Arsenal came from behind to secure a 2-1 win against Girona on Wednesday night, clinching a superb third-placed finish in the Champions League to advance into the round of 16.
The results on the day mean Arsenal finish third in the table, only behind second-placed Barcelona on goal difference, while Girona's elimination was already confirmed heading into the match.
The match may not have carried the same stakes as the other final matchday clashes, but it certainly delivered plenty of entertainment in the first half, with Riccardo Calafiori denied a goal for offside before Arnaut Danjuma capitalized on a bizarre goalkeeping error by Neto to give Girona the lead against the run of play.
However, it did not take long for Arsenal to hit their response, with Jorginho equalising from the spot after Thomas Partey was brought down inside the box, and Ethan Nwaneri scored a spectacular second just four minutes later to give the Gunners a well-deserved lead heading into halftime.
Girona thought they had equalised with just over 10 minutes remaining when Christian Stuani converted at the back post, but after a lengthy VAR check, an offside in the build-up was spotted, and Arsenal had the opportunity to put the game to bed when Raheem Sterling missed a penalty in the final moments, but the Gunners held held firm to secure the victory.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Mikel Arteta will be happy with his side's response to going 1-0 down early into the match, while the overall control from Arsenal throughout the clash was also impressive.
Despite Arsenal's dominance, there may still be concerns over their ability to create and finish chances from open play, with the first goal coming from the penalty spot, but the three points was the most important part for the Gunners in order to secure their third-placed finish.
Arteta's side also narrowly avoided a late scare when Stuani's goal was disallowed for offside, a moment in the game where the Gunners seemingly allowed the match to pass them by, a feature of their performance that the manager will want to avoid in future outings.
GIRONA VS. ARSENAL HIGHLIGHTS
Arnaut Danjuma goal vs. Arsenal (28th min, Girona 1-0 Arsenal)
It's a nightmare for Arsenal's debutant goalkeeper Neto 😬
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 29, 2025
Ex-Tottenham Hotspur forward Arnaut Danjuma puts Girona ahead 🐍
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/OBfGhqOBXj
Girona have the lead against the run of play, Danjuma has opened the scoring!
Juanpe takes possession in Girona's half, steps towards the halfway line, and delivers a brilliant, defence-splitting pass between Arsenal's right-back and right central defender for Danjuma to chase.
Danjuma reaches the pass and curls his first-time effort around Neto, who is stranded in no man's land outside his box, sending the ball into the net and giving Girona the lead.
Jorginho goal vs. Girona (38th min, Girona 1-1 Arsenal)
© Imago
Jorginho equalises from the spot, horrible error from Arnau Martinez to initially give away the penalty!
Partey collects the ball in the centre of the pitch and drives toward the box, with it ricocheting off several players before he looks to break through on goal, only for Martinez to clumsily stick out a leg and bring him down.
Jorginho steps up for the resulting penalty and slots the ball into the bottom right corner in his usual composed style to draw the Gunners level.
Ethan Nwaneri goal vs. Girona (42nd min, Girona 1-2 Arsenal)
🌟 Ethan Nwaneri is 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 🌟
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 29, 2025
The 17-year-old scores a sensational goal on first Champions League start to give Arsenal the lead 🔴👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Z8GQ4A8iC0
Nwaneri with a stunner, and just like that, Arsenal are ahead!
The youngster receives the ball just inside the area on the right side and looks to be moving away from goal as he manoeuvres past several defenders in search of a shooting opportunity.
Nwaneri finally creates the yard that he needs and curls a sublime effort into the bottom left corner, absolutely sensational from the winger to give Arsenal the lead.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ETHAN NWANERI
Nwaneri has consistently starred for Arsenal when given the chance to throughout this season, showing huge potential for a 17-year old, and he produced another stunning performance tonight.
The winger scored a fabulous strike to put Arsenal into the lead in the first half, showing great awareness and ability to manoeuvre past several defenders and pick out the far corner.
Jorginho and Leandro Trossard also deserve mentions for their performances, both contributing to help Arsenal come from behind to secure the win and finish third in the league phase table.
GIRONA VS. ARSENAL MATCH STATS
Possession: Girona 39%-61% Arsenal
Shots: Girona 7-16 Arsenal
Shots on target: Girona 3-6 Arsenal
Corners: Girona 3-13 Arsenal
Fouls: Girona 13-13 Arsenal
BEST STATS
Arsenal have finally conceded a goal from open play in the Champions League this season.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 29, 2025
It only took 8 games 😅 pic.twitter.com/NQa5Z0CyiT
Ethan Nwaneri (17y 314d) is the second-youngest Englishman to score a UEFA Champions League goal after Jude Bellingham (17y 289d).#GIRARS #UCL pic.twitter.com/2KhGmcfJcZ
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) January 29, 2025
Scoring on your first Champions League start at just 17-years-old.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 29, 2025
Ethan Nwaneri is special ✨ pic.twitter.com/792xaHPghS
Goal contributions for Arsenal at 17-years-old:
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 29, 2025
🥇 Saka - 15 G/A
🥈 Fabregas - 8 G/A
🥉 Nwaneri - 6 G/A
Following in the right footsteps 📈 pic.twitter.com/RWBCVuvHsT
WHAT NEXT?
Girona will aim to bring an end to their four-game losing run across all competitions when they face Las Palmas at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi on Monday in La Liga.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will look to keep their Premier League title dreams alive as they host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Ellis Stevens
