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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.
Arsenal top group A of their UEFA Europa League group following their 2-1 win over FC Zürich and PSV’s draw with FK Bodø/Glimt.
— AFCnewsroom (@TheAFCnewsroom) September 8, 2022
Finishing 1st means a bye to the round of 16 which makes it important to do so. #UEL pic.twitter.com/cg7WhTJhb8
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.
Marquinhos in tears after scoring to make it 1-0. #afc
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) September 8, 2022
https://t.co/TsoE9UlUTU
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.
Continued on next slide…
2. Fabio Vieira impresses
The Portuguese midfielder got his first start for the Gunners and reminded us of Santi Cazorla in parts. Vieira’s ability to pick up little pockets of space in the final third and capacity to thread through a pass was telling.
Fabio Vieira ball tonight ⚽️ 📺 pic.twitter.com/iSuaxXNGTQ
— Le African Gooner (@leafricangooner) September 8, 2022
He kept the team ticking over nicely as he regularly showed his class on the ball. He showed great movement between the lines, and his vision was outstanding. He will only get better after not seeing many minutes so far this season.
Couldn’t really ask much more from the 22-year-old—a solid outing for him.
Continued on next slide…
3. Off to the perfect start in Europe
Well, it wasn’t exactly pretty. But Arsenal got what they came for in three points. Given that the visitors were overwhelming favourites, a win was a must.
Two goals from Marquinhos and Eddie Nketiah sealed the win for Mikel Arteta’s men as they made hard work of what looked like a routine win at one point.
Regardless, a win is all that matters, and they bounced back from the disappointment of Old Trafford.