Europa League Group Stage Roundup
Written by Rob Edwards
I
t was a clean sweep for the British clubs in this season’s Europa League as all five teams involved found passage into the last 32. Arsenal, Celtic and Manchester United came top of their respective groups, whilst Rangers and Wolves both finished runners-up. Whilst all parties will be
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pleased to have progressed, it was far from plain sailing. Manchester United and Arsenal were expected to make short work of their groups, but whilst the aim of group winners was achieved, the road to qualification was far from straightforward. The Gunners’ home defeat to runners-up Frankfurt was a notable low point for the north London side, which led to the sacking of head coach Unai Emery. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side only managed to net 10 times in the six games, five fewer than runners up Alkmaar. With the likes of Benfica and Ajax dropping down from the Champions League, both sides will need to show improvement
if they are to lift European silverware this season. Wolves have yet again proven to be the surprise package of the season. Not only did they progress to the next round, they have maintained high standards in the league which have put them in contention for a top four spot. We have seen in the past how the Thursday–Sunday turnaround of games has killed teams, but this Wolves outfit has thrived.
