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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
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Arsenal train ahead of Europa League tie against Qarabag

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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

Qarabag were impressive in the first half and forced Bernd Leno into three smart stops, but Unai Emery will be relatively pleased with his much-altered team. 

They have adjusted quite well to the 3-4-3 and have looked dangerous going forward, particularly via Sead Kolasinac on the left. They have looked more vulnerable on the right with Qarabag switching the play with ease at times.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 18:54

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 18:57

45 minutes

A half-time change for Arsenal: Lucas Torreira is on for Nacho Monreal and Arsenal will presumably revert to a back-four.

They kick-off to begin the second-half.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 18:59

Chelsea team news

Ruben Loftus-Cheek makes his first start for Chelsea this season

Jack Watson4 October 2018 19:00

47 minutes

As anticipated Torreira has slid in to anchor the midfield.

A sighting of goal for the home side but another poor effort. 

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:00

48 minutes

An ambitious one from Gara Garayev - always rising and watched over by Bernd Leno.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:02

49 minutes

Goal? No!

Innocent Emeghara runs at the Arsenal defence and slips a nice pass through for Mahir Madatov, who calmly slots past Leno. The winger had just gone slightly too early and the flag goes up as he wheels away in celebration.

A warning sign for Arsenal, though.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:03

52 minutes

Qarabag have settled back in to things nicely.

Another threatening run from right-winger Mahir Madatov and he should do better, failing to corral the bouncing ball with only Bernd Leno between him and the goal.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:06

A FIRST ARSENAL GOAL FOR EMILE SMITH ROWE! 2-0 TO THE VISITORS!

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:06

A great moment for the Croydon-born teenager. Danny Welbeck wins a flick-on and Alex Iwobi collects well. The Nigerian waits nicely for Smith Rowe to make his run, delaying the pass until the right moment to feed the 18-year-old.

Smith Rowe cooly side-foots the ball through Vagner's legs to notch his first goal for Arsenal and double their lead.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:08

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