Posted in Arsenal, Bodø/Glimt, europa league

Saka! goal nears Arsenal to quarterfinals

 October 13, 2022

With a narrow victory at Bodo/Glimt, Arsenal made significant progress toward advancing to the Europa League round of 16.
Bukayo Saka and excellent midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga collaborated for the winning goal, which was a toe-poked effort that hit a defender before rebounding off his chin and through the defenseless goalie.

Bodo Glimt – Arsenal Played on 10/13/ 2022


Bodo/Glimt entered the contest riding a 14-game winning streak at home in Europe, and

they were motivated by a raucous crowd. However, they committed the mistake of

squandering several good chances.


In the first half, Amahl Pellegrino missed the net after being put through on goal, and in the

second, Runar Espejord shot wide from eight yards out.

As evidenced by the fact that they had to substitute Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli

after an hour, it was far from a vintage Arsenal performance on the artificial field in Norway,

but manager Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the outcome and the fact that he was able to

rest important striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Gabriel.


The victory puts Arsenal five points ahead of third-placed Bodo/Glimt, who have played one

more game due to the postponement of the Gunners’ match against PSV Eindhoven last

month due to policing concerns following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.


The rescheduled game against PSV is on Thursday, and a victory there will ensure Arsenal’s

advancement.

Saka continues to dazzle as much-changed Arsenal completes the task

The confidence Saka exuded in Norway was palpable after the Gunners’ 3-2 Premier League

victory against Liverpool. Saka was incredibly impressive.


He was active right away, slipping past the Bodo/Glimt defense and blasting across the six-

yard box after two minutes, but neither Reiss Nelson nor Eddie Nketiah took a chance.


But the 21-year-old persisted, and it was his driving run—not the rather patient and slow

build-up that had come before—that broke down the hosts’ defense.


With the deflection, he received a large windfall, but it was a reward for his efforts and once

more demonstrated his significance to this constantly developing Arsenal team.

There were five changes from the 3-0 home victory over the same opponents last week and seven from the team that defeated Liverpool, but the outcome and the tenacity they displayed to keep Bodo/Glimt out of the game in the second half are yet another illustration of the more grizzled and disciplined team that Arteta is forming.
While Lokonga completed 97% of his passes and had more interceptions than any other Gunners player, Rob Holding had a crucial interception in the first half.
Arteta will be eager to secure first place as soon as possible in order to rotate players and avoid the additional play-off round in February, especially with a potential Premier League title push on the horizon.

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