Europa League

ROMA’S Europa League clash against Young Boys descended into chaos after Henrikh Mkhitaryan was PUNCHED by Mohamed Ali Camara.
The Guinea defender was immediately shown a straight red card by the referee as players from both sides rushed in to try and defuse the situation.

Mohamed Ali Camara was sent off for punching Roma’s Henrikh MkhitaryanCredit: Reuters

Former Arsenal and Manchester United midfielder Mkhitaryan dropped to the ground after Camara inexplicably punched him in the closing stages of the match.
After Edin Dzeko put the hosts 3-1 up in the 81st minute, the Armenia international was looking to win the ball back from Camara down the right side.
In doing so he was penalised for a free-kick after holding back his opponent, which bizarrely infuriated Camara enough to strike out.
The 23-year-old lashed out by punching Mkhitaryan’s upper chest, much to the frustration and anger of his team-mates who went down to ten men.

Lorenzo Pellegrini then rushed in to the defence of his Roma team-mate, which only added to the red mist of Camara.
Roma’s Amadou Diawara – a compatriot of Camara – then dragged him away with a number of the Young Boys squad to stop him from going at Mkhitaryan again.
The incident capped a disappointing night for the visitors who had taken the lead in the 34th minute through Jean-Pierre Nsame.
But the Serie A side equalised just before the break after Borja Mayoral scored his fourth of the season.

Camara was given his marching orders with Young Boys losing 3-1 in RomeCredit: AFP or licensors

Teenage left-back Riccardo Calafiori – making just his second appearance of the campaign – then put Roma ahead 14 minutes into the second half, before Dzeko secured victory late on.
The result secured top spot in Group A for the Italian outfit, with Young Boys missing the opportunity to qualify for the Round of 32 stage.
However they can still advance beyond the group stage should they get at least a point against at home against CFR Cluj next week.

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MIKEL ARTETA has admitted what many Premier League bosses fear – having 2,000 fans back DOES give a ‘huge’ advantage to the home side.
Arsenal were the first top-flight club to open up to spectators after a nine-month absence and players responded with a storming display which saw them go 3-0 up by half-time.

Mikel Arteta believes having fans in the stadium gives the home side a ‘huge’ advantageCredit: EPA

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is among a group of Premier League bosses who fear it will be unfair because not all sides are able to welcome back their fans due to the Covid-19 tier system.
And the experience of Arteta tonight is unlikely to go down well in some quarters.
He said: “It was very special and delighted to have them back – they made a huge contribution.
“They make a huge difference. We had 2,000 but they were loud and they were very supportive with the team and they were really helpful.

“They were very encouraging to the team. And I think Lac [Alexandre Lacazette] was saying here that it makes a huge difference to feel that support and an energy from them.”
Striker Lacazette echoed his boss and added: “It was amazing. They really help us during the game even in some bad moments.”
Gunners team-mate Ainsley Maitland-Niles said: “We’ve waited a long time, it’s a great feeling to have them back. It’s just great to have that sound back and have our 12th man back.”
Lacazette ended a 67-day goal drought with a brilliant opening strike and was one of several players who impressed in the 4-1 win over Rapid Vienna.

And Arteta warned those who have flopped in recent Premier League games could see tonight’s stars keep their place for the North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.
Arteta said: “The boys wanted it. I could see from the start they wanted it.
“They were hurt from the defeat in the previous game and they showed the attitude and desire that is required to play.
“You’ve seen that in the last few games we use some players on Thursday and they ended right, and they played in a weekend. These can change and these will change.
“You could see tonight that some of them might deserve to start the game on Sunday.”
⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

The Gunners had 2,000 fans in attendance for the Rapid Vienna match and they certainly made themselves heardCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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JOSE MOURINHO accused Tottenham’s stars of not taking the Europa League seriously after their 3-3 draw at LASK.
The North Londoners conceded two goals in the last nine minutes in Austria and their boss was not happy.

Jose Mourinho lashed out at Tottenham stars for not taking the Europa League seriouslyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Spurs conceded two late goals to draw 3-3 at LASKCredit: AP:Associated Press

Gareth Bale, Heung Min-Son and Dele Alli bagged Tottenham’s goals but they made hard work of the draw which guaranteed their qualification to the knockout stage.
After the game, Mourinho said: “The result was better than the performance.
“The second half was better than the first. Some players, individually, very good. Some players, individually, very poor.
“Nothing new really. The fact is the Europa League group phase doesn’t motivate some of the players.”

Spurs lost 1-0 to Royal Antwerp in their second Europa League game this season.
After the match Mourinho posted a sulky shot of himself on Instagram demanding the players arrived at training at 11am the very next morning.
And tonight, the Portuguese boss uploaded another moody snap from the snowy stadium but this time captioned the image: “Training tomorrow but at 12:00.”
But despite the jovial Insta post, Mourinho demanded an improved attitude from his team ahead of Sunday’s North London derby with Arsenal.

He added: “When we go to Antwerp, to Ludogorets, to Linz, the stadium, the weather, the emptiness, the atmosphere, I have a feeling that some of the players feel that they shouldn’t be here.
“It is a question of attitude. I have experienced it before, even at Manchester United. The players know my feelings.
“I share my feelings with them – and I am normally right – when I saw the warm-ups before the game.
“I had a feeling there was a huge difference in intensity, communication and enthusiasm between theirs and ours. It doesn’t surprise me.
“The contradiction is that players like Son and Pierre are players starting every match and examples to the guys that it doesn’t matter where, and it doesn’t matter which competition.
“They are there and they are there for the team all the time. Without them I don’t think we would have a positive result.”

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RANGERS have qualified for the Europa League last 32 for the second season in a row after winning a five-goal thriller at Ibrox.
The 3-2 victory over Standard Liege sees the Light Blues into the knockout stages as they secure European football after Christmas once again.

Scott Arfield grabbed Rangers’ winner at Ibrox with superb goalCredit: AFP or licensors

The Belgian’s twice took the lead at Ibrox only to be pegged back before Scott Arfield grabbed the winner as Steven Gerrard’s men extended their long unbeaten run in all competitions.
The home side got off to the worst possible start with the visitors taking the lead after just six minutes.
A superb ball into the danger area presented Maxime Lestienne with golden opportunity and he made no mistake as he beat Allan McGregor – on his record breaking night – from close range.
The visitors looked very confident in the early exchanges as they moved the ball around well and continued to put pressure on the home defence with Gerrard’s men struggling to put together any real rhythm.

Connor Goldson netted Rangers’ first equaliserCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
Rangers’ first effort at goal didn’t arrive until after 30 minutes but Ryan Kent’s shot from the edge of the box went well wide.
Alfredo Morelos then had the Light Blues’ first shot on target a few minutes later after a lovely flick from Scott Arfield but it was a simple save from Arnaud Bodart.

James Tavernier grabbed his 15th goal of the season from the spot Credit: Willie Vass – The Sun
Liege continued to look dangerous on the break with plenty of pace in their attacking play as the Scottish Premiership leaders went on the hunt for a leveller.
And it arrived with six minutes of the first-half to play.

Borna Barisic – who is always a danger from set-pieces – whipped in a corner to the back post area and Connor Goldson was on hand to head across goal with a superb finish.
However, just 46 seconds later the visitors were back in front.

Cop smashed into the post after scoring Standard’s second
Another stunning attacking cross into the box was missed by Leon Balogun and Duje Cop was on hand at the back post to knock the ball into an empty net.
The Standard man took a sore one as he collided with the post and was substituted at half-time.

McGregor was beaten early in the game on his record-breaking nightCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
Arfield had a half-chance to bring Gerrard and Co level just two minutes later but his half-volley flew high over the bar.
Right on the stroke of half-time Rangers were presented with a huge opportunity to level once again from the penalty spot after Kemar Roofe’s goal-bound effort was handled.
James Tavernier stepped up and fired home from 12-yards to grab his second goal in the group stages and his 15th of the season.
Like the first-half Standard started brightly and threatened with a couple of early crosses into the Rangers box but the Ibrox side stood firm.

Allan McGregor broke Barry Ferguson’s European appearance recordCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
McGregor – who has made countless big saves for Rangers in his time at the club – made another as he denied Abdoul Tapsoba with his legs.
Rangers’ first real chance of the second period arrived after the hour and what a great move it was.
An excellent passage of play involving Kamara and Kent ended up with the latter playing an excellent cut-back to Arfield – who was on hand to expertly guide the ball into the bottom corner with a first time finish.
Tavernier then went close to his second of the game but his free-kick from 20-yards was pushed away by the visiting goalkeeper.
Bodart then pulled off an incredible save from a Barisic free-kick to keep his side in the game at Ibrox.

He then denied Goldson his second of the match with another smart stop.
Roofe had the chance to put the icing on the cake for the hosts with five minutes remaining but that man Bodart was on hand again to pull off another excellent save.
The visitors – who needed to win to keep hopes of reaching the next stage alive – tried to find a way back into the game but were unable to break down the home defence.
Next up for Gerrard and Co is Lech Poznan with top spot in the section up for grabs with both Rangers and Benfica sitting on 11 points.

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ARSENAL thrashed woeful Rapid Vienna 4-1 in Europa League Group B as they welcomed 2,000 fans back to the Emirates.
Alexandre Lacazette captained the side on the night and was outstanding in the No 10 role, with Reiss Nelson equally impressive.

Alexandre Lacazette just pipped Reiss Nelson to the man of the match awardCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Shkodran Mustafi was far from bad but he was booked and missed a big chance in the first-halfCredit: AFP or licensors

Lacazette put the North Londoners ahead after just ten minutes.
Centre-back Pablo Mari doubled their lead just eight minutes later in his first game back after his six-month ankle injury lay off.
And Eddie Nketiah nodded home a third to send Arsenal in at half-time with the game as good as won.
Koya Kitagawa lashed home a consolation on 47 minutes before Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench and tapped one in with 25 minutes left to wrap up the win.

Here’s how SunSport’s William Pugh rated the Gunners’ individual performances.

RUNAR ALEX RUNARSSON – 6/10
Couldn’t do much with Vienna’s first goal.
Looked composed and professional for the rest of the evening despite rarely being tested.

CEDRIC SOARES – 6
Hardly noticeable – but in a good way.

Vienna’s goal came down his side which will have disappointed him but solid again.
SHKODRAN MUSTAFI – 5
Missed a big chance in the first-half and was booked with half an hour to go for dissent.
Was hardly bad but would have been annoyed not to keep a clean sheet.

Shkodran Mustafi was subbed in the second-halfCredit: Reuters
PABLO MARI – 7
First game back after six months out with an ankle injury.
Leaped like a salmon to glance home Nelson’s corner to make it 2-0 on 18 minutes.
Looked like he had never been away for the rest of the night.

Pablo Mari made it 2-0 on his return from a long-term ankle injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
SEAD KOLASINAC – 7
Heroic double block on the line in the build up to Vienna’s goal.
Got up and down the left flank well backing up Pepe in attack.
AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES – 8
Performed comfortably in his preferred central midfield role.
Set up Smith Rowe for the fourth with a pin-point low cross.
MOHAMED ELNENY – 5
No frills performance in the middle of the park.
Barely tested by the visitors as his team had all the ball.
REISS NELSON – 9
Involved in almost everything good Arsenal did going forward.
Excellent lay off for Nketiah to score the third. Also whipped the ball in for Mari’s goal.
Relentless and full of energy. Staked a claim for a Premier League starting spot again.

Reiss Nelson shone going forward for the GunnersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE – 9
The skipper looked razor sharp in a deeper No 10 role.
Lashed home a scorcher to set his side going after just ten minutes.
Struck the base of the post 15 minutes later as he terrorised Vienna’s defence in the early stages.
Forced an outstanding save from Richard Strebinger in the second-half.
Brilliant against weak opposition.

Frenchman Lacazette opened the scoring at the Emirates with a stunnerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
NICOLAS PEPE – 7
Used the knowledge he is still suspended in the Premier League to good effect.
Worried woeful Vienna all night.
Missed what looked like an open goal in the second-half but replays showed it was deflected wide.
Fluffed another big chance moments later which incurred Mikel Arteta’s wrath, but made amends with excellent play in the build up to the fourth.
EDDIE NKETIAH – 8
Nodded the third home after the keeper saved his first effort.
Led the line well and could have had more goals.

Eddie Nketiah headed Arsenal’s thirdCredit: EPA
Subs
EMILE SMITH ROWE – 7 (for Lacazette, 63mins)
Had an immediate impact when he got on the end of Maitland-Niles low cross for a tap in.
DANI CEBALLOS – 6 (for Elneny, 63)
Involved in the build up for Smith Rowe’s goal.
Neat and tidy. Tested the keeper with a dipping free-kick.
WILLIAN – 6 (for Nelson, 63)
Looked busy, forced a good save out the keeper.
CALUM CHAMBERS – 5 (for Mustafi, 70)
First appearance since a cruciate ligament injury picked up last December.
FOLARIN BALOGUN – 5 (for Nketiah, 81)
Not enough time to have an impact.
⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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ARSENAL responded to the return of fans after a nine-month absence with an obvious boost in passion and performance – and that could be a nightmare come the weekend.
The 2,000 Gunners supporters made a surprising amount of noise to give the impression there were more inside the Emirates on a cold night in December in what would usually be a flat dead rubber of a game.

Arsenal were buoyed by the 2,000 supporters inside the Emirates for their Europa League win over Rapid ViennaCredit: Reuters

And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out the effect it had on the players, as Mikel Arteta’s side stepped up two or three levels from the kind of insipid displays they have been giving of late.
Alexandre Lacazette looked like a man possessed, thundering home a brilliant long-range effort to open the scores and crashing another sublime shot against the base of the post.
By half-time Arsenal were in cruise control, three goals to the good and all smiles as they trudged down the tunnel, responding with waves to the applause of the fans.
All well and good. Or is it?

Turn the focus forward to Sunday when Arteta takes a side stuttering in the Premier League to none other than big North London rivals Tottenham.
It’s bad enough that Jose Mourinho’s side are sitting pretty at the top while Arsenal languish down in 14th, looking over their shoulders as Fulham start to find their form.
And that in Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, Spurs possess the kind of attacking power that threatens to run amok against an Arsenal defence that has shipped six goals in three games – and that would have been much worse had Leeds not somehow failed to find the target.
But imagine if Mourinho’s men get the same bounce as Arsenal so clearly did in this match.

If Tanguy Ndombele kicks on from the dazzling form he has been showing in empty grounds – or Kane and Son play up for the fans.
Things are already worrying enough with traditional goal machine Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a shadow of his former self, starved of opportunities by a team lacking any creative edge.
Arteta and his Arsenal stars will be hoping, praying even, there is not even a hint of a bounce.
It hardly looks a level playing field as it is.
Spurs having a 12th man could spell disaster.
⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

Alexandre Lacazette smashed in a stunning opener with ten minutes on the clockCredit: PA:Press Association

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min will be determined to put a show on for their fansCredit: AFP or licensors

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STRUGGLING Arsenal finally found their voice again as Mikel Arteta’s team turned on the style for their returning supporters.
The club must have invited the 2,000 most vocal season ticket holders in their entire fanbase to mark the occasion of the first Premier League ground coming out of lockdown.

Alexandre Lacazette led the way as Arsenal beat Rapid Vienna 4-1Credit: AFP or licensors

There were 2,000 fans inside the Emirates for the first time since MarchCredit: Reuters

Pablo Mari got on the scoresheet after returning from injuryCredit: PA:Press Association

Because the handful of Gooners rattling around the 60,000-seat stadium made more noise than an Emirates full house usually generates.
Every pass was cheered to the rafters as the lucky few went out of their way to make sure they were heard as well as seen.
And their efforts were rewarded with a rare night of stress-free football as Arteta’s men secured first place in their Champions League group with their fifth straight win in the competition.
It was all a far cry from the last time there was an Emirates crowd back in February, when Arsenal went out in extra-time to Olympiakos.

That was also the night that a number of Arsenal executives contracted coronavirus from visiting owner Evangelos Marinakis and 12 days later Arteta’s positive test plunged the whole of football into shutdown.
Now, finally, some sort of normality is returning to the game and Arsenal will be hoping that this comprehensive victory will prove to be a much-needed turning point.
Arteta had described Sunday’s home defeat by Wolves as “a stab to the chest” and with a trip to top-of-the-table Spurs on the horizon it was no surprise that he changed his entire starting 11 last night.
And he could not have asked for a more positive response from his shadow players.

Eddie Nketiah continued his impressive form with a goalCredit: Reuters

There was also a goal for young midfielder Emile Smith RoweCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Fans were delighted their return to live football was sealed with a big winCredit: Reuters

Stand-in skipper Alex Lacazette got the party started with an absolute belter from 30 yards which swerved all over the place to leave keeper Richard Strebinger completely bewildered.
That was the Frenchman’s first goal since September and a strike worthy of the standing ovation it received.
Even better was to follow seven minutes later when Pablo Mari, back in action after a six-month ankle injury, guided Reiss Nelson’s corner inside the far post with a deft header.
Eddie Nketiah applied the finishing touch to a sweet six-man passing movie when he nodded home a minute before the break.
And substitute Emile Smith Rowe also found the net within minutes of replacing Lacazette midway through the second-half. 

Gunnersaurus made his return to the touchlineCredit: AFP or licensors

Arsenal will be hoping more fans can come back in the near futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Lacazette took the roof off with his opener at the 60,000 seater arenaCredit: Reuters
It was hard to believe that Rapid were still playing for qualification, nor that they had given Arsenal such a scare in their first group game in Austria.
They briefly got their act together to reduce the deficit through Kohya Kitagawa, who finally volleyed home after two goal-line blocks by Sead Kolasinac.
But nothing was going to rain on Arsenal’s parade despite one malcontent waving a placard demanding ‘Bring back Mesut’ when the players went over to acknowledge the cheers.
The return to duty of club mascot Gunnersaurus had prompted suggestions that the absent German had finally found gainful employment.
But sadly those rumours proved to be as wide of the mark as a Shkodran Mustafi header.

One cheeky fan held up a sign asking for the return of Mesut OzilCredit: BT Sport

It was a cheery atmosphere as happy fans made their voices heardCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Arsenal will be feeling confident about their Europa League chances after another winCredit: PA:Press Association
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