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Arsenal booked their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League with a comfortable 3-0 win over Norwegian side Molde. Goals from Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson and Folarin Balogun were enough to ensure that the Gunners’ 100% record in the group stage remained intact.
Mikel Arteta’s men can now rest assured knowing their next two games are write-offs in the middle of a busy winter schedule.
Here are the hits and flops from Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Molde.
#5 Hit: Joe Willock (Arsenal)
Joe Willock once again showed everyone why he is a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans this season. The 21-year-old put in another dominant performance for Arsenal on Thursday night, picking up 2 assists in the process.
In a pivot with Granit Xhaka, the youngster acted as the spare man in attack, making several runs into the box. His pace and power were too much for Molde to handle and his decision-making was lightning quick.
Overall, Willock completed 93% of his passes, won 5 duels and created 2 chances. With Thomas Partey still unavailable, the youngster may have played his way into Arsenal's starting XI in the game against Wolves on Sunday.
#4 Flop: Birk Risa (Molde)
Up against an inspired Nicolas Pepe, the Molde left-back didn't really stand a chance from the first minute. Pepe constantly ran at him and the Norwegian didn’t have a response for the Frenchman.
The 22-year-old had a torrid game and was dribbled past 4 times, lost out on 5 duels and completed only 69% of his passes. The number of times he let Pepe cut in and shoot from his left foot was criminal and, eventually, his team were punished for it.
#3 Hit: Reiss Nelson (Arsenal)
After a mixed second-half cameo against Leeds, Mikel Arteta deemed Reiss Nelson worthy of a start for the game in Norway. The youngster didn’t disappoint as he was energetic and full of running from the start.
Operating on the left flank, Nelson was direct and completed 2 dribbles, provided 3 crosses and had 2 attempts on goal.
With Pepe suspended, and Willian and Saka injured for the game on the weekend, the 20-year-old went some way to convince the boss he can start against Wolves on Sunday.
#2 Special Mention (Hit): Folarin Balogun
It has been well reported that Arsenal and Folarin Balogun’s representatives have been at loggerheads over the past couple of months. The club were more than happy to part ways with the player in the summer until Mikel Arteta intervened.
Tonight, the 19-year-old was given only his second appearance for the senior team, and he marked his first touch during the game with a goa. Arsenal fans will be hoping that this will be the first of many for the youngster.
#1 Hit: Nicolas Pepe (Arsenal)
After letting the team down (Arteta’s words) on Sunday, it was clear to all that the Ivorian wanted to set things right against Molde. His exuberance and insistence on cutting in from the left caused Molde a whole heap of problems and Pepe was the team’s most creative outlet.
The 25-year-old was a threat in attack with 9 successful take-ons, 5 shots, 4 chances created and 1 goal. He was also solid in defence as he won 12 duels.
