By Robert Wheeler
- Manchester United and Arsenal are both victorious in the Europa League
- West Ham maintains their perfect start to their Europa Conference League group
- Heart of Midlothian suffers defeat against Fiorentina
Europe – It was nearly a perfect night for the British sides as Man United and the Gunners both won in the Europa League, and West Ham also won their game in the Europa Conference League. However, Hearts fell to a defeat to Fiorentina.
Europa League
Substitutes make the difference for United
Manchester United beat Cypriot side Omonia 3-2 in a packed Neo GSP Stadium in Nicosia and it was not easy for them against a side managed by former Celtic manager Neil Lennon. The home side was leading at half-time as a quick counter-attack was finished into the top corner by Karim Ansarifard. But the Red Devils managed to equalise soon after the break as substitute Marcus Rashford curled his shot in from the edge of the box.
Rashford then turned provider as he flicked the ball onto Anthony Martial who scored after being on the pitch for just two minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s cross-shot was turned in by Rashford to make it three for the visitors in the 84th minute.
But it was not over yet as just a minute later Nikolas Panagiotou scored to set up a nervy finish for Eric ten Hag‘s side. United managed to hold on for their win which puts them second in Group E and they face Omonia at home next Thursday.
Gunners fire three past Bodø/Glimt
Arsenal defeated the Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt 3-0 at the Emirates which puts Mikel Arteta‘s side top of Group A. Eddie Nketiah tapped in in the 23rd minute to give the Gunners the lead after Kieran Tierney had hit the post. Four minutes later Rob Holding headed in from a Fabio Viera cross to double their lead.
The victory was then sealed by Viera late in the second half when Gabriel Jesus after a fine piece of footwork squared it to the Portuguese to finish off. It was the North London side’s fourth win in a row in all competitions, they are top of the Premier League as well and play Bodø/Glimt in Norway next week.
Europa Conference League
Scamacca strikes late for West Ham
West Ham United beat Anderlecht 1-0 in Belgium thanks to a late goal from Gianluca Scamacca. The result maintains their perfect start to Group B of three wins from three games.
Said Benrahma had missed an open goal in the first half which would have made things a bit less tense for the Hammers. But substitutes Declan Rice and Lucas Paqueta both played their part in the build-up to Scamacca’s goal in the 79th minute.
Paqueta certainly brought on some Brazilian flair and showed off his tricks which delighted the travelling supporters. But David Moyes‘ side needed help at the back as well and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola made an unbelievable save to deny Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee, Fabio Silva.
Back in 1976, West Ham lost to Anderlecht 4-2 in the European Cup Winner’s Cup so the victory tonight would have brought a sense of revenge for Hammers fans who are old enough to remember that game. They face the Belgian side at home next Thursday.
Fiorentina break ‘Hearts’
It would have been a perfect night for the British teams but Heart of Midlothian had a tough fixture against Fiorentina and they fell to a 3-0 defeat. The Italian side took the lead in just the fourth minute when Rolando Mandragora headed in from an Aleksa Terzic cross.
Their lead was then doubled just before half-time as Cristian Kouame scored an impressive overhead kick. If Hearts were not up against it enough, early in the second half Lewis Neilson was sent off for pulling back Luka Jovic who was in a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Jovic then completed the rout in the 79th minute when he tapped in from a Kouame cross as Hearts were heavily outnumbered at the back. The Scottish side head to Florence next week where they will be hoping for a much-improved performance. Robbie Neilson‘s side is third in Group A and could leapfrog Fiorentina with a win.
The Europa League and Europa Conference League return next Thursday 13 October.
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |