Mesut Özil strike seals Europa League win for Arsenal at Östersund

Arsenal’s European ambitions warmed up in freezing Östersund. Arsene Wenger’s attitude has shifted from B-list reserve teams to in-it-to-win-it sharpness now that this competition has reached the knock-out rounds. A fully motivated, high spec team did enough damage to put nine frosty toes into the next round ahead of a return leg in London next week, and afford Arsenal the chance to rest a few players ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Arsenal meant business from the moment they boarded their flight to northern Sweden with a strong squad, with only those at risk of injury left at home. The sight of Mesut Özil celebrating a goal in what was his first performance in Europe’s bridesmaid tournament since he played for Werder Bremen seven years ago summed up how Arsenal were determined to do this properly, and not take any progress for granted.

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