UEFA Europa League 2018-19, Arsenal 1-0 Qarabag: 5 Talking Points

1. Arsenal win despite being in second gear

Arsenal won despite being in 2nd gear throughout

Qarabag arrived at the Emirates having made the net bulge only twice in the group stages. The side from Azerbaijan were the group’s lowest scorers and after their insipid performance at the Emirates, it didn’t take rocket science to figure out why.

With the away side not conjuring anything of note, the Gunners were able to cruise through the game without actually getting out of second gear. They upped the tempo every now and then yet played at a lethargic pace for the majority of the game.

Despite enjoying a lion’s share of the ball, they failed to create the numerous clear-cut chances synonymous with them. This made it more pronounced that the Gunners had to barely break a sweat to cross the finish line.

The Gunners might not enjoy many such nights in the competition though. The likes of Napoli and Inter Milan also find themselves in the Europa League, and hence it would certainly not be plain-sailing for Arsenal.

Last season, they fell at the penultimate hurdle and saw their hopes of returning to the Champions League evaporate with that. Yet, with the squad depth and the quality they’ve shown so far, one could hardly argue with the Gunners being touted as favorites to go all the way.

And with a certain Unai Emery at the helm, they have a manager who knows a thing or two about winning the Europa League.