Vorskla Poltava vs Arsenal: Young Gunners secure convincing win
Re-live the action from Kiev
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Arsenal secured top spot in their Europa League group as a much-changed side coasted to a 3-0 Europa League victory against Vorskla Poltava in sub-zero Kiev.
The Group E fixture was moved 185 miles east of Poltava to the capital's Olympic Stadium, with parts of Ukraine under martial law as political tensions with Russia continue to rise.
The call to relocate the game was made on Tuesday evening, with Vorskla particularly unhappy with UEFA's decision and official confirmation that the match would take place at all not coming from the governing body until six hours before kick-off. Re-live the live action below
Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of this evening's Europa League action. We'll be bringing you live coverage of Chelsea vs PAOK, but first it's to Kiev for Vorskla Poltava vs Arsenal.
Here's some light reading to get you in the mood
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has included a number of academy players in his squad to face Vorskla Poltava this evening.
The unfamiliar names of Charlie Gilmour, Zech Medley and Dejan Iliev have taken the places of the more experienced players of Aubameyang, Ozil and Torreira.
"We need to give young players a chance," Emery said.
"The players have been working with us in all sessions and also in pre-season. They are coming with us because we can give them chances."
Team news
Vorskla
Shust, Perduta, Dallku, Chesnakov, Artur, Sapai, Skliar, Sharpar, Rebenok, Kulach, Kolomets
Arsenal have already qualified for the last 32, but they will clinch top spot in Group E with a victory tonight and Emery will have one eye on next week's Premier League fixtures.
They play Tottenham at home on Sunday and Manchester United away next Wednesday in and the manager will want his squad in top condition for those two fixtures.
Uefa moved the location for tonight's game from Poltava to the capital of Kiev because of the introduction of martial law in several regions in Ukraine.
The group stage fixture is due to take place at the capital's Olimpiyskiy Stadium at 17:55.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery said: "First, we need to respect Uefa's decision because I think it's not easy for Vorskla.
"Yesterday we were preparing for the first trip to Poltava and waiting in the evening for the last decision.
"It doesn't change a lot to play here. In 90 minutes it is not a very big change. It is clear they are playing in Ukraine, not in their town, but they can also move their supporters to Kiev.
"In 90 minutes we want to do our work here."
Eddie Nketiah makes his first team debut tonight, leading the line for Arsenal. What will he offer the Gunners?
Vorskla 0 - 0 Arsenal
Vorskla get the match underway and move the ball out to the right wing. It's crossed into the box and Cech makes an easy catch.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments