Izuchukwu OkosiEnglish Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United had mixed fortunes Thursday evening in their first games of this season’s UEFA Europa League games reports Prime Business Africa.
Earlier in the evening, Arsenal defeated FC Zurich 2-1 away at the Stadion Letzigrund with goals from Marquinhos and Eddie Nketiah.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThere was a minute silence at half time of the game and indeed at other matchesin honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II who died some minutes before then at the age of 96.
United on their part hosted Spanish La Liga outfit, Real Sociedad that paraded Nigeria international Umar Sadiq.
United were the likelier team to score first as they created multiple chances especially through Cristiano Ronaldo and Tyrell Malacia but faced a resolute defending from the visitors.
Sadiq was paid upfront with Japanese youngster Kubo in a 4-2-1-2 formation and the closest he went to scoring was in the 38th minute when his left footed shot was blocked.
Brais Méndez scored from the penalty spot in the 59th minute for Sociedad.
Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to make his relentless efforts count as the Spanish side defended very strongly.
United defeated Sociedad 4-0 on aggregate when both teams faced off last season.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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