adminPARIS. — Londoners Chelsea and Arsenal both enjoyed high-scoring Europa League soccer wins on Thursday night as Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers were left with work to do on the final matchday to qualify for the next stage.
Unai Emery selected a youthful Arsenal to play in the Ukraine and they romped past Vorskla Poltava 3-0, guaranteeing top spot in Group E in a match switched to freezing Kiev after security concerns in the east of the country.
Teenagers Emile Smith Rowe and Joe Willock scored either side of an Aaron Ramsey penalty as the Gunners went in 3-0 at half-time.
Arsenal will now avoid any of the Champions League drop outs in the draw for the next round as they have a better head-to-head record with second-placed Sporting Lisbon.
Maurizio Sarri had demanded a reaction from his Chelsea side after they lost at Tottenham in the Premier League and the Blues answered his call, beating PAOK Salonika 4-0 to win their group with a brace from French target man Olivier Giroud.
“The main target was to win, we needed a strong team reaction and we did it well tonight,” said the World Cup winner Giroud.
“I am really happy with the team spirit and we can move forwards now and start some new momentum.
“I’ve scored goals in the past but it’s true that I was waiting for more chances,” said Giroud, who broke a long streak without a goal in the last round.
“You need a bit of luck in front of goal. I had a good assist from my team-mates, I love this kind of ball behind the defence.
“Four goals plus a clean sheet, a good night for us. When the manager starts me I try to give my best, do my part.” — AFP
Online Reporter