Girona vs Arsenal Report

Scorers: Danjuma 28’; Jorginho 38’ (P), Nwaneri 42’

Arsenal booked their place in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) last 16 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Girona at the Emirates Stadium.

A stunning strike from teenager Ethan Nwaneri sealed the win, ensuring the Gunners finished in the top eight of the league phase, a result that also added a valuable £7.8 million to their financial war chest.

However, the match also highlighted Arsenal’s ongoing concerns in key positions, particularly in attack and goalkeeping, with Mikel Arteta reinforcing the need for reinforcements.

Arsenal’s Striker Dilemma: Trossard Up Front, Havertz Benched

Earlier in the day, Arsenal had a bid rejected for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, and Arteta’s selection reflected the club’s immediate need for a recognised striker.

Kai Havertz, who has led the line effectively this season with 14 goals, started on the bench, leaving Leandro Trossard to play as a makeshift No. 9.

While Trossard provided some bright moments, it was clear that this was not a long-term solution.

Arsenal’s reliance on Havertz as the only recognised striker is a growing concern, and the failed bid for Watkins only reinforces the club’s determination to add attacking reinforcements in the January window.

First Half: Neto’s Nightmare, Danjuma’s Strike, and Arsenal’s Response

The match got off to a shaky start for Arsenal’s veteran goalkeeper Neto, who made his debut at the age of 35—becoming the club’s oldest debutant in 110 years.

With David Raya absent due to injury, the Bournemouth loanee struggled with nerves, misjudging his clearances and nearly gifting an early goal to Arnaut Danjuma inside two minutes.

However, Neto’s luck ran out in the 28th minute, when he was caught yards outside his box, allowing Danjuma to coolly finish into an empty net.

The error underscored Arsenal’s vulnerability in the goalkeeping department, raising further questions about whether the club should prioritise a backup goalkeeper in the transfer window.

Arsenal responded before halftime. Riccardo Calafiori thought he had equalised, but his close-range finish was ruled out for offside.

Eventually, the Gunners found a way back when Jorginho converted from the penalty spot, after Thomas Partey was fouled by Arnau Martinez.

Second Half: Nwaneri’s Moment of Magic

Arsenal continued to push forward after the break, and it was Ethan Nwaneri who produced the game’s standout moment.

Shimmying onto his left foot from outside the area, the 17-year-old curled a sensational shot into the bottom left corner, showcasing a level of technique and composure that belied his years.

The goal had echoes of his stunning finish against Preston in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.

Late VAR Drama and Sterling’s Missed Penalty

Girona pushed for a late equaliser and thought they had found one when Cristhian Stuani bundled the ball into the net, only for VAR to rule it out for offside.

Arsenal then survived a stoppage-time scare, when Raheem Sterling’s last-gasp penalty was saved, ensuring the Gunners held on for all three points.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Girona vs Arsenal | UEFA Champions League 2024/25