Arsenal reached the halfway point of the Europa League group stage with a 100% winning record after benefiting from two own goals against reigning Norwegian champions Molde.
For the second time in three Group B games, the Gunners had to come from behind after Martin Ellingsen beat Bernd Leno from 25 yards following a superb pass by former Manchester United reserve player Magnus Wolff Eikrem.
With no video assistant referee system in operation, Eddie Nketiah had what looked like a legal goal disallowed for offside before Arsenal equalised at the end of the first half.
Kristoffer Haugen put past his own keeper while trying to intercept Nketiah’s cross to Joe Willock before Sead Kolasinac blazed a great chance over the bar.
The Gunners took the lead when Molde substitute Sheriff Sinyan turned Willock’s pass across the six-yard area into his own net.
Substitute Bukayo Saka picked out Nicolas Pepe to make it 3-1 before Willock added a late fourth goal, as Arsenal went three points clear at the top of the group with three games remaining.
Willock and Nketiah shine for Gunners
Arsenal, with two games to spare, could secure a place in the last 32 of the competition with victory in the return fixture in Norway on 26 November.
Mikel Arteta has now seen his side win three successive games in all competitions since they were undone by Leicester’s counter-attack last month.
Despite falling behind, Arsenal were able to brush aside their opponents without the need to bring on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette or Thomas Partey.
Arteta was all smiles at the end, fist-bumping Willock on the pitch after the full-time whistle, the 21-year-old pushing his claims for a first Premier League start of the season with a performance full of hunger and desire.
The Gunners had fallen behind after failing to close down Ellingsen, whose excellent strike had Molde dreaming of one of the greatest results in their history.
It was the wake-up call the hosts needed, Arteta’s side playing with a higher intensity after equalising.
Arsenal’s future looks in good hands, Nketiah also impressing with his speed and work-rate while substitute Saka played a highly-intelligent pass to pick out Pepe for his goal.
Four goals & four assists in nine Europa games for Pepe – the stats
Arsenal have avoided defeat in 60% of their matches when conceding first under Mikel Arteta, winning four and drawing two of 10 such games (L4).
Norwegian teams have lost 21 of their 23 away games against English sides in all European competition, scoring 14 goals and conceding 104.
Arsenal have won 15 of their 21 Europa League group stage games (71% – D4 L2) – at least six more than any other side since the 2017-18 season.
Bukayo Saka has delivered 14 assists in all competitions since the start of last season, more than any other Arsenal player in that time.
The Gunners have benefited from two own goals in a single game for the first time since beating Swansea 4-0 in the Premier League in January 2017.
Nicolas Pepe has had a hand in eight goals in nine Europa League appearances since joining Arsenal (4 goals, 4 assists), scoring in back-to-back games in the competition for the first time.
What’s next?
Arsenal are in Premier League action on Sunday when Aston Villa visit London (19:15 GMT).
Source: BBC
