Eintracht Frankfurt 0-3 Arsenal: 3 Reasons why the Gunners won

Arsenal edged past Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in their opening game of the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt.

The Gunners started off well but quickly ceded the initiative to their German counterparts, meaning the hosts enjoyed the lion’s share of possession initially.

However, the English side nudged ahead seven minutes before half-time when Joe Willock’s shot took a massive deflection and lodged into the back of the net, kissing the underside of the crossbar in the process.

In the second period, Frankfurt turned the screw and created an enormous number of chances. Yet, Arsenal got the decisive second goal of the encounter as Bukayo Saka beat Kevin Trapp from 25 yards.

A few minutes later, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang got on the score-sheet to add further gloss to the score-line.

Though the 3-0 victory flattered the Gunners a touch, they wouldn’t really mind the win, especially after what unfolded against Watford at the weekend.

Here is a look at three reasons that enabled Arsenal to open their account with a favourable result.

#3 Arsenal stun Frankfurt with a series of sucker punches

Arsenal stunned Frankfurt on the counter attack

Arsenal began the match in encouraging fashion but, they quickly retreated into a holding pattern, wherein a lot of emphasis shifted towards keeping things tight at the back.

Unsurprisingly, Frankfurt launched numerous waves of attack as they looked to break down the Gunners’ rear-guard. However, as the match progressed, it seemed that the visitors had planned specifically for that sort of eventuality, with the English side showcasing its prowess on the break.

The opening goal was a result of a quick turnover and Granit Xhaka fed Saka. The Englishman then marched forward before laying the ball off to Willock in the inside left channel. The latter cut back onto his right foot and pulled the trigger. The shot took a huge deflection and consequently, beat Trapp.

The second net-bulger, meanwhile, came after Emiliano Martinez gathered a Frankfurt cross from the left flank. He set Xhaka on his way and the Swiss found Nicolas Pepe on the wing. The Ivorian displayed exemplary awareness to pick out Saka just outside the box.

The teenager did the rest and effectively, put the game beyond doubt.

Moments later, Arsenal pressed Frankfurt high up the pitch and Saka pinched the ball off David Abraham. The Englishman then slid in Aubameyang who slotted confidently past Trapp.

Over the years, the Gunners have often been accused of being too susceptible to counter attacks.

Yet, on Thursday, they reversed the dose and ensured that they came away from Germany with three points firmly in the bag.

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#2 Frankfurt’s diabolical finishing

Frankfurt were exceptionally poor with their finishing

Eintracht Frankfurt came into the game against the Gunners having scored 5 goals in their opening four Bundesliga matches. Thus, they seemed pretty well-equipped to barge their way through a wobbly Arsenal defensive door.

However, nothing of that sort materialised as their offensive players turned in an abysmal performance in front of goal.

For the majority of the first half, Frankfurt dominated proceedings and subsequently, carved out openings for themselves. Yet, they somehow managed to fluff their lines, even when it seemed easier to make the net ripple.

And, unfortunately for them, things got even worse after the break.

In the second period, Bas Dost had the earliest opportunity to restore parity. But, the tall striker headed wide. Thereafter, Andre Silva was presented with a gilt-edged chance near the penalty spot, a chance that the Portuguese contrived to send into Row Z.

The aforementioned Silva was accorded another look-in at goal courtesy a cross by Filip Kostic. Yet, akin to the trend Frankfurt mastered over the course of the game, he sent it wide.

The match ended with the hosts taking aim at Martinez’s goal on 24 occasions. Alarmingly though, they tested the Argentine only 7 times, which totalled to a ‘shots on target to shots on goal’ ratio of 29%, quite a dire number, considering the defensive strength (or lack of) confronting them.

Before the game started, Arsenal fans were left scratching their heads at the inclusion of David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi as the centre-back pairing.

And, astonishingly, the duo combined to hand the Gunners only their 2nd clean sheet of the season, though it was majorly down to Frankfurt’s wastefulness rather than the former’s brilliance.

#1 Bukayo Saka and Joe Willock turn the tide Arsenal’s way

Unai Emery decided to make seven changes for the trip to Germany and called upon his younger crop of players to do the job. Arsenal’s front four comprised of Aubameyang, Emile Smith-Rowe, Saka and Willock, meaning that apart from the Gabonese, the others only boasted few senior caps.

Yet, on the night, Saka and Willock turned in accomplished displays, in the process, making several gaze at them in awe.

The latter provided a calming influence in the middle third and always created time and space for himself, courtesy a wonderful first touch. The above allowed him to burst into spaces that Frankfurt had vacated and it eventually, contributed to the Gunners’ opening goal.

As for Saka, the youngster enjoyed his best display in an Arsenal jersey. The Englishman was involved in each goal the visitors scored and was also instrumental in relieving the pressure, especially when the Gunners’ backs were against the wall.

However, the most impressive aspect of Saka’s performance was the maturity he showcased against Frankfurt.

On numerous occasions, he found himself in promising situations. And, more often than not, he made the right decision, whether it was carrying the ball or passing it to another teammate.

Additionally, the 18-year-old was willing to put in the hard yards defensively, an aspect that helped Arsenal ride the Frankfurt storm in the second half.

Thus, the Gooners have plenty of encouragement to take back to North London as they prepare for the visit of Aston Villa at the weekend.

After all, they’ve just witnessed a couple of goals made at Hale End and premiered at the Commerzbank Arena.

And, on a night when the German outfit’s finishing was rather off the mark, the young partnership of Saka and Willock shone with their decision making in the final third.