Arsenal faced Girona needing just a point to secure automatic progress to the Champions League last-16.
Mikel Arteta made seven changes to the side that beat Wolves 1-0 with starts for the on loan pair of Neto and Raheem Sterling – returning from injury was also Martin Odegaard.
Former Spurs man Arnaud Danjuma opened the scoring for Girona, beating the offside trap and beating keeper Neto, who was in a peculiar position way outside his area.
Thomas Partey then won a penalty just as Arsenal were rocking at the back, Jorginho converted for his first goal of the season to get back on level terms.
Ethan Nwaneri fired Arsenal ahead before the break with a stunning curling effort, cutting inside on his left foot. Sterling missed a late penalty to add some gloss to the scoreline.
A professional showing from Arteta’s side, as they finished the league phase with 19 points and in third place.
READ MORE: Why David Raya is missing for Arsenal’s Champions League clash vs Girona amid injury concerns
Arsenal player ratings vs Girona
Norberto Neto- 4
Became the club’s oldest debutant for over 100 years, endured a nervy start with his first kick charged down and his evening got worse as he was caught way out of position for Girona’s opener.
Didn’t have much to do in the second half but once again looked anxious with the ball at his feet.
Thomas Partey- 5.5
Caught ball-watching for Girona’s opener that allowed Danjuma to run in behind Partey. Sheer determination made amends for the opening goal, as the makeshift right back won the penalty for Jorginho’s equaliser. Substituted for Jurrien Timber at half time.
Jakub Kiwior- 5
Pulled out of position that was a contributing factor to Girona’s opening goal. Kiwior was also weak in a few tackles during the first half.
Lucky to not hand Girona an equaliser as he was caught out of position again letting his man drift off him at the back post to poke home before being disallowed for offside in the build up.
Gabriel Magalhaes- 7
Had to use all of his experience and leadership to help calm a wobbling defence during the first half. Was seen commanding his team mates into position and is looking like a real leader within this Arsenal squad.
Riccardo Calafiori- 7.5
Another excellent performance from the Italian defender. Comfortably slotted into midfield to receive the ball and help build attacks but also made several penetrating runs down the left.
Combined well with Sterling in particular and was unlucky to have a goal ruled out in the first half having just made his run too early.
Jorginho- 8
His experience always shines through on nights like this. Converted the penalty in his usual calm, clinical manner but had made an outstanding block up the other end just moment before to keep the game at 1-0.
Diligent in his defensive work and picked out several penetrating passes through the lines that often set Trossard and Nwaneri away.
Mikel Merino- 7
A solid performance on return to his home country from Merino. Looked strong in the tackle and physical duels and was calm on the ball in possession.
Martin Odegaard- 6
Neat and tidy in possession as always but once again struggled to have a real impact on the game and was overshadowed by his younger team mate Nwaneri in terms of creating chances.
Ethan Nwaneri- 9
This young star is going to the very top. His footwork and ability to manipulate the ball in tight spaces was evident throughout the game and is always showing and wanting the ball even in pressure situations.
Took his goal brilliantly by cutting in on his devastating left foot and firing into the bottom corner to give the goalkeeper no chance.
Leandro Trossard- 6.5
Looked lively in the first half and could have scored on two separate occasions, one incident Trossard couldn’t sort his body out from a cross and another where he rattled the bar from a tight angle.
Kept quiet in the second half and looked a little jaded, which may have contributed to his early exit from the game.
Raheem Sterling- 6.5
Started the game in such a positive fashion and looked full of confidence. Sterling was driving at defenders and beating them, he looked Arsenal’s biggest threat for much of the first half.
Was unlucky to be booked for diving in the second half when there was clear contact in the penalty area as Sterling wriggled away from another challenge. Unfortunate to miss a late penalty as the keeper guess correctly and pushed his effort round the post.
Substitutes
Jurrien Timber- 6.5
Replaced Partey at half time and almost scored with four minutes of coming on as he tried to convert from a wicked Nwaneri corner. Gave everything defensively and drove forward when he could.
Myles Lewis-Skelly- 6
Replaced the excellent Calafiori midway through the second half, defended well and was comfortable on the ball.
Kai Havertz- 5.5
Came on for Trossard midway through the second half, had the ball in some promising areas but failed to find any final product.
Declan Rice- 6
Came on for Jorginho with ten minutes left to help see out the game. Stopped a menacing counter attack from Danjuma with a superbly timed tackle.
Gabriel Martinelli- N/A
Came on for the superb Nwaneri with minutes remaining.
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