Welbeck dive overshadows Arsenal win

Arsenal came into the game defending a 2-0 lead after a stunning performance at San Siro last week, and Arsene Wenger had no room for complacency after the scare against Ostersunds in the last round.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil both started for the ‘Gunners’ while Milan had to spring a surprise due to an ongoing injury crisis in defence. Fabio Borini started the game at right back.

The game itself threatened to be something of a bore-fest in the opening half hour - exactly what Arsenal would have wanted - before it burst into life as half time loomed. Neither side had created many chances before Hakan Calhanoglu fired a wicked effort into the far corner that left Ospina with no chance. All of a sudden Milan were left needing only a goal to level.

However, it was not to last long. Two minutes later Arsenal were awarded a penalty that would be the main talking point for the night. A ball behind the defence found its way to Welbeck but his touch was heavy and he could not keep it in play.

Inexplicably, he went down with Ricardo Rodriguez close by. There was no visible contact but it was enough for the referee who pointed to the spot after consulting with his official behind the goal.

Welbeck dusted himself off and scored the goal and it was back to square one for the Italians. Half time came soon after and Milan manager, Gennaro Gattuso, had a few words for the officials as the teams made their way off the pitch.

His anger is unlikely to have subsided in the second half as a number of decisions went against his team, including Suso being booked for diving after a challenge that warranted a foul much more than that on Welbeck.

Milan did put some pressure on Arsenal as the second half progressed but without any cutting edge, and it was Arsenal who finally killed the game off.

Granit Xhaka is never afraid to have a go from range and it paid off here as his left footed effort crept under Donnarumma, who really should have done better. This left Milan needing to score three with only 17 minutes remaining.

The needed another one 10 minutes later as Welbeck got his second. Ramsey’s header was fantastically saved by Donnarumma, but the former Manchester United player was on hand to nod into an empty net.

The game finished with no further change to the scoreline and Welbeck finished the game with a brace. Unfortunately for him it is unlikely that anyone will want to mention the goals, such was the nature of the penalty being awarded.

Arsenal can look forward to the draw for the next round now, while Milan will turn their attention back to Serie A. Champions League qualification remains a possibility for the seven-time European Cup winners.