Bodo/Glimt entered the game on a 14-game winning streak at home in Europe, fueled by a boisterous crowd, but they were guilty of a number of clear-cut opportunities.
Arsenal took a big step
The fact that Arsenal had to bring on Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli after an hour on the artificial pitch in Norway was far from vintage Arsenal, but the result, combined with the fact that he was able to rest key striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Gabriel, will delight manager Mikel Arteta.
The victory moves Arsenal five points clear of third-placed Bodo/Glimt, who have played one more game after the Gunners’ match against PSV Eindhoven was postponed due to policing issues following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last month.
Saka was impressive in Arsenal’s 3-2 Premier League win over Liverpool on Sunday, and you could see the confidence pouring out of him in Norway.
He was lively from the start, sneaking in behind the Bodo/Glimt defence and firing across the six-yard box after two minutes, but neither Eddie Nketiah nor Reiss Nelson dared to take a risk.
Tand patient build-up that had preceded it, that broke open the hosts’ defence.
Saka was impressive in Arsenal’s 3-2 Premier League win over Liverpool on Sunday, and you could see the confidence pouring out of him in Norway.
He was lively from the start, sneaking in behind the Bodo/Glimt defence and firing across the six-yard box after two minutes, but neither Eddie Nketiah nor Reiss Nelson dared to take a risk.
The 21-year-old, on the other hand, persisted, and it was his driving run, rather than the relatively slow and patient build-up that had preceded it, that broke open the hosts’ defence.
With the deflection, he got a huge slice of luck, but it was reward for his efforts and highlighted his importance to this ever-improving Arsenal side.
