Although they came from behind to win us at our Home ground but to be honest with you,I have never played such a dangerously aggressive player like Him in my entire career before,I will be the most happiest person on earth if we could be teammate”, Girona star Arnaut Danjuma reveals the only ONE Arsenal player that really surprised Him last night despite their loss – Not Nwaneri and Not Sterling
Although they came from behind to win us at our Home ground but to be honest with you,I have never played such a dangerously aggressive player like Him in my entire career before,I will be the most happiest person on earth if we could be teammate”, Girona star Arnaut Danjuma reveals the only ONE Arsenal player that really surprised Him last night despite their loss – Not Nwaneri and Not Sterling
Arsenal came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Girona on Wednesday night as they progressed to the round of 16 of the Champions League.
With qualification to the round of 16 all but secure, Mikel Arteta made a number of changes to his side. Raheem Sterling and Jakub Kiwior were among those who came into the starting XI while loanee Neto made his debut in goal.
The Brazilian had a nightmare start between the sticks as he was caught on the ball by the Girona attack and had to be bailed out by his defence. Neto’s maiden appearance only got worse when he came miles out of his goal and failed to deal with Arnaut Danjuma’s opening strike.
The Gunners struck back ten minutes later when Thomas Partey weaved through the Girona defence before being taken down in the box. Jorginho stepped up to take the resulting penalty and coolly slot past Pau Lopez.
Ethan Nwaneri completed a quick turnaround for his side minutes later when he cut inside before curling a brilliant effort into the far corner. The youngster’s goal ensured Arsenal went into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Cristhian Stuani grabbed an equaliser for Girona with just under 15 minutes to play, but VAR dealt the Gunners a lifeline, deeming Cristian Portu to have drifted offside in the build-up. Sterling spurned a chance to make it three for Arsenal with his side’s second penalty of the night. The winger saw a relatively tame effort saved by Lopez.
The win over Girona sees Arsenal finish third in the league phase table to qualify for the round of 16 of the Champions League, avoiding two extra games in February.
Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 2-1 win over Girona.
Girona 1-2 Arsenal player ratings
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Neto (GK) – 5/10 – Endured a poor start, being caught on the ball outside of his box and was lucky to be bailed out by his defenders. Bizarrely came out of his box in an attempt to stop Danjuma’s opener and was unsuccessful. Improved in the second half but a disappointing performance overall.
Thomas Partey (RB) – 6.5/10 – Not a great defensive performance as he let Arnaut Danjuma break in behind to score the opener. Made up for it with a good run to break past the defence and win a penalty for his side. Withdrawn at the break.
Jakub Kiwior (CB) – 6.5/10 – Almost gave away possession when he was caught dawdling on the ball in a dangerous area. Had a better second 45 and was solid for the most part.
Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) – 6.5/10 – Steady showing at the back from the Brazilian. Not his most dominant performance but did his job well. Was not the same threat as usual from set pieces.
Riccardo Calafiori (LB) – 8/10 – Scored early on with a fine finish from a tight angle but had drifted offside as he ran into the box. Solid defensively as he battled well with Girona’s right side. Made some good runs down the left.
