Molde 0-3 Arsenal: 5 talking points as the Gunners qualify for the Round of 32 | UEFA Europa League 2020-21

#3 Alex Runarsson adds second clean sheet to his Arsenal career

Runarsson made his second appearance for Arsenal

This is the second consecutive clean sheet for Alex Runarsson who last played against Dundalk. While there was fairly little to do, the Arsenal goalkeeper did well enough when he was called upon action. He looked confident with his distribution and performed well during set-pieces too.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Molde had 11 shots, of which only one was on target. Comparatively, in the last meeting between the two teams, Moe's team had just six shots but four of them were on target.

Runarsson will be happy with his display as he earns his second clean sheet of his Arsenal career. Ahead of the match against Wolves this weekend, the Gunners may have goalscoring difficulties but they have not conceded any goals in their last two matches.

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#2 Nicolas Pepe redeems himself

Nicolas Pepe scored Arsenal's first goal of the night

Following his reckless challenge and sending-off last weekend, Nicolas Pepe was given a chance to redeem himself and get into Arteta's good books. In the first 45 minutes, the Ivory Coast forward was Arsenal's chief creator. He attempted shots, linked up with Alexandre Lacazette as well as Nketiah, and dominated the flanks.

Minutes into the second half, the 25-year-old curled a shot and scored to put Arsenal in front. From then on, he looked threatening going forward. Had Nketiah scored, the winger could have gotten a few more assists in the game.

Arteta should be pleased to see Pepe giving his best to make up for his mistake. Since the former Lille player is suspended for the upcoming three Premier League matches, it will be a good opportunity for him to find success in the Europa League.

Nicolas Pépé for Arsenal vs. Molde:◉ Most touches (80)◉ Most crosses (12)◉ Most touches in opp. box (11)◉ Most take-ons completed (9) (!)◉ Most shots (6)◉ Most chances created (4)= Most shots on target (2)Redeemed himself yet? pic.twitter.com/PfGiPcpPzM

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 26, 2020

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#1 Arsenal youngsters impress against Molde

Reiss Nelson netted Arsenal's second goal of the match

Barring Pepe, this show was ran and won by the Arsenal youngsters. Nelson scored his first goal of the season and impressed alongside Joe Willock as well as Folarin Balogun.

Willock has been performing extremely well in the Europa League. Before this game, the 21-year-old already had two goals and two assists in three UEL matches. After the victory over Molde, Willock added another assist to his tally.

Meanwhile, Balogun came on as a substitute and scored with his first touch of the game. Arsenal fans would be glad to know that Arteta wants to keep the talented center-forward. In his pre-match conference, the manager said:

"He's part of the DNA and myself and the club are working to try to extend his contract.

“We're trying to change the situation that we are in at the moment with him, and trying to convince him that this is the right place for him.”

The Arsenal youngsters put up an amazing second-half performance on Thursday to bring home all three points and secure qualification to the Round of 32.

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