In a commanding display on Wednesday, Arsenal regained their winning form with a straightforward 2-0 triumph over Sevilla, taking a significant stride towards qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds.
After setbacks in the League Cup and Premier League, goals from Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka solidified Arsenal’s standing as Group B leaders. Trossard found the net in the 29th minute, putting Mikel Arteta’s side in the lead, while Saka further emphasised Arsenal’s dominance with a superb effort in the second half.
Europa League champions Sevilla struggled throughout, managing only one shot on target, and their hopes for a last-16 spot dwindled to a mere kick of the ball in the game’s final moments.
The only hiccup on an otherwise stress-free night for Arsenal was seeing Saka, instrumental in setting up Trossard’s goal, hobble off late after an awkward fall.
Arsenal now holds a commanding position atop Group B with nine points from four games, a position that could have secured qualification if Lens had defeated PSV Eindhoven, but the French club lost 1-0. Lens and PSV share five points each, while winless Sevilla languishes at the bottom with two points.
Reflecting on the crucial victory, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice commented, “We knew we had to get three points and we did it. After the upset in the (League) cup last week and then at the weekend, the manager made it clear before the game that a club like this can’t be losing three games in a row.”
Sevilla, facing a disappointing start to the La Liga season, showed little improvement under recently appointed manager Diego Alonso. Their lacklustre performance in north London failed to pose any threat to Arsenal’s dominance.
Efficient rather than spectacular, Arsenal controlled the game from the outset. Jorginho, standing in as captain for the injured Martin Odegaard, orchestrated the lead with a pass to Saka, who then set up Trossard for his second Champions League campaign goal.
Despite some missed opportunities, Arsenal maintained control. Saka sealed the victory with a brilliant effort, racing down the right and cutting back inside to slot a left-footed shot past Sevilla’s keeper Marko Dmitrovic.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had a quiet night, making his only save in the sixth minute of stoppage time from Mariano Diaz, highlighting the team’s defensive prowess.
