Arsenal outclassed Sevilla at the Emirates Stadium to clinch a 2-0 win and build a four-point buffer at the top of Champions League Group B. Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka came up with the goals for the Londoners, as Express Sport takes you through four intriguing talking points from a one-sided European contest…
Havertz exposed by team-mates
There was nowhere for the German to hide in a game which saw Arsenal dominate for the vast majority. Mikel Arteta will have hoped for a sharp and lively performance in such circumstances, but Kai Havertz was unable to provide one.
And the dazzling displays from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka made for a stark contrast, with Havertz unable to affect the game in anything like the same way. A dismal back-post header from the former Chelsea man set the tone in the first half, and despite a curling effort flashing just wide after the break, the nature of the game made it clear that Arteta still has his work cut out when it comes to getting the best out of the £65million signing.
Unexpected partnership blossoms
Leandro Trossard was handed a start on Wednesday night, but with the Belgian generally assuming the role of super sub for the time being, not many would have expected the numbers he and Saka have put up as a partnership. Of the five goals Trossard has scored in all competitions this season, Saka has staggeringly assisted every single one of them.
That’s more than any other twosome involving Premier League players this campaign. And the way they combined was devastating for Arsenal’s opener, with Jorginho’s defence-splitting pass latched onto by Saka, whose accurate square pass allowed Trossard to turn in first time.
Martinelli shows no mercy
On a night when Saka picked up a goal and an assist, Martinelli put in the most impressive display of all, taking no prisoners in a one-against-one battle with young right-back Juanlu Sanchez of Sevilla.
Martinelli toyed with his opposite number from the first whistle, to the point it was almost humiliating for the 20-year-old. The Brazilian came up with an assist of his own for the Saka goal which doubled the hosts’ lead, and a stunning stop-and-turn skill reminiscent of Dimitar Berbatov was a particularly memorable moment from the Champions League clash at the Emirates.
Win ends on a bitter note
In need of a pick-me-up after an agonising 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday, Arteta will have been chuffed to be cruising towards a 2-0 win over Sevilla on home turf.
But the final few minutes may have left a bitter taste in the Spaniard’s mouth – as the sight of Saka hobbling off injured, and being booked for giving the referee an earful, would do to most managers. It remains to be seen whether the winger’s knock will keep him out of action ahead of Burnley’s visit to north London this weekend.
