The perfect start to a must win game came within the opening five minutes as BATE defender Volkov shinned a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cross into his own net, giving Arsenal the goal they needed to get things flowing. And flow they did.
It wass no coincidence to see Arsenal creating chances with Mesut Ozil back in the side. He was a joy to watch at times as he dropped deep in his free number ten role to pick up the ball and dictate play. He linked up extremely well with the sharp-again Granit Xhaka, Alex Iwobi and Nacho Monreal down the Gunners' left and throughout the first half, this flank looked extremely dangerous. Down the other flank the returning Stephen Lichtsteiner at right back probably had his best game in an Arsenal shirt - although he wasn't really tested in a defensive capacity all too often. Arsenal's relentless pressure and consistent retention and recycling of the ball through midfield and then wide was too much for BATE to handle. Pressure told with the Gunners amassing eleven corners to the visitors' three, and it was here that the Red Army left their mark. Mustafi headed home with a solid looking header a few minutes before half time - a goal that was fully justified based on Arsenal's possession, chance creation and all round dominance. Half time came at a good time for the visitors, 2-0 to Arsenal.
The second half started with BATE a little fresher and looking to establish a footing in the game. It didn't last long though as the fit again Sokratis, on for skipper Koscielny, headed home from another corner. This one was more straightforward for the big Greek as BATE's goalkeeper completely misread the flight of the ball and left an empty net in behind. Half an hour left and the chances just kept coming. What was good to see, especially after the last few frustrating games in front of goal, was Arsenal creating chances and having shots. Twenty-two shots resulted in eight on target, and from there it ended with three goals...not a bad conversion rate to get things back on track. Lucas Torreira and Denis Suarez entered proceedings later on in the second half and both got involved quickly. Emery making these substitutions to freshen things up was good to see also, as was Monreal back at left full back, looking ever reliable again. A deserved clean sheet too for Petr Cech who only had one real scare in the first half where Lichtsteiner was on hand to clear off the line. A game which Arsenal bossed from start to finish, controlled by the trio of Ozil, Xhaka and Guendouzi in midfield which left the visitors with very little hope as the Gunners looked much nearer their best going forward. Progress is progress but has Ozil showed Emery that if he were to have been in favour of late, would his team been as bad as they were?
Player Ratings and Talking Points
Unai Emery: 8
The Spaniard got most things right last night as he sent his players out with the right mentality, right shape and most importantly, the right personnel to get the job done. It was by no means vintage Arsenal or even vintage Emery but, first and foremost, progression in the competition was essential. Beyond that, after the last few games, anything else was a bonus. German talisman Mesut Ozil returned to the side and fully justified his selection to the Head Coach, who may be forced to include him again going forward.
If we are being over critical, the two tactical substitutions could have come a little earlier, especially to give Suarez a longer period to impress. But, that aside, Emery kicked almost every ball from the side lines as fans could see his commitment and passion for the cause. He instilled attacking confidence in a side that had none, and allowed his players to fully express themselves when perhaps, based on previous performances, some might look to shut up shop. It wasn't perfect at the back - but will it ever be? On the plus side, it's another two games in the Europa League as the Gunners look to kick on and qualify for next season's Champions League.
Petr Cech: 7
Stephan Lichtsteiner: 7
Shkodran Mustafi: 7.5
Laurent Koscielny: 8
Nacho Monreal: 7.5
Matteo Guendouzi: 7
Granit Xhaka: 7.5
Henrikh Mhkitaryan: 7
Mesut Ozil: 8.5
Alex Iwobi: 7.5
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7.5
Subs
Sokratis: 6.5
Lucas Torreira: 6
Denis Suarez: 5
Include Ozil and He Will Create
It's been obvious to all that have been looking in of late that Arsenal were struggling in transition, struggling to assert control and struggling to create chances. A simple tweak in formation and the inclusion of one Mesut Ozil in the side completely changed the tide. Although it was a fairly weak opposition, Ozil did exactly what was asked of him; he delivered on chance creation, ball retention and everything in between. He dropped deep when required but carried the ball forward when needed. Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan and co must have been delighted that he was back in the side. His guile, vision and creativity is unmatched and forwards everywhere would love him in their side. Emery now has a big call to make; does he continue on with Ozil as the hub of his team going forward? Based on the difference in Arsenal's approach to attacking their opponents, one would say yes.
Aubameyang Doesn't Just Score
Deployed in his preferred central striking role but this time by himself, the Gabon international made unselfish runs, linked up well and drifted out wide in an Henry-esc fashion. It was great to see. Lacazette is a very different kind of forward who's strengths lie in link up play and in the box finishing. Aubameyang on the other hand has the pace and direct approach to drift out wide and carry his team forward. He linked up well with both his wingers and with Ozil in behind, and pretty much instantly found himself wide right as Arsenal broke forward. His low cross led to the first goal as BATE turned into their own net. There's been rumours this week that the club may listen to offers for Lacazette in the summer but you need two strikers who are different in their strengths and possess different traits. Arsenal have exactly that. Both are unselfish, good finishers and hungry for success.
@craigbennett10
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