Arsenal took the lead in the 16th minute through debutant Marquinhos, while Eddie Nketiah got the winning goal after Zurich’s equalizer in the 66th minute
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal began their Europa League campaign on a winning note after defeating FC Zurich 2-1 on Thursday night, at St Gallen’s stadium.
Arsenal scored the opening goal in the 16th minute through debutant Marquinhos, who converted a cut back from Eddie Nketiah.
But Zurich levelled the score line in the 44th minute courtesy of Mirlind Kryeziu’s penalty after Nketiah was judged to have fouled Ola Selnaes by the referee.
Arsenal then took the lead once again in the second half, when Nketiah headed a cross from Marquinho in at the far post to make it 2-1 to the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta’s side face PSV Eindhoven, who played a 1-1 draw against Bodo Glimt in their second Europa League game next Thursday at the Emirate.
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Meanwhile, Manchester United’s 4 games winning run ended with a 0-1 defeat in their Europa League group stage campaign against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.
The game was played after consultation with the English FA and Uefa following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Both sides wore black armbands and stood for a perfectly observed minute’s silence as a mark of respect.
Brais Mendez scored the only goal from the penalty spot after the 59th minute following a disputed handball decision against substitute Lisandro Martinez.
In his first Europa League game since 2002, Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-half header from Diogo Dalot’s cross was disallowed for offside.
Ronaldo also headed Bruno Fernandes’ cross wide at the start of the second-half.
Manchester United will play their second group game against Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova on Thursday, September 15.
