Arsenal 4-0 Standard Liege: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | Europa League 2019/20

#1 Unai Emery has more raw diamonds than he acknowledges

Unai Emery has a wonderful set of youngsters to work with

In the summer of 2018, Arsene Wenger decided to hang up his much-documented zip-coat after a couple of decades at the helm. Emery was handed the reins with many hoping for the Spaniard to recapture the glory days for Arsenal.

However, not everything has quite gone to plan with the current manager also enduring his fair share of crests and troughs. Yet, one aspect that has slightly endeared him to the Emirates faithful is his bravery to throw youngsters into the deep end.

On Thursday, that attribute came to the fore when Emery named a plethora of unheralded stars in his starting line-up. And, though he might’ve envisaged a positive result with that bunch, even he would not have envisioned a 4-0 mauling of Standard Liege.

The trio of Martinelli, Nelson and Willock wreaked havoc throughout the encounter as the visitors were unable to cope with the artistry and raw energy provided by them.

More promisingly though, the young guns were able to blend a bit of craft with their cavalier approach, meaning that they were decisive in the offensive third. Unsurprisingly, they made the net ripple on 4 occasions and created a truckload of chances.

Over the years, Arsenal have established a reputation of developing players from within and providing them the exposure to succeed. And, with the talent at Emery’s disposal currently, it would be pretty tough for the Spaniard to not tread on that path.

After all, nothing gets the club and its fan base more excited than seeing one of their own light up games on a regular basis.

And, while there may be several ailments plaguing the Gunners at the moment, their young breed of players is certainly not one of them.