UEFA Europa League 2018-19, Arsenal 1-0 Qarabag: 5 Talking Points

3. Arsenal’s returning stars enjoy a good evening’s work-out

Koscielny made his long-awaited return from injury

Arsenal have had a wretched time with injuries in recent years with numerous key players missing vital phases of the season. Even this year, the injury curse seems to have hit the Gunners, with Welbeck and Holding being long-term absentees. However, all is not doom and gloom for the North London outfit as they were able to welcome the likes of Ozil, Koscielny and Monreal back into the fold.

Ozil hasn’t played for the Gunners since being dropped to the bench at Bournemouth. A back spasm ruled him out of crucial clashes against Spurs and Manchester United. Thus, with the games coming thick and fast, Emery would be delighted by how the German marked his return.

Ozil looked sharp against Qarabag and got himself an assist when he laid on the ball for Lacazette to rifle home. Additionally, he displayed a good first touch for the entirety of the game and controlled the tempo. The Gunners lacked a cutting edge against Huddersfield in the weekend, and hence Ozil’s return couldn’t have come at a better time.

However, the return to fitness of Koscielny and Monreal could just prove as pivotal, if not more. The former has been absent for the better part of six months after rupturing his Achilles tendon, and over that period, Arsenal have missed his defensive qualities.

Monreal, on the other hand, was absent for a much shorter period. Yet, his re-installation in the Gunners defence on Thursday night provides Arsenal with options at the back.

For the weekend, Mustafi and Sokratis are suspended. Thus, the prospect of Koscielny and Monreal starting together is a very realistic one indeed. And fortunately for the Gunners, the pair enjoyed a decent outing and came through unscathed.