Arsenal advanced to the Europa League knockout stage after a narrow victory against Bodo/Glimt.
Bukayo Saka and excellent midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga collaborated for the winning goal, a toe-poked attempt that struck a defender before rebounding off his chin and through the defenseless goalie.
Bodo/Glimt entered the contest on a 14-game winning run at home in Europe, and they were motivated by a raucous crowd. Unfortunately, however, they committed the mistake of squandering many good chances.
In the first half, Amahl Pellegrino missed the net after being sent through on goal, and in the second, Runar Espejord shot wide from eight yards out.
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As evidenced by the fact that they had to substitute Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli after an hour, it was far from a vintage Arsenal performance on the artificial field in Norway. Still, manager Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the outcome and the fact that he was able to rest influential striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Gabriel.
The victory puts Arsenal five points ahead of third-placed Bodo/Glimt. They played one extra game due to the postponement of the Gunners’ match against PSV Eindhoven last month due to police concerns after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The rescheduled game against PSV is on Thursday, and a victory there would ensure Arsenal’s advancement.