Arsenal maintained their perfect record in the Europa League as they fought to secure a 1-0 victory at Bodo/Glimt at Aspmyra Stadion on Thursday night.
A quiet first half saw few chances created by either side, but Bukayo Saka eventually got the Gunners into the lead after linking well with Albert Sambi Lokonga before a ricochet from his own shot directed the ball past the goalkeeper.
The hosts had a plethora of chances to get back into the game but couldn’t seem to get on the scoresheet. Amahl Pellegrino found space on two occasions but couldn’t beat United States No. 1 Matt Turner, while Runar Espejord should have done much better with his finish close to the hour mark.
Mikel Arteta’s tactical change that introduced Granit Xhaka saw Arsenal defend in a back four more frequently, and that looked to ease the pressure in a bright spell from the Eliteserien side to help take all three points back to north London.
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Positives
A hard-fought victory forced the Gunners to be resolute under pressure from Bodo/Glimt, and they managed to grind the result that puts them into a strong position for qualification from their group in the Europa League.
Negatives
A dangerous spell in the second half saw Arsenal fortunate to not concede. It is important that they remain switched on in future against tougher opposition.
Manager rating out of 10
7 — Arteta balanced his squad astutely on the night and his substitutions were timed perfectly. The Premier League side looked as though they were losing a grip on the game after the break, but a change of shape and introduction of Xhaka made it difficult for Bodo/Glimt to get in behind.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Matt Turner, 7 — The USMNT keeper didn’t have much to do in the first half, although he was also alert when the Eliteserien champions looked to play directly in behind Arsenal’s defensive line. A strong stop denied Pellegrino in the second half.
DF William Saliba, 7 — Saliba looked unfazed defensively and he had plenty of the ball as Arsenal showed patience in their attacking approach to pick their moments when to go forward. The 21-year-old also showed impressive passing range with his more direct balls into channels.
DF Rob Holding, 6 — A mistake allowed Pellegrino to get through on goal in the first half, and Holding was slow to react at times against the counterattack, but he did make a number of clearances on a night when the opponents constantly tested him with balls in behind.
DF Ben White, 6 — The 25-year-old didn’t seem to capture the attention too much in the match, and that’s normally a good thing for a centre-back. White held the defensive line well, and often made the right decision with his forward passes.
MF Kieran Tierney, 6 — A solid display from the Scotland international who looked strong when Arteta changed to a back four, stopping the flow of attacks from developing down his flank.
FW Eddie Nketiah, 5 — Nketiah stretched the play with runs in behind, but attacks broke down on a number of occasions that could have been avoided. Isolated at times in the second half.
Substitutes
MF Granit Xhaka, 7 — Anticipated play well from the midfield and helped Arsenal restore some control over the match.
FW Gabriel Martinelli, 6 — Stretched the play down the left flank in moments when the Gunners looked to counterattack. Arsenal couldn’t seem to get him on the ball enough.
MF Marquinhos, 5 — Confident in possession but lacked cutting edge with his final ball. Wasteful too often.
DF Takehiro Tomiyasu, 6 — Introduced at right-back and looked faultless in his 20-minute appearance.
MF Thomas Partey, N/R — Brought in to help defend against a late push from Bodo/Glimt.
