Arsenal finish with perfect record after sweeping aside Dundalk

Arsenal's second string made it six wins out of six in the Europa League group stage after an easy victory over Dundalk. 

Dundalk started attacking promisingly, but then Arsenal took charge. The Gunners took the lead after 12 minutes after Boyle's clearance was charged down by Nketiah who then controlled and chipped over Rogers in the Dundalk goal. Cleary tried his best on the line, but was unable to prevent it. 

Six minutes later, Elneny doubled Arsenal's advantage. Maitland-Niles passed to Smith-Rowe who laid off for the Egyptian and he hit a rocket into the top corner from 30 yards. Arsenal soon realised they were in a game though. 

Jordan Flores pulled one back for the hosts midway through the first period after a lovely one-two with Duffy and Flores fired past Runarsson into the far corner. The Irish side were unable to kick on from that goal though and Arsenal were in control of proceedings. Nketiah could have made it three, but was denied by the keeper and Dundalk nearly levelled right on half-time when McEleney sent a cross into the box which Mustafi flicked on and Leahy saw his strike deflected over the goal. 

 

December 10, 2020

In the second period, Arteta's men remained dominant and Dundalk suffered an early blow when their main goalscorer McMillan had to go off injured. Cedric Soares stung the hands of keeper Rogers from a free-kick and then Arsenal made it 1-3 after 67 minutes. Shields passed the ball straight to Soares, the Portuguese headed for Balogun in the box, the youngster had his back to goal and laid off for Willock. The shot was straight at the goalie, but Rogers was unable to keep it out. 

Pepe fired over the bar 16 minutes from time and in the 80th minute, Balogun got on the scoresheet after he was set up by Nicolas Pepe. 

Sean Hoare got a consolation for Dundalk five minutes from time when he headed a free-kick into Runarsson's bottom left corner and there was still time for Callum Chambers to score from Pepe's free-kick, but he had just strayed offside. 

The Gunners finished top on 18 points while Dundalk ended the campaign on no points and were well beaten by Mikel Arteta's men.