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GOODBYE

We'll have coverage of Arsenal's trip to Craven Cottage right here on VAVEL UK. Join us for that and plenty of other Premier League musings over the weekend. Until then, it's been a pleasure. 

4 October 2018 7:59 PM GMT

FULL TIME

That was also Arsenal's third clean-sheet in four games. I said it wasn't a great defensive display but things are looking more promising for the Gunners now. They travel back to London tonight immediately after the game. They'll then have one day to prepare for Fulham on Sunday. 

4 October 2018 7:57 PM GMT

FULL TIME

Not convincing for Arsenal tonight, although the scoreline would suggest otherwise. They weren't fantastic defensively and Qarabag could easily have had a goal. However, the Gunners were clinical in attack and thoroughly deserved the victory. They sit top of their Europa League group and have now won eight games on the bounce. Everything appears to be rosy for Unai Emery's team. 

4 October 2018 7:56 PM GMT

FULL TIME: Qarabag 0-3 Arsenal

A comfortable 3-0 win for Arsenal. Sokratis opened the scoring after four minutes before Smith Rowe doubled the Gunners advantage shortly after half time. Guendouzi was then on hand to wrap up proceedings late on. 

4 October 2018 7:48 PM GMT

92' Guendouzi almost finds himself a second on the night, driving over from outside the box. 

4 October 2018 7:46 PM GMT

90' Three added minutes here in Baku. Time for an Arsenal fourth? 

4 October 2018 7:44 PM GMT

87' It should be four for Arsenal as Sokratis plays a brilliant long ball forward to Lacazette in the right channel. He holds the ball up and then picks out Welbeck but he blazes it over when well positioned. 

4 October 2018 7:41 PM GMT

85' Two chances for Qarabag as first Emeghara's effort is closed down well by Holding before Leno has to make an excellent save to stop Zoubir's shot from distance. 

4 October 2018 7:39 PM GMT

GOAL ARSENAL - GUENDOUZI!

79' Arsenal have a third and that's sealed the game for the Gunners. Ozil picks up the ball in the middle of the pitch and then moves it to Lacazette. He finds Guendouzi who then puts it onto his right foot before burying a chance from the edge of the box. Like Sokratis and Smith Rowe before him tonight, he also bags his first goal for the club. 

4 October 2018 7:35 PM GMT

71' Substitutes left, right and centre at the moment as Alexandre Lacazette replaces Iwobi for Arsenal. 

4 October 2018 7:24 PM GMT

67' A second change for Qarabag as Ozobic is off. On in his place is Abdullayev. A second striker now for Arsenal to contend with.

4 October 2018 7:20 PM GMT

65' A substitute now for Arsenal. Mesut Ozil joins the action in place of Smith Rowe who scored Arsenal's second tonight. A good all round display from the 18-year-old. 

4 October 2018 7:18 PM GMT

62' Good defending from Rob Holding as Medvedev rampages down the right and tries to pick a cross but the Arsenal defender comes across to block it. 

4 October 2018 7:16 PM GMT

61' Arsenal in danger again as Ozobic's corner is flicked towards Emeghara but he can't fire it beyond Leno. 

4 October 2018 7:15 PM GMT

61' A first change for Qarabag as Delarge is on for Madatov. Possibly surprising given the winger's influence on the game so far. 

4 October 2018 7:14 PM GMT

GOAL ARSENAL - SMITH ROWE

56' Qarabag have been punished for not taking their chances as Arsenal make it 2-0. Danny Welbeck wins the flick on which sets Iwobi free. He then slides in Emile Smith Rowe on the right who fires underneath the keeper for his first senior goal. A wonderful moment for the teenager. 

4 October 2018 7:08 PM GMT

53' Madatov gets in behind again for Qarabag and a chance would have opened up for him had he been able to control the ball. Arsenal not looking great defensively. 

4 October 2018 7:06 PM GMT

GOAL DISALLOWED - QARABAG

49' Potentially a big moment in the game here as Qarabag are denied a goal for offside. The ball was slipped through to Madatov who found the net cooly but he'd just made his run too soon. A reprieve for the Gunners. 

4 October 2018 7:03 PM GMT

47' First shot on goal in the second period comes courtesy of Ozobic as the Qarabag midfielder drives wide from range. 

4 October 2018 7:00 PM GMT

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY

One change for Arsenal at the break. Lucas Torreira is on in place of Nacho Monreal which means the Gunners have reverted to a back four now. 

4 October 2018 6:59 PM GMT

The main danger men for Qarabag in that first half were Madatov and Frenchman Zoubir. The Gunners will need to stop them from getting on the ball as much if they're to get through this one comfortably in the second period.

4 October 2018 6:55 PM GMT

It's been a scrappy match so far. Arsenal will have to look after the ball more in the second half to stop Qarabag finding as many chances as they have. The Gunners have been careless at times and have lost possession too easily. Despite that, they deserve their lead at the break. 

4 October 2018 6:44 PM GMT

HALF TIME: Qarabag 0-1 Arsenal

The Gunners go into the break ahead thanks to Sokratis' early strike. It's not been a pretty half but Arsenal could easily have had a few more goals. Qarabag have got in behind the defence on occasion too and may have had a goal for themselves. 

4 October 2018 6:43 PM GMT

44' Qarabag have had their chances in this half too and another goes begging as Medvedev is found on the right hand side before coming inside and pulling an effort wide of the target. 

4 October 2018 6:41 PM GMT

42' Kolasinac and Smith Rowe link up again but this time the teenager's shot is blocked from the edge of the area. Qarabag are struggling considerably down their left hand side. 

4 October 2018 6:40 PM GMT

39' A really strong save from Leno to deny Ozobic. Lichtsteiner fails to clear properly and as a result the ball bounces around and falls to the Qarabag midfielder but he is denied by the Gunners 'keeper. 

4 October 2018 6:36 PM GMT

38' Kolasianc is proving lively down the left hand side and he carves out another opportunity for Arsenal, picking out Smith Rowe but he slips as he goes to take a shot and hits it wide. 

4 October 2018 6:35 PM GMT

33' The most blatant yellow card you'll ever see for Qarabag's captain Medvedev who pulls back Iwobi's shirt as the winger was racing down the left flank. 

4 October 2018 6:30 PM GMT

28' Good phase of play here for Qarabag who create another opening for Madatov after Zoubir's ball towards the back post. The winger, however, was in an offside position. 

4 October 2018 6:26 PM GMT

27' A really good opening for Qarabag as Medatov gets past Kolasinac, comes back inside Monreal and then forces a save from Leno. Big chance for the hosts. 

4 October 2018 6:24 PM GMT

24' Alex Iwobi weaves in and out of two players inside the penalty area before winning a corner for his team. Good work from the Nigerian. 

4 October 2018 6:21 PM GMT

21' Another Arsenal corner almost inflicts more damage on Qarabag. Elneny's ball in picks out Welbeck but he can't control his header and it bounces wide. 

4 October 2018 6:18 PM GMT

18' Really good opportunity for Arsenal as Smith Rowe fires just wide from close range. Iwobi feeds Kolasinac in the left channel and the Bosnian then finds the Gunners teenager at the pack post. However, he can't quite find the net on the slide. 

4 October 2018 6:15 PM GMT

15' Sead Kolasianc bursts forward into space down the left but as he tries to find Welbeck it's deflected into the 'keepers arms. 

4 October 2018 6:12 PM GMT

10' A penalty claim has just been denied for Qarabag as Emeghara and Holding have a hold of each other but nothing was given. 

4 October 2018 6:07 PM GMT

9' First opportunity to see what Qarabag are made of going forward as Emeghara gets in behind but Sokratis is able to intercept and put it out for a corner. 

4 October 2018 6:06 PM GMT

GOAL ARSENAL - SOKRATIS!

4' It's taken Arsenal just four minutes to put themselves in front. Elneny's corner is headed towards goal by Monreal before Sokratis guides it home from close range. 

4 October 2018 6:02 PM GMT

4' First chance for Arsenal as Kolasinac puts it across goal before the ball deflects off the goalkeeper and lands at the feet of Elneny but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. 

4 October 2018 6:01 PM GMT

KICK OFF

Away we go in Baku, Arsenal get us underway. 

4 October 2018 5:57 PM GMT

Just about to kick off here, UEFA have Arsenal's formation as a three back which means Sead Kolasinac starts at left wing back. Room for flexibility, however. 

4 October 2018 5:57 PM GMT

The teams are in the tunnel, we're moments away from kick off in Baku. 

4 October 2018 5:52 PM GMT

Just under 25 minutes until kick off. This game is taking place in the Olympic Stadium in Baku, which will host this season's Europa League final. Arsenal will be hoping to go one better than last campaign and be back here next May. 

4 October 2018 5:28 PM GMT

So there is no place in the side for Icelandic goalkeeper Halldorsson who we mentioned previously. He takes his place on the bench with Brazilian Vagner starting in goal. Michel and Emeghara, however, both play as they start in midfield and in attack respectively.  

4 October 2018 5:27 PM GMT

Qarabag team

We eventually have your Qarabag starters, here you are: Vagner, Medvedev, B. Huseynov, Rzezniczak, Agnolli, Michel, Qarayev, Medatov, Ozobic, Zoubir, Emeghara. Subs: Halldorsson, Mammadov, Slavchev, Abdullayev, Delarge, A. Huseynov, Diniyev. 

4 October 2018 5:25 PM GMT

No word on who's starting for Arsenal's opponents yet. We'll bring news of the Qarabag XI when we have it. 

4 October 2018 5:16 PM GMT

Smith Rowe starts

Arsenal's teenage sensation Emile Smith Rowe gets a second start of the season for the club. He plays in a forward line which includes Welbeck and Iwobi. Another impressive teenager Matteo Guendouzi starts in midfield. 

4 October 2018 5:10 PM GMT

A change in formation for Arsenal?

Interesting team selection for Arsenal. One that poses the question of which formation they'll actually line up with. Sead Kolasinac is set to return from injury but it remains to be seen whether he'll play as a left winger or a wing back. If he was to play as a wing back then that would mean a back three of Holding, Sokratis and Monreal with Lichtsteiner as the opposite wing back. We'll let you know the Gunners formation once it's revealed. 

4 October 2018 5:08 PM GMT

Arsenal team

Leno, Holding, Sokratis, Monreal, Lichtsteiner, Guendouzi, Elneny, Kolasinac, Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Welbeck. Subs: Martinez, Bellerin, Mustafi, Torreira, Xhaka, Ozil, Lacazette. 

4 October 2018 5:01 PM GMT

The teams are in, stay tuned. 

4 October 2018 5:00 PM GMT

That's all your pre-match build up for now. Join us around an hour before kick off for the confirmed starting XIs. 

4 October 2018 11:34 AM GMT

Arsenal will be hoping that tonight's game isn't too strenuous. The side ​has a long journey home before having to prepare immediately for the trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham at midday on Sunday. 

4 October 2018 11:33 AM GMT

Gurban Gurbanov, the Qarabag manager, also spoke ahead of the match: "Tomorrow's match we are against one of the best squads in England, and the Premier League is one of the best five leagues. I have several times mentioned the big teams that come to Azerbaijan and it is good for the image of Azerbaijan football."

4 October 2018 11:32 AM GMT

Qarabag and Arsenal have never met previously, with the former scoring just one goal against English opposition in their history. Speaking ahead of the game Emery revealed the respect he has for the Azerbaijan side. "They started with a good performance against Sporting Lisbon in Lisbon in the first match. They lost 2-0 but they gave a very good performance against them, with good players and also with good spirit and good tactical intentions in the game. I remember also, last year here, Atletico Madrid there were two matches against them. They could not win. It’s for me, two very good examples for us to have the respect for them." 

4 October 2018 11:29 AM GMT

Qarabag team news

The majority of Qarabag's side are from Azerbaijan but they do boast some talented individuals from elsewhere. Icelandic goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson who started for his country at the World Cup is set to feature between the posts whilst Spaniard, Michel, once of Birmingham and Getafe is one of their main orchestrator's in midfield. In attack, Vincent Emeghara, who has nine caps for Switzerland will be the one they rely on for signs of life in forward areas. He already has three goals in four games this season. 

4 October 2018 11:24 AM GMT

Emery on Mkhitaryan

The Spaniard was asked about Mkhitaryan not featuring in his pre-match press conference: "My work is football. I respect each person, I respect each people, I respect each culture, I respect each country. But I don’t know each situation in every country. For me, he cannot play tomorrow. There is respect for Micki [Mkhitaryan]."

4 October 2018 11:16 AM GMT

Arsenal team news

Arsenal arrive in Baku with Henrikh Mkhitaryan who due to ongoing political tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan has chosen not to fly with the squad. It's something that could potentially prove a difficult if Emery's men were to reach the final, with the final game of the competition being held in Azerbaijan. Aaron Ramsey has also not traveled with his wife expecting a baby imminently, whilst Aubameyang also misses out through illness. That means that Danny Welbeck could get another chance to lead the line after starting the season well whilst Alex Iwobi will likely get another opportunity to continue his impressive campaign so far. Petr Cech is another name who misses the match, as he sits out with a hamstring injury sustained against Watford.

4 October 2018 11:15 AM GMT

Qarabag's European pedigree

They don't have a great deal of pedigree in all fairness, but Qarabag did compete in the Champions League group stages last season. Although conceding ten goals over two matches against Chelsea, they drew with Atletico Madrid twice, a sign that they may not be the pushovers the Blues perceived them to be. It makes it difficult to predict with Qarabag side will turn up on the night, but they'll be eager to get their first points on the board. 

4 October 2018 11:12 AM GMT

An away visit to Azerbaijan comes with its difficulties. The sheer amount of traveling and hostile environment won't be easy for the Gunners but it is still an encounter they will be favourites for. Qarabag come into this one top of their domestic league, but did lose their opening Europa League match 2-0 to Sporting Lisbon. 

4 October 2018 11:09 AM GMT

Arsenal may be on a large winning streak, but their football hasn't dazzled many. There have been defensive frailties among the way but two Premier League clean-sheets in succession suggest they're steadily improving. The good thing for the North London side is that they're finding a way to win despite not playing at their best.

4 October 2018 11:06 AM GMT

Arsenal in form

The Gunners arrive in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan in fantastic form. There is sign of progression under Unai Emery, with the Spaniard leading his men to seven straight wins in all competitions. Among that run was their opening Europa League victory over Vorskla. Arsenal came away 4-2 winners as Pierre-Emerick-Aubameyang scored twice with Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil also among the goals as they kicked off their campaign impressively. 

4 October 2018 11:03 AM GMT

Qarabag vs Arsenal

Hello and welcome to VAVEL UK's live text commentary of Qarabag vs Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League. I'm Matt Dawson and I'll be taking you through proceedings. The game is set to kick off at 5.55pm GMT so sit back whilst I take you through all you need to know ahead of play getting under way. 

4 October 2018 10:47 AM GMT
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