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Nicolas Pepe showed the positive side of his game when he recovered by scoring the first goal to help Arsenal win in Molde and secure their qualification to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
The Ivory Coast winger kept his place in the Arsenal squad despite being criticized by manager Mikel Arteta following his red card in the goalless draw at Leeds on Sunday.
Fast forward four days and the club’s record signing was amended by shining as the Gunners won 3-0 in Norway with teenage forward Folarin Balogun scoring his first senior goal after Reiss Nelson doubled the lead.
The result means that Arsenal have advanced to the round of 32 and can secure first place in Group B, which also contains Dundalk, with a positive result at home against Rapid Vienna next week, a match in which 2,000 fans will return to the Emirates Stadium. for the first time in nine months.
Nelson had a decent early chance just to see his attack well saved, but it was the hosts who scratched their heads on how to pass up a good opportunity to take the lead.
Defender Sheriff Sinyan only needed to swing a cross when he was free at the back post, but managed to deflect it through the goal and into the grateful hands of Alex Runarsson.
Pepe had been buoyant from the start and shot wide after running towards Molde’s defense as the sides evened out at halftime.
Arsenal lost David Luiz to injury at halftime, the Brazilian was replaced on defense by Rob Holding, but it was at the other end of the field that Arsenal looked much sharper.
A superb shot from Pepe bounced off the crossbar as the Gunners moved ever closer to take the lead.
Moments later, the 25-year-old opened the scoring, controlling a cross on the back post and taking a shot out of reach of Andreas Linde.
Eddie Nketiah then approached from close range, but was flagged offside before Nelson took a six-yard lead to deflect Joe Willock’s cross and leave Arsenal clearer.
Arteta turned her backpack around introducing Kieran Tierney and Emile Smith Rowe from the bench, giving Willock and the ineffectual Alexandre Lacazette a break.
But it was Molde substitute Mathis Bolly who nearly halved the deficit at the other end, doubling a good effort inches from the bar with Runarsson seemingly beaten.
Balogun would close out the win as the 19-year-old scored his first goal for Arsenal just 37 seconds after his second senior appearance as Linde couldn’t deal with his hit from Smith Rowe’s pass.
The goal was the icing on the cake for Arsenal, who have reached the knockout rounds of the Europa League for the fourth consecutive season.
Full match details
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