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Five talking points from Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
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Danny Ryan at the Emirates
LiveScore
Arsenal were too strong for Sevilla at the Emirates
Arsenal were too strong for Sevilla at the Emirates

Arsenal have one foot in the knockout phase of the Champions League after beating Sevilla 2-0 at the Emirates.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring midway through the first half, before Bukayo Saka doubled the lead with a fantastic 64th-minute finish.

Here are five talking points from a chilly night in the capital.

Injuries mounting

Arsenal were handed another injury blow ahead of kick-off as Eddie Nketiah was ruled out with an ankle knock suffered in the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.

The England striker joins fellow first-teamers Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber on the treatment table.

Teenagers Amario Cozier-Duberry and Charles Sagoe Jr were handed spots on the bench by Mikel Arteta.

The impressive Saka also hobbled off the pitch late in the game after landing awkwardly, which means he too could be a doubt for Saturday's Premier League match at home to Burnley.

Leo the striker

Nketiah's injury paved the way for Trossard to operate as Arsenal's central striker — a position he thrived in at times last season.

And his move back to the middle of the attack paid dividends as he opened the scoring in the 29th minute.

Leandro Trossard celebrates his goal with team-mate Bukayo Saka
Leandro Trossard celebrates his goal with team-mate Bukayo Saka

Trossard coolly finished off a sweeping Gunners move, with Jorginho's defence-splitting pass freeing Saka to square to the Belgian.

The ex-Brighton ace was given a standing ovation when he was subbed off in the second half — and his impressive all-round game through the middle may give Arteta a welcome selection headache moving forward.

Magical Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli looked back to his devastating best after a lacklustre showing at St James' Park last Saturday.

The Brazilian flyer gave Sevilla right-back Juanlu a torrid time, regularly beating the youngster with his blistering pace and fancy footwork. 

During the first half in particular, the Gunners built most of their attacks down Martinelli's left-hand side — and he dribbled past Juanlu an impressive five times in the opening 45 minutes. 

The 22-year-old's perfectly-weighted pass to set Saka on his way for the second goal capped off a wonderful individual display.

Gabriel Martinelli was unplayable at times against Sevilla
Gabriel Martinelli was unplayable at times against Sevilla

No Sevilla threat

After pushing Arsenal all the way two weeks ago in Seville, the visitors were unable to land a punch at the Emirates.

Youssef En-Nesyri had to feed off scraps leading the line, while Erik Lamela and Adria Pedrosa on the flanks were far more occupied by defensive work.

Diego Alonso's side had just 40% of the possession, mustering a single shot on David Raya's goal and being awarded only one corner kick.

It is perhaps no wonder the Andalusian outfit sit 15th in the LaLiga table ahead of this weekend.

Unfortunate cameo

Sevilla's toothless performance was summed up by Boubakary Soumare's premature exit after replacing Joan Jordan.

The 24-year-old midfielder, on loan from Leicester, entered the fray in the 65th minute and was booked just 30 seconds later for a reckless tackle on Declan Rice.

Soumare appeared to injure himself in the process and he was eventually hauled off in the 73rd minute.

An underwhelming return to England for the ex-Lille lynchpin — and a night to forget for Sevilla.

Tags

Champions LeagueArsenalSevilla
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