What was expected to be only a formality for Arsenal in the second leg of the Round of 16 Europa League match turned out to be an embarrassment for Arsene Wenger and his players. Östersunds FK won the match 1-2 at Emirates and ended a fairytale story which has won the hearts of Europe.
If you blurred the player name tags and the club names on the scoreboard up top, one would have a hard time telling which one’s which.
Arsenal started the game with a nonchalant complacency, which saw them concede two goals within a minute.
There was no sense of urgency when the hosts had the ball and Graham Potters’ men took charge.
Hosam Aiesh found acres of space down the right wing and was soon one on one with the goalkeeper. His shot was going wide but Calum Chambers could not help but guide it in while trying to get back for cover.
And immediately right after kickoff, the same contagious carelessness cost Arsenal as Alex Iwobi lost the ball at the heart of the park and Ostersund midfield launched it up front towards a wandering Ken Sema. A brilliant bit of skill from the 24-year-old saw him get past Chambers and drill in a grounded shot towards the far post. 0-2 at halftime.
The second half started and Arsenal did not waste any time to demote the opposition resistance. A failed clearance attempt from Dino Islamovic saw Kolasinac slam an open right-footed volley from the six-yard box. 1-2!
One mistake cost them but the Swedish outfit refused to give up. Still, with plenty of energy to do the impossible, they charged towards the opposition players and even close to grabbing a third.
The did not let up till the final minutes of the game but Arsenal managed to scrape through without conceding another. Hopefully, a lesson has been learnt tonight as the North London side keep their hopes of winning the trophy alive.
Here are how the Arsenal players were rated.
David Ospina – 6/10
He was left far too open for both the opposition goals but never wavered in confidence.
Hector Bellerin – 6/10
Provided a lot of width going forward but did get beaten on a couple of occasions.
Calum Chambers – 5/10
Unnecessarily complicates things whenever on the ball and not dominant enough defensively.
Rob Holding – 5/10
He is riddled with the same disease as his centre-half partner and should take part of the blame for the second goal.
Sead Kolasinac – 6/10
Another decent offensive showing and got his side the goal. A deserter on defence.
Mohamed Elneny – 6/10
Was caught out of position on a couple of occasions but did not do much wrong.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6/10
Very neat with possession but not assertive enough. Booked.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 5/10
I would be surprised if the Armenian crossed the 50% pass completion mark on the night. Came alive in the second half but no end product.
Jack Wilshere – 5/10
A torrid night for the captain as he struggled to get himself going.
Alex Iwobi – 4/10
There is something called ‘holding on to the ball for far too long’ and the Nigerian was plagued with it tonight. Took far too long to link up with his teammates. Even with acres of space on right he still could not provide much to the attack and lost possession in tight spaces.
Danny Welbeck – 5/10
Split over his tireless work ethic and his horrific touches on the ball. Could have got himself a goal in the dying minutes but still ended up hitting it straight at the keeper.
Substitutes :
Granit Xhaka – 6/10
Brought a fresh bout of energy and immediately tightened up the midfield.
Joseph Willock – 4/10
Could have opened up his Arsenal account for tonight but got blocked.
Reiss Nelson – NA
