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Arsenal beat Molde 4-1 in Thursday’s Europa League clash.
It became comfortable in the end, but it was another slow start for Arsenal in European competitions after being left behind by a beautiful goal from Martin Ellingsen.
Unafraid of problems the hosts might pose, the Norwegian team was keen to push the men forward and pass the ball in an orderly fashion at the far end of the field, while keeping things tight in the central areas when out of play. possession.
A frustrating night got the necessary momentum for the Gunners just before halftime, with Joe Willock forcing an own goal after a quick counter from Molde’s corner.
More of Pain in Arsenal
Some tactical tweaks at halftime paid off for Arsenal, who came out much more determined in the second half and put their nose up with another own goal, once again forced by the impressive Willock.
From there, the operation became a much smoother operation, as Molde’s need for a goal opened up spaces at the rear for Arsenal to explode. Nicolas Pepe took the all-important third after finding more room to operate after the second strike, with Willock adding shine to the scoreboard with a final quarter.
The victory places Arsenal at the top of their group with nine points out of the nine available secured, and the next meeting in Europe will be on November 26 at Molde, Thursday’s opponent. As things stand, they are in a good position not only to qualify, but also to finish top of the group.
Here are three things we learned from the 4-1 win.
Joe Willock critics have to start spinning
Whenever times were tough for Arsenal, when Mesut Ozil was not elected or on almost every occasion when a victory was not obtained, Willock had his head pointed.
Somehow becoming the scapegoat when the rest of the team wasn’t performing, his last two shows will have silenced his unfair hordes of critics.
He has a certain style of play that can go both ways. Arsenal are rightly criticized for not showing enough ball disposition or guts to rush past the last line of defense, the exact traits Willock brings aside.
If a daring ball doesn’t come out or loses possession at the top of the field, they kill it. What is overlooked is that at least annoying to spice up what can often be a regulated style of play. Such audacity with the ball will not come true every time. When it does, however, it looks great.
Willock it is great. Good physical condition, good technical ability and intelligence in his movements, hopefully now there will be less unfounded harshness in his direction because he is succeeding with his attacking movements.
Nicolas Pepe is a player only for certain situations
It had to be mentioned, right?
First of all, you will receive praise (rightly so) for getting on the roster and setting another goal. His shot was well executed and the pass to Willock put him in a great place to score.
But the ugly and frustrating side of his game persists. It was another weak and lifeless first half from the Ivorian who never beat his man, got the ball taken from him too often and turned into a dead end every time he found possession on the right flank.
A switch to the left opened things slightly more, but it wasn’t until Molde began engaging the men in finding a route back to the game that she showed her truest colors. With room to play, as well as room to meet others, there was an air of comfort in the way he moved around the field. Suddenly it came to life.
Arsenal will not play against teams that take that approach every week. Arsenal will likely not play with teams that take this approach for the vast majority of the season.
When they do it, or when they have their noses up front, it fits that role wonderfully. There it is talent there. Real talent. However, it will be a case of low block after low block for extended periods. In those cases, it falls awfully short.
The ‘holders’ showed why they are in the first team
It only took the brief appearances of Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Elneny to show why they are being chosen for the Premier League starting line-ups.
From likely game to Old Trafford destroyer, Elneny stepped in and immediately began playing progressive passes to the last third. We’ve never seen him attempt such a layout before, but it’s clearly an area of his game that Mikel Arteta has unearthed and allowed to flourish. The shape of his passing is also noteworthy, as there is closure and aggression, coinciding with fewer overhead touches, which make Arsenal a more fluid attacking side.
Then of course there is Bukayo Saka.
The little time he spent on the field he grabbed it with both hands, throwing himself across the field and tearing the four defenders of Molde apart with an incisive run and some smart first touches.
It is clear why he is a starter in the Premier League. A glorious talent that keeps getting better. For me, that’s key above all: visibly seeing all the elements of his game refined with each passing week.
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