(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Egypt international Mohamed Elneny came on as a second half substitute as Arsenal thrashed CSKA Moscow 4-1 in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final.
The Gunners managed to secure a big home win to ease the pressure ahead of their second leg in Russia next week.
Arsenal starting XI: Čech, Bellerín, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Xhaka, Ramsey, Mkhitaryan, Wilshere, Özil, Lacazette.
CSKA Moscow starting XI: Akinfeev, Schennikov, A.Berezutski, V.Berezutski, Ignasevich, Kuchaev, Dzagoev, Natcho, Wernbloom, Golovin, Musa.
The Premier League side approached the match with an offensive approach, as they were looking to kill the game early. Their pressure paid off as they put in an impressive first half performance that saw them score four goals before the break.
It didn’t take them long to open the scoring as Aaron Ramsey converted Hector Bellerin’s low cross into the net after eight minutes.
The Gunners’ lead, however, didn’t last long as Aleksandr Golovin delivered a perfect free kick to make it 1-1 on the 15-minute mark.
Arsenal didn’t give up and only seven minutes later they regained their lead after Mesut Ozil was fouled by Georgi Schennikov inside the area and the resulting penalty was converted by Alexandre Lacazette.
The hosts’ pressure continued and around the half-hour mark, Mesut Ozil delivered the ball to Ramsey, and the latter converted it brilliantly into the back of the net to complete his brace.
Mesut Ozil was the provider again as he sent a brilliant pass to Lacazette, before the French striker scored his second goal and the fourth for Arsenal to make it 4–1 10 minutes before the break.
Elneny replaced Jack Wilshere in the 73rd minute, as the Gunners were looking to control the ball more and have a defensive midfielder instead of an attacking one. Arsenal couldn’t add to their tally in the second half, but they managed to control the pace of the game, and maintained their big home lead.
The Gunners will host Southampton at Emirates Stadium on Sunday before travelling to face CSKA Moscow in the second leg in Russia on Thursday.
