First Europa league game of the season and we were looking to start the European campaign comfortably like last season. Emery was expected to name a young side but he chose a fairly strong lineup in the competition he specialises in. Leno made his debut while Torreira finally got his first start. Holding, Elneny, Lichtsteiner also started for the first time this season. Emirates was half filled on the day as Arsenal were expected to win this tie easily.
We started the game cautiously as we controlled the game but didn’t took any risk. Torreira was bossing the midfield since the start while Sokratis looked very solid in his preferred RCB position. We created very less in the first 30 minutes as we tried to play safe. Iwobi was the brightest player until this point. Then a slick counter attack saw us take the lead through Aubameyang. It was expertly created by Iwobi after some brilliant play by Mkhitaryan who led the counter. We went into the break 1 goal up as we looked comfortable & hardly gave the visitors any opening.
We started the second half in style as we scored within three minutes of the restart through Welbeck. It all came from an exquisite cross by Mkhitaryan who had really grown into the game after first 30 minutes. Then we added a third with Auba completing his brace & scoring a tidy finish after a very good linkup with the Mkhitaryan. It was all comfortable at that point so we substituted Auba & Torreira to be replaced by Özil & Guendouzi. Emily smith rowe also made his debut at the 70th minute mark after impressing in pre season. We then added our 4th through Özil who finished calmly after Lichtsteiner crossed into the box. Vorskla added two late goals as consolation which stopped us from getting our first clean sheet of the season. They both came from bad defending & some individual mistakes. It was a fairly comfortable win for the team and a confidence boost for some of our players.
On to the ratings,
PLAYER RATINGS :
Leno - 6.5
Looked very comfortable with the ball at his feet. Wasn’t tested enough and the two late goals we conceded were probably unstoppable but we still have to find out why Emery prefers Cech over him.
Lichtsteiner - 6.5
Looked very sharp & up for the game. Created our fourth and was a constant threat on the right without ignoring his defensive responsibilities. Was at mistake for the second goal we conceded.
Monreal - 7
Captain on the day & Wasn’t troubled much. Had a comfortable game and supported Iwobi well.
Sokratis - 8.5
Looked very solid in his preferred RCB position as he played like a warrior. Was hardly exposed and showed his distribution skills too. He is clearly growing game after game in an Arsenal shirt.
Holding - 6.5
Got the game time he deserved and supported Sokratis well. He wasn’t troubled much until two late goals by Vorskla.
Torreira - 8
Was brilliant in the first half as he was everywhere. Controlled the tempo of the game and looked impressive. Was later substituted on and i am hoping he starts against Everton now as he is the player we have long craved for.
Elneny - 6
Didn’t do much wrong as he got his deserved minutes but couldn’t impress much. Looked lost at times and played too safe at times.
Mkhitaryan - 8
Didn’t start the game well but really grew into the game after the first 30 minutes. Created 2 goals and was involved in another. Fairly sharp display by the armenian. Got a little knock towards the end and would be interesting to see if he features against Everton.
Welbeck - 7
Worked hard throughout the game and got his goal through a very good header. Something to build on for welbeck.
Iwobi - 9 (MOTM)
Best player on the day as he clearly looks a player reborn this season. Was our best attacking player for large part of the game. Could only get one assist but looked unplayable at times. Something to build on for Iwobi.👌
Aubameyang - 8.5
Got his well deserved brace and could have had more. Both the goals were great finishes as he finally got back amongst goals. Good confidence boost for Auba.
SUBSTITUTES
Özil - 7
Came around at 60th minute and looked sharp. That goal he scored will boost his confidence too.
Guendouzi - 7
Another sharp display by the young frenchman. Looked very willing as usual.
Smith Rowe - 7
Came on later and he also impressed on his debut.
Thats all from my review & ratings. I hope you liked it . Thank you for reading. Your comments are all welcome.
COYG♥️💪
Tejasvi Bhandari ( @SaviAfc on Twitter)
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