Europa League

EDDIE NKETIAH came in from the cold to see off the team from the Arctic Circle.The frustrated Arsenal striker has spent most of his Emirates career warming the subs’ bench, but never misses an opportunity to remind Mikel Arteta of his finishing ability.
Eddie Nketiah celebrates after breaking the deadlock against Bodo/GlimtCredit: Reuters
Rob Holding then added a second shortly after as the Gunners went into cruise controlCredit: Getty
Fabio Vieira made it three after excellent work from Gabriel JesusCredit: Getty
And he was at it again tonight to set his team on their way to a comfortable Europa League victory against the Norwegian Champions.
Nketiah’s 23rd minute strike means he has now scored 12 goals in his last 15 starts for the Gunners.
Yet it’s a fair bet that he will still be back among the substitutes when Liverpool come visiting in the League on Sunday.
At least he is giving Arteta plenty of food for thought after his lightning reactions opened the floodgates on Arsenal’s ninth win in ten games this season.
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It looked for all the world as though the hard-pressed visitors were going to escape unpunished when Kieran Tierney’s thunderbolt came back off the far post.
But in the blink of an eye Fast Eddie had pounced on the loose ball to convert from close range.
Three minutes later the points were as good as in the bag when Rob Holding buried an unstoppable header from Fabio Vieira’s cross.
And Vieira put the game beyond doubt with his first goal since his £34million move from Porto, cashing in on Gabriel Jesus’ mazy run round the back to net in the dying minutes.
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It means Arsenal are now in total control of their Europa League group despite having played a game less than both Bodo and Zurich.
And victory in the return game in Norway next week will leave them as good as qualified for the knock-out stages with three matches still to play.
The last time the Emirates hosted a full house for a European match, Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis infected the Arsenal executives with Covid and football was plunged into quarantine.
So it was only natural that both sets of supporters were so keen to sample the atmosphere of Thursday night football.
Not that the visitors were expecting quite so much interest that their team bus got stuck in pre-match traffic and their players were forced to make their way to the stadium by foot.
The entire population of Bodo could fit comfortably inside the Emirates and it seemed like most of them were in North London on Thursday.
And not only were the travelling Norwegians the loudest visitors for quite some time, they were also the jolliest.
They never stopped singing even when their team was being penned back by the sheer intensity of Arsenal’s attacks.
And after last season’s incredible 6-1 win against Jose Mourinho’s Roma in the Conference League, they clearly believed that absolutely anything was possible.
Coach Kjetil Knutsen had promised that they wouldn’t make the same mistake as Zurich and Spurs had by simply trying to defend against Arteta’s rampant young side.
But they had little choice but to pull everyone back into their own half in a  desperate attempt to stem the flow of shots raining down on their goal. 
Vieira clipped the bar with a shot on the turn, Granit Xhaka’s thunderous free-kick brought a fingertip save from keeper Nikita Kaikin and Marquinhos headed a decent chance wide.
Yet it still wasn’t enough for Arteta, who sent on Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Ben White to ensure the intensity didn’t drop in the final half an hour.
It almost felt like an act of cruelty from the demanding Arsenal boss.
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But he is leaving absolutely nothing to chance this season and no-one can argue with the results.
Not even Nketiah as he prepares to return to his familiar position in the dug-out.
Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu battles Bodo/Glimt’s Amahl Pellegrino for the ballCredit: PA
Mikel Arteta barks out the orders to his Arsenal playersCredit: Getty More

FABIO VIEIRA and Eddie Nketiah stole the show as Arsenal brushed aside Bodo/Glimt 3-0 at the Emirates.Arsenal looked comfortable against an opponent previously unbeaten in Europe this season but it was their front three that gave them a cutting edge.
Eddie Nketiah has scored in both of Arsenal’s Europa League games this seasonCredit: Reuters
Rob Holding scored an impressive header to put the Gunners in a commanding positionCredit: Getty
Fabio Vieira was very impressive and his performance was rewarded with a late goalCredit: Getty
Gabriel Martinelli was not at his best but played a key role in the opening goal and that set the Gunners on their way to victory.
Nketiah bundled in Arsenal’s first after Kieran Tierney hit the post before Vieira crossed for Rob Holding to double the advantage.
Vieira could have scored moments before and was a constant threat along with Nketiah, with the pair both looking sharp despite mainly being confined to the bench this season.
It was not all rosy for Mikel Arteta however as Bodo/Glimt caused his side problems in the second half, while Marquinhos and Albert Sambi Lokonga were underwhelming.
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Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners’ performance as Arsenal claimed their eighth home win on the bounce…
Matt Turner – 6
Produced two very good saves in the second half to record his first clean sheet for the club.
The American was comfortable with the ball at his feet too which will please Arteta.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7
Looked sharp and energetic which is no small feat given this was just his second start of the season.
He got forward well and did not let anything come down his side, even when he switched to the left flank.
Rob Holding – 7
Scored a brilliant header to put his side in a commanding poistion in the 26th minute and was solid defensively.
Like Gabriel he coped well with the counter-attack after being left exposed on more than one occasion.
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Gabriel – 7
There is a reason why he was just one of three players to keep his place from the North London derby.
Ever reliable and clearly trusted by Arteta, he was often the man to step in a stop a Bodo/Glimt counter-attack once they got past the midfield.
Kieran Tierney – 8
The Scot got forward at every opportunity and almost put the Gunners in front with a rasping effort that came back off the post, with Nketiah gobbling up the rebound.
Was taken off in the second half but only because Arteta wants to keep him fresh for Liverpool on Sunday, as he did not put a foot wrong.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 5
Calm and composed on the ball and coped with Bodo/Glimt’s high press.
But the Gunners’ midfield was overrun at times with the visitors enjoying way too much space between the Arsenal backline and midfield.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Solid first half and supported the attack well as he has done consistently this season, but he lacked concentration at the start of the second period.
Was taken off shortly afterwards with Arteta keen to keep him as fresh as possible for Sunday.
Fabio Vieira – 9
Clipped the bar on the half volley early on but should have scored since he was only eight yards out.
Looked lively and produced a wonderful cross for Holding to score moments after he had a shot saved.
He could have had a hat-trick on another night but finally got his reward when he smashed in an open goal late on.
Marquinhos – 4
Not the greatest of games for the Brazilian. His touch was heavy and he was caught offside too many times – he also looked indecisive in the final third.
Was taken off before the hour mark which sums up his ineffectiveness.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
His brilliant run drew in defenders and had the vision and skill to pick out an umarked Tierney in the build up to the first goal.
But he was in and out of the game and did not get into enough scoring opportunities.
Eddie Nketiah – 7
A rare start for the striker and he made the most of it. He was a constant danger with his runs in behind and showed his poaching instinct when he tapped in a rebound after Tierney struck the post.
He has now scored 12 goals in his last 15 starts for Arsenal but could have easily made that 13 late on.
Nevertheless, he is still proving he could be more than just an able deputy to Gabriel Jesus.
Subs
Gabriel Jesus (for Martinell, 58mins) – 7
He was the sharpest of the substitutes and some lovely footwork inside the box and vision to match picked out Vieira for his goal.
Martin Odegaard (for Xhaka, 58mins) – 7
His introduction came at an important time as both Xhaka and Arsenal were beginning to lose their intensity.
He allowed the Gunners to put their foot on the ball and dictated play effortlessly.
Bukayo Saka (for Marquinhos, 58mins) – 5
Not given too many opportunities to run at the Bodo backline and looked much more effective with Ben White behind him.
Ben White (for Tierney, 70mins) – 6
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Looks an accomplished right-back these days and contributed in defence and attack as he has done all season.
Reiss Nelson (for Nketiah, 82 mins) – 5
Had one goalscoring opportunity but his rustiness showed as his shot was deflected over despite having time and space. More

CRISTIANO RONALDO missed an OPEN GOAL against Omonia Nicosia as he fired another blank in his search for his 700th club strike.The 37-year-old has been resigned to Europa League football this season after losing his place in Erik ten Hag’s first XI.
Cristiano Ronaldo failed in his bid for a 700th club goalCredit: EPA
Ronaldo managed to miss from this positionCredit: BT SPORT

And the Portuguese legend, who has been stuck one goal short of the milestone since last month, was included in the starting line up for the trip to the Cypriot minnows.
And his night was summed up when the ball was put on a plate in front of him by Diogo Dalot.
With the goalkeeper stranded, all Ronaldo had to do was hit the target from six yards out.
But, incredibly, the misfiring forward saw his effort cannon off the post.
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The veteran forward threw his hands up in the air out of frustration after failing to find the back of the net when it was easier to score than miss.
To make things worse for Ronaldo, he saw team-mates Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial come off the bench to score within minutes of their introduction.
Rashford came on at half-time and had the ball in the back of the net eight minutes later, while Martial netted just two minutes after his introduction.
Rashford then netted again in a 3-2 victory for United, his second effort set up by Ronaldo.
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Although it did look like his tap-in at the back post from Ronaldo’s ball was in fact an effort at goal by the Portuguese ace.
The Red Devils appeared intent on getting Ronaldo his 100th goal as the full-time approached in Cyprus.
He saw a curling effort drift just wide of the post, before Rashford tried to tee him up for another open goal but got his pass all wrong.
And the veteran striker looked visibly frustrated as chance after chance came and went for him.
Ronaldo has scored just ONE goal so far this season – a penalty in the 2-0 win over Sheriff last month.
Ronaldo has struggled in front of goal this seasonCredit: Getty More

FK BODO/GLIMT’S squad were forced to WALK to the Emirates after their bus broke down en route to the ground.The Norwegian side were in North London to face the Gunners in the Europa League group stage.
Bodo/Glimt’s squad were forced to walk to the Emirates tonightCredit: Twitter
The Norwegian side’s team bus got stuck on a narrow bend in North LondonCredit: Twitter
They were already right up against it with Mikel Arteta’s side unbeaten at home so far this term.
However, the minnows’ task was made even more difficult after they were made to put in the hard yards before the game.
The amusing drama unfolded when FK Bodo/Glimt’s team bus got stuck on a narrow bend close to the ground.
With the prospect of potentially arriving even more later, the team and staff decided to walk the rest of the way to the stadium.
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The K Bodo/Glimt players were recorded walking towards the Emirates as stunned onlookers watched on.
The club’s official Twitter account then hilariously posted a video of the players walking past Arsenal supporters on their way to the game.
It is the first European clash at the home of Arsenal since they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Villarreal in the semi-final of the same competition back in 2020/21.
And Arteta is taking no chances in the group stages this time against the Norwegian champions.
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The Premier League leaders have kept Gabriel Magalhaes, Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli in the line-up.
All three played key roles in Saturday’s 3-1 victory in the North London against Tottenham. More

CRISTIANO RONALDO seems to be getting the respect he deserves from Erik Ten Hag. Deprived of an opportunity to pit his wits against free-scoring Erling Haaland out of respect for his great career, the United boss unleashed a “p****d off” Ronaldo on Cypriot side Omonia. 
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial came off the bench to rescue the Red DevilsCredit: Reuters
Karim Ansarifard shocked United by giving Omonia Nicosia the leadCredit: AFP
Erik ten Hag’s substitutes managed to save the gameCredit: AP
Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting for his 700th club goal after being denied several timesCredit: Reuters
But after firing blanks, the Portuguese sensation needed to be bailed out by those warming his spot on the bench. 
Super subs Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial put respectability back into United’s European campaign with second-half strikes to overturn what would have been one of the most embarrassing defeats in their history following a shock opener from Neil Lennon’s minnows.  
Ronaldo teed up Rashford for his second but a shocking miss from six yards left the 37-year-old on 699 goals and counting. 
With crocked pair Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane staying home with knocks, Ten Hag showed Lennon’s Omonia respect by selecting a strong line up including Casemiro, Anthony and Ronaldo. 
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And after being appointed back in March the Northern Irishman has already instilled a bit of Celtic grit onto his new side, who are also famous for parading in green and white. 
After leading them to their first Cypriot Cup since 2012 last season, the former Hoops boss has rebuilt his reputation by dragging the club out of the shadow of their biggest rivals Apoel. 
And that buoyancy was felt by the electric atmosphere awaiting the Red Devils in the Cypriot capital. 
The GSP stadium on the outskirts of Nicosia could have sold out five times over as the club have been deprived of a must-see European opponent since facing the blue side of Manchester in 2008 in the Uefa Cup. 
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Lennon explained some of his players would struggle to not be starstruck against United after claiming most were fans. 
But there were no signs of starry eyes as Omonia stood up to everything United threw at them in the opening stages. 
United should have found themselves ahead after seven minutes after Anthony played in Ronaldo only for keeper Fabiano to block his low effort. 
The Portuguese sensation was then denied again by the Brazilian following a clever turn inside the box. 
But United’s terrible decision making was highlighted when Anthony‘s cut back left Bruno Fernandes with a gaping goal but the midfielder was a yard ahead of the pass. 
The United skipper then looped an effort onto the bar for United’s best effort of the half before the home fans laughed at Ronaldo for blazing a free kick well over the bar. 
Fabiano was back to his usual tricks after an outstretched finger pushed Anthony’s curling strike from distance round the post. 
Omonia were on the ropes and a United goal felt imminent before the hosts showed them how to finish with their first real chance on 34 minutes. 
Tyrell Malacia was caught napping on the ball after a cleared Christian Eriksen free kick. 
Brazilian winger Bruno pushed the Dutch fullback aside in a fair challenge on the half way line before darting downfield on the counter before playing in a clever ball to Iranian forward  Karim Ansarifard. 
Ronaldo was left still waiting for his landmark goalCredit: AFP
The ex-Nottingham Forest man steadied himself with a touch before clipping the ball over David De Gea to send their passionate flag-bearing fans into a frenzy. 
United were then lucky to not concede a penalty as Lisandro Martinez floored Brandon Barker by pulling his shirt before the ball struck his hand during a stressful goalmouth scramble. 
Ten Hag hooked Sancho and Malacia at the break for Rashford and Luke Shaw. 
And it did not take long for United to bear the fruits of the changes as Rashford 
bulged the onion bag on 53 minutes after finding the bottom corner from 20 yards. 
The Dutchman sent on Martial and his change paid off immediately as the Frenchman drilled into the bottom corner with his first touch just after the hour mark. 
Out of nowhere again, the Cypriot hosts nearly levelled as Bruno spotted De Gea off his line but his tame chip failed to test the Spaniard.  
But the miss of the game will be handed to Ronaldo after he found the post from six yards out after being given the whole goal to aim at following a cut back from Diogo Dalot. 
He made amends with a clever cross-shot to allow Rashford to tap home for his second – but United were made to work for all three points after sub Nikoloas Panagiotou found the net five minutes before time to tee up a nervy finish.
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GIANLUCA SCAMACCA came off the bench to fire West Ham to a fifth straight Euro win.The Italian netted his first Premier League goal on Sunday in a 2-0 win over Wolves, but it is in Europe where the Hammers’ summer buy has been in red-hot form.
Gianluca Scamacca came off the bench to earn West Ham all three pointsCredit: Reuters
Scamacca found the bottom corner after a neat turn and finishCredit: Reuters
Before the trip to Brussels, Scamacca had three strikes in four Europa Conference League outings – and added another against Anderlecht with a clinical 79th minute effort.
The goal came just 10 minutes after being brought on by boss David Moyes to be the difference-maker in a performance that lacked the golden touch for the majority.
Scamacca is now proving to have just that, and must surely have taken over from Michail Antonio as Moyes’ first-choice striker.
After victories in both legs of their play-off back in August, West Ham top Group B with three wins – and now sit five points ahead of the Belgian outfit.
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Skipper Declan Rice missed the play-off due to a two-game Uefa ban, but said in the build-up to this one that he wanted to play as many games as he could this season after calculating that he racked up 68 last year.
However, boss Moyes decided to give the midfielder a rest by sticking him on the bench in a side that had just two survivors from Wolves.
Jarrod Bowen and Craig Dawson remained, with Flynn Downes making only his second start for the club while Antonio led the line.
Also on the bench was 16-year-old Oliver Scarles, savouring a European night for the first time with Maxwel Cornet left at home having picked up a calf injury.
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In all four of their Euro clashes before last night, West Ham had bagged three goals – a stark contrast to their Prem struggles.
Yet in Brussels, they looked to have left their shooting boots in east London after wasting a whole host of first half opportunities to open the scoring.
Said Benrahma was guilty of spurning several brilliant chances created by Bowen and Vladimir Coufal down the right, including blazing one over the bar with the goal gaping.
West Ham claimed a second Prem victory last weekend, although Anderlecht’s domestic start is hardly an upgrade, currently sitting in 10th and 14 points off top spot.
But the visitors’ lack of cutting edge in front of goal gave the Belgians hope, with Wolves loanee Fabio Silva going close from six yards.
West Ham ended the half with nine attempts on goal. Anderlecht’s keeper Hendrik Van Crombrugge was tested for just one of them.
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The host’s shot-stopper was far busier after the break, getting down well to deny Benrahma before Moyes brought off the Algerian alongside Antonio and Manuel Lanzini for Rice, Scamacca and big-money buy Lucas Paqueta.
Paqueta and Scamacca linked up soon after, the Brazilian dinking a ball over the defence for his teammate to control and drive into the far bottom corner.
David Moyes’ substitutions in Belgium proved to be a masterstrokeCredit: Reuters More