Dominant first half sees Arsenal beat CSKA Moscow

Petr Cech was given the start over David Ospina, while Lacazette came back into the starting lineup having appeared briefly as a substitute in the league last weekend. CSKA Moscow lined up with exactly the same defence that played at the Emirates 12 years ago in 2006. Akinfeev in goal with the Berezutski brothers and Ignashevich in front of him

All the goals came in a frantic first half which could have finished with more goals for either side, but it was Arsenal who drew first blood.

Ramsey turned home Hector Bellerin’s cross, having had another disallowed for offside only minutes earlier, side-footing the ball high into the net. CSKA were quick to respond though.

Golovin sent a fine free kick up and over the wall, leaving Cech stranded, and the Russians had a precious away goal. They almost made it two straight away - Musa was put in behind but could only find the side netting.

Five minutes later and Arsenal were back ahead. Ozil was tripped in the box, leaving Lacazette to score the resultant penalty, sending Akinfeev the wrong way.

The third is a goal that will be talked about for some time. Ozil clipped a ball over the defence toward Ramsey, who produced a piece of magic to turn it home. With his back to goal, he flicked the ball over Akinfeev in mid air, and over the line. It was a pure genius.

Lacazette made it four, ten minutes before half time with a powerful effort into the bottom corner, Ozil setting it up with his third assist of the night, and at this point it seemed the goal would never stop.

 

5 April 2018

CSKA wasted numerous chances to bring themselves back into the game, and their profligacy in front of goal will likely cost them a place in the semi finals.

Arsenal were able to see out the second half at a much slower pace, and have given themselves some breathing space ahead of what looked to be a tough trip to Russia next week. That being said, the away goal gives CSKA a lifeline, and the hostile atmosphere will no doubt be a new experience for the ‘Gunners’ - today’s match was played in front of a half full Emirates.

CSKA will have to difficulty of a derby against Dynamo next Monday, but with the Europa league looking like Arsenal’s only path into the Champions League next season, they might already be looking past their league fixture against Southampton.

 

5 April 2018