Arsenal beat Girona 2-1 in the Champions League in Spain (Image: Getty)
secured their progress to the last-16 knockout phase with a 2-1 win over Girona at the Estadi Montilivi on Wednesday night.
‘s side only needed a draw to guarantee their place and could still go through with a loss. But a victory was much-needed to boost morale ahead of their clash with on Sunday.
The hosts took the lead after a horrendous mistake from goalkeeper Neto, which allowed Arnaut Danjuma to curl home. But a Jorginho penalty and stunning effort from Ethan Nwaneri put on course to win, even despite Raheem Sterling missing a late penalty.
Express Sport assesses how Arteta’s men performed with player ratings from Catalonia.
Neto 3
His very first touch for was nearly a nightmare one, but the Brazilian was afforded a lucky escape. He didn’t learn from it though, and with a real rush of blood to his head, came rushing off his line into no man’s land as Danjuma had the easiest finish to beat him.
Thomas Partey 7
The Ghanaian has never looked comfortable in his makeshift right-back role and he was caught unaware as Danjuma ghosted in behind. But he won the penalty that turned the game on its head before his mysterious half-time substitution.
Jakub Kiwor 6
The Pole stepped in for William Saliba but looked all at sea for the opener and the subsequent Girona chances. Settled in the second half.
Gabriel 6
Always a threat from set pieces, the Brazilian was somewhat less comfortable without his defensive sidekick Saliba.
Arsenal goalkeeper Neto had a debut to forget (Image: Getty)
6
The Italian thought he had a second goal in four days, but the flag went up against him. A quiet night otherwise and he was given a rest in the second half.
Jorginho 7
Made a vital block to deny Danjuma a chance to make it 2-0. And at the other end, the experienced midfielder showed his composure to score from the spot against Pau Lopez.
Mikel Merino 6
Back in his native land, the midfielder wasn’t quite as mobile as Declan Rice in the box-to-box role but still had an impact in their build-up play.
Martin Odegaard 6
Quietly assuming control of the midfield, the Norwegian helped wrestle control back in this game with a hand in both goals. But the Norwegian wasn’t at his best.
Jorginho coolly slotted home from the spot (Image: Getty)
Ethan Nwaneri 8
Hale End, you’ve done it again. If this young man doesn’t go on to become a star, something’s gone very wrong along the way. His goal was one of the highest quality, taking a cushioned first touch, beating two men and curling home an unstoppable strike. He’s not even 18 yet.
Leandro Trossard 7
In an unfamiliar central role with no in the side, the Belgian had a few sniffs of goal and was unlucky to hit the crossbar just before half time. Rested for the last 20 minutes.
Raheem Sterling 5
Looked eager to make an impression and had a few early efforts that flew off target. Faded out as began to attack down the right with the dangerous Nwaneri. Received a harsh booking for simulation and had a late penalty saved. When will his luck turn?
Ethan Nwaneri curled home a stunner for Arsenal (Image: Getty)
Substitutes
Jurrien Timber (on 46′) 6
Moments after coming on, the Dutchman should’ve put the game to bed but somehow failed to put the ball into an open goal.
(on 70′) 5
The German didn’t get involved much before moving into the centre late on.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (on 70′) 6
A fairly solid display from the youngster at left-back after his red card last weekend.
Declan Rice (on 82′) N/A
Gabriel Martinelli (on 87′) N/A