Arsenal 4 CSKA 1: Iwobi Lively Off The Bench, Musa Impresses

Arsenal put one foot in the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League after a brilliant first half showing handed them a 4-1 win over CSKA Moscow at the Emirates on Thursday evening.

The impressive Ahmed Musa made his fifth appearance in the competition since joining the Muscovites on loan from Leicester City while his compatriot, Alex Iwobi was named among the substitutes for Arsenal.

The hosts were ahead as early as the ninth minute when Héctor Bellerín pulled in a delightful cross for Aaron Ramsey to fire home but Aleksandr Golovin's sensational free kick eight minutes later leveled things up.

Ahmed Musa went close for CSKA Moscow just after that goal, getting the better of two Arsenal defenders but dragged his effort just wide of Peter Cech's goal.

But three quick-fire goals in the space of 12 minutes put the game to rest, first Alexandre Lacazette stepping up to convert from the spot after Mesut Ozil had been felled in the area before Ramsey notched his double with a sublime flick to make it 3-1 after Ozil had showed great vision to pick him out.

Lacazette rounded off a first half showing with the fourth goal following another Ozil's assist as Arsenal significantly seized stronghold of the tie just before Musa stung Cech's palm.

Alex Iwobi who entered the fray for Arsenal a minute past the hour mark set up Ozil and Danny Welbeck respectively after coming on with the duo going close to adding to the scoreline.

Ahmed Musa who was booked in the 51st minute was withdrawn after 83 minutes of action.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : arsenal.com