Europa League: Arsenal sinks Napoli in Europa

The host also managed to get a rare and valuable clean sheet to take to Italy in a week’s time. Arsenal took the lead in the 14th minute through Ramsey, who finished off a sweeping move down the right by calmly slotting the ball past Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret. It doubled the advantage 10 minutes later after a moment of individual brilliance from Lucas Torreira. He dashed through the Napoli midfield before spinning and switching the ball to his left foot.

The Uruguayan then struck a shot that took a heavy deflection off Senegal defender Koulibaly. The Gunners tried to increase their advantage as the first half wore on. Despite several shots on goal from strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, they failed to capitalise. Carlo Ancelotti’s men poured forward at the start of the second period in search of an away goal, with striker Lorenzo Insigne’s effort ruled offside. Koulibaly was denied moments later as keeper Petr Cech tipped his header over the bar.

The game quickly opened up. Ramsey, who will join Napoli’s rival and Serie A leader Juventus in the close season, and Nacho Monreal created chances at the other end but were unable to outwit Meret. Napoli went closest to scoring when Insigne raced down the right and crossed to Piotr Zielinski, but the Pole’s right foot effort shot up over the bar.

The Italian side has now failed to beat English opponents away from its San Paolo Stadium in nine attempts in European competitions. It will need to find some scoring form at home if it is to progress in the EL.

Chelsea wins in Prague: A late header by defender Marcos Alonso and Kepa Arrizabalaga’s goalkeeping heroics helped Chelsea beat a stubborn Slavia Prague 1-0. Spaniard Alonso broke the deadlock for the west London side in the 86th minute when he sneaked behind two defenders to connect a Willian cross. His strike proved to be the winner in the first competitive meeting between the two sides.

Valencia in driving seat: Valencia left it late to grab the upper hand against Villarreal, scoring twice in stoppage time to secure a 3-1 victory away to its local rival in the first leg. The result was harsh on the home side, which largely dominated possession but was unable to create clear-cut chances. It was made to pay as a quick-fire double at the death from Daniel Wass and Goncalo Guedes left it with a mountain to climb in next week’s second leg.