SAN FRANCISCO, November 27, (THEWILL) – Arsenal’s left-footed Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe was on the scoresheet as the Gunners won 3-0 away at Molde’s Aker Stadion to secure their place in the UEFA Europa League knockouts.
The winger, who was chastised for the red card he got for a headbutt on Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski during their goalless Premier League tie last Sunday, was handed a chance at redemption by boss Mikel Arteta.
He duly responded with an impressive performance capped by a fine goal that broke the deadlock in Norway. Arguably Arsenal’s brightest player in the first half, Pepe attempted three shots and completed 100 per cent of his passes from the right wing.
Right winger Reiss Nelson was well placed to take the Gunners’ best opening but his low effort from an Alexandre Lacazette set-up was well saved by the foot of Molde’s keeper Andreas Linde.
The hosts, however, had the clearest chance of the half. A quarter of an hour into the game, Gambian defender Sheriff Sinyan slid in to meet winger Eirik Hestad’s low cross. With the goal at his mercy, Sinyan mis-kicked the ball back across the line and off Arsenal goalie Alex Runarsson.
Just after play resumed for the second half, Pepe rattled the crossbar with a spectacular strike but the ball did not go in. However, he had better luck with his next effort, placing a shot high past Linde from inside the box after pulling down Nelson’s cross.
In the 53rd minute Eddie Nketiah had a tap-in disallowed for offside, but it was 2-0 before the hour mark, as Nelson side-footed home from six yards after a low cross from Joe Willock.
With victory assured, Arteta took the chance to give game time to Emile Smith Rowe and Folarin Balogun off the bench. The latter got his first senior goal with his second touch, turning well before firing through a disappointing attempted save.
Arsenal now have 12 points from four games, leaving them six clear of Molde at the top of their group. Their place in the last 32 is now guaranteed with two matches to spare and a point will be enough to ensure they finish top of the standings.
Molde will be overtaken by Rapid Vienna on goal difference if the Austrians beat Dundalk, who are without a point.
Both teams have their next matches on Sunday. Arsenal are next in action against Wolves in the Premier League while Molde host Haugesund in the Eliteserien.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
