Neto instantly achieves feat only bettered 110 years ago during Arsenal clash – but makes huge blunder on debut
Neto become Arsenal’s oldest debutant in 110 years – but endured a nightmare moment in the 2-1 Champions League win over Girona. The Brazilian goalkeeper had to bide his time for his first Gunners outing since joining on loan from Bournemouth last summer. AFPNeto made his first Arsenal appearance of the season since joining on loan[/caption] But due to a slight injury picked up by first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, Neto was chosen to start between the sticks in Arsenal’s final Champions League clash away at Girona. The former Barcelona shot-stopper’s first appearance for the north London outfit come at the age of 35 years and 194 days. He is the club’s oldest debutant since Ned Liddell in April 1915, who was 36 years and 310 days old. But unfortunately for the player, he was guilty of a massive clanger which gifted Girona the opener against the run of play in the 28th minute. A through ball was played in behind the Arsenal backline, with Neto in no man’s land outside the area. It was ex-Tottenham forward Arnaut Danjuma that latched onto the ball, where he had the easy task of curling a finish behind him and into an empty net. Incredibly, Neto dived to save the effort, and had he had made contact with his hand, there would be no question he would have received a straight red card. It was an almost identical goal scored by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland against Chelsea on Saturday after Robert Sanchez raced out from his line. Girona’s goal is just the third goal Arsenal have conceded from their eight Champions League matches so far – and their first shipped in from open play. Thankfully for Neto, his blushes were spared by Jorginho, who brought Arsenal level in the 38th minute from the penalty spot. Neto has become the Gunners’ oldest debutant since 1915Getty And Hale End graduate Ethan Nwaneri then completed the comeback in the 42nd minute for his sixth goal of the season. Making his first Champions League start, the 17-year-old cut in from the right wing before bending an effort into the far corner from outside the box. In doing so, he has become the second youngest Englishman to score in the Champions League after Jude Bellingham. Raheem Sterling had the perfect chance to make it 3-1 in second half injury time but missed his spot-kick. But Arsenal were fully deserving of their three points to finish third in the league phase of the Champions League to progress into the round of 16. It is the first time in 19 years that Arsenal have won four successive group games in the Champions League – the season which saw them reach the final. Neto was guilty of a clanger in the first half as Girona took a shock leadGetty For Arsenal fans, attention will now turn towards Sunday’s clash with Manchester City at the Emirates, where they will be hoping number one Raya shakes off his knock. Arteta was asked about the Spaniard’s omission from the matchday squad before the clash against Girona. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “‘Yeah, he’s not fit. Apart from that, if there is a player who deserves a chance then it’s Neto.’
Neto become Arsenal’s oldest debutant in 110 years – but endured a nightmare moment in the 2-1 Champions League win over Girona.
The Brazilian goalkeeper had to bide his time for his first Gunners outing since joining on loan from Bournemouth last summer.
But due to a slight injury picked up by first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, Neto was chosen to start between the sticks in Arsenal’s final Champions League clash away at Girona.
The former Barcelona shot-stopper’s first appearance for the north London outfit come at the age of 35 years and 194 days.
He is the club’s oldest debutant since Ned Liddell in April 1915, who was 36 years and 310 days old.
But unfortunately for the player, he was guilty of a massive clanger which gifted Girona the opener against the run of play in the 28th minute.
A through ball was played in behind the Arsenal backline, with Neto in no man’s land outside the area.
It was ex-Tottenham forward Arnaut Danjuma that latched onto the ball, where he had the easy task of curling a finish behind him and into an empty net.
Incredibly, Neto dived to save the effort, and had he had made contact with his hand, there would be no question he would have received a straight red card.
It was an almost identical goal scored by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland against Chelsea on Saturday after Robert Sanchez raced out from his line.
Girona’s goal is just the third goal Arsenal have conceded from their eight Champions League matches so far – and their first shipped in from open play.
Thankfully for Neto, his blushes were spared by Jorginho, who brought Arsenal level in the 38th minute from the penalty spot.
And Hale End graduate Ethan Nwaneri then completed the comeback in the 42nd minute for his sixth goal of the season.
Making his first Champions League start, the 17-year-old cut in from the right wing before bending an effort into the far corner from outside the box.
In doing so, he has become the second youngest Englishman to score in the Champions League after Jude Bellingham.
Raheem Sterling had the perfect chance to make it 3-1 in second half injury time but missed his spot-kick.
But Arsenal were fully deserving of their three points to finish third in the league phase of the Champions League to progress into the round of 16.
It is the first time in 19 years that Arsenal have won four successive group games in the Champions League – the season which saw them reach the final.
For Arsenal fans, attention will now turn towards Sunday’s clash with Manchester City at the Emirates, where they will be hoping number one Raya shakes off his knock.
Arteta was asked about the Spaniard’s omission from the matchday squad before the clash against Girona.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “‘Yeah, he’s not fit. Apart from that, if there is a player who deserves a chance then it’s Neto.’
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