Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

FK Qarabag vs Arsenal - Europa League as it happened: Gunners young stars shine in 3-0 win

Look back on the live coverage of Qarabag vs Arsenal

Harry Latham-Coyle
Thursday 04 October 2018 18:18 BST
Comments
Arsenal train ahead of Europa League tie against Qarabag

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal eased to Europa League victory against Qarabag on Thursday night - but they were far from their best in Baku.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos opened the scoring early on before the visitors had to withstand plenty of pressure until Emile Smith Rowe's first senior goal and a first for club for Matteo Guendouzi secured a 3-0 win which flattered Unai Emery's side.

The Arsenal head coach opted to bring the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Granit Xhaka on a near 5,000-mile round-trip despite a tricky visit to Fulham early on Sunday - but they were named on a strong bench at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

When is it?

Qarabag vs Arsenal is one of the early matches on Thursday 4 October.

When does it start?

Kick-off in Azerbaijan is at 17:55 BST.

Where can I watch it?

BT Sport will be showing live coverage on BT Sport 2 and online on the BT Sport app for customers.

Odds

Arsenal to win: 2/5

Qarabag to win: 8/1

Draw: 7/2

83 minutes

A double change for Vidi to complete their set. Anel Hadzic and Georgi Milanov are replaced by Armin Hodzic and Mate Patkai.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 21:41

84 minutes

And they nearly profit instantly!

Kepa does superbly well - Istvan Kovacs had bent the ball around Gary Cahill using the outside of his boot and the Spanish keeper somehow gets down to the ball and get a strong hand away.

Victor Moses reacts equally quickly to clear and prevent any follow-up attempt. 

Close for Vidi, who will be heartened.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 21:43

85 minutes

Those are less close - Loic Nego follows Mateo Kovacic's lead in blazing over the bar.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 21:44

86 minutes

Eden Hazard again creates a chance for Alvaro Morata, who opts to shoot from the byline, tantalisingly taking the ball across the goal past a couple of awaiting blue shirts and wide of the post.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 21:45

88 minutes

Maurizio Sarri hasn't enjoyed tonight. The frustration is etched apparently across the Italian's face, despite Chelsea drawing ever-nearer to victory.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 21:47

90 minutes

Three minutes added on, and Davide Zappacosta has conceded a silly free-kick after Kepa gave him the ball just outside the box. 

Vidi have a chance. It will be an out swinger from the right...

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 21:49

90 + 1 minutes

Alvaro Morata makes the important intervention defensively, rising highest to head away.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 21:49

90 + 2 minutes

You sense that was Vidi's last chance.

Chelsea keeping the ball inside their opponents' half.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 21:50

And there it is. Chelsea dominant, but the goals did not flow as many predicted, Alvaro Morata's second-half goal the only difference between the two sides. 1-0.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 21:52

Vidi defended resolutely throughout, and were it not for an excellent save from Kepa Arrizabalaga would have snatched a draw. 

But Chelsea continue their unbeaten run and notch a second victory in the Europa League. They face back-to-back games against BATE Borisov in the next two match weeks.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 21:55

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in