Europa League 2019-20, gameweek 1: Here are the key takeaways
A young Arsenal outfit eased to a 3-0 victory against Frankfurt on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League 2019-20. Fellow Premier League giants Manchester United managed to eke out a 1-0 victory. However, Wolves were beaten 0-1 at home. The likes of Sevilla, FC Porto and PSV Eindhoven registered victories as well. Here are the key takeaways.
⏰ RESULTS ⏰
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 19, 2019
⚽️ 75 goals in total
😮 Shock scorelines
👏 Big comebacks
Performance of the night? #UEL pic.twitter.com/b2rKhXQMeP
Arsenal's youngsters stood the test away from home against Eintracht Frankfurt to seal a crucial victory. Academy graduates Joe Willock and Bukayo Saka were top notch to lead the Arsenal attack. Goal-keeper Emiliano Martinez produced some excellent saves to deny Frankfurt. Two of Arsenal's goals came at the closing stages after Dominik Kohr was handed a red card. Arsenal are top of Group F.
Manchester United survived a stern resistance from Astana at Old Trafford. 17-year-old striker Mason Greenwood became United's youngest scorer in Europe to hand the side a narrow 1-0 win. A young United team wasted several chances in the first-half against the European minnows. It was frustrating to watch the side play before Greenwood salvaged the night. He is a real talent.
"Games like these, you want to make sure you win the game in the first 20 minutes and you can enjoy it. We made it hard for ourselves. It's pleasing we got the three points," said United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Wolves are having a difficult time this season after all the highs last term. The EPL side faced a narrow 0-1 defeat against Sporting Braga. This is the third successive defeat for Wolves after Premier League losses against Everton and Chelsea. A sloppy pass by Wolves defender Ryan Bennett went straight to Wenderson Galeno and the visitors scored via Ricardo Horta.
Heavyweights Sevilla coasted to a 3-0 win away from home against FK Qarabag. Scottish sides Celtic and Rangers had crucial nights. Celtic earned a valuable point against Rennes. Meanwhile, Rangers beat Feyenoord 1-0. FC Porto beat Young Boys 1-0.
