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.
Mohamed Salah completed a memorable day for Egyptian football by retaining his African Player of the Year award in Senegal on Tuesday 8. The 26-year-old Liverpool star finished first with club-mate Senegalese Sadio Mane and Arsenal and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the other finalists.
Mohamed Salah retains African Player of the Year award
Cesc Fabregas completes move from Chelsea to reunite with Thierry Henry at Monaco Description: Cesc Fabregas completes move to Monaco: The Spain international teams up with former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry after signing a three-and-a-half-season deal with the Principality club.
Cesc Fabregas completes Monaco move from Chelsea
Home » Sport » Champions League: What Fabinho said about Messi after Liverpool's 4-0 win over Barcelona. Champions League final: Barcelona react to Liverpool's 2-0 win over Tottenham.
What Luis Suarez said about Liverpool's incredible win over
Iran-Iraq War. The first ban was imposed in 1980 after an Olympic qualifying play-off between Iraq and Kuwait in Baghdad, where the match referee was attacked by enraged home fans and members of the Iraqi team after the Malaysian official's decision to award a match changing penalty to the Kuwaitis that led to Iraq losing 3-2.
Asian Cup: 'proud' Son Heung-min sparks South Korea to easy
Football: Spurs beaten for first time in new stadium
Sarri hails stars of future as Chelsea young guns torment Brighton Michael Robinson April 4, 2019 0 Maurizio Sarri hailed Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek as the future of Chelsea after the young guns inspired a crucial 3-0 win over Brighton on Wednesday.
Chelsea boss Sarri hails Mourinho's 'human quality'
Football: Italy upset Australia at Women's World Cup with Bonansea double; As Canarinhas thump Reggae Girlz. 11 hours ago. VALENCIENNES, France (REUTERS, THE GUARDIAN) - Barbara Bonansea scored twice to give Italy a surprise, last-gasp 2-1 victory against Australia in their opening Group C game at the women's football World Cup on Sunday (June
Australia fall to Italy in dramatic Women's World Cup clash
Court rules Rafinha must use Adidas equipment, Football News
According to the reports, Ranieri, has signed a multi-year contract with the club. Fulham, spending an astounding £100m on new players this summer, are still placed bottom after conceding a league-high 31 goals, having only managed five points from their 12 games this season. A probable reason why Jokanovic was fired without a second thought.
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd sent Sanchez claims, Liverpool
RIO DE JANEIRO: Neymar's agent and father poured cold water over speculation the world's most expensive footballer was mulling a transfer and instead suggested a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain
Neymar's father says PSG extension more likely than Real
An early Mohamed Salah penalty and a late strike by Divock Origi gave Liverpool a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's all-English Champions League final as their coach Juergen Klopp
Liverpool win Champions League after Salah and Origi sink
Read more at straitstimes.com. We have been experiencing some problems with subscriber log-ins and apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Man City fans fear another nightmare after shock change for
South Korea's victorious under-18 team were stripped of the Panda Cup on Thursday after they infuriated hosts China with their celebrations. The Koreans had already apologised to "all the people in China" after a picture emerged of a player with his foot on the trophy.
China strips South Korea of football trophy for 'indecent
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar