Arsenal has worked towards the start of the Champions League with a 0-1 win against Everton, in which PSV will be the first opponent next Wednesday. Substitute Leandro Trossard scored the winning goal on behalf of the Londoners, after being forced into the team for Gabriel Martinelli in the first half. There seems little chance that the Brazilian, who is a regular starter at Arsenal this season, will play in the match against PSV next week.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta changed his team in two places compared to the 3-1 win against Manchester United. Under the bar, Aaron Ramsdale had to make way for summer acquisition David Raya, while million dollar purchase Kai Havertz had to give up his starting place to Fábio Vieira. The German lefty knew on behalf of the Gunners yet to impress, which is why Arteta opted for the Portuguese. Vieira provided an assist against United and thus secured a starting place in Liverpool. Dutch international Arnaut Danjuma kicked off on behalf of the home team.
Arsenal think they can take the lead through Martinelli, but the VAR disallows the goal: offside?
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The Londoners thought they would open the score after twenty minutes through Martinelli, but the Brazilian’s goal was disallowed for offside after VAR intervention. A few minutes later, the winger had to be replaced by Trossard. Martinelli was unable to complete the game at Goodison Park due to an injury, which will be assessed in the coming days. Only in the second act did Arsenal manage to break through the blue wall.
Substitute Trossard was the final stop of a wonderful attack, in which the assist was credited to Bukayo Saka. In the final phase, Arsenal’s victory was no longer in danger the Gunners climb to fourth place in the Premier League. Arsenal opens the European campaign on Thursday with a home game against PSV. RC Lens and Sevilla are the other opponents in Group B of the billion dollar ball. Martinelli playing against PSV seems highly uncertain.
Trossard demolishes the blue wall! ??
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— Viaplay Sport Nederland (@viaplaysportnl) September 17, 2023
| No. | Team | M | W | G | V | +/- | Pnt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Man City | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 15 |
| 2 | Tottenham Hotspur | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 13 |
| 3 | Liverpool | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 13 |
| 4 | Arsenal | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 13 |
| 5 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 12 |
| 6 | West Ham United | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 10 |
| 7 | Aston Villa | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 9 |
| 8 | Crystal Palace | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 7 |
| 9 | Fulham | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | -5 | 7 |
| 10 | Brentford | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| 11 | Newcastle United | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| 12 | Nottingham Forest | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| 13 | Manchester United | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -4 | 6 |
| 14 | Chelsea | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| 15 | AFC Bournemouth | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | -4 | 3 |
| 16 | Wolverhampton W. | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -6 | 3 |
| 17 | Sheffield United | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | -4 | 1 |
| 18 | Everton | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | -7 | 1 |
| 19 | Burnley | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -8 | 0 |
| 20 | Luton Town | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -8 | 0 |