Arsenal skated on thin ice but survived their expedition to Norway’s far north. They did not exactly produce a spectacle in the land of aurora borealis and, in truth, Bodø/Glimt should have made them pay for a passive second half. Their creative radar was off for the majority of a chilly night but Bukayo Saka’s fortunate first-half goal proved sufficient to end one of the most eyecatching records on the continent. A slick, smart home side had won their last 14 European games here and it was no small achievement for the run to finally be punctured.
The hosts burnished their reputation as one of the most progressive clubs, pound for pound, in this competition and it was easy to see why the likes of Celtic, Dinamo Zagreb and, on two occasions, Roma have been humbled here in the last year. Had Runar Espejord, their centre-forward, not skied a glorious chance from eight yards just before the hour they would have scented a further scalp. That was not their only opportunity during a wave of intense attacking and their loud, passionate but melodious support were justified in cheering them off at full time.
