Latest editorial
Benfica's Alex Grimaldo, left, and Arsenal's Martin Odegaard fight for the ball during the Europa League round of 32 first leg soccer match between Benfica and Arsenal, at Rome's Olympic Stadium
Toffees struggle to savour final games before heading to new stadium
Bournemouth merited their triumph over Mikel Arteta’s underwhelming Gunners who had one eye very much on their crucial Champions League clash v PSG
WHILE Arsenal’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Benfica in Rome this week wasn’t the most effective performance, there was an instructive moment of magic that thrilled from the Gunners’ Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard.
In a crowded box, the former teen prodigy showed what hardened pros might call “quick feet,” using his abundant technique and no little guile to move the ball in a confined space — bamboozling opponents bearing down on him.
It was as fleeting as it was glorious: blink and you would have missed it. Which is exactly what the Gunners’ original temporary signing from the Bernabeu, Dani Ceballos, did with the resulting chance Odegaard created.
In the shadow of Heathrow and glow of Thorpe Park, a band of Arsenal loyalists have built something lasting — a grassroots club with old-school values, writes LAYTH YOUSIF
A point apiece at the Emirates with both Arsenal and Palace looking distracted by forthcoming semi-finals
