In this uniquely concertinaed season, matches played every few days, squads in permanent rotation, results are probably all that matter. Though performances remain important, too, and as Arsenal lost focus against opponents who grew in belief, it appeared their minds had drifted to Sunday, and Chelsea. Three matches remain before Arsenal sign off for the World Cup, two in the Premier League, and still being leaders when football turns its focus on Qatar is clearly top priority.
Still, the key objective of reaching the Europa League last 16 and winning their group was achieved, if without much style. Zürich gave Arsenal some late scares and probably plenty of bruises but Kieran Tierney’s first-half goal ended up being enough.
