Arsenal youngsters shine as Vorskla downed in Kiev
Unai Emery's Arsenal made sure of top spot in their Europa League group as they defeated Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava 3-0, thanks to goals from Emile Smith-Rowe, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Willock.
Ahead of the game, most of the build-up focused on the change of venue. With safety concerns causing the match to be moved from Poltava to Ukraine's capital, Kiev, the 'hosts' and their fans were understandably disappointed with the situation.
With their place in the knockout stages already secure, Arsenal began the game with a much-changed side. A strikeforce of Emile Smith-Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock showed Emery's reliance on his youth in a game where a win would secure top spot in the group.
In the opening few minutes, Vorskla, managed by Vasyl Sachko, demonstrated their attacking intent as Kolomoets blasted over on the half-volley after a delicately-chipped free-kick, while Kulach sent several crosses into the middle from the right.
Then, the Premier League side showed their quality. Ten minutes in, Ramsey and Nketiah combined with the latter finding himself in-behind the Vorskla defence, before his shot rebounded off the keeper into the path of 18-year-old Smith-Rowe, who finished powerfully into an empty net.
Vorskla were unable to find a quick response, and Arsenal made them pay once again as Aaron Ramsey made it 2-0 from the penalty spot. Igor Perduta had hacked the Welshman down in the area, and Ramsey stepped up to find the bottom corner with a simple side-footed finish.
The rest of the first-half was largely Arsenal, who converted their third goal just before half-time. Joe Willock, 19, opened his account for the 'Gunners' first-team with a right-footed strike to the far corner, after Mohamed Elneny had found him with an excellent pass to the left flank.
On the other side of half-time, Vorskla appeared deflated and, despite driving forward on several occasions in search of a goal, were largely helpless in breaking down what was an inexperienced Arsenal defence.
Smith-Rowe thought he had his second of the game in the 65th minute only to see his goal disallowed by the referee, who found Nketiah to have been in an offside position.
A lack of chances ensued until the end of the game, and Arsenal will be pleased to have secured top spot in Group E ahead of the knockout stages.