Arsenal beats CSKA Moscow 4-1 in Europa League

Doubles from Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette sunk an insipid CSKA Moscow in London on Thursday, putting Arsenal one step closer to the Europa League semifinals.

The English team had an easy time getting rid of CSKA and only needed 45 minutes to virtually seal the match and the tie. The Gunners look to secure a Europa League victory to enjoy Champions League football next season and try to salvage a turbulent and extremely disappointing season.

On Thursday, before the first 10 minutes had passed, Ramsey had already put his team ahead by tapping in a precise cross from Bellerin from the right.

But CSKA responded, and when the clock reached 15 minutes, in what was practically their only chance of the game, Golovin converted a free-kick committed by Koscielny just outside the area to surprise and equalize the match.

That was the extent of the Russian reaction. The visitors were completely overwhelmed in the following 20 minutes, in which they conceded three more goals. First, Lacazette converted a penalty after Özil was fouled (m.23), and then Ramsey scored again, becoming a strong candidate for the Puskas Award with a beautiful backheel goal.

The Welsh international took advantage of the goalkeeper being caught in no man's land and, with only the heel of his boot to use, delicately touched the ball over Akinfeev and into the net.

The fourth and final goal for Arsene Wenger's team didn't take long, and in the 35th minute, Lacazette found the back of the net again. This time after receiving a cross from Özil, he took the shot and sent it to the Russian goalkeeper's right post.

The spectacle of the first half, as is often the case in these situations, was not repeated in the second, which was much calmer and had fewer chances. Only Ramsey, who hit the woodwork, came close to scoring, but both teams were unable to find the back of the net.

Arsenal didn't struggle to secure an easy victory, leaving them with one foot in the semifinals of the competition unless there is a catastrophe in Russia next week.