Arsenal progress to the last 8 of the UEFA Europa League with a comfortable 5-1 aggregate win over AC Milan. The second leg ended 3-1 at the Emirates tonight as Arsene Wenger’s men keep their hopes of winning the final trophy alive.
The hosts dominated the game in terms of possession and were far superior with their chances. Milan broke the deadlock in the 35th minute through Hakan Çalhanoğlu long-range shot which travelled wide from Ospina’s reach. 0-1
The Gunners answered with purpose and started battering the Milan goal with constant attacks. The referee handed over a controversial penalty decision to the hosts and Danny Welbeck slotted the ball past Donnarumma. 1-1
Things started to heat up among the Milan players who were left frustrated over the decision and this led to 4 of the players getting booked in quick successions.
Milan came back with vigour in the second half but were not assertive enough. Their sloppiness with possession and inability to formulate a proper attack was easily picked off by Wenger’s men. Granit Xhaka’s thumping effort could have been saved by the Milan keeper but instead, it travelled into the back of the net. 2-1
The match was pretty much over after the goal and Arsenal took over. A quick counter-attack found Wilshere on the left who lobbed in floating cross inside the six-year box. Welbeck headed it in to make it 3-1 on the night.
Here is how the Arsenal players were rated.
David Ospina – 6/10
Tried his best to reach Cahlnoglu’s shot but couldn’t. Was otherwise decent and reacted brilliantly from a powerful deflection off Mustafi’s head.
Hector Bellerin – 7/10
Worked hard on the right and looked confident with the ball. He even drifted inwards to link up with his teammates.
Shkodran Mustafi -7/10
A cool composed head at the Arsenal backline. He was strong with his challenges and aerial duels. Could have scored from a couple of well-struck headers.
Laurent Koscielny – 5/10
Had to be taken off in the 12th minute due to injury.
Nacho Monreal – 7/10
A willing runner on both ends of the pitch. The Spaniard did well to stop the skilful Suso.
Granit Xhaka – 8/10
He was clinical with possession tonight and had a major hand on the defensive end with his well-timed challenges. The goal was the cherry on top of a brilliant outing by the Swiss international.
Aaron Ramsey – 6/10
Threatening off the ball but not assertive enough without it. A decent performance.
Jack Wilshere – 7/10
He was everywhere tonight and covered almost every blade of grass. He calmly set up the ball for the 3rd Arsenal goal and had a brilliant effort on goal from distance.
Mesut Ozil – 5/10
Other than the one layoff to Ramsey the German found it hard to get going. His work ethic was disappointing to see the least as he was caught strolling through majority of the game.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6/10
He looked sharp tonight with his quick passes and off the ball movement.
Danny Welbeck – 8/10
Took the penalty really well and was a constant threat inside the Milan box.
Substitutes:
Calum Chambers – 7/10
Did really well to adjust to the pace of the game and breezed through the game without any errors.
Mohamed Elneny – 6/10
A defensive enforcer with fresh legs.
Sead Kolasinac – NA
