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Arsenal secured the top spot in the Europa League Group E as they were victorious against Vorskla Poltava with a surprisingly easy 3-0 scoreline. The game was moved from Poltava to the Ukrainian capital’s Olympic Stadium and that’s the reason why so many seats were empty.
Arsenal youngsters Emile Smith Rowe and Joe Willock were both on the score sheet as a young Gunners team made it a stroll in the park in Kiev. Unai Emery had one eye on Sunday’s Premier League north London derby at home to Tottenham and so he made many changes to the regular playing XI.
Though Arsenal had already qualified for the knockout stage, this win was important as it gives them a chance to draw an easy opponent in the next round.
We look at three reasons why Unai Emery’s men had an easy night in Kiev.
#1. Youngsters Impressed
Unai Emery has made it a point to try out academy graduates in the 2nd tier European competition and the tradition continued yesterday. Emile Smith Rowe and Joe Willock both impressed on a night expected to be difficult in Kiev. Even Arsene Wenger had spoken highly of these youngsters during his time at the Emirates.
Smith Rowe was lucky for Arsenal’s first goal as defensive shoddiness from Vorskla gave him a chance to fire at the open net, but Willock’s goal was a self-made one with good ball control from the youngster. Elneny was the only youngster who looked a bit rusty. Jenkinson and Holding did a decent job as the center-back pairing and the win will give great confidence to Unai Emery for the next round of matches in Europe.
It was Emile Smith’s third senior goal of the season and fans are expecting a lot out of the youngster as they see a replacement for Ramsey in him.
#2. Taking the initiative in the first half
In a surprising turn of events, all goals came in the first half for Arsenal, in a season where they have not led in the first half. Unai Emery’s men have been criticized for playing the waiting game and this time it was different. The change of venue was not pleasant for the home team and Arsenal quickly capitalized on the fact.
It felt like both teams were playing on a neutral venue and Arsenal finally had the upper hand. Emile Smith’s running off the defenders, Joe Willock’s dribbling, and Ramsey’s vision were all on display in the first half itself. The first half display was pretty similar to what Arsenal showed against Liverpool, though against Liverpool they didn’t have any goals to show for their efforts.
There were jokes that Unai Emery gave his half-time talks before the start of the match itself. Against Spurs on Sunday, Arsenal will need to come out fast from the blocks as any hesitancy at the beginning can be punished by a talented Spurs lineup.
#3. Holding’s Leadership qualities
It was sure that Emery would be playing a second string team. But one man who has been a constant presence in all teams of Emery has been Rob Holding. He has kind of cemented one place at the center-back with his partners changing according to the importance of the match. He was seen shouting instructions at Jenkinson and Elneny.
Holding’s presence was reassuring for the Arsenal midfield to concentrate on attacking play as they can now trust Holding’s ability to lead the defense.
It looks like Holding will give a tough fight to both Mustafi and Sokratis for a starting place in the North London Derby on Sunday.
Holding has himself conveyed the excitement at facing one of the best Premier League strikers in Harry Kane who has an impressive record against the Gunners. Arsenal have been in need of a proper English defender ever since the retirement of Martin Keown and Holding seems to be the right investment on the part of the Gunners Board.
