Europa League 2017/18: BATE Borisov 2-4 Arsenal, 5 Talking Points

#3 BATE scintillating in attack, but it's the defence that needs to step up

BATE's defence was all over the place

BATE had Arsenal in all sorts of trouble in the second half, creating chance after chance but failing to convert. Their quick counter-attacking play from the flanks especially had Arsenal in quite a pickle and they could, arguably, have scored four themselves.

However, their defence let them down badly on the night. While the Gunners carved the hosts open for the first goal, and a goalkeeping error led to the second, the marking was simply non-existent for the third. They also afforded Jack Wilshere and co. way too much time and space on the ball in midfield, allowing them to thread through-balls and exchange one-twos with no pressure whatsoever.

They need to shore up their defence if they are to stand a chance of qualifying from their group. Their next game against Koln is a must-win and they will fancy their chances against a side that are struggling to find the back of the net. The German side have scored just once in two games in the current campaign, firing blanks at home against Crvena Zvezda. Koln have managed just two goals in their last eight games in all competitions and shouldn't pose the Belarusian outfit as much of a threat as Arsenal. However, that being said, BATE's backline cannot afford to put in such a shambolic display in the future.