Arsenal maintained their perfect start in the UEFA Europa League group stages with a 1-0 win over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday evening.
Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, who were pivotal in the Gunners' win over Liverpool on Sunday, retained their spots while Reiss Nelson was handed a welcome return.
Arsenal displayed a stern opening where a penetrative run on the right of the area by Saka drew goalkeeper Nikita Khaikin out of position and led to a cross-cum shot that the host cleared.
Unfortunately for Glimt their opening wasn't the same as an injury enforced change after 12 minutes saw Albert Gronbaek enter for Ulrik Saltnes.
The Gunners eventually made the breakthrough during the midway stage where Saka played a quick one-two with Albert Sambi Lokonga and bundled in a gaping net.
Bodo looked for a late reply from a move around the Gunners defensive-third, but Marius Hoibraten was unable to take aim and pounce.
The Gunners were on the back-foot early in the second half, as the host threatened with a teasing shot near the area by Amahl Pellegrino after Lokonga lost possession.
Bodlaunched another threat minutes from the break when Ola Solbakken ran around the defence and scooped a cross from the right across the far side of the net.
It was all the host with the forays early in the second period where quick play in and around the six-yard area saw Runar Espejord fire over on the half-volley.
Arsenal managed to sustain the persistent pressure as the half flew by and fresh faces from the bench followed in Marquinhos for Odegaard as well as Takehiro Tomiyasu for Ben White.
The Gunners possessed calmness thereafter and were able to stay calm on the ball and managed to see out a 1-0 win in the end.
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