Arsenal progressed to the Champions League of the last 16 times with a 2-1 victory against Girona on Wednesday evening.
Despite a strong beginning of the Gunners, it was Girona who struck the first, Arnaut Danjuma capitalizing on a Juanpe ball to finish Neto in the 28th minute.
Arsenal responded quickly, equalizing by the sentence composed of Jorginho after Thomas Partey was shot in the box.
Visitors checked the second half, dominating possession and creating most of the opportunities.
Ethan Nwaneri, already the second largest English scorer in the history of the Champions League, produced the moment of magic in the 42nd minute, cutting inside and wrapping a shiny effort in the distant corner.
Leandro Trossard struck the crossbar just before half-time when Arsenal pressed a third.
Locked up for the Knockout stadium 🔐 pic.twitter.com/boo0xdjust
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 29, 2025
And they could have had it with a few minutes to travel after a Girona Handball gave another penalty to the Gunners.
Raheem Sterling intensified but saw his efforts saved, reflecting his difficult period with the club in northern London this season.
Speaking after the match, Arteta said: “Really good for the moment. Things are fine.
“We have won the last four games of the Champions League, but winning in this competition is very demanding, but overall, the team was very coherent, whatever the problems they had to face.
“I hope that more belief in this locker room that we are a good team and that we can face anyone and play and win matches.”
Before Arsenal’s victory over Girona, the reports broke out that the club had seen an offer of 60 million pounds sterling for Ollie Watkins rejected.
This comes following Arteta admitting that his team needs a new attacker, but they refused to comment on the issue.
He added: “I can’t talk about any of this. My confidence is that we have an incredible club with people who always work to try to improve. Let’s see what’s going on.
