Stade Rennes 3-1 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#2. Arsenal left to rue their missed opportunities

Arsenal was left to rue its missed chances

Over the course of the season, Arsenal has been one of the more free-flowing offensive teams across Europe. However, in their biggest continental game so far, they came unstuck with their wayward finishing at the forefront.

After the first goal, the away side could’ve put the game to bed on numerous occasions. Yet, the Gunners spectacularly misfired in the final third.

Lucas Torreira was accorded the freedom of the penalty box but the Uruguayan ended up firing straight at Tomas Koubek.

A few minutes later, Shkodran Mustafi had another chance to double Arsenal’s lead yet he dragged his shot wide.

In the second half too, Mesut Ozil was accorded time and space inside the Rennes penalty area. However, the German could only muster a tame shot at the keeper.

With the Gunners a man light, openings were always going to be at a premium but the visitors didn’t help themselves with the weight of opportunities they squandered.

For all we know, those missed chances could yet come back to bite Arsenal further.