Matchday four of the UEFA Europa League saw Bodø/Glimt host Arsenal as the Gunners aimed to solidify their status as leaders of Group A at the Asmyra Stadion in Norway.
Mikel Arteta made 7 changes to the side that won 3-2 against Liverpool in the Premier League last Sunday, with Eddie Nketiah and Reece Nelson - who made his first start since an FA Cup appearance over 2 years ago – given the opportunity to make an impression. The Spaniard opted to leave top scorer Garbriel Jesus and the ever-reliable Oleksandr Zinchenko to rest back in London with one eye on his sides Premier League clash away to Leeds United on Sunday. Glimt had won 14 European home games in a row heading into clash.
In what would prove to be a timid game, Arsenal held out for a 1-0 victory thanks to a fortunate goal for Bukayo Saka.
Story of the Match
The opening 5 minutes saw each side have brief glimpses at goal, but neither managed to capitalise on their chances. Arsenal applied pressure from the get-go from wide positions, with Kieran Tierney and Ben White constantly overlapping but failing to produce any dangerous crosses. Glimk were forced into an early change as influential midfielder Ulrik Saltnes was replaced by Albert Grønbæk after picking up an injury in the 11th minute.
Saka forces an opener
Bukayo Saka broke the deadlock after an attempted clearance ricocheted off the Wingers’ chest after a neat one-two with Sambi Lokonga put him through on goal in the 24th minute for his 4th goal of the season. Amahl Pellegrino wasted a golden chance to equalise after latching onto a header that put him one-on-one with goalkeeper Matt Turner after breaking away from Rob Holding and William Saliba. Arsenal looked uncomfortable at times playing on Glimt’s AstroTurf pitch but remained dominant in possession throughout the remainder of the first half.
No changes for either side at the break
Glimk registered their first attempt on target in the 52nd minute as Pellegrino forced a good save from Turner. Ola Solbakken saw a curling effort fly narrowly over the bar as Glimk pushed for an equaliser. Less than 5 minutes later, Hugo Vetlesen cushioned the ball beautifully off his chest from a long ball for Runar Espejord, who blazed his effort harmlessly over the crossbar.
Young Guns brought on to make an impact
Arsenal made several substitutions throughout the second half with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos being introduced to give the Gunners a bit more firepower going forward. Vetesen and Pelligrino were at the heart of Glimk’s attacking efforts with impressive touches and through balls that just didn’t fall right for their strikers on the night.
Arsenal hold on for all three points
The remainder of the second half was played at a conservative pace as Arsenal held out for all 3 points to solidify their place at the top of the group. Glimk were limited to a handful of half chances as they failed to find a way through the Arsenal backline. The Gunners will feel content heading into their next group match against PSV Eindhoven, but will readjust their focus back to the Premier League as they continue their fight to maintain top spot ahead of Manchester City.
Player of the Match - Albert Sambi Lokonga
The Belgian midfielder produced a solid performance in the middle of the park as he consistently broke up Glimk's attempts to work an opening in the middle of the park while also providing service to Arsenal's attacking players.