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    Man Utd 1-0 Omonia Nicosia LIVE RESULT: Scott McTominay with INJURY-TIME winner as Cypriots finally broken

    SCOTT McTOMINAY scored a stoppage-time winner as Manchester United defeated Omonia Nicosia 1-0.And sub McTominay’s strike was sensationally United’s 33rd effort of the game as they finally broke through in the Europa League tie.
    Before then it was Omonia goalkeeper Uzoho holding firm between the sticks to frustrate the Old Trafford faithful.

    Result: Man Utd 1-0 Omonia
    Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Malacia, Fred, Casemiro, Fernandes, Rashford, Antony, Ronaldo
    Omonia XI: Uzoho, Kitsos, Miletic, Lang, Yuste, Matthews, Charalampous, Cassama, Panagiotou, Kakoulli, Bruno

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    Ambitions still alive for Dutchman
    With the rule change this season that sees the group winners progress straight to the ’round of 16′, United know the importance of catching Real Sociedad.
    The second-placed team in the group will face a side who have finished in third place in their Champions League group.
    This opens that team up to a tough game with potential for ten Hag and his team facing Barcelona or even his old side Ajax.
    Uzoho deserved more
    The Omonia Nicosia keeper, Francis Uzoho, put in a performance deserving of all three points this evening.
    He defied the stars of Man Utd over and over again.
    It seemed well into stoppage time that Uzoho had won his side a point himself with all the saves he made this evening.
    You could see the disappointment in the keeper when Scott McTominay finally puts the ball into the back of the net.
    Credit: AFP
    Battle of the Basque still on
    Thanks to the late winner this evening, United are still on track for a showdown with Real Sociedad in the Reale Arena in the final group game.
    If both teams win their penultimate game, it will be a winner takes all encounter in Spain.
    With the loser having to face a side from the Champions League to make the ’round of 16′ in the UEFA Europa League.
    Sociedad dispatched Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 in Spain this evening.
    Scott breaks Cypriot hearts
    Scottish international Scott McTominay came off the bench tonight as the least-likely player for people to picking as a goalscorer this evening.
    He repaid the faith his manager had in him by scoring a stoppage-time winner to silence the away end.
    Lennon looked devastated as Old Trafford erupted.
    Credit: PA
    FT: Man Utd 1-0 Omonia
    The referee brings the game to an end.
    Omonia players are flat on the turf, devastated.
    United celebrate a last-gasp win at Old Trafford.
    Man Utd 1-0 Omonia
    90+4. Heart-wrenching stuff for Neil Lennon and his team.
    Sancho twists and turns to work it into the box.
    The ball falls to McTominay’s feet, he turns and blasts the ball into the back of the net.
    A massive goal for Man Utd in the context of the group.
    Goal – Scott McTominay (Man Utd)
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    90+2. Rashford wins a free kick as he pulled back.
    Eriksen looks to whip the ball into the box.
    Lang heads it clear for the visitors.
    Fernandes crosses and Uzoho falls onto it and holds on tightly.
    Credit: Reuters
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    90. We are going to have five additional minutes.
    It would be heart-breaking for Omonia to concede now.
    The Cypriot fans whistle, reminding the referee of the time.
    McTominay tries a shot from distance which is now located in row S, seat 37.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    88. United are lofting the ball into the box now more in hope.
    Waiting to see if they can win the second ball or it will drop to a player in a red shirt.
    When it goes out for a goal kick, it gives Omonia chance to try and run the clock down.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    86. We are into the final stages of the game.
    Omonia are as committed as they were in the opening five minutes.
    Real Sociedad are now 3-0 up this evening.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    84. Omonia seems content to hoof the ball clear whenever the chance presents itself.
    ten Hag is stood on the touchline looking like he is watching a burglary unfold in his own house on camera.
    United are running out of time to find this goal.
    Credit: Getty
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia – McTominay chance!
    82. Scott McTominay comes on for Casemiro.
    Just the change you want when you are chasing a goal.
    United are starting to try and walk it through the visitors’ midfield and defence.
    McTominay shoots from outside the box but Uzoho gets down and pushes the ball out well.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    80. The away fans are cheering their team on to the final whistle.
    Omonia are getting everyone behind the ball.
    The ball is played to Casemiro on the edge of the box who lays the ball off to Bruno Fernandes.
    His effort gives the cameraman more trouble than the keeper.
    Fernandes has yet to score at Old Trafford this season.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    78. At this late stage in the game the true football romantic wants to see Neil Lennon’s team get what would no doubt be their best result in the history of the football club.
    United are trying all they can to change that.
    Sancho is trying to make things happen down the left.
    Omonia need to close down Eriksen quicker.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    76. United have had 28 shots tonight, with 10 on target.
    Showing what sort of a night Uzoho has had in the Omonia goal.
    Eriksen winds up to shoot again but a sliding challenge from Omonia prevents anything troubling Uzoho in goal.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia – Eriksen chance!
    74. The ball breaks to the Danish player on the edge of the box.
    As he lets fly, Omonia get a body in the way of the ball.
    It deflects wide for yet another corner.
    The visitors look to get some fresh legs on for the final 15 minutes.
    Credit: AFP
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    72. News has filtered through that Real Sociedad are now 2-0 up against Sheriff Tiraspol who are down to ten men.
    Christian Eriksen has come on to try and find a way through.
    It has gone quiet here as the home fans ponder a disappointing draw.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    70. Moro Cassamá was a very lucky boy there with VAR not checking that incident at all.
    The replay showed he was off the floor and went it two-footed.
    Yet again the VAR referral process baffles the mind.
    United are finding this Omonia defence like a really difficult maze.
    They just cannot seem to find a way through.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia – Cassama yellow card
    68. Nothing doing from the VAR check.
    Replays show it would have been incredibly harsh.
    Correct decision for me.
    Casemiro is clattered by Moro Cassamá.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    66. Even a draw for United would be a catastrophe tonight.
    With Real Sociedad leading against Sheriff still.
    VAR is checking for a potential handball against the visitors.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    64. This is like defence versus attack at times.
    United throwing what they have at the visitors in terms of crosses but they are clearing every time.
    Sanchez cuts in from the byline, Fernandes meets it but cannot direct it towards goal.
    Kakoulli comes off for Ansarifad.
    Credit: Getty
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    62. A goal against the run of play for the visitors would hurt United.
    It would also offer the potential for the first time a Man Utd side have lost three consecutive European games on the bounce at Old Trafford.
    United are going more direct with their attacking play.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    60. Bruno gets the better of Fred and crosses towards Kakoulli.
    The flag goes up for offside.
    United immediately counter and Rashford is clean through.
    Great first touch by the forward but his finish is lacking as it goes well wide.
    Antony comes off for Sancho.
    Malacia comes off for Shaw.
    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia
    58. Antony whips another great cross but Omonia head clear.
    United are knocking on the door more and more.
    No sign of any substitutions by ten Hag yet as Rashford wins United another corner.
    Luke Shaw seems to be warming up.
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    Man Utd 1 Omonia Nicosia 0: McTominay spares hosts’ blushes at the death despite heroic display from minnows’ keeper

    SCOTT McTOMINAY saved the day but he couldn’t save the blushes as United needed a last-gasp hero to see off the Nicosian no-hopers.McTominay was the last of the subs to step from the bench as Erik ten Hag desperately tried to find a way past a side everyone had written off as cannon fodder.
    Scott McTominay saved Man Utd’s blushes against OmoniaCredit: AFP
    Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to find a way past minnows OmoniaCredit: AFP
    Omonia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was almost unbeatable during the Europa League clashCredit: PA
    McTominay finally found a way past him deep into additional time at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters
    What a good choice it was, as he danced and stepped his way into space to drill a stoppage time strike under Hector Yuste for a winning goal the fans had long given up on.
    It should have been a walkover, against a bunch of 40-1 outsiders whose first-choice keeper was crocked.
    It should have been the closest thing to a tap-in you will ever see, against a genuine footballing giant.
    But United fans have stopped counting chickens long since. Way before last week’s red-faced moment when the Cypriots had humbled them by taking the lead.
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    So maybe no-one should have been surprised to see Ten Hag’s men make such heavy weather of it again.
    Although even by their one step forward, two steps back standards, this hit new depths. Talk about undoing any good work from Sunday’s come from behind win at Everton.
    Yes, they can point to dominating possession, dominating chances and dominating the match. But the bottom line is they needed a 95th minute winner against a team they should have caned, simple as that.
    And all that against a stand-in keeper between the sticks who has played more for his country than club over the past two years.
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    A week ago first choice Fabiano Freitas had won plenty of admirers for his performance as United peppered in shots.
    So when a shoulder injury ruled him out, even most of the incredible 4,000 or so away fans who at least gave Old Trafford some atmosphere wouldn’t have held out much hope.
    Clearly no-one told Nigerian stand-in Francis Uzoho, who took barely a minute to show he intended to make the most of his big moment with a flying save from Marcus Rashford.
    There was no hint then, but it was an ominous sign of what lay ahead for United…and a night the 23-year-old keeper will never forget.
    Time and again United rained shots on his goal. Time and again he came up trumps to keep it intact.
    No-one was more frustrated than Rashford, the two goal off-the-bench hero of last week’s win and intent on adding at least as many again.
    If he’d kept a cooler head at times he probably would have done, as well. And when he did, the United striker found a man in inspired form.
    Another whipped-in strike was touched wide and Rashford was punching the air in frustration.
    As he was when Uzoho spread himself to block another strike, although a dinked effort would surely have brought better reward.
    A tight angled shot from Cristiano Ronaldo was pushed behind, another found the side netting, and a curler from Bruno Fernandes just didn’t come back quickly enough.
    Omonia’s Francis Uzoho produced a man of the match display but still ended up on the losing sideCredit: AFP
    But the best stop of the lot – one which needed TV replays to prove he even touched – cae when the tips of his fingertips pushed Casemiro’s rocket onto the woodwork.
    It was struck so fiercely that the crossbar has probably only just stopped shuddering. Rather like United’s fans, in embarrassment at what meal their side made of it.
    Wave upon wave, cross upon cross, shot upon shot…and all of them met with groans not glee.
    Rashford blew another when he was clean through and although this time Uzoho didn’t seem to get anywhere near it, referee Jerome Brisard gave a corner.
    The French official was so used to seeing Nicosia’s keeper save the day he probably assumed he had got a hand to it.
    Or maybe it was simply a shocking call – like the one which saw Moreto Cassama escape with a yellow when he launched himself into a shocking challenge on Casemiro.

    And on the subject of shocking, that was the only description for Bruno’s choice to shoot when the Cypriots could – make that should – have caught United on the hop.
    Just as they had in the first game, Nicosia had them flat-footed when Bruno left Victor Lindelof for dead.
    Yet with Andronikos Kakoulli screaming for a pass, unmarked and in the middle, his pal chose to shoot and the opening went.
    On the touchline one-time Celtic chief Neil Lennon, now Nicosia gaffer, needed BT Sport’s  bleep machine such was his fury at the blown chance.
    Not half as much as he did when McTominay came up with that most dramatic of finales. United may have breathed a sigh of relief, but you had to say Lennon and his team didn’t deserve to go down like that… More

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    Man Utd ratings: Marcus Rashford huffs and puffs but cannot find way past heroic Uhozo as Antony wasteful

    MANCHESTER UNITED huffed and they puffed… and eventually blew Francis Uzoho’s house down. The Nigerian goalkeeper proved an impenetrable wall in the Omonia Nicosia’s net for 92 minutes.
    Marcus Rashford somehow didn’t get a goal at Old TraffordCredit: AFP
    Antony will be annoyed with his effortsCredit: EPA
    His stunning performance combined with some steely defending and poor finishing looked to have earned the Cyprus side a commendable 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.
    But subs Jadon Sancho and Scott McTominay combined to grab a last-gasp winner for United – which could prove crucial come the knockout stages.
    Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Erik ten Hag’s men…
    David de Gea – 5
    Looked a little unsure when he came flying out of his area unnecessarily but thanks to Omonia’s terrible finishing kept a clean sheet.
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    Diogo Dalot – 4
    Almost dropped his team in it with a loose backwards pass almost put Omonia through on goal before Martinez intervened.
    Struggled to offer much going forwards either then threw in a pathetic dive as the Red Devils got desperate.
    Victor Lindelof – 4
    Was burned for pace by Bruno Felipe who burst through just before half-time – but the Swede escaped because of Felipe’s selfishness.
    Didn’t look totally convincing throughout.
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    Lisandro Martinez – 5
    Bumped Andronikos Kakoullis to the ground when the Cypriot side’s skipper tried to pounce – was deemed not a foul but could be considered lucky.
    Tyrell Malacia – 5
    Drifted inside into midfield as an inverted full-back throughout.
    When he did get down the line and deliver a cross, took a whack on the ankle – shook it off but replaced after an hour.
    Casemiro – 6
    Almost scored a belter for the Brazilian’s first Manchester United goal but crashed a pile-driver against the bar then sent a header wide on the stroke of half-time.
    Came away unscathed from a shocking tackle by Moreto Cassama midway through the second half.
    Fred – 5
    Should have headed United in front with a free header six yards out as he pushed on to join the wave after wave of attacks.
    Brought off as Ten Hag wanted a more attack-minded midfielder.
    Francis Uzoho refused to be beaten with a string of top saves until injury timeCredit: AFP
    Erik ten Hag made the changes to try and find the breakthroughCredit: AFP
    Antony – 4
    Lacked conviction seconds into the second half when he should have scored but the shot was too tame.
    Then fluffed his cross on his significantly-weaker right foot, which was greeted with a chorus of groans and boos from the stands.
    Didn’t last much longer before being subbed off – it was not Antony’s night.
    Bruno Fernandes – 6
    Was pretty busy and involved in most good things for United, whipping in a few teasing deliveries that just needed a final touch.
    But as with the rest of his team-mates, struggled to find any way past an inspired Uzoho.
    Just about United’s ‘best’ player on the night… but that’s not saying too much.
    Casemiro crashed a belting strike against the crossbarCredit: AP
    Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to inspire his team to victoryCredit: AFP
    Marcus Rashford – 6
    Will be wondering how he didn’t break the deadlock as he was denied by Francis Uzoho on three occasions in the first half – and the trend continued in the second.
    Rashford looked sharp on the left flank but really lacked the clinical finishing he and his side were desperately craving.
    Up there with Fernandes as the top performer.
    Cristiano Ronaldo – 5
    Joined the rest of his attackers as a frustrated figure with things not going his way.
    Didn’t really have any clear-cut chances to get on the scoresheet.
    SUBS
    Luke Shaw (for Malacia, 60 mins) – 5
    Didn’t offer loads at left-back.
    Jadon Sancho (for Antony, 60 mins) – 6
    Tried to dance inside and out on the right but it was from the right he got the assist.
    Christian Eriksen (for Fred, 70 mins) – 6
    Was tasked with trying to unpick the defence for the last 20 minutes and was involved in the goal.
    Scott McTominay (for Casemiro, 81 mins) – 7
    Tried his luck with a sighter just after coming on then showed great control and kept his cool with a low finish to break Omonia hearts.
    Scott McTominay finally found the net in injury timeCredit: AFP More

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    Watch Chelsea defender Malang Sarr score disastrous own goal for Monaco as keeper boots ball off him at close range

    CHELSEA loanee Malang Sarr scored a disastrous own goal for Monaco in the Europa League on Thursday night.The Ligue 1 side went on to get walloped 4-0 at Trabazonspor.

    Sarr scored an unfortunate own goal for Monaco as they were on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline at TrabazonsporCredit: Getty
    The ball hit Sarr and flew into the net
    And the first was gift-wrapped as keeper Alexander Nubel smashed the ball off Sarr’s body from close range.
    The 23-year-old – who is on a temporary deal from Stamford Bridge – has torn whether to try and control it or get out of the way.
    He stuck out a leg and it agonisingly deflected into the empty goal.
    Sarr’s hands were already on his knees by the time the ball hit the back of the net.
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    Blues fans were scathing on social media as they responded to the gaff.
    One user wrote: “He will never step foot back at Stamford Bridge , don’t worry lads”.
    Another added: “I don’t ever want to see him back at Chelsea”.
    Although, one admitted there was very little that the loanee could do about the goal.
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    He wrote: “Oh that’s bad. Absolutely nothing Sarr can do about it though”.
    Sarr is on a season-long transfer with a view to a £10million permanent deal at the end of the season.
    The Frenchman turned down a move to the Blues’ neighbours Fulham in order to return to Ligue 1. More

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    Seven players Arsenal could look to sign in January transfer window to bolster squad depth as Bodo/Glimt expose cracks

    ARSENAL’S squad depth needs improving if they want to go all the way in the Europa League and maintain their domestic challenge. What looked to be a comfortable, routine win away at Bodo/Glimt proved anything but as cracks began to appear in the second half. 
    Reiss Nelson proved he is a long way behind Gabriel Martinelli at left wingCredit: Reuters
    Thomas Partey, Martinelli and William Saliba were among the first-team stars to feature in NorwayCredit: Getty
    And it forced Mikel Arteta to turn to two of his standout stars of the season – Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli – to solidify his under-pressure team defensively and reinvigorate the stuttering attack. 
    Yes, Arsenal limped over the line to make it 11 wins from 12 this season.
    But tonight has only reinforced Arteta’s strongest Arsenal XI are not being challenged just yet. 
    Fabio Vieira was unable to replicate his fine performance from a week ago as Albert Sambi Lokonga looked the best of the bunch to come into the side aside from No2 goalkeeper Matt Turner. 
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    Reiss Nelson was on the plastic pitch for 59 minutes – apparently – and there are reports that Eddie Nketiah is said to have got the full 90. 
    And at the back, Rob Holding was the weak link and had Matt Turner and Amahl Pellegrino’s woeful finishing to thank for not handing the Norwegians an equaliser. 
    There is no doubt Arteta is building something special at the Emirates and the plan is not to peak this season. 
    The board and the fans are learning to be patient and “trust the process” – so far, so good.
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    But with the Gunners proving to be Manchester City’s genuine title rivals – let alone a top-four finish – and the Europa League a genuine ambition, tonight was a stark reminder the squad isn’t deep enough for both. 
    Holding looked a liability in the Arctic Circle, Nelson offered nothing on his first Arsenal start in 642 days, another centre-mid is desirable and Nketiah is a major drop-off from Gabriel Jesus. 
    So what could Arteta do to bolster the squad in January?
    On tonight’s evidence, a new centre-back and a new winger is a must. 

    The Gunners have already been linked with exciting Ukraine winger Mykhaylo Mudryk and Inter Milan’s experienced centre-back Milan Skriniar is out of contract in eight months – both would be excellent additions to this squad. 
    In the middle, Vieira is certainly an excellent addition and will take time to flourish – and time he will get – while Lokonga does a job.
    But the Gunners’ last-ditch effort to sign Douglas Luiz on deadline day proved there is still room for another addition.
    Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli has been heavily linked and could be a suitable candidate – although Youri Tielemans’ future remains up in the air – and Dusan Vlahovic would undoubtedly be a better understudy to Nketiah, who will be frustrated at his lack of impact in Norway. 
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    Vlahovic only joined Juve earlier this year at Arsenal’s expense but with the Old Lady struggling, he could be tempted to move on and test himself in England.
    Another option, and a cheaper one, could be Iran’s Mehdi Taremi from Porto. 
    Mykhaylo Mudryk is proving to be one of the rising talents in EuropeCredit: AFP
    Dusan Vlahovic and Manuel Locatelli could swap Juventus for the EmiratesCredit: Getty
    Milan Skriniar would add leadership and steel to Arsenal’s back line as an extra defenderCredit: Getty More

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    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Bukayo Saka on the scoresheet as Gunners pick up crucial Europa League points

    ARSENAL overcame a tough Europa League test to beat Bodo/Glimt 1-0 over in Norway.Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game as the Gunners withstood plenty of pressure from the hosts.
    Mikel Arteta brought over a strong starting XI, with captain Martin Odegaard featuring in his homeland.

    Result: Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    Bodo XI: Haikin, Sampsted, Hoibraten, Lode, Wembangomo, Vetlesen, Berg, Saltnes, Solbakken, Espejord, Pellegrino
    Arsenal XI: Turner, White, Holding, Saliba, Tierney, Lokonga, Odegaard, Saka, Vieira, Nelson, Nketiah

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    Arsenal’s next five:
    How many points can the Gunners get from these?

    Leeds (A)
    PSV (H)
    Southampton (A)
    PSV (A)
    Nottingham Forest (H)

    Turning heads
    Arsenal’s Matt Turner records his second clean sheet in back-to-back matches this evening.
    He was called into action on a number of occasions over the 90 minutes and looked solid in between the sticks.
    .Credit: AFP
    Gunners on top of the world

    Top of the Premier League
    Top of Europa League group

    Who can stop Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal?
    .Credit: Getty
    Group A standings
    PSV host Zurich in about 20 minutes time.

    Arsenal (9pts)
    Bodo/Glimt (4pts)
    PSV (4pts)
    Zurich (0pts)

    FULL TIME – Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    Arsenal have ended Glimt’s 14 game winning streak at home in Europe and continue their hot form this season.
    It was by no means a walk in the park, but Saka’s first half goal is enough to get the visitors over the line and near enough wrap up Group A.
    Glimt had the chances to score, but simply weren’t clinical enough when it mattered.
    Arsenal fans will call this an ugly win, but a win nonetheless.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    90+3, A foul is given against Haikin and that should be that.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    90+3, Glimt win a corner and goalkeeper Haikin has made the trip up to the opposition box.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    90, the board is up for three added minutes.
    Turner is booked for time wasting.
    .Credit: Reuters
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    90, Haikin rushed out to the ball but missed it completely. Nketiah was nearly gifted an open net but Lode was there to save his keeper’s blushes.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    88, Partey is shown a yellow for breaking up a Glimt attack.
    Pellegrino, who should have scored tonight, is is off for Mvulka.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    87, Marquinhos and Wembangomo are left in a heap on the floor after a clash mid-air.
    It’s not a soft landing on this plastic surface, but both look players are fine to continue.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    86, Tomiyasu does well to read the danger on the edge of the area and Martinelli brings his side forward.
    Marquinhos cuts inside but overhits his pass to Xhaka, sending it out for a throw-in.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    84, Partey is on to replace Lokonga.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    83, Pellegrino teases a ball in behind with the outside of his boot which forces Saliba into a skewed clearance behind for a corner.
    Arsenal manage to get it clear at the second time of asking.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    82, Glimt fans are adamant of a handball in the area against Lokonga. VAR don’t seem to be interested.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    81, Sampstead curls in a dangerous first time ball towards the back post but Tomiyasu nicks the ball clear.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    80, Martinelli plays in Nketiah who breezes past his man but Sampstead recovers well, winning the ball back off the Arsenal man and winning the goal kick.
    Nketiah has been feeding off scraps this evening.
    .Credit: Getty
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    78, Sabila calmly brings the ball out of danger under pressure, before eventually being dragged to the floor.
    He’s looked classy as ever at the back today.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    76, Espejord, who’s had good chances this evening, is replaced by Salvesen
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    74, Solbakken sends a ball in behind Arsenal’s defence, but it’s just ahead of the stretching Vetlesen who can’t control the ball in the area.
    Glimt really should be on the scoresheet.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    71, Xhaka, who is also on for Saka, clips a good ball into Nketiah but the forward can’t bring it under his spell.
    It’s a game that’s screaming out for Jesus, but he’s stuck back in London.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    69, Vieira wins a foul to relieve the pressure.
    Odegaard and White are withdrawn. The Norwegian has been unable to quite work his magic this evening.
    Marquinhos and Tomiyasu are on.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    66, Vetlesen picks up a booking for late challenge.
    Arsenal take the free-kick short and Odegaard’s eventual ball in is far too close to Haikin in goal.
    .Credit: Reuters
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    63, Odegaard attempts to slide a pass into Nketiah but it’s cut out at the last moment.
    Glimt then break with pace. Vetlesen looks to play in Solbakken but it has too much pace on it and Turner can claim.
    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
    61, Berg attempts the spectacular, hoping to lob the keeper from near the half-way line after a skewed clearance from Turner.
    He gets the distance, but not quite the accuracy.
    Glimts are with all the ball at the moment.
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    Arsenal ratings: Turner forced to make sharp stop after Saka flying start as Holding and Nelson struggle at Bodo/Glimt

    ARSENAL made it 11 wins from 12 this season – but did not have things all their own way at Bodo/Glimt.Bukayo Saka got an unconventional opener midway through the first half.
    Bukayo Saka got Arsenal’s opening goal away at Bodo/GlimtCredit: Getty
    His fortuitous finish proved the only goal of the game as Arsenal maintained their perfect start in Group A of the Europa League.
    But they were forced to rely on American goalkeeper Matt Turner to keep the clean sheet and hold on for the win.
    Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…
    Matt Turner – 7
    Sweeper keeper showed good reactions and composure to get out quickly and clear his lines a few times.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Didn’t have to make a save until the 53rd minute… but got down well for the smart stop as Arsenal’s cracks appeared.
    Was full of confidence and dealt with everything thrown at his goal – including the opposition goalkeeper in injury time.
    Ben White – 5
    Was caught out in behind early on but bailed out by Rob Holding’s awareness.
    Turned on the showboating just after the first goal with a cheeky nutmeg in his own defensive third and had the licence to push on and join the attacks.
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    Rob Holding – 3
    Completely misjudged a long ball and got it all wrong but breathed a huge sigh of relief when Amahl Pellegrino completely fluffed his finish.
    Then played Pellegrino onside as the forward burst through on goal again – thankfully for Holding he forgot his shooting boots.
    Holding will be disappointed as Gabriel will return against Leeds on Sunday.
    William Saliba – 6
    Solid, composed. A routine night for one of the top-performing centre-backs in Europe.
    Kieran Tierney – 5
    Far from a guaranteed starter these days – through injury and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival – but got the nod in Norway.
    Learning that inverted full-back role by drifting into midfield, and this game was the perfect chance to get some minutes in the tank.
    Pretty unspectacular in both directions, with relatively little notable involvement.
    Matt Turner was in top form to deal with everything Bodo/Glimt threw at himCredit: EPA
    Rob Holding endured a tough evening in NorwayCredit: Getty
    Martin Odegaard – 6
    Playing back in Norway for the first time in club football since he was 15 – when he famously joined Real Madrid.
    Enjoyed plenty of the ball and could afford to try some of his more expansive stuff. Replaced early in second half.
    Albert Sambi Lokonga – 7
    Filling in for Thomas Partey in midfield but unable to replicate the Ghanaian’s strike against Tottenham with his miscued effort.
    But played the perfect one-two with Saka to set up the opener – a worthy assist to top off a fine performance.
    Fabio Vieira – 5
    Slotted into midfield alongside Lokonga but was largely anonymous after his shining display a week ago.
    Unlikely to break into the Premier League starting XI just yet with Odegaard and Granit Xhaka excelling – but proving a valuable squad player and is here to stay.

    Bukayo Saka – 7
    Looked lively from the first minute and almost set up Nketiah to open the scoring with the goalkeeper in no-man’s land.
    Got his goal in comical fashion as the intial shot rebounded into his face and hilariously into the back of the net.
    Booked for a petulant foul but again Arsenal’s best player and should start in Qatar.
    Eddie Nketiah – 4
    Was aiming to become first Englishman to score in five consecutive Europa League games but snatched at a snapshot which dragged wide.
    Will be another one frustrated with himself and knows he will be back on the bench at the weekend.
    Reiss Nelson – 3
    A rare chance for the academy graduate, starting his first Gunners match in 642 days – dating back to an FA Cup clash with Newcastle in January 2021.
    But failed to take the chance, struggling to get involved and not threatening the Bodo/Glimt back line.
    Saka got his goal when the ball bounced off his face and inCredit: Getty
    Reiss Nelson was unable to grab his opportunity in the starting XICredit: Reuters
    SUBS
    Granit Xhaka (for Saka, 59 mins) – 6
    Gabriel Martinelli (for Nelson, 59 mins) – 6
    Marquinhos (for Odegaard, 70 mins) – 5
    Takehiro Tomiyasu (for White, 70 mins) – 6
    Thomas Partey (for Lokonga, 83 mins) – 5 More

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    Bodo/Glimt 0 Arsenal 1: Bukayo Saka scores winner and all-but secures Gunners’ spot in Europa League knockout stages

    BUKAYO SAKA kept the Arsenal juggernaut rolling as Mikel Arteta’s ruthless team of winners sent out another powerful message of intent.And it really is a case of All or Nothing for a team who have not drawn a single game since January and absolutely refuse to settle for anything less than three points these days.
    Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka celebrates after his strike against Bodo/GlimtCredit: AP
    The star’s 25th-minute goal was enough to seal the pointsCredit: Rex
    Mikel Arteta’s side continued their 100 per cent record in the Europa LeagueCredit: Reuters
    Arsenal top the group after three games and already have one foot in the knockoutsCredit: Reuters
    Saka’s 24th minute strike was enough to leave the Gunners in total control of their Europa League destiny with three group games still to play.
    And even Bodo’s immaculate record at their Arctic Circle home proved no obstacle for the unstoppable Arsenal bandwagon.
    The Norwegian champions had won their previous 14 European games at the Aspmyra Stadium, a record not bettered since 2017 when Barcelona won 15 in a row at the Nou Camp.
    Yet Arteta refused to play it safe on the infamous artificial pitch and reaped the rewards for boldly going with an unexpectedly strong side which included first team regulars Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, Ben White and Kieran Tierney as well as Saka.
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    The last time Odegaard played here in Bodo, he was a 15-year-old Stromsgodset prodigy on the brink of signing for Real Madrid.
    Eight years later he is now the Norway captain and second only to Erling Haaland in his nation’s affections.
    In fact he is so popular here in his home land that Bodo had to ask their fans to leave their red and white scarves at home for the night.
    And he didn’t disappoint his army of admirers as he turned on the style to lead Arsenal safely through this potential minefield.
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    Arteta had warned his players that this could be the toughest of all their group games and with a pre-match downpour making the pitch even slicker there was plenty of  cause for concern.
    But it soon emerged that they didn’t need to worry when Saka opened the scoring midway through the first-half to shift the visitors into cruise control.
    A swift exchange of passes with Albert Sambi Lokonga opened up the Bodfo defence and though Marius Hoibraten dived in to make a block he was powerless to prevent the ball from rebounding off Saka’s chest past wrong-footed keeper Nikita Haikin.
    At least Saka had the good grace to look slightly embarrassed by his slice of fortune, even if he had absolutely nothing to apologise for. 
    Yet it wasn’t all plain sailing for the visitors, who had to see off a spirited second-half fightback from determined opponents who were not going to give up easily on their European ambitions.
    Keeper Matt Turner had to be alert to keep out a low 56th minute shot from Amahl Pellegrino following Lokonga’s careless loss of possession.
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    So when Ola Solbakken and Runar Espejord both squandered decent opportunities to level, Arteta was taking no chances and sent on Granit Xhaka. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey and Gabriel Martinelli to add some extra backbone.
    Yet Arsenal continued to invite pressure by giving the ball away cheaply and know they cannot afford to switch off like this in the coming months if they are going to go all the way in this competition. More