ARSENAL made it 11 wins from 12 this season – but did not have things all their own way at Bodo/Glimt.
Bukayo Saka got an unconventional opener midway through the first half.
Bukayo Saka got Arsenal’s opening goal away at Bodo/Glimt
His fortuitous finish proved the only goal of the game as Arsenal maintained their perfect start in Group A of the Europa League.
But they were forced to rely on American goalkeeper Matt Turner to keep the clean sheet and hold on for the win.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…
Matt Turner – 7
Sweeper keeper showed good reactions and composure to get out quickly and clear his lines a few times.
Didn’t have to make a save until the 53rd minute… but got down well for the smart stop as Arsenal’s cracks appeared.
Was full of confidence and dealt with everything thrown at his goal – including the opposition goalkeeper in injury time.
Ben White – 5
Was caught out in behind early on but bailed out by Holding’s awareness.
Turned on the showboating just after the first goal with a cheeky nutmeg in his own defensive third and had the licence to push on and join the attacks.
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Rob Holding – 3
Completely misjudged a long ball and got it all wrong but breathed a huge sigh of relief when Amahl Pellegrino completely fluffed his finish.
Then played Pellegrino onside as the forward burst through on goal again – thankfully for Holding he forgot his shooting boots.
Holding will be disappointed as Gabriel will return against Leeds on Sunday.
William Saliba – 6
Solid, composed. A routine night for one of the top-performing centre-backs in Europe.
Kieran Tierney – 5
Far from a guaranteed starter these days – through injury and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival – but got the nod in Norway.
Learning that inverted full-back role by drifting into midfield, and this game was the perfect chance to get some minutes in the tank.
Pretty unspectacular in both directions, with relatively little notable involvement.
Matt Turner was in top form to deal with everything Bodo/Glimt threw at him
Rob Holding endured a tough evening in Norway
Martin Odegaard – 6
Playing back in Norway for the first time in club football since he was 15 – when he famously joined Real Madrid.
Enjoyed plenty of the ball and could afford to try some of his more expansive stuff. Replaced early in second half.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 7
Filling in for Thomas Partey in midfield but unable to replicate the Ghanaian’s strike against Tottenham with his miscued effort.
But played the perfect one-two with Saka to set up the opener – a worthy assist to top off a fine performance.
Fabio Vieira – 5
Slotted into midfield alongside Lokonga but was largely anonymous after his shining display a week ago.
Unlikely to break into the Premier League starting XI just yet with Odegaard and Granit Xhaka excelling – but proving a valuable squad player and is here to stay.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Looked lively from the first minute and almost set up Nketiah to open the scoring with the goalkeeper in no-man’s land.
Got his goal in comical fashion as the intial shot rebounded into his face and hilariously into the back of the net.
Booked for a petulant foul but again Arsenal’s best player and should start in Qatar.
Eddie Nketiah – 4
Was aiming to become first Englishman to score in five consecutive Europa League games but snatched at a snapshot which dragged wide.
Will be another one frustrated with himself and knows he will be back on the bench at the weekend.
Reiss Nelson – 3
A rare chance for the academy graduate, starting his first Gunners match in 642 days – dating back to an FA Cup clash with Newcastle in January 2021.
But failed to take the chance, struggling to get involved and not threatening the Bodo/Glimt back line.
Saka got his goal when the ball bounced off his face and in
Reiss Nelson was unable to grab his opportunity in the starting XI
SUBS
Granit Xhaka (for Saka, 59 mins) – 6
Gabriel Martinelli (for Nelson, 59 mins) – 6
Marquinhos (for Odegaard, 70 mins) – 5
Takehiro Tomiyasu (for White, 70 mins) – 6
Thomas Partey (for Lokonga, 83 mins) – 5
