Passionate English Premier League giants Arsenal narrowly defeated Dutch Eredivisie rivals Yen Hoven 1-0 in Friday's (21st) UEFA Europa League Group A play-offs, thanks to a brilliant strike from the home side. The win made it eight in a row in all competitions, and they are now leading the group with five points, locking up a spot in the knockout rounds. Next week, they only need to get a point on the road at Eindhoven, and then they will surely lock up the first place in the group, with a bright future.
Although Arsenal played a half-strength lineup in the Europa League, they still controlled the pace of the game at home, with 21 shots on goal, creating many threats in the first half, but unfortunately missed good opportunities. It wasn't until the 71st minute that Japanese defender Kenyo Tomiyasu sent a pinpoint cross from the right side of the pitch, which was swiftly met by Gryshaga, sealing the win for Arsenal. Although Yan Haofen tried to fight back, it was too late and Arsenal won 1-0.
In the first four rounds of Group A, Arsenal led the way with all wins, five points ahead of second-placed Yan Haofen. In next week's away challenge, as long as Arsenal don't drop any points, they can secure the first place in the group. It's worth mentioning that the first place in the Europa League group stage can directly advance to the round of 16, while the second place will have to go through the play-offs to face the strongest teams that may "parachute in" from the UEFA Europa League. Therefore, Arsenal is determined to win the first place in the group.
