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Arsenal mounted a second half comeback to secure a 2-1 win over Rapid Vienna on Thursday night. The visiting team lost a goal just after the break, following a terrible confusion between David Luiz and Bernd Leno, which allowed Taxiarchis Fountas to concede with ease.
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Going with a goal against seemed to give life to Arsenal, as moments later Luiz atoned for his mistake by directing Nicolas Pepe’s free kick into the Rapid net. Subsequently, Arsenal signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to try and win the three points, a tactic that could hardly have gone better. The Gabon forward pushed home from close range to seal Arsenal a crucial away win on Matchday 1.
Positive
While the unit lacked cohesion at times, there were a number of good individual efforts. Thomas Partey, making his full debut at Arsenal, was excellent in both defense and attack. He may have just arrived in North London, but it seems the Ghanaian has been with the club for years. Mohamed Elneny accompanied him excellently in midfield, while the overall response of the teams to a goal against will also please Mikel Arteta.
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Negative
Arsenal’s play was often slow and seemed to lack their usual sense of purpose. Rapid did very well to limit his play, but too often the ball didn’t move fast enough. They also racked up too many early yellow cards, and Eddie Nketiah was particularly lucky not to have received a second for elbowing an opponent.
The defensive calamity that led to Rapid Wein’s first game will once again raise questions about the error-prone nature of Arsenal’s six defenders.
Administrator rating (out of 10)
9 – He put his team into a 3-4-3 system, giving Partey a full debut in the process. As they struggled to create chances in the first half, the Spanish coach’s substitutions in the second half proved inspiring. With his team down 1-0, Arteta shot over Aubameyang and Héctor Bellerin, who combined wonderfully for Arsenal’s second goal. A managerial masterstroke, given how poor his team had been prior to the changes.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players submitted after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Bernd Leno, 4 – The German stopper was responsible for another howl, after his wayward pass allowed Rapid to score early in the second half. His evening never really recovered from that noise.
DF Cedric Soares, 6 years old He seemed comfortable with possession, but was frustratingly defensive for a winger. I didn’t offer enough offensive ability.
DF Gabriel, 7 – He made a few individual mistakes, but luckily for the defender, none turned out to be too costly. Other than that, the Brazilian overall impressed.
DF David Luiz, 6 – He started the game well, contributing a series of clever interceptions and tackles. His second half included two confusions with Leno and a header goal. Vintage David Luiz.
DF Sead Kolasinac, 6 – Positionally naive at times, the 27-year-old still doesn’t seem completely comfortable as a left-side central defender.
DF Bukayo Saka, 6 – It provided good energy and industry on the left side. Unfortunately, the newly internationalized England international had no conviction in the final third.
Thomas Partey had an impressive debut for Arsenal, showing his skill in both attack and defense. fake images
MF Mohamed Elneny, 7 years old – The powerful pass from the midfielder led to Arsenal’s second goal. His ‘assist for assist’ rounded out an excellent overall performance.
MF Thomas Partey, 8 – He exuded class in what was his full debut at Arsenal. Every pass went to his intended goal, while his defensive play, including a potentially goal-saving tackle, was equally impressive. Not a bad way to start your career at Arsenal.
FW Pepe, 7 – He was brilliant at spells, but like many of his teammates, his radar seemed to be off when it mattered most in open play. Still, for much of the game, he was Arsenal’s most dangerous attacker.
FW Alexandre Lacazette, 6 – He struggled to connect with his teammates until his father; Aubameyang entered the second half. At that moment, it seemed to raise its level.
FW Eddie Nketiah, 6 – He was lucky to avoid a red card after elbowing a Rapid Wien defender. It started out well, but faded as the game progressed.
Substitutes
FW Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 7 – Arteta reluctantly put it on after an hour. His presentation seemed to give the entire team a huge boost and he eventually scored the winning goal.
DF Héctor Bellerin, 7 – It provided far more attacking dynamism than Cedric had previously achieved. His assist for the Aubameyang winner was the result of an excellent move from the Spaniard.
MF Joe Willock, N / A – Strong and positive in the final stages as Arsenal endured the victory.
DF Kieran Tierney N / R – He had very little to do, but he remained disciplined defensively until the very end.
FW Reiss Nelson, N / A – He replaced Pepe with seconds to go.
Source: espn.co.uk
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