December 23, 2024

Man United vs Omonia LIVE: Europa League latest score and goal updates as goalkeeper Uzoho frustrates hosts

Omonia #Omonia

Scott McTominay struck a last-minute winner to save Manchester United from embarrassment in the Europa League after Erik ten Hag’s side were held for 93 minutes by Omonia Nicosia and an inspired perforance from goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.

United dominated the match at Old Trafford but were frustrated by Uzoho, who was only starting due to an injury to first-choice Fabiano, and scored with their 33rd shot on goal.

Uzoho made several key saves to deny Marcus Rashford while Casemiro rattled the crossbar, before Omonia wasted a golden opportunity just before the break as Bruno blazed wide when the visitors had a two-on-one.

The Nigeria international Uzoho then made a brilliant double save to deny Antony and then Rashford from close range, before the England forward pushed a one-on-one well wide of the target.

McTominay’s winner keeps United’s hopes of beating Real Sociedad to top spot in Group E alive with two games remaining. Follow live reaction to United’s late win, below:

Manchester United vs Omonia Nicosia

  • POST! Casemiro rattles crossbar after goalkeeper Uzoho frustrates United

  • CHANCE! Omonia waste golden opportunity as Bruno spurns two-on-one

  • SAVE! Uzoho makes brilliant double stop to deny Antony and Rashford

  • GOAL! McTominay wins it in stoppage time to break Omonia hearts (1-0)

  • FULL TIME! United keep hopes to finishing top of Group E alive with late win

  • Manchester United FC 1 – 0 AC Omonia Nicosia

    FT Man Utd 1-0 Omonia

    22:00 , Michael Jones

    Scott McTominay came off the bench to secure Manchester United a much needed victory at Old Trafford against Omonia Nicosia.

    (Getty Images)

    (Getty Images)

    (Getty Images)

    FT Man Utd 1-0 Omonia

    21:56 , Michael Jones

    That victory means that Manchester United still have the chance to finish at the top of Group E with two games to go. Real Sociedad have won all four of their games so far but they play United again in the final game of the group.

    It seems likely that these two teams will go through but the second placed team will have to advance through a play-off match with one of the dropped Champions League teams in order to reach the last-16.

    Story continues

    Full-time: Man Utd 1-0 Omonia

    21:52 , Michael Jones

    90+5 mins: There’s the whistle. Manchester United take all three points after a determined performance from Omonia Nicosia almost held them to a draw.

    Scott McTominay is the hero of the night and United’s hopes of topping Group E are still in tact.

    GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Omonia (McTominay, 90+3′)⚽️

    21:49 , Michael Jones

    90+3 mins: Scott McTominay wins it for Manchester United!

    United work the ball from right to left and send it up to Jadon Sancho. He weaves and twists his way into the box before squaring the ball to McTominay who takes a touch, knocks it to the right and slots one underneath Francis Vzoho!

    The goalkeeper is finally beaten and United have their goal.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:48 , Michael Jones

    90+2 mins: Rashford wins a free kick that Eriksen sends into the box. Adam Lang is there to head it clear and the return ball is claimed by the goalkeeper.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:47 , Michael Jones

    90 mins: Hope for Manchester United yet as there is five minutes off added time to play. Shaw floats a cross into the box but his pass just clips the head of Jadon Sancho and Omonia scurry it clear.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:43 , Michael Jones

    87 mins: Real Sociedad are 3-0 up against Sheriff Tiraspol in the other Group E match of the night so they are in full control of the group.

    If Man Utd don’t win tonight then they’ll be five points behind the leaders. This is a big final few minutes for Erik ten Hag’s men. They need to score.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:40 , Michael Jones

    84 mins: Save! McTominay’s first involvement is a low effort from outside the box but Vzoho drops low to his left and pushes the effort wide!

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:37 , Michael Jones

    81 mins: Less than 10 minutes to play at Old Trafford and Manchester United are still hunting the opening goal. Scott McTominay is introduced to replace Casemiro.

    Will there be a goal? Whoever scores now would surely win this game.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:36 , Michael Jones

    78 mins: Shaw, Sancho and Rashford all look for a way into the box from the left but the ball is sent out for a throw in. They get it back into play quickly a fizz a pass over to Casemiro.

    He lays the ball to Fernandes who belts an effort well over the crossbar!

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:33 , Michael Jones

    75 mins: Eriksen sends the ball into the box but can’t find Ronaldo. Yuste wins the ball and sends it into the midfield but it’s quickly won back by the home side.

    United come again but so far there’s no way through for them.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:29 , Michael Jones

    72 mins: Save! There’s an increase in urgency from United as Omonia send everyone behind the ball. They work it from one side to the other before Rashford slips the ball into Ronaldo.

    He shoots on the turn and forces a save out of Vzoho at the near post.

    Christian Eriksen comes on to replace Fred. How is this game still goalless?

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:25 , Michael Jones

    69 mins: Moreto Cassama is a lucky, lucky boy. He leaps into a challenge on Casemiro and leaves the floor with studs showing. He crunches the Man Utd midfielder and only earns a yellow card.

    That easily could have been a red.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:23 , Michael Jones

    66 mins: Close! Fernandes and Dalot drive down the right side before sending the ball over to Rashford on the left side of the area. He hits one on the volley and wins a corner for Man Utd.

    There’s a VAR check over a possible handball in the penalty area but nothing comes from it.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:20 , Michael Jones

    63 mins: First Luke Shaw, then Diogo Dalot swing crosses into the penalty area from opposite sides of the pitch and on both occasions Nemanja Miletic gives in front of Cristiano Ronaldo and heads the ball away.

    The Omonia centre-backs have had to work hard this evening and so far they’re holding up well.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:17 , Michael Jones

    60 mins: Chance! Casemiro sends a long ball over to Rashford whose first touch is brilliant. He then drives into the box and hooks a shot well wide of the goal.

    Erik ten Hag takes the chance to make a couple of changes. Tyrell Malacia and Antony are replace with Luke Shaw and Jadon Sancho.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:14 , Michael Jones

    57 mins: United float a diagonal pass over to Antony on the right wig who manages to keep it in play before delivering a decent cross over to Ronaldo but he’s beaten to the ball by Yuste who heads the ball out of the penalty area.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:12 , Michael Jones

    54 mins: A shot from Rashford loops into the box and Ronaldo wins a corner after jumping in front of the goalkeeper who punches the ball behind.

    Bruno Fernandes delivers it but Vzoho flaps it away.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:10 , Michael Jones

    51 mins: Omonia don’t want to concede. That’s there primary focus as they aren’t committing men forward even when they get the ball into decent areas.

    Bruno recovers possession, carries the ball to the edge of the box and plays in Matthews who whips a cross straight into the hands of David De Gea.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:05 , Michael Jones

    48 mins: Chances! A sweeping move from United sees Fernandes drive throught midfield and carry the ball to the box before playing in Fred.

    He shoots and is denied by the goalkeeper who then smothers the ball before Ronaldo can poke it home!

    Second half: Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    21:03 , Michael Jones

    Kick off: Omonia get the match restarted at Old Trafford.

    Incredible! Manchester United recover the ball high up the pitch and work it to Ronaldo. He slides in Antony who takes a touch and shoots but draws a diving stop out of Vzoho.

    The ball comes to Rashford who mishits his effort but gets it on target. The soft pace of the shot allows the keeper to get up and palm this one away too!

    HT Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:58 , Michael Jones

    The other Group E match of the night was also goalless right up until the break but Real Sociedad have just gone one up against Sheriff Tiraspol.

    Manchester United need to win at Old Trafford to keep up the pace with the Spanish side.

    HT Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:50 , Michael Jones

    It’s been a frustrating 45 minutes for Manchester United who have hit the crossbar and been denied by three of four great saves from Francis Vzoho.

    (Getty Images)

    (Getty Images)

    (PA)

    Half-time: Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:46 , Michael Jones

    45 mins: Bruno Fernandes guides a free kick into the middle of the box and Casemiro belts his header well wide of the far post!

    There’s no added time at the end of this half so the team’s go into the break all square.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:44 , Michael Jones

    42 mins: Chance! Huge moment for Omonia who get in behind with a counter-attacking punt up the pitch. Bruno turns the ball past Lindelof and sweeps past the defender before carrying the ball into the box.

    Andronikos Kakoulli is wide open on the other side of the area but Bruno goes it alone and lifts his strike over the target!

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:40 , Michael Jones

    39 mins: Chance! Huge opportunity for Manchester United to take the lead. Antony hugs the touchline and is given the ball on the right wing.

    He whips a cross in and expertly finds Fred’s cutting run but the Brazilian heads his effort over the goal!

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:38 , Michael Jones

    36 mins: A nice one-two between Malacia and Rashford sees the left-back fly into the box and cut the ball into the six-yard area where Ronaldo lifts a tricky chance over the bar.

    Malacia gets hit by a late tackle from Matthews after releasing the ball and both players stay down after the move comes to an end.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:34 , Michael Jones

    33 mins: Off the woodwork!

    Casemiro is given the ball about 25 yards out from goal on the inside right channel. His options are limited so he goes for goal and smokes a fine effort towards the far post.

    Vzoho drops to his left and gets a hand on the ball, managing to push it up onto the crossbar where the ball bounces to safety!

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:32 , Michael Jones

    30 mins: Close! Dalot brings the ball down the right before knocking it over to Casemiro who pushes up through midfield. He gives it to Ronaldo and the forward spins on the edge of the box before firing a shot wide of the left hand post!

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:29 , Michael Jones

    27 mins: Denied! A cross from the right wing comes all the way through to Malacia who dinks it back to Rashford. Rashford checks inside and laces a fine strike at goal.

    The shot takes a slight deflection but Vzoho leaps across and turns it wide of the post!

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:26 , Michael Jones

    24 mins: Rashford makes a run down the left wing and keeps the ball alive at the byline before checking inside twice and having another shot blocked.

    United come again with Lindelof setting the ball up to Fernandes. The Omonian defenders drop back allowing the midfielder to whip a shot towards the far bottom corner but he sends it just wide of the post.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:23 , Michael Jones

    21 mins: Save! Cassama gives the ball away to Ronaldo who turns it towards goal before sliding it across to Fernandes.

    He then plays Rashford into the left side of the box and the forward takes a first-time shot with his weaker left foot and hits one straight at the goalkeeper who charges off his line to narrow the angle!

    Another fine save.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:20 , Michael Jones

    18 mins: Bruno Fernandes shakes off an attempted tackle and carries the ball through midfield before giving it to Ronaldo. He slides in Tyrell Malacia on the left wing who brings the ball to the byline and hits Adam Matthews with his cross.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:19 , Michael Jones

    15 mins: Manchester United have bossed possession but Omonia are sitting deep and are making it tricky to create clear-cut chances.

    Rashford flicks in a cross but Moreta Cassama nods it clear.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:14 , Michael Jones

    12 mins: At the other end of the pitch Omonia win a corner of their own but it’s easily cleared by Fernandes at the near post.

    United fly up the right side of the pitch with Fernandes sending a first time cross over to the far side of the box but the pass is too far away from Cristiano Ronaldo who can’t get too it before the ball heads out of play.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:12 , Michael Jones

    9 mins: Chance! Marcus Rashford looks hungry tonight. He’s given the ball inside the penalty, checks to his left and sits down a defender but cutting back to the right and having a shot blocked by Kitsos.

    The resultant corner is fizzed across the six-yard area by Bruno Fernandes but none of his teammates gets on the end of the pass.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:06 , Michael Jones

    6 mins: Lisandro Martinez lifts a long diagonal ball into the box that almost drops to Bruno Fernandes. He’s blocked off by Fotios Kitsos who marshalls the ball out for a goal kick.

    Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:03 , Michael Jones

    3 mins: Save! The corner is played short by Bruno Fernandes who gives it to Marcus Rashford. He’s got bags of room to operate in and drills a shot at goal forcing Francis Vzoho to push it over the crossbar!

    Solid save from Omonia’s second choice keeper.

    Kick off: Man Utd 0-0 Omonia

    20:01 , Michael Jones

    Cristiano Ronaldo gets the ball rolling at Old Trafford. Man Utd will be hoping for a simpler time of things this evening as they look to collect three points tonight.

    The home side move the ball over to the right wing with Antony carrying the ball down the line. He slides it to Diogo Dalot who sends in a cross and United win a corner.

    Man Utd vs Omonia

    19:58 , Michael Jones

    Here come the teams.

    Bruno Fernandes leads out Manchester United. The Red Devils need to win tonight if they want finish top of Group E and avoid a play-off match with a Champions League team.

    An early goal should settle the nerves too.

    Arsenal weather Bodo/Glimt storm to take charge of Europa League group

    19:56 , Jamie Braidwood

    Arsenal’s fine start to the season continued as Bukayo Saka hit the only goal of the game to see off Bodo/Glimt and put the Gunners in charge of their Europa League group.

    Mikel Arteta’s sit top of the Premier League and made it 11 wins from 12 in all competitions with a 1-0 victory in Norway.

    The Spaniard opted for a strong line-up, naming seven full internationals with the prospect of winning the group to bypass the round of 32 stage leading to the likes of Saka, William Saliba and Ben White starting the game.

    Bodo had won their last 14 home matches in European competition and Jose Mourinho’s Roma were famously humbled 6-1 at the 8,300-capacity Aspmyra Stadium last year.

    But, inside the Arctic Circle and with swirling rain, Arsenal put on a professional display to maintain their winning start to Group A.

    Arsenal weather Bodo/Glimt storm to take charge of Europa League group

    Man Utd vs Omonia

    19:55 , Michael Jones

    Omonia will be missing first-choice goalkeeper Fabiano tonight due to a shoulder injury. He was their best player by far for the game in Cyprus making several huge saves.

    Man Utd had 28 shots in total last week – though only eight on target – and controlled 73% of the possession.

    Man Utd vs Omonia

    19:47 , Michael Jones

    Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Man Utd tonight after coming off the bench to score the winner against Everton at the weekend. Ronaldo was brilliant against Omonia last week and did everything other than score. Will he get on the scoresheet tonight?

    (REUTERS)

    (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

    Man Utd vs Omonia

    19:43 , Michael Jones

    There’ll be a bit of reaction to come from Arsenal’s victory including the match report but we move over to Old Trafford now in preparation of Manchester United’s match versus Omonia Nicosia.

    Here’s a reminder of the two line-ups:

    Manchester United XI: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo

    Omonia XI: Uzoho; Matthews, Kitsos, Yuste, Lang, Miletic; Panayiotou, Cassama, Charalampous; Bruno, Kakoullis

    FT Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:40 , Michael Jones

    Bodo/Glimt’s 14 game unbeaten run at home in Europe comes to an end as the Gunners squeeze past them 1-0 thanks to Bukayo Saka’s winning goal in the first half.

    (Action Images via Reuters)

    (Getty Images)

    Full-time: Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:36 , Michael Jones

    90+3 mins: Three points for Arsenal! They remain top of Group A with two clashes against PSV Eindhoven and another battle with FC Zurich.

    As it stands the Gunners have a five-point lead over PSV but they face Zurich later tonight. Mikel Arteta’s side continue to go from strength to strength.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:33 , Michael Jones

    90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play. Bodo/Glimt are still dominating possession but aren’t causing many problems for Arsenal.

    It’s been a professional performance from them as they’ve been asked to defend for quite a while now.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:30 , Michael Jones

    87 mins: Arteta’s changes seem to have strengthen Arsenal’s defensive capabilites and the home team are finding it more difficult to play between the lines now.

    Just a few minutes left to play in Norway and it seems as though the Gunners have got this one sown up.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:26 , Michael Jones

    84 mins: Berg whips a corner over to the edge of the box but doesn’t find a team mate. Bodo/Glimt recycle it back over to him on the right wing and his ball into the box is cleared by Thomas Partey who’s come on in place of Sambi Lokonga.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:25 , Michael Jones

    81 mins: Into the fina 10 minutes now ans it’s Bodo/Glimt who are forcing the issue by knocking the ball around the edge of the Arsenal penalty area. Gronbaek works it over to the left side where a deflection almost puts it out of play.

    Tomiyasu keeps it alive but knocks it back to the home side who send a cross into the middle. The bal seemingly hits Lokonga and there’s a shout for handball but nothing comes from it.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:23 , Michael Jones

    78 mins: The hosts make a change in attack as Runar Espejord is replaced by Lars-Jorgen Salvesen. The supporters are giving their all to keep their side going.

    They’re chanting, singing and generally having a blast.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:17 , Michael Jones

    75 mins: Tierney curls a pass into Martinelli who tries to flick back to Xhaka but gives away the ball. Bodo/Glimt work the ball up to Vetlesen who is brought down by Holding making a tackle from behind.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:13 , Michael Jones

    72 mins: Another couple of changes from Mikel Arteta as Martin Odegaard and Ben White go off to be replaced by Marquinhos and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

    Inside the last 20 minutes and Arsenal still look vulnerable when the home side get in behind the lines.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:12 , Michael Jones

    69 mins: Hugo Vetlesen pulls back Eddie Nketiah and earns himself a yellow card.

    From the free kick Gabriel Martinelli finds Martin Odegaard who takes the ball to the byline and fizzes an effort into the near post where it gets claimed by goalkeeper Nikita Haikin.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:08 , Michael Jones

    66 mins: Pellegrino curls a cross into the box and Vetlesen lets it run through to Solbakken. He tries to get it under control by chesting the ball down but there a too many Arsenal defenders around him and they hoof the ball clear.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:04 , Michael Jones

    63 mins: Mikel Arteta thinks so too and he makes a couple of changes. Reiss Nelson and Bukayo Saka are hooked with Gabriel Martinelli and Granit Xhaka brought on.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    19:01 , Michael Jones

    60 mins: Chance! This move deserved a goal as a long diagonal comes into the box and gets chested down by Hugo Vetlesen who perfectly sets up Runar Espejord for a first time effort that he drills over the top.

    These are nervous times for Arsenal.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:59 , Michael Jones

    57 mins: Close! The home side are getting closer. Ola Solbakken receives the ball on the right wing and drives it up to the box. The Gunners’ defenders drop away from him and he cuts onto his left foot before lacing a nice strike just a few inches over the crossbar!

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:55 , Michael Jones

    54 mins: Save! Pellegrino is fed into space on the left side as Arsenal let their intensity levels drop. The forward carries the ball into the box but doesn’t look up and spot Solbakken at the back post waving his arms.

    Instead he goes it alone and side-foots a decent effort over to the far corner but Matt Turner dives low and keeps it out with a strong hand!

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:53 , Michael Jones

    51 mins: Arsenal look to slowly build out from the back with Saliba squaring the ball over to Rob Holding who fails to control it properly and lets the ball roll out of play for a Bodo/Glimt throw in.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:50 , Michael Jones

    48 mins: Shot! Arsenal sweep up the pitch with Nketiah laying the ball off to Odegaard who sends it over to Nelson on the left side. He cuts into the middle and hopes to curl a shot towards the far corner but spoons his effort well wide of the target.

    Second half: Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:49 , Michael Jones

    Kick off: Arsenal get the match in Norway back underway. It’s so far, so good for the Gunners and they’ll want another goal or two to comfortable claim all three points.

    Man Utd vs Omonia line-ups

    18:47 , Michael Jones

    Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Malacia, Casemiro, Fred, Antony, Fernandes, Rashford, Ronaldo

    Omonia XI: Vzoho, Matthews, Long, Miletic, Yuste, Kitsos, Panagiotou, Cassama, Charalampous, Bruno, Kakoulli

    Man Utd vs Omonia

    18:42 , Michael Jones

    Coming up at the conclusion of this game Manchester United take on Omonia Nicosia at Old Trafford.

    United needed that win against Omonia last week and three points are a must again tonight if they are to keep the pressure on Group E leaders Real Sociedad.

    HT Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:36 , Michael Jones

    Arsenal lead 1-0 at half-time in Norway. Can they close out this game and remain top of Group A?

    (Action Images via Reuters)

    (Getty Images)

    Half-time: Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:32 , Michael Jones

    45+1 mins: Arsenal take a slender lead into the break but they will be happy with that. Bodo/Glimt have had a couple of opportunities to make the Gunners nervous but for the most part the visitors have controlled the game.

    Bukayo Saka’s goal is the difference at the break in Norway.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:31 , Michael Jones

    42 mins: Another moment of danger cut out by the Arsenal goalkeeper as Runar Espejord chases a clearance and gets in-between two defenders.

    Matt Turner sprints off his line, comes out of the box and clears the ball back up the pitch.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:26 , Michael Jones

    39 mins: Close! Bodo/Glimt recover the ball high up the pitch and give it to Hugo Vetlesen on the edge of the box.

    He flicks one over the top and slides in Runar Espejord who stretches to poke the ball past Matt Turner but just misses the ball and the Arsenal goalkeeper scoops it up safely.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:24 , Michael Jones

    36 mins: Grobaek and Berg try to link-up on the edge of the Arsenal box but there’s no way through the solid lines that the Gunners have out of possession.

    This is a nice period of possession for the home side though.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:19 , Michael Jones

    33 mins: Bukayo Saka collects a yellow card after a barney with Amahl Pellegrino which gets the home crowd worked up. Alfons Sampsted then knocks the ball behind for a Gunners corner and Reiss Nelson’s cross is easily dealt with.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:16 , Michael Jones

    30 mins: Chance! Rob Holding climbs over Runar Espejord as a long ball comes up the pitch and flies over his head dropping into the path fo Amahl Pellegrino.

    He carries the ball into the area then curls a right-footed effort well wide of the far post! The striker needs to do better there.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal

    18:14 , Michael Jones

    27 mins: The Gunners look to add a quick fire second to their tally as Saka swings a corner ball into the box. The initial cross it headed away but the visitors knock it to Tierney who floats another aerial pass into the penalty area.

    Solbakken jumps highest this time and manages to work the ball clear.

    GOAL! Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal (Saka, 24’)⚽️

    18:11 , Michael Jones

    24 mins: Arsenal lead!

    Bukayo Saka brings the ball down the right wing and cuts it inside to Eddie Nketiah for a one-two as he continues into the box. The winger is tackled but the ball bounces up and hits him in the chest before bounding past Nikita Haikin and finishing in the back of the net.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Arsenal

    18:10 , Michael Jones

    21 mins: Arsenal beat the press nicely with Saliba and Turner doing good work deep in Arsenal half. They squeeze it up to Saka who feeds the ball across to Odegaard.

    The Arsenal captain rolls the ball on to Tierney who laces one down the wing of Nelson to run into space.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Arsenal

    18:06 , Michael Jones

    18 mins: Arsenal are being patient with Bodo/Glimt sitting quite deep off the ball. There have been a couple of near-misses but no real chances yet.

    Ola Solbakken runs into space on the right side of Arsenal’s final third and sends a pass across the box but it is easily cleared by William Saliba.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Arsenal

    18:03 , Michael Jones

    15 mins: Nearly! Arsenal are growing in confidence when they have the ball and are working it in between the lines through narrow gaps between Bodo/Glimt’s players.

    Lokonga attempts to do something similar after spinning towards goal with the ball and he threads a pass into the box only for Eddie Nketiah’s run to get blocked off.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Arsenal

    17:58 , Michael Jones

    12 mins: Bodo/Glimt are forced into an early change as Ilrik Saltnes has to go off. He’s aggravated a pre-existing injury and gets replaced with Albert Gronbaek.

    That’s a blow for the home side.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Arsenal

    17:57 , Michael Jones

    9 mins: Brice Wembangomo fouls Bukayo Saka on the right wing and gives Arsenal a free kick. They take it quickly and work it over to the opposite wing.

    Tierney can’t find a way down the line and guides a pass back to Saliba who floats one back over to Saka. Saka combines with Odegaard to get the ball into the penalty area but he pulls it back to Sambi Lokonga who scuffs an effort wide of goal.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Arsenal

    17:53 , Michael Jones

    6 mins: Chance! A lovely pass down the left wing comes to Amahl Pellegrino who eaves his way into the box and sends one across the six-yard area.

    There are three of his team mates up with him but Arsenal manage to scramble the ball clear.

    Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Arsenal

    17:49 , Michael Jones

    3 mins: Close! Bukayo Saka is played in behind with a chipped pass over the top from Ben White. Bodo/Glimt’s goalkeeper, Nikita Haikin, decides to sprint off his line but Saka beats him to the ball and flicks a pass into the six-yard area.

    Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah try to get on the end of the pass but neither Arsenal man can turn the ball towards goal and the whistle goes for a free kick to the home team.

    Kick off: Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Arsenal

    17:47 , Michael Jones

    The home side get the match underway anf Arsenal look to press high up the pitch. They win a throw in and send it to Rob Holding who works it across the Gunners’ back line.

    Arsenal content just to keep possession and play themselves into the game.

    Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal

    17:44 , Michael Jones

    Here come the teams!

    Arsenal have every reason to be confident of picking up a win tonight but Jose Mourinho’s Roma came here last season and lost 6-1. The Gunners won’t underestimate their opponents as much tonight and will look to start well on this artificial pitch.

    ‘It is the biggest match we’ll play’

    17:40 , Michael Jones

    Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen spoke of what he’s expecting from Arsenal in the build up to this evening’s game and says this match will be one of the biggest matches his team have ever played.

    “It is perhaps the biggest match we’ll play,” he said. “At least it is against the best opponent. Not necessarily because they have better individual players than Roma, but there is something about the professionalism and history of the club. All the games in Europe are fantastic for me.

    “We will see how much you can learn in a week and get an answer to that tomorrow. What matters is that we dare to be the best version of ourselves. Then we’ll see if we learn along the way, and then at least I’ll be satisfied.”

    Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal

    17:36 , Michael Jones

    Arsenal are unbeaten away to Norwegian teams in Europe with two wins and one draw. Most recently the defeated Molde 3-0 in the 2020/21 edition of the Europa League with goals from Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson and Folarin Balogun.

    Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal

    17:31 , Michael Jones

    The Gunners have won six of their seven previous encounters against Norwegian opponents, with their only failure to record a victory coming in a 1-1 Champions League group stage draw against Rosenborg in September 2004.

    Five in a row?

    17:27 , Michael Jones

    If Eddie Nketiah scores tonight for Arsenal he will become the first Englishman to score in five starts in a row in the Europa League.

    (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

    Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal

    17:22 , Michael Jones

    Arsenal have lost just one of their last 14 away games in the Europa League with 10 wins and three draws during that run.

    (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

    Mikel Arteta backs Arsenal’s Ben White to make England’s World Cup squad

    17:17 , Michael Jones

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed Ben White to force himself into England’s World Cup squad.

    The defender was a surprise omission from Gareth Southgate’s 28-man group for the Nations League games with Italy and Germany last month after a strong start to the new campaign.

    It was a blow to the 24-year-old’s hopes of being selected for the winter tournament in Qatar but his cause was inadvertently helped this week when Kyle Walker sustained a groin injury which required surgery.

    Walker’s versatility has been referenced as crucial by Southgate, who has used the Manchester City player both as a right-sided centre-back and full-back.

    White has been a regular for Arsenal at right-back this season and his club manager feels his adaptability could aid his hopes of forcing his way into the Three Lions set-up again.

    Mikel Arteta backs Arsenal’s Ben White to make England’s World Cup squad

    Bodo/Glimt’s home record

    17:12 , Michael Jones

    Bodo/Glimt have won each of their last 14 matches in Uefa competition at home, scoring an impressive 42 goals and conceding just five in that time.

    Arteta’s pre-match thoughts

    17:06 , Michael Jones

    Mikel Arteta says that Arsenal are focused on winning this evening’s match and is determined to take things game-by-game as the Gunners look to continue their fantastic start to the season.

    “What we think about is how we are going to win the game,” he said. “That’s it. How we win every three days, in different conditions, in different contexts, in different weather, in different competitions, and that’s the only way we are approaching it.

    “A player can get injured on an artificial pitch, he can get injured in a training session.

    “Obviously, we do what we have to do to protect the players as much as we can, but at the end of the day, for sure we are going to have 11 players on the pitch.”

    Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli earn frenetic Arsenal win over Liverpool

    17:00 , Michael Jones

    You might call it flawed perfection, at least one side. Arsenal stay top of the league as well on a winning streak at home, but only after one of those games that was only enriched by error after error. Some might include the referee and Jurgen Klopp’s tactical decisions. What was beyond doubt was that Mikel Arteta’s side ultimately made far fewer mistakes than Liverpool – and generally looked a much better side – to fully deserve a rollocking 3-2 win. It means that Arsenal can continue to believe they will challenge for a title, with eight wins from nine and this – at least notionally – the biggest victory yet.

    There’s just now the question over whether a win over Liverpool means the same, because Klopp has to face up to whether there is more wrong with this side than the formation or form. For Liverpool, far from flawed perfection, it’s a perfect storm of problems. Something feels broken, disconnected, and the most galling thing is the questions that will inevitably come over Klopp’s responses – whether he even knows how to respond.

    His approach has served to completely neutralise their most potent attack in Mohamed Salah, who was then taken off in a decision that seemed inevitable rather than any way surprising. Behind him, Trent Alexander-Arnold had another poor defensive performance, albeit one accompanied by the explanation that he was actually injured. He also went off.

    Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli earn frenetic Arsenal win over Liverpool

    Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal

    16:56 , Michael Jones

    After losing in London in the reverse fixture last time out, Bodo/Glimt could lose consecutive games in a single season in major European competition for the first time since September 1996 in the Uefa Cup, both against Trabzonspor.

    Arsenal arrive at the ground

    16:50 , Michael Jones

    Kick off is just under an hour away and the Gunners have arrived at the Aspmyra Stadion.

    (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

    (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

    Odegaard on returning to Norway

    16:44 , Michael Jones

    Martin Odegaard will captain Arsenal tonight as he returns to his home country with his club side.

    He spoke about what it feels like to return home and said: “It’s cool to come to Norway with Arsenal and play in the Europa League here. It’s awesome.

    “I have noticed it’s getting a lot of attention in Norway, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

    Gabriel Martinelli sends message to Arsenal teammates after Liverpool win

    16:38 , Michael Jones

    Gabriel Martinelli wants Arsenal to remain grounded after they returned to the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Liverpool.

    Bukayo Saka scored the winner from the penalty spot to send the Gunners back to the summit, with Sunday’s opponents now trailing 14 points behind having pushed Manchester City all the way for the title last term.

    Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive start to the season – having lost just one game against Manchester United – and are being spoken about as contenders, but Martinelli, who fired Arsenal into an early lead against Liverpool, has urged caution.

    “I think we need to keep our feet on the floor and go game by game and try to win all of them,” the Brazilian told the club’s website.

    Gabriel Martinelli sends message to Arsenal teammates after Liverpool win

    Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal team changes

    16:32 , Michael Jones

    There are just two changes from the home side to the team that lined-up at the Emirates last Thursday. Brede Moe and Joel Mvuka are taken out with Ola Solbakken and Marius Hoibraten brought in.

    Mikel Arteta meanwhile makes five changes to the Arsenal team that played in the reverse fixture and seven from the side that beat Liverpool at the weekend.

    Martin Odegaard returns to captain the side and their are starts for Kieran Tierney, Eddie Nketiah, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fabio Vieira.

    Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal line-ups

    16:26 , Michael Jones

    Bodo/Glimt XI: Haikin, Sampsted, Lode, Hoibraten, Wembangomo, Vetlesen, Berg, Saltnes, Solbakken, Espejord, Pellegrino

    Arsenal XI: Turner, White, Holding, Saliba, Tierney, Lokonga, Vieira, Odegaard, Saka, Nelson, Nketiah

    Tonight’s venue

    16:24 , Michael Jones

    Bodo/Glimt play at the Aspmyra Stadion, which holds 8,270 spectators but the Norwegian club are hoping to build a new 10,000-seater stadium to mark Glimt being named European Capital of Culture for 2024, with the aim of making it the most sustainable stadium in the world.

    The club’s supporters are known to bring a giant yellow toothbrush to their games, a tradition that started after the item was used by fans to conduct singing in the stands and for many years visiting teams have received a yellow toothbrush ahead of matches.

    (Action Images via Reuters)

    No Jesus for Arsenal

    16:18 , Michael Jones

    Arsenal have left Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus out of their squad for tonight’s Europa League game at Bodo/Glimt. He suffered a head injury in the Gunners’ 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday but the omission is to give the striker time to rest up.

    The 25-year-old has played all 11 games for the Gunners this season, scoring five goals and registering five assists.

    “We felt that with everything he’s been through in the last few weeks that it would be better for him to stay at home,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

    Mikel Arteta responds to criticism from former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

    16:12 , Michael Jones

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hit back at criticism from former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – insisting his current squad is more “hard-working” than in previous years.

    Aubamayang left the Emirates Stadium for Barcelona in February, his contract torn up having not been in and around the first-team after Arteta dropped his then-skipper for returning late from an agreed break.

    His stint in Spain lasted just seven months before he returned to the Premier League with Chelsea and a video emerged in recent days of the Gabon forward slating Arteta’s management skills.

    “To manage big characters or big players, he (Arteta) can’t deal with it,” Aubameyang was recorded as saying in an interview with A Jewellers.

    “He (Arteta) needs some young players, they don’t say anything, they listen.”

    Mikel Arteta responds to criticism from former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

    Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website

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