Bukayo Saka continued his brilliant goalscoring form as the helped Arsenal produce one of the narrow football scores of the midweek action in the Europa League. Mikel Arteta’s team struggled to create chances while playing on an artificial field in the frigid conditions of a fishing city just north of the Arctic Circle. However, Saka’s unknowing kiss to the Gunners in front was their sole shot on goal for the whole game.
With Amahl Pellegrino and Runar Espejord guilty of blowing many chances in front of a sell-out crowd for the minnows, Bodo might have and should have equalized in both halves, but Arteta’s Gunners got off easy. As a result, Arsenal maintains group leadership with nine points and knows that, even if the coveted group winners’ berth and an automatic entry into the round of 16 would not yet be guaranteed, a draw against PSV Eindhoven at home the following week will guarantee a top-two finish.
Another rotated Arsenal team took the field in front of a boisterous home crowd in an eight-degree chill, which is twice as cold as London. The visitors labored on the artificial surface against a team that has won 14 straight domestic European matches. The opening goal for Arsenal did ultimately come when Lokonga passed Saka on the right side of the box. Saka’s initial shot was stopped by a defender, but the rebound surprised the Bodo goalie by dropping into the net.
When Martin Odegaard, who was playing in his native Norway for the first time since he was 15, fed the England winger in the box, Saka should have increased the lead, but he hurried his shot, which missed the near post. Before halftime, Bodo gave a reminder of their threat when Ola Solbakken flicked on a long ball and set up Pellegrino for a clear shot. To acquire greater control over a rampaging Bodo side, Arteta was obliged to enlist the help of players like Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Thomas Partey. While the goal was ultimately successful, it wasn’t without some difficulty.
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