Arsenal defeat Girona to seal Champions League last 16 spot

Arsenal scored twice in four first-half minutes to come from behind and defeat Girona 2-1 to secure their place in the Champions League round of 16.

The Gunners were already on the verge of qualification before kickoff, but pre-match discussions were dominated by their reported interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Girona threatened an upset in the 28th minute when debutant Arsenal goalkeeper Neto, filling in for the injured David Raya, rushed out of his box, allowing Arnaut Danjuma to curl the ball into an empty net.

Arsenal responded 10 minutes later through Jorginho’s penalty after Thomas Partey was fouled by Arnau Martinez. Moments before halftime, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri put the Gunners ahead with a composed finish into the bottom corner.

Girona thought they had equalized in the second half when Cristhian Stuani tapped in from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Arsenal had a chance to extend their lead in stoppage time, but Pau Lopez saved Raheem Sterling’s penalty.

The victory moves Arsenal to 19 points, securing a comfortable top-eight finish and a direct route to the last 16. With no play-off fixture in February, Mikel Arteta could use the break to take his squad on a mid-season training camp.