It’s always interesting to get an opposing view, and Marca‘s take on Arsenal‘s recent win against Sevilla is no exception.

The Spanish outlet titled the piece ‘Champions without mercy’, a nod to Arsenal’s decisive performance in their 2-1 victory. The tone of the article is more sober from the Sevilla perspective, but Arsenal supporters will find it enjoyable.

Champions without mercy Arsenal took advantage of two mistakes and their quality in the final meters to place themselves 0-2 • Did not lose face a Sevilla that could draw Marca Sevilla25 Oct 2023 Sevilla can start figuring out what they need to finish third, something that won't be easy either, in a Champions League group that has been turned upside down for another year. He fought as always and as never. With that greatness that he resists losing, but that in this competition does not give him to add to his European achievements in the Europa League. Another night of the I want and I can't in a course where the team is not sitting down, far from it, but it costs horrors to add victories. The challenge was enormous in the face of a current European power. He left Sevilla's soul until the last minute to get a draw that resisted him. It is useless to think that you have played well, or better than a month ago, if everything falls like sand by the hand. The Champions League turns its back. There is no more. This is the reality of Seattle. It was difficult to maneuver Diego Alonso's frame because of the good positioning of Arsenal, who had the first great opportunity at the feet of Martinelli. The other one he had would not fail. Sevilla could not find a way to connect with the midfield, which was always inferior. Bands were his only outlet. The locals tried to make it difficult for the English ball to get out, almost always arriving late. And on one occasion, despite how well worked Arteta has it, Sevilla managed to recover it, to finish in a very clear opportunity without finishing. Quick cross from Ocampos inside to a Lukebakio who was on his own. As it was already raining, he lost control before the point-blank shot. An extra time of four minutes arrived for a blow to Saka. And Sevilla had it at the feet of En-Nesyri. Another low pass from Ocampos to the player on the run and the Moroccan crossed the ball excessively, who had Saliba very close. In a new counter led by Ocampos, with two short and excellent dribbles, Sevilla had the last, apparently, of the first period. It didn't end and Arsenal was on the contrary. He became mortal. Gudelj and Soumaré try to snatch the ball from Gabriel Jesus in
Marca, 25 October 2023

Marca describes Sevilla as a team struggling to translate their Europa League success to the Champions League stage. They face the unfortunate reality of continually coming up short, especially against a “current European power” like Arsenal.

The article points out Sevilla’s weaknesses but also gives Arsenal due credit, notably praising their good positioning and Mikel Arteta‘s tactical preparation.

From an Arsenal standpoint, the praise for Gabriel Jesus is highly gratifying.

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SEVILLE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 24: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Sevilla FC and Arsenal FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on October 24, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN – OCTOBER 24: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Sevilla FC and Arsenal FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on October 24, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Marca labels him as the most outstanding player of the match, detailing his sweet assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s opener and his own scintillating goal. It’s a recognition of the team’s quality “in the final meters,” as the article puts it.

The discussion about Sevilla’s ‘stopped ball’ resulting in their only goal provides another lens to view Arsenal’s defending from set pieces. The article suggests that Sevilla’s goal came more from their efforts rather than Arsenal’s failings.

Where the article refers to Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus as a “world-class striker,” it aligns well with the current sentiment within the Arsenal fandom. We’ve known of his capabilities, and it’s rewarding to see international media echo the same.

All in all, this Marca article should be a pleasing read for Arsenal fans.

It acknowledges Arsenal’s effectiveness, tactical solidity, and individual brilliance, even if it does so through a lens of Sevilla’s own shortcomings.

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