Kieran Tierney’s fine individual effort helped Arsenal edge Swiss side Zurich 1-0 in their final Europa League group game at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night. The result also saw the Gunners book a direct spot in the round of 16. Fellow English outfit, Manchester United, who also won their game 1-0, however had to settle for second spot in their group and will now have to go through a knockout playoff round.
Tierney’s strike came in the 17th minute- a lovely hit on the volley from just outside the box after Fabio’s original effort had been blocked by a Zurich player. Tierney’s shot found its way into the right corner, and was to prove the difference between the two sides at the final whistle.
Arsenal had several other chances- Eddie Nketiah, Fabio and Gabriel Jesus all went close, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Zurich had a goal of their own disallowed- Gunners keeper Aaron Ramsdale parried Marchesano’s shot into the path of Adrian Guerrero, who slotted it in from close range, only for the flag to go up for offside.
Premier League leaders Arsenal will now face London rivals Chelsea this weekend. Zurich, who were eliminated from Europe as a result, will travel to Lugano in their Swiss league clash.
