Arsenal’s European ambitions warmed up in freezing Östersund. Arsène 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,tall-spec team did enough damage to put one frosty foot into the next round before the return leg in London next week.
Arsenal meant trade 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 select any progress for granted.
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Source: guardian.co.uk