UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
THE STATE OF PLAY Martyn Hindley gives a review of the recent UEFA Europa League group stage.
T
he Norwegian press breathed a collective sigh of relief after the first round of matches in the UEFA Europa League. Nettavision berated Molde for “a deplorable first half” away to Dundalk in Tallaght and stated that they had taken “a cold shower” before coach Erling Moe delivered a typically understated complaint about what had happened before his eyes and it had the desired effect, according to a Bergens Tidende report.
“I was far from happy with the first half,” Moe confirmed to Norwegian broadcaster TV2 after the Matchday 1 encounter. “We couldn’t find any rhythm and were cowardly, unable to exploit space on the field through the transitions. I am much more satisfied with what I saw in the second half where we took greater care and managed the game much better.” Match-winning goalscorer Ohi Omoijuanfo agreed. “It tastes good with three points, but we were not very good in the first half and came under a lot of pressure. They pushed us
at the end but that’s natural when we are looking to preserve a lead.”
Arteta respectful of Lilywhites On matchday two at an empty Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta made several changes to his Arsenal side which would prove fruitful as the re-rotated selection went on to win 1-0 at Manchester United three days later. Despite having given youth a chance against Dundalk in a 3-0 win, the Spaniard demanded respect from his charges for their League of Ireland opponents in north London.
22 October 2020; Players of both sides await the delivery of a corner during the UEFA Europa League Group B match between Dundalk and Molde FK at Tallaght Stadium
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