- Gabriel Martinelli gives Arsenal the advantage in stoppage time of the first half
- Gabriel Jesus slapped a second in the corner of the upper right.
- The visitors had a nervous final 30 minutes
On Tuesday, Arsenal won 2-1 in the Champions League away at Sevilla.
Gabriel Jesus’ two silky contributions either side of the half-time break inspired Arsenal to their first Champions League win away since 2015.
Nemanja Gudelj’s powerful header ensured a nerve-wracking conclusion for the guests. Arsenal managed to hold on to their three points despite some close calls, which helped them reach the top of group B.
The game’s unfolding
Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan’s version of Sevilla’s club anthem was louder than the Champions League’s famous music. Arsenal’s early possession was lacking in punch, and it dampened the cheers from the crowd.
As the game progressed, both teams gained confidence. However, by advancing slowly they left themselves vulnerable in transition. The Jesus snatched a goal out of the night’s sticky sky, and soared past Gudelj. Jesus cleared Gabriel Martinelli from Sevilla’s defense for the second time during the first period. Martinelli, who had been outwitted in the earlier match, took Orjan Niyland off the equation this time, and skipping around his goalkeeper, he prodded Arsenal to the lead at the end of the first 45 minutes.
After the break, Jesus continued his scorching record in Champions League. Jesus scored in his third consecutive European match. He made his best contribution to his campaign, cutting on his right foot, and slotting the ball from the inside edge of the box into the upper corner.
Gudelj’s commanding header off a corner, his team’s first attempt on goal of the game in the 58th minuett, brought the hosts into the match just as Sevilla appeared to be quivering.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to substitute centre-back Jakub Kiwior for Martinelli in the last half-hour showed how much pressure Arsenal was under. David Raya, behind the Pole, almost punched a Sevilla cross into his own goal at the end, but the ball sailed over the bar.
Sevilla player ratings (4-3-3)
Diego Alonso only managed Sevilla for his second match as manager. Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Orjan Nyland, GK – 4.5/10 – Quick to respond when he is called upon but sometimes not effective.
Jesus Navas, RB – 5/10 Limited his advances with Martinelli’s threat in transition.
Nemanja Gudelj, CB – 5/10Martinelli was no match for the electric pace of Martinelli when Sevilla’s defensive line was exposed.
Ramos, Sergio – CB: 6/10 – Ramos did marginally better than Thierry Henry in his 17-year-old last encounter with Arsenal.
Marcos Acuna, LB – 7/10 Competed with Bukayo in both halves.
Djibril SOW – 6/10 He jumped into the fray when he saw the ball. Even at his own expense.
Boubakary Soumare, CM – 4.5/10 – The ballast of Sevilla’s middle field did not do much to slow down the regular Arsenal attacks.
Ivan Rakitic, CM – 5/10 Sprinkled some nice touches into the contest without painting it a distinctive shade of Rakitic.
Dodi Lukebakio, RW – 4/10 She scuttled about the perimeter of the match and was often let down due to a heavy contact.
ST Youssef En Nesyri 3/10 – He was kept outside and in the box throughout the entire match. This greatly reduced the danger he poses.
Lucas Ocampos, 6/10 Always in the middle of an entanglement, with many 50-50 battles going his way.
Substitutes
SUB: Erik Lamela (57′ for Lukebakio) – 5/10
SUB: Mariano Diaz (57′ for Sow) – 5/10
SUB: Juanlu Sanchez (79′ for Navas) – N/A
The following players were not substituted: Dmitrovic, Gattoni (GK), Bade, Gattoni Gattoni Torres Jordan Suso
Manager
Diego Alonso 5/10 – Aside from Raya’s mistakes and set pieces, Alonso’s new team created very little forward.
Arsenal Player Ratings (4-3)
Gabriel Martinelli debuted in the Champions League on Tuesday. Fran Santiago/GettyImages
David Raya, GK – 4/10The errant passes that he makes in his own third of defense are fast becoming a trademark. It was a desperate act of luck to prevent a disastrous conclusion.
Ben White, RB – 6/10 Resistant to give Bukayo Saka an option for the overlap.
William Saliba, CB – 7/10 Solid but not spectacular.
Gabriel, CB – 7/10Snuffed any threat that was created near him.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, LB – 7/10An almost ubiquitous performance. He was everywhere that he needed to be in the defensive area and many places where he didn’t need to be.
Martin Odegaard, CM – 3/10 This is not the first time he has let the game slip by.
Jorginho, CM – 6/10Characteristically calm when in possession of the ball. Even with Sevilla’s player breathing on his neck.
Declan Rice, CM – 8/10 A display of all-action, sometimes combining building from the rear and breaking through the opponent’s box in one move.
Bukayo Saka, RW – 5/10 As opposed to Martinelli Saka had been expected to follow backwards and fulfill his defensive duties.
ST. Gabriel Jesus 8/10 – A superb performance in which he played the roles of finisher and facilitator.
Gabriel Martinelli, LW – 7/10 He looked completely at home in his Champions League debut.
Substitutes
Sub: Kai Havertz (73’ for Odegaard). – 5/10
SUB: Eddie Nketiah (81′ for Jesus) – N/A
SUB: Leandro Trossard (81′ for Saka) – N/A
The following subs are not available: Hein, Ramsdale, Cedric (Elneny), Vieira, Smith Rowe and Nelson
Manager
Mikel arteta, 7/10 –Managed the fightback of Sevilla with well-timed adjustments.
