how the Arsenal fans reacted to the 1-0 win against Qarabag.
Need to see more from the youngsters. Feel like they’re too comfortable.
A bit of fire is needed considering they could be fighting for a place in the first XI#afc #arsenal #coyg
— Jay Cooper (@coops313) December 13, 2018
Ozil assist King!
— Chineze (Ex Mrs Walcot 😢Ozil’s bae💖 Torreira 😍 (@Amchizzy) December 13, 2018
Pleased with performance in the first half
— Craig 🏴 (@KentGooner77) December 13, 2018
Mesut Özil GOAT
— Guffen (@dasguff) December 13, 2018
22 unbeaten
— Allan (@Allan34977301) December 13, 2018
Going by the current standard of Arsenal and Emery’s vision/ambition, Jenkinson and Elneny should be sold out. This is in their interest too
— Rebo Ehwan (@EhwanRebo) December 13, 2018
Ozil. Is. Back.
— Techy Halnerd (@TechyHalnerd) December 13, 2018
