Arsenal had the chance to secure top spot in their Europa League group if they matched or had a better result than PSV when they hosted FC Zurich at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners’ resulting 1-0 victory over the Swiss side means they have confirmed first place.
Kieran Tierney was the star for the Gunners as his first-half volley ended up being the difference in the scoreline between both sides. FC Zurich pressed for an equaliser late on but Arsenal’s defence held firm.
The win means that the Gunners top their group and advance to the round of 16 without having to play in the dreaded play-off round in February. football.london takes a look at the winners and losers from the win with a surprise lean toward the later.
READ MORE: Olivier Giroud gives Gabriel Jesus crucial reassurance amid new growing Arsenal concern
Winners
Kieran Tierney
Tierney has been unused by Mikel Arteta in recent games with Takehiro Tomiyasu the preferred option at left-back. Salt was rubbed into his wounds last Sunday as Cedric Soares, who is naturally a right-back, came on to play left-back instead of Tierney against Nottingham Forest.
However, in the match against FC Zurich, Tierney was given the chance to impress the Arsenal boss and he did exactly that. He was the best performer in a side that struggled through the evening, and it was his goal that secured top spot for the Gunners in the Europa League.
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal and England gasped in fear last Sunday as Saka was subbed off in the first half against Nottingham Forest after suffering an ankle injury. With the World Cup just weeks away, there were fears that the Englishman would be ruled out from representing his country.
But, Saka was subbed on for Arsenal yesterday evening against FC Zurich, and he looked back to his usual energetic self, which highlighted that his knock last week was nothing but a precaution. With a fixture against Chelsea coming up, and the World Cup on the horizon, it is great to see Saka on the pitch.
Losers
Gabriel Jesus
It was clear that Arteta started Jesus in order to get the Brazilian firing again before the big match against Chelsea on Sunday. But, this was not the case as Jesus struggled to in front of goal throughout the evening.
The 25-year-old had chances to break his goal drought but he did not take the opportunities. He will now go into the crunch match against Chelsea with the goal burden hanging above him. Despite his scoring troubles, his all-around play still deserves praise.
Eddie Nketiah
Nketiah was poor against FC Zurich when Arsenal needed him most. With Gabriel Jesus’ recent goal drought, Nketiah has been needed to step-up to add an extra goal threat for the Gunners but he failed to do so.
The Europa League provided a great opportunity for Nketiah to stake his claim for a place in Arteta’s preferred line-up, but this chance was not taken, especially when the starting striker is currently struggling in front of goal.
With no more Europa League group-stage games remaining, Nketiah’s chances to start a match will decrease deeper into the season, as fewer European games become available.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang has been vocal in the media ahead of the build-up to Arsenal vs Chelsea that takes place on Sunday. It is clear that the former Gunners' skipper is desperate to score against his old side in the Premier League.
However, Arteta's defence will go into the game with more confidence than they did compared to last week after keeping back-to-back clean sheets against Nottingham Forest and now FC Zurich following a rough spell where the defence had looked shaky in previous matches. With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes also fit and ready following the closing of the Europa League group stage, Aubameyang will not have it easy in the London derby.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Sambi Lokonga has had the opportunity to impress in the Europa League this season and he has failed to grasp his chances. He had a chance to play in a more preferred role against FC Zurich but still failed to take his chance.
The Belgian has been vocal about his lack of game time but when given the opportunity to pose questions to Arteta, he hasn’t been able to capitalise.
Elneny’s return should have provided as a blessing for the youngster as it meant he can play higher up in the midfield, but this made no difference. Sambi Lokonga failed to prove why he should be given more game time.
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