‘Dominant’, ‘grew into the game’: Media wowed by Arsenal midfielder’s display last night
Arsenal got their Europa League campaign off to a winning start away against FC Zurich on Thursday.
The Gunners took the lead after just 16 minutes as debutant Marquinhos netted an emphatic opener.
Arsenal broke on the counter, with Eddie Nketiah racing down the left channel.
FC Zürich v Arsenal FC: Group A – UEFA Europa League
He then whipped the ball in across the face of goal, squaring for Marquinhos to fire home.
Arsenal, however, conceded in the 44th minute after Nketiah was adjudged to have fouled Fidan Aliti inside the box.
Mirlind Kryeziu made no mistake from the spot, sending Matt Turner the wrong way to equalise.
Nketiah would then make amends just after the hour mark.
He headed in Marquinhos’ cross at the back post to earn the visitors all three points in Group A.
Though Nketiah and Marquinhos stood out for their goals, quite a few Arsenal players earned plaudits from the media.
Granit Xhaka, for example, got 7/10s all round from football.london, the Evening Standard and 90Min.
‘A steady display from the Arsenal captain on the night,’ wrote the former.
‘Supported the attack and helped Sambi through the game.
‘His going down will be a worry though as Mikel Arteta cannot afford to lose any more midfielders.’
FC Zürich v Arsenal FC: Group A – UEFA Europa League
The Evening Standard, meanwhile, wrote: ‘Captain for the night and he grew into the game, particularly after half-time.
‘Opened Zurich up with some lovely passes between the centre-backs and full-backs.’
And 90Min wrote: ‘Forced a good save with a shot from the edge of the box.
‘Dominant performance helped Arsenal run the midfield.’.TAP.TO.CONTINUE.READING
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