Paris: Arsenal reached the Europa League last 32 as Everton crashed out in a day of contrasting fortunes for the English clubs.
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal fought out a drab 0-0 draw wit Red Star Belgrade at the Emirates but the point was enough to make sure of qualifying for the knockout round with two games to spare in Group H.
Jack Wilshere, overlooked by England manager Gareth Southgate earlier in the day, had the best chance but saw a second half effort cleared off the line. The result allowed the Gunners to stretch their unbeaten home run in all competitions to 16 games.
“If you can’t win the game, don’t lose it. We’re not delighted with the point, but we’ll take it,” said Wilshere after the game.
Meanwhile a struggling Everton crashed out after a 0-3 defeat at Lyon. Languishing in the relegation zone in the Premier League and without a permanent manager since the sacking of Ronald Koeman last week, Everton succumbed to three second half goals.
Bertrand Traore rounded Jordan Pickford to break the deadlock on 68 minutes in the Group E clash. Memphis Depay then set up 19-year-old Houssem Aouar to steer in a slick second goal for the hosts on 76 minutes. Depay then completed the rout with a goal in added-on time.
“We’re really disappointed with the result. For nearly 70 minutes, we were nearly perfect with our game plan and created a couple of opportunities and should have scored,” said Everton caretaker manager David Unsworth.
Seven-time European champions AC Milan, in the midst of a poor run of form in Serie A, failed to relieve much pressure on under-fire manager Vincenzo Montella following a 0-0 draw at AEK Athens.
The Italians hit the post on 57 minutes through Riccardo Montolivo, while Turkey midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu had a powerful drive turned away as Milan remained two points clear of their Greek hosts in Group D.
Other results
Dynamo Kiev 1 Young Boys 0
Villarreal 2 Slavia Prague 0
Hoffenheim 1 Istanbul Basaksehir 1
Lazio 1 Nice 0
Agence France-Presse
