Match Report: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla

Arsenal easily defeated Sevilla in the Champions League thanks to goals from Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka.

Trossard put the Gunners ahead in the 29th minute after starting at number nine due to Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus sustaining injuries. In the 64th minute, Saka broke free from the defence and finished with a goal to seal the trip.

Having won four of their games so far, Arsenal leads Group B with 9 points, while Sevilla is at the bottom of the group. In this Champions League season, the Spanish crew, who won the Europa League the previous year, is yet to record a victory.

Saka’s low cross was finished by Trossard after Jorginho’s excellent through-ball had put the England winger free. The hosts gained a well-earned lead, outplaying them throughout. After being sent through by Gabriel Martinelli, Saka ended up scoring the cool second goal.

With five minutes remaining, Saka hobbled off the field after twisting his ankle. Arsenal had two games remaining to secure a spot in the round of 16, but PSV’s 1-0 victory over Lens prevented them from doing so.

However, with a point from their last two group games against Lens or PSV, Arteta’s team will advance. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports, “I’m incredibly delighted with the performance from the squad. They demonstrated devotion and aggressiveness. We even had amazing recovery skills when we misplaced the ball. Controlling it as we did is difficult in Europe.”

Although a great start to the season, the Gunners stuttered in the end

Arsenal had a great start to the season, but the last week has been tough for them. The controversial 1-0 loss against Newcastle was one of the team’s back-to-back losses. Mikel Arteta called the refereeing call to allow the winner “embarrassing” and “disgraceful.”

Arsenal did not have a fully loaded bench due to injuries, and concerns were raised about the performance of a few players who did play.

Kai Havertz has been the subject of outrage from Arsenal supporters. Within a minute, he wasted a straightforward opportunity to give Arsenal the lead when he headed a corner over from five yards out.

After a counterattack, Saka supplied the German just beyond the half-time line, but his shot was stopped. This further demonstrated the German’s lack of confidence. During the 55th minute, Havertz got as near as he could with a hard-hitting 18-yard attempt that sailed wide.

Arteta got exactly what he needed—a simple night against out-of-form opposition—against a willing Sevilla team.

In addition to dealing with a growing list of injuries, the Gunners have also had to cope with Nketiah missing out on playing due to an ankle setback, joining Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines and forcing Leandro Trossard to lead the squad. 

With his goal and performance, Trossard, however, eased concerns about Arsenal’s offensive prowess and showed that he is prepared to take on the role more if necessary.

“When I saw Jorginho on the ball I knew he would put it in behind for Saka,” the Belgian said. “It’s a great team goal and it set us up for the rest of the game. My biggest quality is that I can go on both feet. It doesn’t matter to me if I play wide or inside. I have played in multiple positions in my career and it has helped me a lot.”