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.
Victory over Man City would be biggest FA Cup shock ever, says Newport boss Flynn. Newport County Manager Michael Flynn during the Sky Bet League Two match between Newport County and Milton
Victory over Man City would be biggest FA Cup shock ever
France got off to a perfect start in the women's World Cup as the hosts beat South Korea 4-0 in the opening game at the Parc des Princes on Friday. France make light work of South Korea in
France make light work of South Korea in World Cup opener
Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian captain Thiago Silva has been granted French citizenship, he announced on Twitter on Friday. Continue reading PSG captain Thiago Silva receives French citizenship at Vanguard News Nigeria.
ǁSubscribe:
Stags coach Kadir urges better focus after last-gasp goals
British crash investigators on Tuesday launched an underwater operation to recover a body from the wreckage of the plane carrying Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala in the Channel. UK rescuers
UK rescuers launch bid to recover body from Sala's plane
Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian captain Thiago Silva has been granted French citizenship, he announced on Twitter on Friday. The 34-year-old's decision means PSG has an extra space in its squad for a non-EU player. Silva has played 274 games since joining the reigning Ligue 1 champion in 2012 and has 77 caps for Brazil.
PSG captain Thiago Silva receives French citizenship
PDF | This article shows how accounting and rugby have been used as tools of control. It compares the role of accounting in amateur and professional sport, initially analysing the Fiji Rugby Union
Speed dating
The most important reason to keep detailed records is for audits. You never know when the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) might come. If they do, they'll request documentation. Hopefully, this will never happen to you but if it does and you aren't prepared, you could be in trouble. If you can't support all the deductions you've claimed
Guordan Banks - Keep You In Mind - YouTube
Football: Eriksen's late goal secures precious win for
As Singapore legend Kadir Yahaya looks to guide Tampines first-team head coach Gavin Lee to a successful season, he urged all local football coaches to show more respect and dedication to their role.
An increase in SPL local coaches, but Kadir Yahaya urges for
Romelu Lukaku scored twice to make light work of Manchester United's injury crisis with a comfortable Premier League victory over Crystal Palace. Lukaku double inspires Man United to 3-1 win
Football news - Romelu Lukaku double seals Manchester United
Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku must both take their opportunity to impress as an injury crisis cuts through Manchester United's squad, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says. Both players have struggled for
Injuries open way for Sanchez and Lukaku to shine for United
0 comments:
Post a Comment