Arsenal were too much for Dundalk, in the end, running out 3-0 winners at the Emirates Stadium in London on Thursday evening.
During a first-half were Dundalk were largely pinned back in their own half, Fillipo Giavagnoli's men defended admirably for much of the period. Brian Gartland, in particular, played extremely well in the face of a talented and youthful Arsenal attack.
All of the hard work was largely for nothing, unfortunately, as Eddie Nketiah fired Arsenal into the lead in the 42nd minute, stabbing home after missing an easier chance moments earlier.
Dundalk's habit of conceding from set pieces transferring to European level. Exactly the type of goal you don't want to give away after working that hard to keep it tight.
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) October 29, 2020
Joe Willock doubled Arsenal's lead two minutes later with an assured finish and the game was over from that point on.
A third followed swiftly after the second half commenced, a wonderful curled effort from Nicolas Pepe found the top corner.
What a finish Pepe! More of that please 🤪 #ARSDUN
— Ciaran Duggan 💙 (@cduggan6) October 29, 2020
— Stephanie Roche (@StephanieRoche9) October 29, 2020
After Pepe's wondergoal, Arsenal continued to probe and pry at Dundalk's backline, attempting to fashion further chances.
It didn't get any easier for the away side. On the hour mark as Willian and Dani Ceballos joined the fray adding further quality to Arteta's side.
Arsenal ready to throw a couple of substitutes on for the craic.
Dani Ceballos and Willian.— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) October 29, 2020
Kieran Tierney also joined the game in the closing stages and Giavagnoli made five changes for Dundalk including the introduction of Greg Sloggett and Jordan Flores, however, it had little impact on the game as a whole.
Having spent most of the game chasing the ball Dundalk tired as the game closed out, with Arsenal content to retain possession and see the match out.
The game ended 3-0 and while they were unable to find the net, the away side certainly played their part in the tie, pushing Arsenal early. Unfortunately, they were unable to sustain their efforts for the entirety of the match.
All over at the Emirates.
3-0 win for @Arsenal against Dundalk in tonight’s UEFA Europa League match.
📸 @sportsfileben https://t.co/hfuU5mrgfa#Dundalk #Arsenal #EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/T91A25ov2Y— sportsfile (@sportsfile) October 29, 2020
Three goals. Three points.
🔴 3-0 ⚫️ (FT)
🏆 #UEL— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 29, 2020
Dundalk will now turn their attention to a league clash with St Patricks Athletic followed by a trip to Vienna on Thursday evening where they will face Rapid Wien.
Meanwhile, Arsenal travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to take on Manchester United before their clash with Molde.
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