Arsenal struck three times to earn a 3-1 aggregate win over BATE Borisov in the Europa League last 32 and banish memories of their defeat in Belarus.
Shkodran Mustafi added to Zakhar Volkov’s early own goal as the Gunners took control of the tie, with substitute Sokratis Papastathopoulos’ goal on the hour sealing the north Londoners' passage into the last 16.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal celebrate their 3rd goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between Arsenal and BATE Borisov at England on February 21, 2019 in London, United Kingdom
Image credit: Getty Images
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had plenty of chances to extend the lead even further, and Mesut Ozil, recalled to the team, also had opportunities to strike.
The visitors continued to strive but created little in the way of real penalty-box danger as their more illustrious opponents progressed to the last 16.
TALKING POINT
Goals. More specifically, the way they emanated. If Unai Emery has any concerns about tonight's performance, it has to be the failure to convert chances from open play. Though the win was comfortable, the goals came from an own goal and two set pieces.
Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal celebrates scoring their 2nd goal by kicking the ball into the air during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between Arsenal and BATE Borisov at England on February 21, 2019 in London, United Kingdom
Image credit: Getty Images
MAN OF THE MATCH
Stephan Lichtsteiner (Arsenal). Pushed forward excellently throughout, creating plenty of chances up the flank and looking solid in defensive duties.
Stephan Lichtsteiner of Arsenal saves the ball on the line during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between Arsenal and BATE Borisov at Emirates Stadium on February 21, 2019 in London, United Kingdom
Image credit: Getty Images
RATINGS
ARSENAL: Cech 7, Lichtsteiner 8, Mustafi 7, Koscielny 7, Monreal 7, Guendouzi 7, Xhaka 7, Mkhitaryan 7, Ozil 7, Iwobi 7, Aubameyang 7. Subs - Leno, Sokratis 7, Kolasinac, Torreira 6, Ramsey, Suarez 6, Nketiah.
BATE: Scherbitski 7, Filipovic 6, Dragun 6, Skavysh 6, Rios 6, Filipenko 6, Stasevich 6, Volkov 6, Baga 5, Milic 6, Simovic 6. Subs - Chichkan, Yablonski, Berezkin 6, Dubajic 6, Hleb 6, Nemirkon Moukam.
KEY MOMENTS
2' CHANCE! Lichtsteiner down the right picks out Iwobi who has space and a good first touch, but his shot is right at the keeper.
4' GOAL! And an own goal at that. Poor Volkov. Aubameyang goes down the right and smashes the ball into the box, and the defender panics and shins into his own net.
20' CHANCE! Xhaka is everywhere at the moment, and unleashes an effort from range, saved well by Scherbitski.
39' GOAL! Nicely done! Xhaka swings in the corner, Baga fails to deal with it, and Mustafi nods it home.
60' GOAL! The substitute Sokratis makes an instant impact, reminding everyone of his existence! Nicely worked corner, nodding in at the far post.
KEY STATISTICS
Seven of Shkodran Mustafi's eight goals for Arsenal in all competitions have come via his head.
Arsenal's opener against BATE Borisov was their fastest in European competition since Lukas Podolski netted against Galatasaray (2 minutes 1 second) in the Champions League in December 2014.
Stats courtesy of @OptaJoe
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2019/02/21/2528460-52467910-2560-1440.jpg)
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2019/02/21/2528458-52467870-2560-1440.jpg)
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2019/02/21/2528461-52467930-2560-1440.jpg)