Europa League 2018/19, Arsenal 3-0 Stade Rennais: 5 Talking Points

#1 Maitland-Niles, not Aubameyang, the star of the show

Maitland-Niles wheels away to celebrate his first European goal

Aubameyang will hit the headlines for his two-goal haul, but Ainsley Maitland-Niles was easily the star of the show here. The versatile youngster, 21, played in a right-sided wingback role and was excellent both defensively and in the attack.

He showed great awareness, composure and decision-making to pick the right pass and remain patient in the build-up to Aubameyang's strike, which will be overlooked. He made it look easier than it was.

Then, he got on the scoresheet himself to score his first European goal and maiden strike at the Emirates. Mesut Ozil gave up on the play as he assumed the ball was trickling out of play but Aubameyang salvaged it on the byline before whipping in a wicked cross, from which Maitland-Niles' intelligent run was rewarded with a well-taken headed finish.

He worked tirelessly throughout and deserved the Man of the Match accolade, having regularly played in central midfield over the past few seasons at youth level, his versatility is an obvious strength that Emery can call upon to play a variety of different positions.

Where Aubameyang scored two tap-ins and missed two sitters, you could tell how much the Gabon international was happy for Maitland-Niles in the post-match interview, hailing a local boy's breakthrough.