Neto grow to be Arsenal’s oldest debutant in 110 years – however endured a nightmare second within the 2-1 Champions League win over Girona.
The Brazilian goalkeeper needed to bide his time for his first Gunners outing since becoming a member of on mortgage from Bournemouth final summer time.
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However because of a slight harm picked up by first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, Neto was chosen to begin between the sticks in Arsenal’s closing Champions League conflict away at Girona.
The previous Barcelona shot-stopper’s first look for the north London outfit come on the age of 35 years and 194 days.
He’s the membership’s oldest debutant since Ned Liddell in April 1915, who was 36 years and 310 days previous.
However sadly for the participant, he was responsible of a large clanger which gifted Girona the opener towards the run of play within the twenty eighth minute.
A via ball was performed in behind the Arsenal backline, with Neto in no man’s land exterior the world.
It was ex-Tottenham ahead Arnaut Danjuma that latched onto the ball, the place he had the simple job of curling a end behind him and into an empty internet.
Extremely, Neto dived to avoid wasting the trouble, and had he had made contact together with his hand, there can be no query he would have acquired a straight pink card.
It was an nearly equivalent purpose scored by Manchester Metropolis striker Erling Haaland towards Chelsea on Saturday after Robert Sanchez raced out from his line.
Girona’s purpose is simply the third purpose Arsenal have conceded from their eight Champions League matches up to now – and their first shipped in from open play.
Fortunately for Neto, his blushes have been spared by Jorginho, who introduced Arsenal degree within the thirty eighth minute from the penalty spot.
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And Hale Finish graduate Ethan Nwaneri then accomplished the comeback within the forty second minute for his sixth purpose of the season.
Making his first Champions League begin, the 17-year-old minimize in from the fitting wing earlier than bending an effort into the far nook from exterior the field.
In doing so, he has grow to be the second youngest Englishman to attain within the Champions League after Jude Bellingham.
Raheem Sterling had the proper likelihood to make it 3-1 in second half harm time however missed his spot-kick.
However Arsenal have been totally deserving of their three factors to complete third within the league part of the Champions League to progress into the spherical of 16.
It’s the first time in 19 years that Arsenal have gained 4 successive group video games within the Champions League – the season which noticed them attain the ultimate.
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For Arsenal followers, consideration will now flip in the direction of Sunday’s conflict with Manchester Metropolis on the Emirates, the place they are going to be hoping primary Raya shakes off his knock.
Arteta was requested concerning the Spaniard’s omission from the matchday squad earlier than the conflict towards Girona.
Talking to TNT Sports activities, he mentioned: “‘Yeah, he’s not match. Aside from that, if there’s a participant who deserves an opportunity then it’s Neto.’