Arsenal progressed to the Champions League final 16 with a 2-1 victory over Girona on Wednesday night time.
Regardless of a robust begin from the Gunners, it was Girona who struck first, with Arnaut Danjuma capitalising on a through-ball from Juanpe to complete previous Neto within the twenty eighth minute.
Arsenal responded shortly, equalising via Jorginho’s composed penalty after Thomas Partey was introduced down within the field.
The guests managed the second half, dominating possession and creating the majority of the probabilities.
Ethan Nwaneri, already the second-youngest English goalscorer in Champions League historical past, produced the second of magic within the forty second minute, slicing inside and curling an excellent effort into the far nook.
Leandro Trossard struck the crossbar simply earlier than half-time as Arsenal pressed for a 3rd.
Locked in for the knockout stage 🔐 pic.twitter.com/BoO0xdjuSx
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 29, 2025
And so they may have had it with a couple of minutes to go after a Girona handball gave the Gunners one other penalty.
Raheem Sterling stepped up however noticed his effort saved, reflecting his powerful time with the North London membership this season.
Talking after the sport, Arteta mentioned: “Actually good in the mean time. Issues are going properly.
“We gained the final 4 video games within the Champions League however successful on this competitors may be very demanding however total the crew has been very constant, no matter all the problems they’ve needed to face.
“Hopefully extra perception in that dressing room that we’re crew and might face anybody and nonetheless carry out and win video games.”
Earlier than Arsenal’s win over Girona, stories broke that the membership had seen a £60million bid for Ollie Watkins rejected.
It comes within the aftermath of Arteta admitting his aspect want a brand new striker, however they he refused to touch upon the matter.
He added: “I can’t speak about any of that. My confidence is that we’ve an incredible membership with individuals at all times working to attempt to enhance. Let’s see what occurs.”