Arsenal recorded a strong 3-0 victory against Bodo/Glimt at the Emirates Stadium in the Europa League.
Goals from Eddie Nketiah, Rob Holding and Fabio Vieira capped off another impressive performance from the Gunners whose confidence keeps on growing. Mikel Arteta’s team have now taken maximum points from their first two European encounters this season, putting them in a strong position for the return fixture against this evening’s opponents in a week’s time.
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Arsenal imposed themselves quickly on proceedings and looked dangerous when they got forward. They were creating chances and it felt as though it was only going to be a matter of time until they scored. At the midway point of the half, the Gunners broke the deadlock as Nketiah was there to finish up Kieran Tierney’s shot from outside the box that cannoned off the post.
Moments later and the Gunners had two. Viera’s corner was headed back to him and he delivered a much better cross the second time which was met by Rob Holding who headed home. Arteta’s side were full of confidence getting forward and they could have easily gone into the half-time break having scored more than two.
The visitors came out in the second half with a point to prove. They started to get more of a feel for the game and it was as though something clicked. They started to create chances and put some pressure on Arsenal’s back line. Sensing the danger, Arteta made some changes. Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard came on for Gabriel Martinelli, Granit Xhaka and Marquinhos.
It instantly provided a boost for the hosts who started to assert their dominance once again and could’ve added a third after they created a decent opening, but just like the old days, Arsenal made far too many passes which allowed the Bodo/Glimt players to get back behind the ball. After a spell of attacks at either end, Arsenal were able to wrap the game up through some Jesus magic. The forward turned his marker on the left side of the box and with his fancy footwork weaved his way past another before rolling the ball to Vieira who made no mistake in finding the top corner.
An added bonus to their victory was the fact that in holding on to the clean sheet, it was the first time the Gunners had kept one at home since March.
The visitors may have been lacking in goals but they were largely the better side in the second half before the Arsenal changes. Arsenal knew coming into the game that when they are at it, Bodo/Glimt can play some exciting football and some of their passages of play were excellent. It is once again a testament to the work their manager Kjetil Knutsen has put in with them over the last four years.
The Norwegian boss has been linked with several positions in England including more recently with Brighton & Hove Albion. There may have been no goals from his side this evening, but he has certainly given himself a decent audition for English football and there will be some clubs who are considering managerial changes, that might just take a much closer look at this coach.
