Europa League

MARCUS RASHFORD thought he would be the only Manchester United player to steal the limelight in Europe this week.
The striker came off the bench to grab a hat-trick and fire the Red Devils to a 5-0 Champions League win over RB Leipzig on Wednesday.

Diogo Dalot stole the show with a goal and assist for AC MilanCredit: Getty

But just 24 hours later his club-mate Diogo Dalot grabbed the headlines as well with a brilliant display in the Europa League.
The 21-year-old joined AC Milan on-loan during the last transfer window and was handed his second start for the Italian side tonight.
Playing in an unfamiliar left-back role, he went on to show Ole Gunnar Solskjaer exactly what he was capable of with a superb performance.

Brahim Diaz put Milan ahead against Sparta Prague before former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed a penalty.

But after that it would be Dalot that stole the show in the second half with a fine assist and goal.
He perfectly beat the offside trap and sent an outside-of-the-boot assist to Rafael Leao in the centre to convert.
Dalot then made the same run, making space behind the defence and then scoring from outside the box as the Sparta goalkeeper darted out towards him.
And that was enough to earn him the man of the match prize as Milan ran out 3-0 winners in Group H.

Dalot arrived at Old Trafford from Porto in 2018 as one of Jose Mourinho’s summer signings.
He made 23 appearances in all competitions that campaign to help the Red Devils finish second.
But he struggled for match time following the arrival of Solskjaer and only featured for 66 minutes in the top-light last season.

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MOHAMED ELYOUNOUSSI netted a brilliant double as Lille battled back from two goals down against Celtic.
The odds were firmly stacked against the Scottish champions getting any kind of result against big-spending opponents Lille following a dire week.

Celtic blew a two-goal lead away to LilleCredit: Reuters

Mo Elyounoussi thought he would be the hero for CelticCredit: Reuters

The Hoops could have walked away from the Stade Pierre Mauroy with all three points after storming into a sensational 2-0 first-half lead.
But the hosts managed to turn the game on its head with a magnificent second-half comeback in France.
Celtic can be proud of their performance against a team joint top of Ligue 1 with PSG but will be disappointed not to have held on to a famous victory.

Under-fire boss Neil Lennon made just one change to his team from the weekend’s goal fest at Pittodrie – with skipper Scott Brown replacing Tom Rogic in the engine room.
Scott Bain kept his place between the sticks and the Scotland squad man repaid Lennon’s faith in him with a brilliant penalty save to deny £27million striker Jonathan David his first goal for Lille.
Lille rested Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz and Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches as the French side made five changes from Sunday’s stalemate with Nice.
Celtic – who looked far more organised with four at the back – started positively with some early possession.

Ryan Christie flashed a free-kick from a dangerous area well wide inside five minutes.

The hosts then started to find their feet in the game as Bain pulled off a fine one-handed save to prevent Boubakary Soumare breaking the deadlock.
Swiss hitman Albian Ajeti had the ball in the net for Celtic just before the 20 minute mark but he strayed offside from Elyounoussi’s pass.
Ajeti vented his frustrations minutes later as he blazed a guilt-edged opportunity over the bar from just seven yards out after yet more clever play from Elyounoussi.
Elyounoussi was at the heart of every attack for the visitors – and soon opened the scoring with a moment of brilliance.
The Norway international glided inside from the left before curling an exquisite effort beyond rooted keeper Mike Maignan.
It was no more than Celtic deserved – and five minutes later the on-loan Southampton star found the net again.
Jeremie Frimpong drilled a low cross into the box and Elyounoussi kept his composure to finish first-time into the far corner.
As half-time neared, Lille were handed a controversial penalty after a clumsy tackle from Duffy on David, which appeared to be outside the box.

Scott Bain was the penalty hero for the HoopsCredit: AP:Associated Press

Celtic were 2-0 up at half-time and looking on course for the winCredit: AFP

Albian Ajeti missed a series of chances for the Scottish championsCredit: AFP or licensors
Canadian hitman David stepped up hoping to break his goal duck, but his strike down the middle was blocked by the feet of Bain.
It was a huge relief for Irish stopper Duffy, who has looked out of sorts in a green and white jersey.
Bain could have went from hero to zero moments later though after spilling a Lille free-kick.
The ball fell to Sven Botman but the Dutch defender crashed his shot off the crossbar in a huge slice of luck for Bain.
Celtic would have been relieved to have heard the half-time whistle as they went into the break with a two goal advantage.
However, they suffered a setback early in the second-half after Kris Ajer was forced off injured.

Kris Ajer was forced off injured early in the second-halfCredit: Reuters

Lille fought back from two goals down to claim a pointCredit: AP:Associated Press
The centre-back looked in real discomfort as he clutched his groin and was replaced by versatile Israeli Nir Bitton on 53 minutes.
Celtic had to cope with an onslaught as Lille piled on the pressure.
Lennon’s side were pinned inside their own half for large spells as they struggled to get a grip of the game.
Lille threw on star duo Yilmaz and Sanches as they chased a crucial goal, with penalty sinner David making way.
Odsonne Edouard replaced Ajeti as the French hitman made his comeback from Covid-19.

Lille celebrate after clawing back from two behindCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
But Celts soon caved in to Lille’s relentless pressure through Zeki Celik.
Christie lost the Turkish right-back at the back post as he stabbed the ball home from a corner on the 67th minute to reduce the deficit.
Celtic were hanging on by a thread and looked vulnerable following the loss of Ajer.
An equaliser was always coming – and it arrived through Jonathan Ikone.
The French forward scrambled the ball home following a stramash in the box as his strike deflected off Duffy and past Bain to get back on level terms.
It was backs against the wall for Celtic and a defeat would have been so cruel given their gallant efforts.
There were a couple of nervy moments as the clock ticked down.
But Lennon’s energy-sapped team eventually managed to see the game through to earn a valuable point against unbeaten Lille.

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DON’T turn your back on Alfredo Morelos – he’ll only do the Poznan.
To Lech’s horror that’s exactly what Thomas Rogne did.

Morelos celebrates his 21st European goal as Rangers get big winCredit: Reuters

Just six minutes after coming on as a sub Morelos ghosted in behind the former Celtic defender to head his way into the history books.
His goal was his 21st for Rangers in Europe, equalling Ally McCoist’s long standing club record.
It also secured back-to-back wins for Steven Gerrard’s side who are off to a dream start in Group D.
The Poznan fans are famous the world over for their stadium-shaking dance.

At times last night it seemed the players could waltz out of Ibrox with a point.
Instead, it was left to Morelos to leap off the bench and make his.
In 16 games, across all competitions, Rangers had lost just four goals.
That imperious defensive platform has allowed the Ibrox club to build up a head of steam both domestically and in Europe.

Ianis Hagi missed an early opening as Gers maintained their 100 per cent recordCredit: PA:Press Association
But in sharp contrast to previous campaigns, no one is getting carried away.
There is a focus and intensity about Rangers right now – two essential characteristics that have been lacking for some time.
While the Gers defence has been rightly lauded, Gerrard’s side haven’t been found wanting going forward either.
Their attack is the most potent in the country, capable of moments of magic like the one Kemar Roofe conjured last week.
His sensational 55 yard strike from inside his own half sealed a remarkable 2-0 win for Rangers in their Group D opener against Standard Liege.

Ryan Kent helped Steven Gerrard’s side earn six points from six in the Europa LeagueCredit: AFP or licensors
The fact it was the Belgian side’s first home defeat in Europe in six years was almost lost amid the euphoria of Roofe’s goal.
But the magnitude of the victory certainly wasn’t lost on Poznan coach Dariusz Zuraw who has installed Gers as favourites to progress from the group along with Benfica.
Last night the Poles were without playmaker Pedro Tiba, winger Jakub Kaminski and centre half Djordje Crnomarkovic.
Gerrard handed Roofe a start with Morelos making way. 
Borna Barisic was also reinstated with Leon Balogun lining up alongside Connor Goldson at the back.
New signing Bongani Zungu started on the bench.
Despite chances at both ends, the first half ended goalless.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was impressed with what he sawCredit: Reuters
With some better communication Rangers would surely have found themselves in front.
Twice the wrong player in the wrong place plumped for the wrong option.
With 13 minutes gone, Roofe spun his made superbly, darting the box before cutting the ball back.
Ianis Hagi lunged for it, but Gers had a man over. Either he never heard Tavernier’s screams to leave it or he’d imagined his name up in lights.
It was a golden chance gone. Another presented itself 25 minutes in, and again Roofe was involved.
Barisic’s deep cross was completely misjudged by the striker who only succeeded in heading it downwards.
But as the Poznan defence froze, Roofe attempted an acrobatic overhead kick.
After last week’s screamer against Standard he was probably entitled to do so, but again Rangers had someone much better place.
Ryan Kent was in the perfect position just to side foot home – the look of anguish on his face as Roofe’s effort dropped wide said it all.
A bizarre feature of the first half was the desire of both teams to play out from the back.
Poznan keeper Filip Bednarek was almost caught out at one end before Allan McGregor decided to join in the fun at the other.
Shipping a needless corner kick there was a heated exchange between him and Goldson.
Earlier, the Gers keeper had given Tavernier both barrels after he’d allowed  Tymoteusz Puchacz to run in behind him and cross.
 Daniel Ramirez had dragged a shot wide but it was Mikael Ishak who passed up the best chance for the visitors.

Ally McCoist watches on as Morelos equals his recordCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

Gerrard congratulates James Tavernier at full timeCredit: AFP or licensors
Coming just before half-time, the towering striker scooped his shot over the bar with Gers’ goal gaping.
Gerrard’s men, however, had undoubtedly created the better chances.
Roofe and Kent had linked well with Scott Arfield drawing a decent save from Bednarek with 20 minutes gone.
Arfield almost combined with Hagi before Steven Davis squandered two chances in the space of five seconds.
First, his attempted volley from the edge of the box was well blocked before he blasted the rebound high over the bar.
From the position he was in he had to hit the target.
Poznan were first to threaten after the break – Ramirez inches away from connecting with  Michał Skóraś’ cross.
The Poles were certainly on the front foot with former Celt Thomas Rogne going close with a glancing header.

Indeed, it took Gers a good ten minutes to get themselves going again – Arfield flashing a shot from distance past the post bang on the hour mark.
Gers were now firmly back in control of the match. 
Morelos had replaced Roofe and he went close with his first touch.
With his second, and with 67 minutes on the clock, he fired Rangers in front.

Morelos header breaks the deadlockCredit: Reuters
Barisic dug out his first decent cross of the match and there was the Colombian, in between the two Poznan to bullet home his milestone goal.
A brilliant run from Kent and cross from Tavernier almost teed up Joe Aribo as Gers looked to put the game to bed.
Poznan pushed hard in the final minutes, but McGregor was never troubled in Rangers’ goal.
Gerrard’s men continue to go from strength to strength.

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ARSENAL made it two wins from two in Group B of their Europa League campaign.
Goals from Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock and Nicolas Pepe within four minutes either side of half-time sealed the victory over Dundalk.

Joe Willock was on target for Arsenal as they saw off Dundalk at the EmiratesCredit: AP:Associated Press

Granit Xhaka played at the heart of a three-man defence between Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac.
And after a tricky opening 40 minutes, it was in the end a comfortable evening at the Emirates.
SunSport’s Tom Barclay assesses the Gunners players’ performances…
Alex Runarsson – 6
Debutant goalkeeper made a solid early save to tip wide Patrick Elneny’s shot but had almost nothing else to do.

Shkodran Mustafi – 6
First chance since July for the returning German. Came off on the hour which suggested he could feature at Old Trafford given Mikel Arteta’s defensive woes.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Was deployed in a back three, which seemed overly cautious given Dundalk’s limited abilities. Was untroubled.

Sead Kolasinac – 6
Arsenal took a while to break down their opponents, summed up by the fact the Bosnian provided their first effort on target with a 34th-minute header.

Cedric Soares – 6
Making just his ninth Arsenal appearance, the Euro 2016 winner provided good width at wing-back. Lashed a wild effort over from distance early on.
Mohamed Elneny – 6
Dundalk showed such little attacking ambition, he had little to do defensively, but was solid in his passing. Dependable.
Joe Willock – 9
The star of the show. Clever movement, willing running and technical ability, he used all three to score a belter of a goal just before the break.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 7
Almost got in on the act himself with a blast at goal with 20 minutes to go, but was denied by a strong save.

Granit Xhaka enjoyed a comfortable evening at the heart of a three-man defenceCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription

Nicolas Pepe – 7
A night that probably summed up his Arsenal career so far. A few frustrating moments, such as smashing a corner straight into the side netting, but then struck the goal of the game with a stunner.
Eddie Nketiah – 7
For the England Under-21s, he is the ultimate fox in the box, and he used those qualities to sniff out the opener here, capitalising on a goalkeeper error.
Reiss Nelson – 8
Fans would have been off their seats watching the ex-Hoffenheim loanee, if they were allowed to attend. Electric with the ball at his feet, caused multiple problems.
SUBS
Dani Ceballos: 6, Willian: 7, Kieran Tierney: 6, Folarin Balogun: 6

Willock found the top corner to make it 2-0 before half-timeCredit: AP:Associated Press

Nicolas Pepe produced an emphatic finish on a night which largely summed up his Gunners careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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DEEP in the bowels of Uefa’s Swiss headquarters, someone on their club coefficient committee is quietly chuckling away to themself.
How else to explain Arsenal’s ranking as the 11th best team in Europe?

Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring moments before the breakCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Nicolas Pepe is congratulated after scoring the thirdCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

The 11th best team in England, maybe, but it’s safe to say that their Super League invitation may be some time in the post.
Three goals in four minutes either side of half-time were more than enough to see off a Dundalk team currently 128 places below them in those Uefa coefficients.
But Mikel Arteta knows there is still so much more work to be done before his side can be considered a genuine European force again.

For now they must content themselves with stumbling around in the Europa League against the likes of the League of Ireland champions.
And at least they are comfortably on course to finish top of their group after taking maximum points from their opening two games.
They certainly made light work of Dundalk, whose entire 39,000 population could comfortably fit inside the Emirates and still have plenty of space for social distancing.
Yet there was still supposed to be no room on the touchline for their Italian coach Filippo Giovagnoli, who  hasn’t yet obtained his Uefa Pro Licence.

Not that it stopped him from sneaking into the technical area to offer guidance to his players in what was probably the biggest game in his club’s history.

Dundalk held their own for a while but now the floodgates have opened!Joe Willock scores his first Arsenal goal of the season for a comfortable lead 👊 pic.twitter.com/5V2EcXG1zZ
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 29, 2020

Giovagnoli was coaching kids at an AC Milan training camp in New York until last month, when Dundalk asked him to take over following their defeat in the Champions League qualifiers.
But hopes of testing his managerial skills against Arsenal’s superstars were dashed when Arteta named what was virtually a reserve team.
Granit Xhaka was the only survivor from the starting team beaten by Leicester at the weekend as Arsenal took the field with one eye on Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford.
But hopes for an early breakthrough were thwarted by the determined visitors who defended in depth and got plenty of bodies behind the ball.

They even had the temerity to produce the game’s first shot on target when John Mountney was allowed far too much time and space to test Alex Runarsson from distance.
The Icelandic international keeper who arrived in a £1.8million move from Dijon last month was making his Arsenal debut and probably wasn’t expecting such an early examination of his reflexes.
It was a good 20 minutes before Arsenal threatened at the other end and it wasn’t until the 34th minute that Dundalk keeper Gary Rogers was forced into his first save by Sead Kolasinac.
Even allowing for the absence of most of his senior stars, Arteta was entitled to expect more from his team.

Nicolas Pepe ended any hopes Dundalk had moments after the restartCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Joe Willock had doubled Arsenal’s advantage just seconds before the breakCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
They should have taken the lead six minutes before the break when Pepe’s shot was deflected straight  into the path of Eddie Nketiah.
But the young striker somehow stabbed wide from a yard out with the goal at his mercy.
It was a miss which summed up Arsenal’s casual approach to the night, but just when it looked as though they would be going into the interval on level terms the floodgates opened.
First Nketiah atoned for his earlier error when he prodded the ball home after Rogers had made a complete pig’s ear of Reiss Nelson’s 42nd minute corner.
Then Joe Willock was quickest to react when Pepe’s shot was blocked by Andy Boyle to completely knock the stuffing out of the visitors.
And any hopes of a Dundalk comeback were totally extinguished within 30 seconds of the restart when £72million Pepe hammered home another pass from the impressive Willock.
Job done for Arsenal with plenty still left in the tank for Sunday – but the rest of Europe won’t be quaking in their boots just yet.

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JOSE MOURINHO wanted to haul off EVERY Tottenham player at half-time in their shock 1-0 defeat at Royal Antwerp.
And the fuming Spurs boss ordered his flops to training at 11am on Friday morning after returning from Belgium.

Lucas Moura, one of four Spurs players brought on at half-time, shows the visitors’ dejection as Royal Antwerp stun them 1-0 in the Europa LeagueCredit: Reuters

Dele Alli was one of four Spurs stars replaced at the interval after Ben Davies gifted Lior Refaelov what turned out to be the winner for the Belgian outsiders.
Mourinho has made nine changes for the Europa League clash, and fired a stern warning to his under-performing fringe players.
The Tottenham boss said of his half-time replacements: “I would like to make 11. I didn’t make five because I was afraid of a long 45 minutes.
“There is only one to blame – I chose the players to start.

“My future choices are going to be very easy. It is my responsibility.
“Before matches you always ask me why this player is not playing, why this player is not playing, why this player is not selected.
“Maybe now for a few weeks you don’t ask me that because you have the answer.”
Gareth Bale lasted just 58 minutes before Harry Kane replaced him.

But neither Kane nor fellow sub Son Heung-Min could spark a transformation as Antwerp leapfrogged Spurs at the top of Group J.
Mourinho added: “We can only blame ourselves and praise the opponents. 
“I would prefer to praise them as they played a magnificent game and played to the maximum of their level… we played an awful game.
“The performance was poor, the result is poor.”
The ex-Chelsea and Manchester United chief even posted a grim Instagram verdict with a picture of himself on the team coach.

Mourinho wrote: “Bad perfomances deserve bad results. Hope everyone in this bus is as upset as I am. Tomorow 11 AM training.”
And he insisted only a huge improvement would be good enough for Tottenham’s home Premier League clash this Sunday.
Mourinho said: “Brighton is much better than Antwerp. Period. Brighton is a much more difficult game.” More