Arsenal took a big step towards qualifying for the knockout stages of the Europa League with a narrow win at Bodo/Guilmet.
The winner came when Bukayo-Saka teamed up with impressive midfielder Albert Sambi Luonga and his toe-tapping effort beat a defender before deflecting off his chin and past the helpless goalkeeper.
Bodo/Glimt came into the game on the back of a 14-game winning streak at home in Europe and were cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd, but were guilty of missing a number of clear-cut chances.
Amal Pellegrino turned wide in the first half, while Roner Espjord headed over from eight yards in the second half.
It was a far cry from vintage Arsenal on Norway’s artificial pitch, as evidenced by the fact that they had to bring on Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli after an hour, but the result, combined with the fact that key striker Gabriel Being able to rest Jesus and defender Gabriel will please manager Mikel Arteta.
The win left Arsenal five points behind third-placed Bodø/Guilmet, who have played a game more since the Gunners’ match against PSV Eindhoven last month was postponed due to policing issues following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. was done
A rearranged match with second-placed PSV takes place next Thursday, when a win would guarantee Arsenal promotion.
Saka Impresses Again As Much-Changed Arsenal Get Job Done
Saka was hugely impressive in the Gunners’ 3-2 win over Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday and you could see his confidence flooding through in Norway.
He was lively from the start, getting in behind the Bodo/Glimt defense and firing into the six-yard box after two minutes but neither Eddie Nketiah nor Reece Nelson gambled.
The 21-year-old continued to persevere, and it was his driving runs, rather than a relatively slow and patient approach, that opened up the hosts’ defence.
He took a huge slice of fortune with the deflection, but it was a reward for his effort and once again underlined his importance in this Arsenal side.
There were five changes from last week’s 3-0 home win against the same opposition, and seven from the side that beat Liverpool, but the result and the determination they showed to keep Bodo/Guilmet out in the second half was one of the highlights. And there is an example. And the discipline that is being molded by Arteta.
Rob Holding made a key interception in the first half, while Lukonga completed 97% of his passes and made more tackles than any other Gunners player.
With a potential Premier League title challenge on the cards, Arteta will be keen to secure top spot as soon as possible so he can rotate players and avoid an extra round of play-offs in February.
