Zurich logically overwhelmed by Arsenal

FC Zurich didn’t undergo as a lot as they may have feared for his or her entry into the group stage of the Europa League.

Vaillant, the reigning Swiss champion nonetheless misplaced (2-1) to Premier League chief Arsenal in Group A.

‘Exiled’ to St-Gall as a result of Weltklasse assembly disputed at Letzigrund, the gamers of coach Franco Foda have been underneath no illusions for lengthy. They conceded the opener within the sixteenth minute on a breaking motion concluded quietly and soberly by the younger Brazilian Marquinhos (19).

However Captain Granit Xhaka’s ‘Gunners’ then rested on their laurels. And the FCZ took the chance to equalize simply earlier than half-time, Mirlind Kryeziu reworking within the forty fourth a penalty obtained for a foul by Eddie Nketiah on Fidan Aliti, taking Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner on the incorrect foot.

The Londoners, nevertheless, entered the second half with higher intentions, which was preceded by a minute of silence noticed in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. A brand new dominators, they noticed their efforts rewarded within the 62nd on a returning cross from Marquinhos taken from the top by a revengeful Nketiah.

In Norway subsequent Thursday

Not likely in enterprise with the 2-1 motion, FCZ goalkeeper Yanick Brecher then stored his staff within the sport. His companions pushed a lot and extra on the finish of the match however with out managing to actually fear Arsenal, who didn’t nevertheless align their commonplace staff Thursday night on St. Gallen soil.

Zurich will proceed their European journey subsequent Thursday in Norway towards Bodö/Glimt, who drew 1-1 in Eindhoven on Thursday. Till then, FCZ will search to rebuild their well being within the Tremendous League, the place they’ve solely obtained 2 factors in 5 matches. However the journey on Sunday, on the garden of Servette, guarantees to be perilous.

/ATS