Arsenal beat Girona 2-1 in a lively affair in the final match of the league phase of the Champions League.
The Gunners got the job done in Spain despite being tested by Girona, who opened the scoring after 28 minutes.
Fortunately, Jorginho converted from the penalty spot moments later, followed by a sublime Ethan Nwaneri goal that stunned Arsenal fans.
On a night that saw the 17-year-old become the Gunners’ second-youngest goal scorer in Champions League history, here are five things you might have missed from the contest.
Five things you might have missed in Arsenal win vs Girona
Neto goes close to 110-year record
It wasn’t only a memorable night for young Nwaneri, but for Neto too, who is at the opposite end of his career.
The Brazilian became the oldest Arsenal debutant since 1915, 110 years ago.
Data expert Harvey Downes revealed that Neto was Arsenal’s oldest player to make his competitive debut since Ned Liddell over a century ago.
Arsenal fans celebrate Club Brugge goal
On a night packed with Champions League action, there were plenty of narratives unfolding away from Girona.
Arsenal fans weren’t far away from the action, as when Club Brugge took the lead against Manchester City, who had to win to remain in the competition, the away end cheered.
The travelling Arsenal supporters were heard to applaud when the news of Brugge’s goal came in, taunting their Premier League rivals, whom they face next.
Change in penalty taker
As Jorginho stepped up to take Arsenal’s first half penalty, it was revealed that a change in penalty taker had happened.
Martin Odegaard missed a penalty against Manchester United and instead of stepping up against Girona, the opportunity was taken on by Jorginho and then by Raheem Sterling – who missed.
The captain missed his last effort from the spot however, that shouldn’t taint his confidence, with plenty more opportunities ahead.
Mikel Merino’s leadership qualities
Sterling had an eventful game and even before the loanee missed his penalty, the winger was involved in some drama in the box.
The 30-year-old was booked for diving and reacted furiously at referee Maurizio Mariani, to which Mikel Merino stepped in to spare him further punishment.
Merino was seen drawing Sterling out of a heated conversation with the referee, calming his teammate down before approaching Mariani to fight the already-booked forward’s battle.
Summer transfer nightmare for three newbies
While the win was something to celebrate amid heavy rotation, there were some lower performers on the night for Arsenal against Girona.
Ironically three of the most lacklustre performances came from three of Arteta’s summer signings, as Neto was blasted by Arsenal fans after making a goal-causing error.
Sterling missed a penalty and had a frustrating night in attack despite trying his best to make an impact, with Merino also failing to dazzle in central midfield.
The summer transfer window was a failure in North London, with the match against Girona exposing such frailties.
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