LONDON (REUTERS) - An Aaron Ramsey strike and a Kalidou Koulibaly own goal gave Arsenal a 2-0 victory over Napoli in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday (April 11) - and a rare and valuable clean sheet to take to Italy in a week's time.
Arsenal took the lead in the 14th minute through Ramsey, who finished off a sweeping move down the right by calmly slotting the ball past Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret.
They doubled the advantage 10 minutes later after a moment of individual brilliance from Lucas Torreira, who dashed through the Napoli midfield before spinning and switching the ball to his left foot and letting fly.
The Uruguayan's shot took a heavy deflection off Senegal defender Koulibaly and was registered as an own-goal.
"We can be happy with this result, but (Napoli) are going to be more competitive away. Our challenge - our success - is going to be if we can be competitive away," Arsenal manager Unai Emery told reporters, repeatedly describing the tie as "50:50".
The Gunners tried to increase their advantage as the first half wore on but they failed to capitalise despite several shots on goal from strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Napoli had Meret to thank for numerous saves.
Carlo Ancelotti's men poured forward at the start of the second half in search of an away goal, with striker Lorenzo Insigne's effort ruled offside and Koulibaly denied moments later when keeper Petr Cech tipped his header over the bar.
ARSENAL CHANCES
The game quickly opened up and Ramsey, who will join Napoli's rivals and Serie A leaders Juventus in the close season, and Nacho Monreal created chances at the other end but were unable to outwit Meret again.
Napoli went closest to scoring when Insigne raced down the right and crossed to Piotr Zielinski, but the Pole's right-foot effort shot up over the bar.
"We had our chances and wasted them. We know we didn't have a good game. Now we have to think about the return leg," Insigne told Sky Sports.
"The away goal would have been vital. We have to stay focused, learn from our mistakes and have more courage next week," he said.
The Italian side have now failed to beat English opponents away from their San Paolo stadium in nine attempts in European competition, and will need to find some scoring form at home if they are to progress in the competition.
"I think the second half gave us some idea how we can play the second game," Ancelotti told reporters, suggesting his side had more of the run of play as Arsenal's players tired, a number of them pulling up with cramp as the game neared the end.
Richarlison continues to impress but West Ham continue to struggle, while two promising English youngsters shine - Saturday's Premier League talking points.
Premier League talking points: Liverpool go top as Manchester
Hazard paid tribute to departing Chelsea teammate Fabregas (Action Images via Reuters) Hudson-Odoi is eager for further opportunities and knows he could be given them due to Chelsea's injury
Hazard's kind words for departing Fabregas - futaa.com
Login Sign up; V-Varen Nagasaki v Niigata "liveStream"(live) From: Aarhus vs Brentford 2 LIVE Stream# by sucacmoweb1973. 0 1 17 days ago. 00:00. 00:05. Like Like.
Warriors - Hougang United LiveStream: - spreaker.com
BERLIN (AP) — Bayern Munich knows all too well how tough an opponent Juergen Klopp can be. due to its early FA Cup exit. The team spent four days at a training camp in Marbella, Spain.
"I think it was a massive victory, a massive three points to make us believe that little more, in our possibility to be in a very good position in the table," Pochettino said, as quoted by the
F365's early loser: Pochettino and a 'massive' defeat for
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino said the club will activate a one-year extension in defender Toby Alderweireld's contract to keep him at the club until 2020.
Spurs to trigger Alderweireld contract extension, says
PSG coach Tuchel hits out at Neymar after fan attack Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel (C) speaks to Neymar before extra-time in the French Cup final
PSG Coach Thomas Tuchel Hits Out At Neymar After Fan Attack
Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him Kevin De Bruyne's timely return to action for Manchester City is a major boost for Pep Guardiola as his team brace for a
Premier League: Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne upbeat as
Jul 11, 2018 · These have been strange weeks in England, weeks when it has been easy to fall in love in a nobody to blame, no need for a scapegoat or an effigy. getting onto the feet or heads of Croatian
Valley News - Forum, May 24: ISO New England's Study Was Flawed
Manchester: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued his dream start as Manchester United caretaker manager with a 3-1 Premier League win over Huddersfield on his Old Trafford debut in the dugout on Wednesday.
Premier League: Pogba Strikes Twice, Man Utd Win On Solskjaer
Paul Pogba: Man United can turn it round in Barcelona two penalties to help Manchester United past West Ham on Saturday. the season to 16 with a pair of spot-kicks that saw him move away
Paul Pogba's penalty run-up 'would not have happened' under
British crash investigators have launched an underwater operation to recover a body from the wreckage of the plane carrying Argentine UK rescuers launch bid to recover body from Sala's plane.
UK rescuers launch bid to recover body from Sala's plane
0 comments:
Post a Comment