Molde vs Arsenal: Pepe shines as Gunners win 3-0 in thrilling Europa League tie

- Molde vs Arsenal saw the Gunners score two quickfire goals in the second half as they won 3-0

- Arsenal came into the match on the back of their disappointing 0-0 draw against Leeds

- The Mikel Arteta-tutored outfit has a 100% record in the European competition, winning all four of their group matches

Arsenal have all but qualified for the Europa League knockout round following their 3-0 win over Molde in their Group B fixture played on Thursday night, November 26.

The Gunners were desperate to return to winning ways having been held to a barren draw by Leeds United in the Premier League on Monday, November 22.

The north London side were lucky not to lose the match, having played a player less for the better part of the second half of the clash after Nicolas Pepe was red carded.

Pepe, however, made amends for the costly mistake against Molde, scoring the opener at the Aker Stadion.

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Despite their dominance in the opening exchanges, it was Molde who had the best chance to score in the first half but fluffed their chances.

The Norwegian giants were eventually punished in the second half, with Pepe breaking the deadlock in the 50th minute as he fired into the top corner moments after he hit the woodwork.

Eddie Nketiah thought he had doubled the advantage soon after but had his effort ruled out for an offside.

Reiss Nelson, however, made it 2-0 in the 55th minute, sweeping home to the back of the net from Joe Willock's low cross.

Nketiah should have put the game to bed in the 59th minute but the striker got too much on his attempt as he rose to find Pepe's well delivered peach of a cross.

Folarin Balogun, who came on as a substitute put the game beyond the hosts in the 83rd minute, with the teenager scoring with what was potentially his first touch.

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The match eventually finished in favour of the Gunners, who currently enjoy a 100% record in the European competition.

The Mikel Arteta-tutored side has won all four of their group fixtures to top the pool with 12 points.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has expressed sympathy for Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho whose side are engrossed in very tight match schedules due to their engagement in the Europa League.

Spurs who face Ludogorets Razgrad in the Europa League on Thursday, November 26, will have just two days to rest before their London Derby against Chelsea.

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Source: Legit.ng