Signing off
It has been a great evening bringing you the live updates as Arsenal cruised past Sevilla 2-0.
Feel free to check out any work on my profile page, or check out my Twitter/X, and I am sure that I'll be doing another live blog before too long.
Post-match Quotes
We will bring you all of Mikel Arteta's key post-match quotes as soon as his press conference is over. Make sure to check back on the VAVEL homepage, or simply search 'Arsenal' to view the article.
Match Report
Before you go, make sure to check out our match report from the game, written by our very own Edward Moss.
Match report:
Trossard and Saka on target as Gunners edge closer to the Champions League knockouts
Official Highlights!
Re-live the action from Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla by watching the official highlights:
Sevilla devoid of any threat
Arsenal were exceptional tonight, but that shouldn't be used as an excuse for Sevilla's display, which simply was not good enough.
Diego Alonso's side never got going and lacked any creativity throughout the entire game - and in fact only had their only shot on target deep into added time.
They are now bottom of Group B and the only team without a win, so need a real upturn in performance for their remaining games if they want any chance of progressing to the knockouts.
Elsewhere in Group B
FULL-TIME: PSV Eindhoven 1-0 RC Lens
With PSV Eindhoven beating RC Lens, Arsenal's qualification for the knockouts is not yet confirmed. They will have the opportunity to do so in their next game, at home to RC Lens at the end of the month.
Man of the Match - Gabriel Martinelli
The Brazilian put in a very impressive performance right up until his substitution in the 81st minute. He recorded an impressive assist for the Gunners' second goal, but it was the 22-year-old's all-round play which impressed the most.
He had the absolute beating of defender Juanlu Sanchez, and won his side many fouls in the process, while also boasting an 85% pass success rate.
He was at the centre of most positive things for the Gunners, and was instrumental in their performance and subsequent victory.
FULL-TIME: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
It's all over here and Arsenal move four points clear at the top of Group B after a dominant display against Sevilla, who remain bottom of the group.
95: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
VAR check for a possible penalty for Sevilla, for a potential handball against Vieira. After a short check, play is resumed and no penalty is awarded.
93: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Havertz has another good chance but runs out of room before he is able to get his shot off.
90: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
There will be six (6) additional minutes to play here at the Emirates Stadium.
90: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
A final substitution for the Gunners:
ON - Mohamed Elneny
OFF - Jorginho
89: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
The visitors carve a good chance but Gabriel heads their cross away to end the threat. They won't get many more, if any, chances of that level.
86: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Declan Rice has also been shown a yellow card.
84: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Saka goes down again and cannot continue. The referee makes him walk the long way around, despite his injury, and books Saka for his protests.
ON - Jakub Kiwior
OFF - Bukayo Saka
83: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Oleksandr Zincehnko has been given a yellow card.
83: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Saka has come back on but is still moving somewhat awkwardly. Would not be surprised to see him taken off as a precaution.
82: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
A huge concern here is Saka is down injured after landing awkwardly on his ankle. He limps off before somewhat jogging, but it remains to be seen if he can continue.
81: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Mikel Arteta makes a double change:
ON - Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson
OFF - Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard
77: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Ocampos is booked within moments of coming on after a foul on Martinelli.
76: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Another couple of changes for Sevilla:
ON - Tanguy Nianzou, Lucas Ocampos
OFF - Adria Pedrosa, Kike Salas
74: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Mariano has a great chance within moments of coming on, but the former Real Madrid striker fails to pick out a teammate in the box, and Arsenal scramble it away.
73: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Soumare is injured and cannot continue.
ON - Mariano Diaz
OFF - Boubakary Soumare
72: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Juanlu Sanchez is shown a yellow card for a bad foul on Martinelli.
66: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Soumare is shown a yellow card within a minute of coming on for Sevilla, following a poor challenge on Rice.
66: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
A double change for Sevilla:
ON - Boubakary Soumare, Ivan Rakitic
OFF - Joan Jordan, Djibril Sow
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
64: It's a spectacular goal from Bukayo Saka! Martinelli plays it through to Englishman, who is played on by Gudelj, and then spins a Sevilla defender in the box before slotting it past the goalkeeper.
60: Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla
Some great build-up play from the hosts sees Trossard presented with an opportunity to grab a brace, but his effort loops well away from the goal.
55: Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla
It's agonisingly close for Havertz! The German fired a powerful curling effort from range, but it whiskered wide of the far post.
53: Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla
Arsenal have started the half much like how the left off in the first half. They are creating chance after chance and another goal doesn't feel too far away.
49: Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla
Saka shows great pace to win the ball on the counter and crosses it to Havertz, whose shot is deflected behind for a corner.
46: Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla
We're underway for the second half.
Half-time substitution
ON: Oleksandr Zinchenko
OFF: Takehiro Tomiyasu
First-half roundup
It was sheer domination from Mikel Arteta's side in the opening 45 minutes as they more or less toyed with Sevilla.
The Spanish visitors are yet to have a single shot, while the hosts have enjoyed a huge 72% possession.
The Gunners will certainly be hoping to add to their lead in the second half, but have shown more than encouraging signs so far.
For Sevilla, they desperately need to find another gear as the results, as they stand, would see them remain three points adrift of qualification.
Jorginho silences critics
Fans who had questioned Jorginho's inclusion in the starting lineup tonight are now singing his praises. And those who never doubted the Italian are understandably elated after his pivotal role in Arsenal's goal.
BALON D OR JORGINHO IS BACK!!!!
— AJI (@arsji_) November 8, 2023
WHAT A LINE BREAKING PASS TO RELEASE SAKA!. WE ROBBED CHELSEA😭😭😭#ARSSEV pic.twitter.com/ayNzizwk9e
Scores around Group B
PSV Eindhoven 1-0 RC Lens
With PSV Eindhoven beating RC Lens at half-time, Arsenal cannot currently qualify for the knockouts this week, regardless of the result in North London.
HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla
The first half draws to a close and it's been a very comfortable 45 minutes for Mikel Arteta's side. Another goal would definitely put their minds at ease, though.
45: Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla
Just one minute added on.
44: Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla
Martinelli does very well to keep the ball in after receiving a difficult pass, and does even better to get a superb cross away, though it doesn't lead to anything. What a game the 22-year-old is having!
39: Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla
Pedrosa storms through the Arsenal defence as he looks to line up a shot, but Saliba does excellently to get back and win the ball at the last moment.
35: Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla
No real change following the goal. Arsenal are still pilling the pressure on Sevilla as they look to double their advantage before half-time.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Sevilla
29: Arsenal take the lead! A great passage of play as Jorginho plays through Saka, who then lays it across to Trossard to tuck into the net.
26: Arsenal 0-0 Sevilla
Very strong penalty appeals as Saka goes down in the box but nothing is given by the referee. A flurry of chances follow but Arsenal are still unable to find a breakthrough.
Interestingly, VAR did not seem to even check the penalty claim...
24: Arsenal 0-0 Sevilla
The ball falls to Ben White on the edge of the box, but he cannot get his shot on target. A good chance missed.
18: Arsenal 0-0 Sevilla
Saka takes the free-kick and sends it over the crossbar, still no breakthrough here.
17: Arsenal 0-0 Sevilla
Arsenal win a free-kick on the edge of the box after yet another foul on Saka - but still no sign of a yellow card. A good chance for the Gunners though
17: Arsenal 0-0 Sevilla
Arsenal are well on top so far, but have struggled to break down the Sevilla defence, despite winning plenty of free-kicks already.
10: Arsenal 0-0 Sevilla
Gudelj is lucky to not be booked after a second foul against Saka - he likely won't get away with much more.
7: Arsenal 0-0 Sevilla
Arsenal have made a very positive start to the game so far and are already testing the Sevilla defence.
1: Arenal 0-0 Sevilla
Arsenal have an early chance as Kai Havertz has a free header at the far post from a corner, but the German cannot connect with the ball.
KICK-OFF: Arenal 0-0 Sevilla
We're underway here at the Emirates Stadium.
Five minutes until we get underway!
Grab a drink, and maybe something to eat, because we're just five minutes away from kick-off.
Goalkeeping situation under scrutiny?
Much has been made of Arsenal's goalkeeping situation and, as David Raya once again starts between the sticks, some fans have been questioning the decision.
Raya so shaky.could cost them
— Sally Howard (@SallyHo17454000) November 8, 2023
Disgraceful that Raya has been chosen in goal after his performances in the last few games. Did arteta not see him caught out on Saturday? Ramsdale can feel very hard done by. He’s being unfairly treated
— paddy mc gonigle (@mcg_p) November 8, 2023
Arsenal fans unhappy with midfield
Not that Arteta had many other options, but Arsenal fans on social media have vented their frustrations at the midfield trio selected to start tonight, with some singling out individuals.
Jorginho again , is there no1 who can take his place
— Golfcricketer God (@GoonerTopcat189) November 8, 2023
Personally I think it should have been Viera on the right of Jorginho for Havertz and move him up front .
— Michel Grosset 🇨🇲🇬🇧 (@kangemic) November 8, 2023
David Seaman backs Arteta over VAR controversy
Mikel Arteta, and Arsenal, have faced harsh criticism for their comments about officiating in England following last weekend's VAR controversy at St James' Park. Arsenal legend David Seaman has praised the Spaniard for taking a stand, and fully supports his views.
“The Newcastle goal is frightening. I just don’t know what VAR were thinking. [...] I think it’s great that Arsenal have backed Arteta’s criticisms because it was passion from the manager and that’s what the fans love to see.
"He’s just highlighting mistakes. He’s not making it personal. The more he highlights mistakes, hopefully the more they clean up their act and they make sure they’re on it.”
via: bettingsites.co.uk!
30 minutes until kick-off
Not long to go now as we await kick-off in North London!
Arsenal need to be a bigger threat, says Arteta
When asked about how his side can win this game, following their struggles at the weekend, Mikel Arteta gave a very honest assessment on what he expects to see.
"We have to be more of a threat, we have to be more aggressive, make more threat in behind in those areas and we need to take more risks."
Sevilla's line-up!
Diego Alonso has made seven changes to the side who drew 1-1 with Celta Vigo at the weekend.
🚨 XI #UCL ⚪️🔴
— Sevilla Fútbol Club (@SevillaFC) November 8, 2023
Dmitrovic - Juanlu, Badé, Gudelj, Kike Salas - Fernando, Lamela, Sow, Jordán, Pedrosa - En-Nesyri.#UCL #WeareSevilla #NuncaTeRindas pic.twitter.com/r3EbzRAGWH
Arsenal's line-up!
Just one change from the team who lost 1-0 to Newcastle at the weekend.
Eddie Nketiah is not in the squad due to an ankle knock.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 8, 2023
One change from Saturday's game with Newcastle United
Let's get back to winning ways, Gunners ✊ pic.twitter.com/71O1ZVkeTV
Pre-match reading
Before kick-off, why not check out VAVEL's preview of the game, which includes team news, predicted line-ups, key players and more.
Not long to go!
We are just under two hours away from kick-off, and will be bringing team news to you as soon as it is released, at 6:45 PM GMT.
Tune in here for Arsenal vs Sevilla
I'm looking forward to following the game with you all, and keeping you up to date with all of the drama from North London. Do not miss a detail of the match Arsenal vs Sevilla live updates and commentary from VAVEL.
What time does the game kick-off across the world?
Los Angeles - 12:00PM
New York - 3:00PM
Rio de Janeiro - 5:00PM
Madrid - 9:00PM
Cape Town - 10:00PM
Istanbul - 11:00PM
Mumbai - 1:30AM (Thursday)
Beijing - 4:00AM
Perth - 4:00AM
Seoul - 5:00AM
Sydney - 7:00AM
What time does the game kick-off?
The game will kick-off at 8:00PM GMT, and will be shown live on TNT Sports 2, as well as on the Discovery+ app.
Arsenal vs Sevilla prediction
While they will still need to focus and work hard, I predict that Arsenal will record a somewhat comfortable home victory over Sevilla - though this could change depending on whether the hosts rotate heavily or not.
Predicted score: Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
Recent games between Arsenal and Sevilla
These sides have only faced each other three times in a competitive setting.
The last game finished 2-1 to Arsenal, in the reverse fixture last month.
Before then they played twice in 2007, where Arsenal won 3-0 at home, before losing 3-1 in Seville.
Key Player from Sevilla
Youssef En-Nesyri has already scored five goals this season, and has been a key part in how Diego Alonso sets up his Sevilla side.
The 26-year-old is a very effective target man and can bully his way past defenders, while also being a real danger in the air and from set pieces too.
In a game where Sevilla may expect to receive limited chances, having someone as clinical as En-Nesyri could prove vital to their chances of a positive result.
Key Player from Arsenal
It goes without saying that Bukayo Saka is an integral part of Arsenal's team, and can singlehandedly change games at will.
With the absence of Sevilla's starting left-back, Acuna, the Gunners, and Saka, have a real opportunity to target that side of the pitch.
With seven goal involvements already this season, despite some fitness concerns, the 22-year-old has already shown his quality yet again, and could well prove to be the difference against the Spanish side.
Probable line-up of Sevilla
Team news of Sevilla:
Both Adnan Januzaj and Marcão are unable to feature due to not being registered to play in the competition.Sergio Ramos will also play no role in the game as he continues to recover from a calf injury.
Marcos Acuna and Ørjan Nyland have both also not travelled with the squad for the game.
Predicted XI:
Dmitrović, Navas, Gudelj, Badé, Pedrosa; Soumare, Sow; Lukebakio, Rakitić, Ocampos; En-Nesyri
Probable line-up of Arsenal
Team news of Arsenal:
Jurriën Timber is sidelined with a serious knee injury, which is expected to rule him out of most of the season.Thomas Partey is also not expected to feature until 2024, as he recovers from an unknown injury.
Emile Smith-Rowe also cannot feature for Arteta's side, as a knee injury rules him out for a number of weeks.
Both Martin Ødegaard and Eddie Nketiah are doubts for the game, with neither player training on Tuesday because of minor issues, though the latter is seen as having a better chance of featuring.
Predicted XI:
Raya; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Rice, Jorginho; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli; Trossard
Who is the referee and their assistants?
The referee for Arsenal vs Sevilla will be István Kovács. His assistants will be Vasile Florin Marinescu and Mihai Ovidiu Artene, all from Romania.
The fourth official for the match is Horatiu Mercia Fesnic, also from Romania.
The video assistant referee (VAR) is Bastian Dankert, from Germany, and the assistant VAR is Benoît Millot, from France.
Sevilla: In desperate need of a win
Sevilla are already three points off of the top two positions in their group and failure to beat Arsenal could see them cut adrift in the battle for qualification.
While it would not be impossible if they lose, a win would go a long way to keep the matter in their own hands.
Arsenal: Have a chance to seal qualification to the knockouts
Having not previously featured in the UEFA Champions League since the 2016/17 season, Arsenal now have an opportunity to qualify from their group with two games still to play.
If the Gunners win against Sevilla, they would need an RC Lens win in the other game to ensure that they advance to the knockouts.
Even if results do not fall in their favour, Mikel Arteta's side will have two more opportunities to get the job done.
This game will be played at the Emirates Stadium.
The Arsenal vs Sevilla match will be played at the Emirates Stadium, in London, with a capacity of 60,000 people. Sevilla have never won a competitive game at this stadium, though they did win a friendly here in 2017.
Welcome to VAVEL.com's coverage of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League match: Arsenal vs Sevilla Live Updates!
My name is Jak Netting and I'll be your host for this game. We will provide you with pre-game analysis, score updates and news as it happens live here on VAVEL - as Arsenal look to secure their place in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League knockouts.