Search icon

Football

22nd Feb 2018

Arsenal struck for two goals in 90 seconds by Ostersund

How did that happen?

Darragh Murphy

As the Arsenal players boarded their plane back to London last week, they’d have felt the job was essentially done.

And after a 3-0 victory away from home in the Europa League, it would have been hard to blame them for feeling that way.

The Gunners put one foot in the Round of 16 with their demolition of Ostersund in Sweden last Thursday and gave Arsene Wenger the chance to rest several players ahead of this weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Ahead of kick-off, supporters vented their frustration over the fact that Wenger hadn’t selected an entire second-string side as the likes of Hector Bellerin and Jack Wilshere were selected for the return leg.

But, by half-time, we bet most fans were wishing that there was a full strength team on the pitch as the hosts endured a nightmare 45 minutes at the Emirates Stadium.

Two goals in as many minutes for the unfancied Ostersund gave Arsenal quite the scare, with it all to play for in the second half.

Hosam Aiesh got the first, when he stayed onside and beat David Ospina from close range.

An ambitious ball over the top gave Ken Sema quite a lot to do but he made no mistake as he held off Calum Chambers, created a yard of space and walloped the ball into the bottom corner.

To say that the atmosphere inside the stadium became tense would be an understatement and, as for those watching from home, the response was not kind.