Arsenal defy history to earn impressive win
The scoreline may have slightly flattered them, but there was no doubting this was a hugely impressive way for Arsenal to start their Group F campaign.
Eintracht Frankfurt had not lost a European home match since 2006 and although the semi-finals are a weakened outfit this term, the intimidating atmosphere at the Commerzbank Arena made this a significant test of character.
The Gunners had lost on their last four visits to Germany but they had the superior quality in the final third when it mattered.
Clean sheet but shot count continues to cause concern
You would have got generous odds on a back four of Calum Chambers, Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz and Sead Kolasinac keeping a clean sheet before kick-off but that makeshift quartet earned Arsenal’s second clean sheet since April 14.
Both side had a plethora of chances in an open and entertaining game but Frankfurt looked like a side lacking composure in the final third and it was easy to understand why.
Luka Jovic, Sebastien Haller and Ante Rebic – responsible for 56 of their 90 goals in all competitions last season – have all left the club and their replacements struggled to fill the void.
Arsenal conceded 31 shots against Watford and Frankfurt racked up 24 tonight – a sign of concern moving forward – but keeping them out here will be a notable confidence boost.
The kids are alright
After finding himself dropped to the bench against Tottenham and Watford, Joe Willock was restored to the starting line-up in a three-man midfield anchored by Granit Xhaka.
Both teams were alarmingly open in central areas, leading to chances at either end and Arsenal had already wasted three glorious opportunities before Bukayo Saka fed Willock, who cut inside to hit a right-foot shot which found the net via a deflection off David Abraham and the crossbar.
Saka ended the night with two assists and a goal of his own, a well-taken 85th-minute effort when afforded time and space on the edge of the box.
Frankfurt were down to ten men and all at sea but his cute pass for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s late third was another flash of his considerable potential.
Playing out from the back is here to stay
Arsenal’s struggles in playing out from defence were the focus of much of the criticism they faced following last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Watford.
Emery was always unlikely to abandon the tactic completely given it is a cornerstone of his preferred playing style but the Gunners continued to try it frequently – and often unsuccessfully.
They rode their luck at times with Granit Xhaka among those guilty of giving the ball cheaply on several occasions but the goal that killed the game – Saka’s late strike – came at the end of a flowing move starting with Emiliano Martinez rolling the ball out to Xhaka.
Emery will feel somewhat vindicated.
