Arsenal 1 Ostersunds 2 (agg 4-2): Iwobi Picks Up Injury In Stoppage Time, Gero Benched

Arsenal were stunned 2-1 by Ostersunds at the Emirates Stadium in their UEFA Europa League return fixture on Thursday evening, though they progressed to the round of sixteen 4-2 on aggregate.

Alex Iwobi started for the Gunners in the encounter, his fourth appearance in the competition this season.

Hosam Aiesh silenced the scant Emirates crowd with a defence-splitting drive down the right flank 22 minutes in before getting the better of Hector Bellerin to clip a shot just beyond goalkeeper, David Ospina.

It was two for Ostersunds almost immediately as Ken Sema took out Callum Chambers with some bits of fine skill before firing a fierce effort into the bottom corner to give the visitors a dream lead.

Arsenal have never lost a European tie after holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg but they continued to turn in the threat of a wet towel in the opposite end of the pitch even after having gone 2-0 down for most part of the first half.

Though Sead Kolasinac smashed home in the 47th minute to allay fears of any such potential banana skin, the hosts profligacy coupled with their opponents resilience saw Arsenal kiss the dust ahead of the Carabao Cup final meeting with Manchester City this weekend.

An injured Alex Iwobi was replaced by Reiss Nelson in stoppage time while ex-Flying Eagles striker Alhaji Gero was a non-playing substitute for the Swedish club.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : arsenal.com