Arsenal fans will be excited to find out who they will face in the next round of the Europa League after confirming top spot in their group on Thursday night. The Gunners had already qualified for the knockout stages, but top spot needed to be secured and they did so with a 1-0 win over FC Zurich.
That victory, in finishing above PSV, ensured Mikel Arteta's men would not have to play an extra game in the competition. That is because there is a benefit to finish top of the group - going straight through to the round of 16.
At this stage, the third-placed teams in their Champions League groups drop into the Europa League and after changes to the way the competition is played out, that means a two-legged game for some, while others get a mini break.
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Previously the competition would go down to a last 32 stage, but now, group winners go direct into the last 16 and the second-placed Euorpa League sides face a knockout game against the Champions League dropouts. Manchester United fall into that category, having finished second in their Europa League group behind Real Sociedad.
That means United have an extra two games to fit into their busy schedule, with the knockout round due to take place on February 16 and 23. The draw for that round and the last 16 will be made on Monday, November 7, after the Champions League round of 16 draw.
But when will Arsenal be playing in the Europa League again? Well, there's quite a lengthy wait.
After finding out who they will play on Monday, Gunners fans will have to wait four months for the two-legged fixture to come around!
The round of 16 matches will be held, home and away, on March 9 and 16. that means Arteta and Arsenal can focus on their Premier League title challenge - and the FA Cup and Carabao Cup - for a prolonged period once the winter 2022 World Cup is completed.
Ajax, Barcelona, Juventus, Leverkusen, Salzburg, Sevilla, Shakhtar Donetsk and Sporting CP will go into the knockout round to be drawn against Man Utd, Midtjylland, Monaco, Nantes, PSV, Rennes, Roma or Union Berlin. Arsenal will then face the winners of one of those matches.
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