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Danny Welbeck's goal in the 77th minute gave Arsenal their 11th consecutive win and a place at the top of the table in their Europa League group. Neither side were assertive enough in the first half with Nani getting the best chance of the game when his strike flew just above the goal post.
Welbeck had a disallowed goal in the 66th minute as the referee caught him pushing off Sporting defender Bruno Gaspar. 10 minutes later though Welbeck scored the fifth goal of his excellent season.
Arsenal lead the Group E standings with three wins in three matches and they are almost certain to top the group and face a relatively easier opponent in the second round.
One worry for Unai Emery though would be the first half displays of his team in this season. Gunners are pretty slow off the block and they come to their own only if they are lagging behind in Goals or not scoring in the first half.
The motivation to play well from the start itself is somewhat lacking and it may hit them hard against the stronger teams. But there were factors which would give confidence to Unai as his team showed the flexibility in formation and personnel.
We look at three reasons why Arsenal were able to win against Sporting and extend their winning run to 11 matches.
#1. Bench Strength
Participating in the second tier European competition can be taxing for any side as it stretches the squad requirement. Thankfully, Unai Emery has a talented bunch of backups who step in nicely when given a chance in the Europa league.
Elneny, Guendouzi, and Lichtsteiner, though not being super effective in the game were efficient enough to not make Unai miss his more talented players. Europa League is a chance for Unai to test his bench strength and the players are responding well with the Gunners winning all of their 3 matches till now.
#2. Danny Welbeck’s improved form this season
Danny Welbeck is out of contract in the summer but fans would want the board to react quickly and tie down the player. Welbeck is finally showing why Alex Ferguson regarded him as a great talent and gave him so many starts in a competitive United line-up.
Danny has different traits which make him a very useful element for his teams. Defensive work, high pressing, flexibility to play in any position of the front three, and most importantly an eye for goal.
Welbeck scored his fifth of the season and his goals in the Europa League has allowed Unai to rest one of his forward players from Aubameyang and Lacazette. Whether Welbeck will start against Crystal Palace or not is still a question but Unai would love to keep him in his scheme of things as he looks like a player capable of adapting to his strategies. The fact that Arsenal lost Theo Walcott last season is not hurting them.
#3. Patience when the chips are down
Umpteen times have Arsenal shown this season that they fight till the end. This was something not seen in their last season under Wenger. The second half displays and the show of character from players have been becoming an important part of Unai Emery’s new revolution at Arsenal.
Players are fighting for their teammates, taking up responsibilities, and never hiding in a bad team performance. Though Unai would love his team to play well from the start itself rather than inviting unnecessary pressure on themselves during the second half.
But a clean sheet in a tough away Europa League means a lot and it talks about the ‘balance’ Unai was talking about a few days back. Unai’s teams have been hard working and that is reflecting in this Arsenal setup. The fans, though, would love to see Arsenal showing the same positives against stronger opponents. For now, they can thank Unai for giving them hope.
