In an attempt to address another option in solidifying up the defence, Arsenal manager Unai Emery set up his starting XI as a back 3 with wing backs. It didn't work but it is positive to see the manager trying something different, and using these lesser games to test out new formations and personnel in order to better combat our weaknesses.
The undoing, as such, was that Qarabag's wingers were left with so much room on the flanks, meaning that a simple switch of play was on all the time. Often, two centre backs were left with no one to mark in the centre but due to the fact that they were so central, they avoided being dragged out wide, gifting space behind our wing backs. Forty-five minutes of that and the manager had seen enough. The second half started with Monreal off and Torreira on in midfield, reshaping the XI to a 4-2-3-1.
Much to no one's shock, Arsenal looked a completely different beast in the second half. The shift in shape completely freed up a number of players, including the more orthodox wide men. Although, Sokratis got us off to a fast start, scoring from a set piece four minutes into the first half, Arsenal played a much more threatening game in the second, and followed up with two more good goals. A first senior goal for English youngster Emile Smith Rowe in the fifty-third minute was followed by a first Arsenal goal for Matteo Guendouzi in the seventy-ninth minute. Good build up and patient passing for both meant that the Gunners closed out a long away trip with a comfortable 3-0 victory. Another clean sheet (a first full clean sheet for Bernd Leno) and an eighth win on the bounce - a great run that will be tested again on Sunday against Fulham.
Ratings
Bernd Leno: 7
Played extremely well at times, making some great saves to rescue a badly organised defensive unit. Dug in and worked hard for his first full clean sheet. Still looking good with the ball at his feet.
Rob Holding: 6.5
Defended well generally but could not get to grip with the pace of the game in a back three. Looked a little vulnerable when sucked out wide. Picked up an unnecessary yellow card for a needless handball whilst getting caught out on the half way line.
Sokratis: 6.5
The starting back three all looked either over exposed or completely not busy at times, and often two of which were left to mark no one in the centre. Sokratis did well to deflect home his first Arsenal goal but where he's really graded, in defence, he wasn't at his best in the first half. Second period, in a more familiar shape, was much better.
Nacho Monreal: 6
The Spanaird looked somewhat rusty as a centre back but did look more comfortable when dragged out wide. Hitting a more natural area, Monreal looked far more at ease with the ball at his feet, rather than whilst tackling or positioning in the back line. It was disjointed overall and the starting skipper was replaced at the break.
Stephan Lichtsteiner: 7
The Swiss captain is far more comfortable as a wing back than as a full back anyway so much was expected when the teams were announced. Although he wasn't brilliant, Lichtsteiner was solid at both ends. And even when the shape changed to a back four, he looked comfortable and had his opponent at bay most of the time. The back three/wing back formation means he's either too high or too deep - but that's the nature of an Arsenal back three...not organised.
Sead Kolasinac: 7
The Tank was back in the fold at the weekend and got the start at left wing back in this one. He impressed going forward, as both wing back and full back but did eventually look tired late in the second half. A tough tackler who deserves credit for his engine and persistence in everything he does. Could be tidier with the ball at times, and clearly needs to get fitter but that will come with time and more games.
Matteo Guendouzi: 8.5
The standout player on the night, who ran midfield for the whole game. Rarely looked in trouble and controlled everything Arsenal did. Looked to build attack after attack but cautiously marshalled the midfield. Looked comfortable alongside both Elneny and Torreira, in each half providing 3 shots, 73 passes, 90% pass accuracy, 3 interceptions and 2 clearances, whilst bagging his first goal for the club with a nice slide finish. An all round midfield General!
Mohamed Elneny: 7.5
Was his usual solid in the middle of the park. Did the basics well, as always, and provided the dependable holding responsibility. Moved to a number 10 and then out wide in the second half and barely affected the game in either position. His best and most valuable position to Arsenal is as a holding midfielder or as a number 8.
Alex Iwobi: 7
The recent good form of Alex Iwobi continued into this game, as the young Nigerian started in a false wide position off Danny Welbeck. He looked at his best in this shape as it meant he had very little defensive responsibility. He dribbled well at times but still needs to work on his consistency in order to reach real heights.
Emile Smith Rowe: 8
The young Englishman delivers on his first European start for the Gunners. The shift he put in was incredible for a teenager. Eventually his legs went and he looked tired but for the sixty or so minutes he was on, he looked a real talent. Prepared to carry the ball and run at players makes him a huge prospect and a unique diamond in the rough that Arsenal possess very few of. Good now...great in the future?
Danny Welbeck: 8
Shouldered much of the dog work upfront, and gave it everything, as expected. No longer fabulously inconsistent but more reliably hardworking, Welbeck isn't a thirty goal a season man but what he is, is valuable. English, grounded, fit, athletic, strong, experienced and hungry - everything you need to succeed. He stood in as captain and overall led the line well, linking play as and when. Shifted wide when Lacazette entered the fray.
Subs
Lucas Torreira: 6.5
Entered at half time which meant the change in formation. Played alongside Guendouzi, providing the defensive shield. Surprisingly gave the ball away cheaply a few times but it is difficult to come into a close game half way through.
Mesut Ozil: 6
A short cameo from the German maestro who passed the ball well but was susceptible to giving the ball away. Was brought on to retain possession, and slow the game down - delivering no surprises but equally nothing above average.
Alex Lacazette: 6
Much like Ozil, Lacazette only saw a few minutes but did put himself about for the entirety. More of an orthodox number 9 than Welbeck, the Frenchman links play far better and when isolated knows what's required to join in again. A selfless runner who had very few chances in this one.
That's it for today's ratings. Let us know your thoughts on Facebook and Twitter.
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