Europa: Arsenal edge past Ostersunds FK in a comfortable win

Arsenal as good as guaranteed their place in the last 16 of the Europa League with a comfortable away win over Swedish side Ostersunds FK.

Gunners left-back Nacho Monreal scored from close range when Ostersund goalkeeper Aly Keita fumbled Alex Iwobi’s strike.

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Then the home side’s centre-back Sotirios Papagiannopoulos diverted Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s cross into his own net after the Armenian seized on a loose pass.

Ostersund improved after the break but any revival was ended by Mesut Ozil, who made a well-timed run into the area and squeezed his shot past Keita for the third, before the hosts had a late penalty saved.

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The Swedish club’s English manager Graham Potter, who has led them to three promotions since 2010, could at least reflect on a bright performance from Iran international striker Saman Ghoddos, who forced Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina into a couple of saves and led the line with pace and determination.

Arsenal host the second leg of the last-32 tie at Emirates Stadium next Thursday

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