Arsenal 4-1 Molde: Mikel Arteta calls for Europa League VAR introduction despite win

Mikel Arteta called for the introduction of the video assistant referee in Europa League group games despite Arsenal running out comfortable winners against Molde.

But it could have been more as Eddie Nketiah had what looked like a legal goal ruled out for offside after Nicolas Pepe's pass, with Molde leading 1-0.

Unlike the Champions League, VAR is not being used in the group stages of the Europa League.

"I don't think it makes any sense when we have the technology and we all believe it is the right call for everybody to do it," said Arteta.

"So I don't understand, we were complaining with the referee because we were told he was clearly onside and obviously it's a situation that can clearly change the game.

"So I think it is something they have to look at and if possible change it."

For the second time in three group games, the Gunners had to come from behind after Martin Ellingsen beat Bernd Leno from 25 yards following a superb pass by former Manchester United reserve player Magnus Wolff Eikrem.

After Nketiah's disallowed goal, Arsenal equalised at the end of the first half.

Kristoffer Haugen put past his own keeper while trying to intercept Nketiah's cross to Joe Willock before Sead Kolasinac blazed a great chance over the bar.

The Gunners took the lead when Molde substitute Sheriff Sinyan turned Willock's pass across the six-yard area into his own net.

Substitute Bukayo Saka picked out Pepe to make it 3-1 before Willock scored a deserved late goal, as Arsenal went three points clear at the top of the group with three games remaining.

Willock and Nketiah shine for Gunners

Arsenal, with two games to spare, could secure a place in the last 32 of the competition with victory in the return fixture in Norway on 26 November.

Arteta has now seen his side win three successive games in all competitions since they were undone by Leicester's counter-attack last month.

Despite falling behind, Arsenal were able to brush aside their opponents without the need to bring on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette or Thomas Partey.

Arteta was all smiles at the end, fist-bumping Willock on the pitch after the full-time whistle, the 21-year-old pushing his claims for a first Premier League start of the season with a performance full of hunger and desire.

"The way he is approaching every opportunity shows how mature he is," said Arteta when asked about Willock's contribution.

"I'm impressed with the way he is communicating as well. I think he is developing the right way, he is a player I really like.

"He has some very special qualities and he deserves every minute that he's playing and he's showing it with performances, with goals and his attitude."

The Gunners had fallen behind after failing to close down Ellingsen, whose excellent strike had Molde dreaming of one of the greatest results in their history.

It was the wake-up call the hosts needed, Arteta's side playing with a higher intensity after equalising.

Arsenal's future looks in good hands, Nketiah also impressing with his speed and work-rate while substitute Saka played a highly-intelligent pass to pick out Pepe for his goal.

Four goals & four assists in nine Europa games for Pepe - the stats

• Arsenal have avoided defeat in 60% of their matches when conceding first under Mikel Arteta, winning four and drawing two of 10 such games (L4).
• Norwegian teams have lost 21 of their 23 away games against English sides in all European competition, scoring 14 goals and conceding 104.
• Arsenal have won 15 of their 21 Europa League group stage games (71% - D4 L2) - at least six more than any other side since the 2017-18 season.
• Bukayo Saka has delivered 14 assists in all competitions since the start of last season, more than any other Arsenal player in that time.
• The Gunners have benefited from two own goals in a single game for the first time since beating Swansea 4-0 in the Premier League in January 2017.
• Nicolas Pepe has had a hand in eight goals in nine Europa League appearances since joining Arsenal (4 goals, 4 assists), scoring in back-to-back games in the competition for the first time.

What's next?

Arsenal are in Premier League action on Sunday when Aston Villa visit London (19:15 GMT).

Player of the match

WillockJoseph Willock

with an average of 8.15

• ArsenalArsenalArsenal
• MoldeMoldeMolde

Arsenal

Avg

1. Squad number28Player nameWillock

   Average rating

   8.15
2. Squad number7Player nameSaka

   Average rating

   7.64
3. Squad number19Player namePépé

   Average rating

   7.43
4. Squad number3Player nameTierney

   Average rating

   7.24
5. Squad number25Player nameMohamed Elneny

   Average rating

   7.21
6. Squad number30Player nameNketiah

   Average rating

   7.14
7. Squad number8Player nameDani Ceballos

   Average rating

   7.05
8. Squad number23Player nameDavid Luiz

   Average rating

   6.80
9. Squad number17Player nameCédric Soares

   Average rating

   6.72
10. Squad number34Player nameXhaka

    Average rating

    6.62
11. Squad number12Player nameWillian

    Average rating

    6.58
12. Squad number15Player nameMaitland-Niles

    Average rating

    6.50
13. Squad number20Player nameMustafi

    Average rating

    6.35
14. Squad number1Player nameLeno

    Average rating

    6.32
15. Squad number31Player nameKolasinac

    Average rating

    6.06

Molde

Avg

1. Squad number11Player nameEllingsen

   Average rating

   5.15
2. Squad number1Player nameLinde

   Average rating

   4.68
3. Squad number30Player nameBolly

   Average rating

   4.62
4. Squad number7Player nameWolff Eikrem

   Average rating

   4.62
5. Squad number16Player nameHussain

   Average rating

   4.60
6. Squad number22Player nameBrynhildsen

   Average rating

   4.53
7. Squad number10Player nameJames

   Average rating

   4.28
8. Squad number6Player nameGregersen

   Average rating

   4.25
9. Squad number28Player nameHaugen

   Average rating

   4.22
10. Squad number20Player nameWingo

    Average rating

    4.18
11. Squad number17Player nameAursnes

    Average rating

    4.16
12. Squad number2Player nameBjørnbak

    Average rating

    4.15
13. Squad number14Player nameKnudtzon

    Average rating

    4.14
14. Squad number99Player nameOmoijuanfo

    Average rating

    4.08
15. Squad number5Player nameSinyan

    Average rating

    4.04
16. Squad number9Player nameMoström

    Average rating

    3.98

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