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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

56 minutes

That goal will make Unai Emery breathe a little easier, and it has clearly settled the young Arsenal side. Matteo Guendouzi is directing traffic effectively from midfield and Lucas Torreira has been his usual efficient self since joining the fray.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:10

59 minutes

Abdellah Zoubir has impressed for Qarabag tonight, troubling Stephan Lichtsteiner often throughout. The tricky Frenchman nearly works another opportunity but Lichtsteiner recovers.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:13

60 minutes

Qarabag make their first change as Dzon Delarge comes on for Mahir Madatov on the right.

And they nearly score from a corner. The ball is headed into no man's land and Innocent Emeghara pounces as the defence claims offside. The Swiss striker should do better and Bernd Leno gathered.

Qarabag continue to threaten. 

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:15

62 minutes

Another corner, this time played short and Alex Iwobi dispossesses Gara Garayev.

A powerful surge from Iwobi to carry the ball 80 yards and earn a throw.

Mesut Ozil is ready to come on.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:16

64 minutes

Mohamed Elneny's number is up on the board, but Unai Emery waves him off and Ozil is not yet going to join proceedings. 

Qarabag earn a free-kick and now Ozil will come on. In actuality, it is Emile Smith Rowe who is removed. A great night for the young winger with a first Arsenal goal to take home with him from Baku. 

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:18

66 minutes

Another change for the hosts - former Everton player Araz Abdullayev comes on for the quiet Filip Ozobic.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:21

68 minutes

A string of changes has rather disrupted the flow of the game.

Stephan Lichtsteiner is brought to floor by Dzon Delarge. Free-kick to Arsenal.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:22

70 minutes

Mesut Ozil is in acres of space in the box and should unleash a shot on his right-foot, but instead attempts to square the ball and it is easily cleared.

Alexandre Lacazette comes on in place of Alex Iwobi. A solid performance from Iwobi.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:24

72 minutes

Danny Welbeck has been shunted to the left-wing with Lacazette immediately deployed down the middle.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:26

74 minutes

The hosts have reshuffled since Araz Abdullayev came on. Abdullayev is on the left with Dzon Delarge moved inside to partner Innocent Emeghara as a two-pronged strike force.

Emeghara has put himself about tonight. The referee whistles for another foul by the Swiss striker.

Harry Latham-Coyle4 October 2018 19:28

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