Ethan Nwaneri made an impressive performance on his first full Champions League start as Arsenal clinched a direct spot in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Girona.
At just 17 years old, the winger became the second youngest English player to score in the competition after Jude Bellingham. Nwaneri scored a fantastic curling goal into the corner late in the first half, securing the win for Arsenal after they fell behind.
Stand-in goalkeeper Neto, filling in for the injured David Raya, had a forgettable debut, making a crucial mistake that led to Arnaut Danjuma scoring for Girona and giving them the lead.
Despite Girona being already out of the Champions League running, they lost their lead soon after scoring when Thomas Partey was fouled in the box, allowing Jorginho to equalize for Arsenal from the penalty spot.
This set the stage for Nwaneri to score his sixth goal for Arsenal just before halftime with a skillful left-footed finish, though the margin of victory could have been larger if Raheem Sterling had not missed a penalty in stoppage time.
Girona surprised Arsenal by taking the lead just before the half-hour mark. Neto's positioning error allowed Danjuma to capitalize on the opportunity and score.
Arsenal quickly responded to Girona's goal with a penalty converted by Jorginho, following a mistake by Girona's Arnau Martinez.
Nwaneri then showcased his talent by weaving through Girona's defense before elegantly curling the ball into the net to give Arsenal the lead.
In the second half, Arsenal continued to threaten with Trossard hitting the crossbar, but Girona's apparent equalizer was disallowed after VAR intervened for offside.
Arsenal were awarded a stoppage-time penalty, but Sterling missed the chance to extend the lead as Girona's goalkeeper made a crucial save. Nevertheless, Arsenal secured their spot in the next round of the Champions League.