Sevilla gave Arsenal a far tougher test on Sunday compared to Benfica in the Gunners’ second Emirates Cup clash.
Arsene Wenger put out a slightly stronger Arsenal starting XI against La Liga’s Sevilla in their second clash of the Emirates Cup but they had a far harder time than the side the boss put out on Saturday against Benfica.
The Gunners dominated the opening exchanges, with Laurent Koscielny going close with a header in the fifth minute. Unfortunately, the centre-back didn’t quite have enough power behind it to see it into the back of the net and the shot was saved.
Mohamed Elneny continued to impress in central defence.
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In the 15th minute, however, Sevilla hit the post after via Ben Yedder picked up a lovely pass through the middle of Arsenal’s centre-backs.
The Spanish team went on the have a strong spell, keeping possession and highlighting, as teams so love to do, the Gunners’ lack of energy at times.
Arsenal picked up a free-kick on the edge of the area after Nacho Monreal was fouled, which Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain skied.
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Minutes later, Mesut Ozil, who had a quiet came, took another free-kick slightly further out and looped in into the path of Sevilla’s goalkeeper.
Arsenal attacked again after the ball had been cleared. The ball was crossed into the box and all Hector Bellerin had to do was poke it into the net but instead he skied it as well.
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Danny Welbeck was the next player to get close as Arsenal turned the screw.
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Alexandre Lacazette appeared to be combining well with Welbz, with the former Manchester United striker continuing to get into threatening positions. However, the former Lyon forward seems to have started to worry Arsenal fans with his lack of willingness to have a shot.
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Nolito broke at the end of the first half with a massive hole appearing in Arsenal’s defence. Kos intercepted his cross.
Sevilla went ahead just minutes into the second half after yet more terrible defending from Arsenal.
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Arsenal’s second half continued to look uninspiring with no one really going close until Lacazette in the 58th minute, who had his shot saved.
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The former Lyon man had obviously either been spoken to at the break or decided to kick it up a notch since he was the man to equalise. Welbz delivered the assist with his mis-kick.
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The lead didn’t last for long though, as N’zonzi scored a worldie just minutes later, putting Sevilla 2-1 up.
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Not long after scoring, Lacazette got kicked and had to be taken off. Hopefully it’s nothing serious. Alex Iwobi came on in his place.
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Ramsey took a thumping shot in the final few minutes but shot just wide.
Despite a disappointing result, Arsenal win the Emirates Cup because of goals scored. Our cup, our rules.