Arsenal maneuvered their way into the Round of 16 of the Europa League following their impressive win in the Arsenal Vs Bate at the Emirates on Thursday night. Set up with a challenge to overcome their first leg goal deficit, it ultimately proved too easy for the hosts as they safely qualified for the next round.
It was an effortless victory for the Gunners who proved to be the better set of footballers against the Belarus side. Although the match wasn’t entertaining, it was a huge respite for the Arsenal boss after losing the first leg 1-0.
Coming under extreme scrutiny from the football pundits and fans from all over the world, Emery breathed a sigh of relief as the full-time scoreline read 3-0 in Arsenal’s favor.
The Arsenal Vs Bate match started on a rather ominous note for the visitors. They scored an own goal five minutes from the starting whistle. It was a horrible start for BATE.
Aubameyang got the ball wide and attempted a cross only for Zakhar Volkov to put it into his own net. Close to halftime, Shkodran Mustafi headed home the second goal of the Arsenal Vs Bate contest following a perfect corner delivery from Xhaka.
Sokratis then finished off the Arsenal Vs Bate game with a header at the hour mark. There was nothing that the visitors could do to reduce the goal difference.
Barring a few hiccups in the defense, Arsenal were never really threatened by the visitors. Although the scoreline suggests that Arsenal won it comprehensively, reality begs to differ. Arsenal missed a series of opportunities in attack. Misplaced shots, lack of discipline as a unit, misguided attacks and ill-fate prevented a goal fest.
To be honest it was a second string side that the Gunners were pitted against. One own goal and two from set pieces does not really define the way the team played. Any other opposition and Arsenal would have succumbed to pressure.
All smiles 😃
🏆 #UEL pic.twitter.com/6v0bBRbQzJ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 21, 2019
Unai must be relieved with the win in the Arsenal Vs Bate fixture but plain-speaking, the Spaniard has a lot to do before he gets the best from these players. Having won it thrice with Sevilla, Unai is a proven serial winner of this trophy. He understands the challenges and can accomplish this feat with Arsenal provided, he is backed by the players on the field.
Here we analyze and decide the prime contributors for the Gunners during the Arsenal Vs Bate game. Following are the three players whose contributions mattered the most during the Europa League game.
Three Biggest Contributors In The Arsenal Vs Bate Game:
1. Matteo Guendouzi
Unai was forced to opt for a 4-2-3-1 starting combination owing to their problems in defense. Matteo once again proved why he is such an important signing for the Gunners.
The Frenchman is an incredible asset for the Arsenal team. He was rock solid between the defensive and attacking lines. Provided valuable interceptions and occasionally connected well between the defense and offense.
2. Granit Xhaka
The deserving MOTM for the evening. Xhaka provided the two valuable assists of the Arsenal Vs Bate match and stood as a rock. He was arguably the best player on the pitch.
Completed his defensive duties and alongside Guendouzi, kept the game flowing. Tried a few long-range shots and wasted the ball by wrong passes but his assists cover up for his mistakes.
3. Alex Iwobi
A player who has often been criticized for not being at Arsenal level. He made inroads into the BATE defense at will. Played with all his heart and had an amazing work rate.
Iwobi’s runs on the left-wing terrorized the visiting team. Looked dangerous from the onset but gradually faded as the match progressed. Although he failed to make his mark in the goal scoring/assist column, he was a vital cog on the field for the Gunners.
Enjoyable and spot on.
Thanks for the comment Tom. Really appreciate it.