FC Zurich 1-2 Arsenal: 3 talking points as Gunners get off to perfect start in Europe

Arsenal got their Europa League campaign off to a winning start, defeating FC Zurich 2-1. A goal in each half from Marquinhos and Eddie Nketiah handed the Gunners all three points.

Mikel Arteta made several changes from the side that lost 3-1 to Manchester United last time out, with only four players retaining their spots. Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner, Marquinhos, Rob Holding, and Eddie Nketiah all made their first starts of the season.

The Gunners took the lead after just 17 minutes. After some great work from Fabio Vieira, who set Nketiah through, the Englishman squared a perfect ball for Marquinhos to lash home his first Gunners goal.

Just before the end of the half, the home side were awarded a penalty as Nketiah fouled Fidan Aliti in the box. Mirlind Kryeziu stepped up and hammered home to bring his team level.

After all the dominance from the Gunners, a sucker punch on the stroke of hal=ftime left them level at the break.

Arsenal retook the lead 15 minutes into the half. Marquinhos lofted a delightful ball into the box where Nketiah headed home to restore the lead. The Gunners managed to see out the rest of the half as they got their Europa League campaign off to the perfect start.

3 talking points as Gunners get off to perfect start in Europe

The game provided plenty of talking points, here they are.

1. Marquinhos shines

What a debut for the Brazilian! Getting his first taste of European football, the 19-year-old did not disappoint. He was on the end of an Eddie Nketiah cross in the first half and he finished it well. Then in the second half, he produced a superb cross to return the favour to Nketiah, who headed home Arsenal’s second.

While it is only one game, the Brazilian has been producing performances like these for Arsenal’s Under-21 side, and his form has carried over.

Superb debut.

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