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

#1. Arsenal’s naivety leaves them with a mountain to climb

Arsenal left themselves hopelessly exposed

Over the years, a major criticism aimed at Arsenal has been their inability to handle the pressure of the big stage. On many an occasion, the Gunners’ game management has left a lot to be desired and the match against Rennes just stoked that fire a tad more.

With the Gunners trailing 2-1, many would’ve settled for the score considering the circumstances. Yet, Arsenal being Arsenal, went searching for the leveller, only to get hopelessly exposed on the break.

Monreal, the man entrusted with marking Sarr, was throwing tantrums at the other end of the pitch and was barely in the frame when the Senegalese made the net bulge. Thus, highlighting the Gunners’ profound tactical naivety.

There exists an extremely fine line between being brave and being foolish. Unfortunately for Arsenal, they fumbled on the side of the latter to lose another European game away from home.

And while Gooners can harp about the officiating decisions not going their way, they certainly can’t deny that Arsenal shot themselves in the foot on Thursday evening.