Arsenal 1-2 Ostersunds (4-2 on aggregate): Gunners into Europa League last 16 after scareBy Charlotte Marsh
Last Updated: 22/02/18 10:40pm
Arsenal qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League with a 4-2 aggregate victory against Ostersunds, despite losing 2-1 to the Swedes in the second leg at the Emirates.The Gunners were leading 3-0 from the first leg last Thursday, but were poor in the first half as Ostersunds stormed into a 2-0 lead on the night thanks to a Calum Chambers own goal (22) and Ken Sema (23).
Sead Kolasinac hammered home to pull a goal back for Arsenal a minute into the second half and ultimately seal a 4-2 aggregate victory. Arsene Wenger's side now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Arsenal will find out their last-16 opponents when the Europa League draw is made on Friday afternoon.
Ostersunds began the first half well with Brwa Nouri just missing a through ball from Saman Ghoddos in the 10th minute, before David Ospina was forced into a low save after Sema tried to hit home from the right after shrugging off Hector Bellerin.
But the Swedes deservedly made the breakthrough in the 22nd minute. Hosam Aiesh was set away down the left-hand side of the box before slotting the ball past the on-rushing Ospina, but it was directed goalwards by the foot of Chambers, who was credited with the own goal.
Sixty-nine seconds later and Sema made it 2-0 with a superb finish. He showed off his power once again to hold off Chambers after a ball over the top from Ghoddos, before slamming the ball home past Ospina with aplomb to stun the home fans.
But it was mere minutes into the second half when Arsenal pulled a goal back. Bellerin crossed in from the right flank, with Ronald Mukiibi swinging a leg at the ball to try and clear but could not connect, allowing Kolasinac to convert from close range.
Both goalkeepers were called into action during the remainder of the game, with Ostersunds' best chance of the second half coming in the 55th minute. Nouri whipped in a ball from the left with Jamie Hopcutt heading towards Ronald Mukiibi, but he could not make contact as Ospina scooped up the ball.
Ostersunds goalkeeper Aly Keita was the busier of the two and made two fine saves as the clock ticked past the hour mark. The first came from a fierce Mohamed Elneny drive in the 63rd minute, before Danny Welbeck nodded an Alex Iwobi cross straight into his arms five minutes later.
Neither side created much more in terms of chances as Arsenal saw out the game with their aggregate advantage, but it will still be a night to remember for Ostersunds.
http://www.skysports.com/football/arsenal-vs-ostersunds/386513
