Full Time: BATE Borisov 2-4 Arsenal

Arsenal survived some late pressure from BATE to come out on top in their 2nd group stage encounter of their maiden Europa League campaign under Arsene Wenger. It wasn’t as easy as expected as BATE hardly did anything other than conceding some soft goals. They played commendably well and put some pressure on Arsenal but the Gunners were simply too high on quality to suffer.

The action started very early as Walcott hit the post just few minutes into the game, after Wilshere put him through. However, it did not take long for Theo to open the scoring in the 9th minute, as he was at the right place at the right time to slot home a Jack Wilshere square pass after some delightful exchanges inside the box put Wilshere through on goal.

Arsenal’s second goal came as a gift as BATE’s goalkeeper Scherbitski threw the ball straight to Theo Walcott who made no mistake to calmly put it in the back of the net.

Rob Holding put Arsenal three ahead when he got a touch on Mertesacker’s header from a Theo Walcott corner. The ball hit Holding’s knee and went straight in to the bottom corner.

BATE did pull a goal back through Ivanic as Rios did really well to perfectly pick him out in front of goal. But Elneny should have done much better as he looked static when trying to deal with the Montenegrin, who was easily able to rise high above the Egyptian. Nevertheless, Ospina could have done better to save the header.

The teams went into the half-time break with the scoreline at 3-1.

The second half began with Arsenal winning a free kick in the 48th minute after Nelson was fouled on the right-wing. The free-kick eventually led to a penalty, as Mustafi was pulled inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot and up stepped Olivier Giroud to score his 100th Arsenal goal!

The Frenchman had an average game by his standards but he was always available in a goal scoring position whenever Arsenal had a good chance inside the opposition box.

BATE did manage to score again after  some good play down the left flank from the home side resulted in a cross being fired into an excellent area inside the Arsenal box. Holding was unable to deal with the danger, allowing Gordeychuk to easily fire in from close range.

The home side took advantage of the goal and put some real pressure on the Gunners to try and find a thrid goal. However, Arsenal soaked up all the pressure to come out on top in what was a decent performance by the Gunners overall.

The fans seemed to be delighted with Arsenal’s performance and Giroud’s 100th goal and here’s how they reacted on Twitter!

Congratulations @_OlivierGiroud_ – we’re all so proud of you #100livier pic.twitter.com/s9VS4n9bQu

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 28, 2017

Been a Giroud fan from day 1 and not seen anything but heart and Goa look s from the guy, class act and adds something different

— Arsenal Supporters (@AFSCLondon) September 28, 2017

Sliding into the 100 club pic.twitter.com/XLJPEBb6W3

— Tayyab Hussain (@Tayyab_402) September 28, 2017

Don’t care. Announce Ancelotti. Fire Bould too.

— SM (@ShevaTweets) September 28, 2017

ANNOUNCE ANCELOTTI

— Ha$$ (@KungFuLaca) September 28, 2017

Leave Walcott behind in Belarus

— Giroud FC (@Girouddinho) September 28, 2017

We are winning Europa

— Europa Knights (@Cechque) September 28, 2017

Masterclass performance. We are the best team in Europe. Lets win Europa League. Never wanted to win tinpot Champions League anyway

— Arsenè Wenger (@4rseneWenger4) September 28, 2017

Nice one lads .. job well done #COYG

— THE GENESIZ (@iNtsikayesizwe) September 28, 2017

Underrated? Walcott? Are you okay, mate?

Walcott is underrated

— Ibrah (@gitiaibrah) September 28, 2017

Sell walcott

— qwerty (@QWERTYcoyg) September 28, 2017