Sports: Arsenal fans delighted as Henrikh Mkhitaryan scores first Gunners goal and continues his impressive Europa League record

The Sun, UK
March 9 2018
'Europa Specialist'

Seven of his last nine goals have come in the competition to give Arsene Wenger some respite

HENRIKH MKHITARYAN loves scoring in the Europa League.

The Armenian, 29, scored his first Arsenal goal at a crucial time as the Gunners went 1-0 ahead at the San Siro.

ALBERTO LINGRIA
Seven of Henrikh Mkhitaryan's last nine goals have come in the Europa League

Seven of his last nine goals in all competitions have come in the Europa League.

And Mkhitaryan has contributed towards 15 strikes in the competition since the start of the 2015-16 season – more than any other player.

Arsene Wenger's side headed into their last-16 tie under massive pressure to get a result following four straight defeats.

And they got off to the perfect with just 15 minutes in the clock.

Mkhitaryan danced his way into the box and his deflected effort left Gianluigi Donnarumma with no chance in the AC Milan goal.

Getty Images – Getty
Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored his first goal for the Gunners

It was only a few days ago that their high-profile January signing was being slated in Arsenal's dismal run of form.

But football fans have short memories, and it appears he is back in the good books with supporters.