By Robert Wheeler
- Manchester United and Arsenal both win 1-0
- West Ham United make it six wins from six
- Hearts play their final European game this season
Europe – There were victories for Manchester United and Arsenal in the Europa League, with West Ham winning all their Europa Conference League games.
Europa League
Win not enough for United
Manchester United beat Real Sociedad 1-0 but they needed to win by two goals to top their group. Eric ten Hag‘s side had already qualified and the victory was revenge for their defeat to the Spanish side earlier in the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo played in Alejandro Garnacho who fired into the top corner to give the Red Devils the lead in the 17th minute. However, it was to be the only goal of the game as Sociedad did not sit back and just defend. They still had a go at United and their attack proved to be their best form of defence.
Ronaldo lobbed effort at the end of the first half just went over the bar. David de Gea made an impressive double save to prevent Sociedad from equalising shortly afterwards.
Despite ten Hag bringing on Marcus Rashford, Scott Mctominay, Fred and Harry Maguire they were unable to get another goal. They will now have to feature in a playoff round to make it into the last 16.
Arsenal tops their group
Arsenal beat Zurich 1-0 to ensure that they topped their group. Kieran Tierney‘s strike into the bottom corner from outside the box in the first half was enough to claim all three points.
Adrian Guerrero had thought they had equalised for the Swiss side in the 68th minute but his goal was ruled out for offside. Mikel Arteta‘s side held on to the lead on a wet night at the Emirates to ensure direct passage into the last 16.
A big positive for the Gunners and England was seeing Bukayo Saka come on for Gabriel Jesus in the 63rd minute. Saka had come off injured against Nottingham Forest last weekend and was a worry with the World Cup approaching.
After a defeat to PSV Eindhoven last week this was a great response by Arsenal as they have a big game in the Premier League against Chelsea this weekend.
Europa Conference League
West Ham complete perfect six
West Ham United defeated FCSB 3-0 which kept their perfect record in the group stage so far intact. With the Hammers already qualified, it was a chance to give some young players a chance with Conor Coventry, Ollie Scarles and Divin Mubama all starting.
David Moyes’ side took the lead at the end of the first half as Ben Johnson launched a ball forward which Pablo Fornals slotted in. Replays showed Fornals to be offside but with no VAR in the competition, the goal stood.
Mubama headed in for West Ham’s second. However, the goal on his debut was taken away from him and given as Joyskim Dawa’s own goal.
Another youngster who was taking his chance was Scarles who was impressed with his deliveries. His cross was fumbled by the goalkeeper Stefan Tarnovanu and fell to Fornals who fired in to secure their victory. West Ham became the first-ever club to win all six of their Europa Conference League group-stage matches.
No Turkish delight for Hearts
Heart of Midlothian was already out of the competition and suffered a 3-1 defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey. Youssouf Ndayishimiye headed in from a corner early on to give the home side the lead.
Serdar Gurler rolled into an empty net to double their advantage before halftime. Omer Sahiner robbed the Hearts defence off the ball and crossed into Berkay Ozcan who made it three.
A consolation goal for the Scottish side came late on when Nathaniel Atkinson tapped in. A slight reward for the Hearts players and fans who had made the trip.
Robbie Nielson‘s are out of competition and they face a battle to get back into Europe with his side currently in 6th place in the Scottish Premiership.
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