Europa League: Arsenal hammer CSKA Moscow 4-1

Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette scored two goals to help Arsenal hammer CSKA Moscow 4-1.

LONDON: Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette scored two goals apiece to help Arsenal to a 4-1 win over CSKA Moscow in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal clash here.

With virtually no chance of finishing in the top four in the English Premier League, the Gunners are focused on winning the Europa League to ensure themselves a spot in the 2018-2019 Champions League, reports Efe.

The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute as a perfect cross from Hector Bellerin found Ramsey in front of the goal.

CSKA pulled level six minutes later on Thursday when Aleksandr Golovin beat Arsenal keeper Petr Cech with a direct free kick, but that turned out to be the visitors' last gasp of the night.

The Gunners scored three goals in the next 20 minutes, starting with Lacazette's strike from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute after a foul against Mesut Özil inside the box.

Five minutes later came Ramsey's second of the match, which is likely to be a finalist for a goal of the year, as the Welshman went airborne with his back to the goal to meet a pass from Özil before striking the ball with the outside of his foot.

Lacazette made it 4-1 in the 35th minute with an assist from Özil.

The second half was a sedate affair and the closest either team came to scoring was a shot by Ramsey that hit the post.