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Arsenal began their 2020-21 Europa League campaign in nervy fashion, coming from behind to defeat Rapid Wien in Vienna by a 2-1 scoreline.
The game kicked off against the backdrop of 3000 noisy Austrian fans who sounded as if they were 30,000. There was little to cheer for either team in the first half, though, as both goalkeepers were barely worked, with Ritzmaier's deflected backheel the only shot to trouble Bernd Leno in the Arsenal goal.
The Gunners came close via a David Luiz header from a set-piece, but the visitors offered little else going forward in a scrappy first half.
The second half, however, provided plenty of action. A nightmare clearance from Bernd Leno meant that Taxiarchis Fountas could roll the ball into the net from a narrow angle and give Rapid Wien the lead just six minutes into the second half. A few more nervy moments from Leno followed before David Luiz restored parity with an excellent header from a Nicolas Pepe set-piece in the 70th minute.
Four minutes later, substitute Hector Bellerin ran onto Mohamed Elneny's eye-of-the-needle pass into the box and squared for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to tap the ball home and make it 2-1 for Arsenal.
On that note, here are five major talking points from the game:
#1 Thomas Partey impresses in his first start for Arsenal
Ghanaian Thomas Partey came on late against Manchester City for Arsenal, but had very few minutes to make a true impact. His first 90 minutes for Arsenal were much more impressive, with Partey immediately displaying why he's all set to be crucial to the Arsenal midfield after starting against Rapid Wein.
It was no surprise to see the Atletico Madrid arrival position himself excellently, with the midfielder snuffing out danger and even preventing a goal in the first half with a long-stretched leg to poke the ball away, something that was reminiscent of a certain French captain of Arsenal.
Even when Wien were double-pressing him, Partey still found the touch and pass to keep the ball moving as he grew into the game. Clearly there is more to Partey's game than just his defensive play, something that ought to provide Arteta more options in midfield.
#2 Rapid Wien could leave a mark in European football this season
It was heartbreak for Rapid Wien on the opening night of their 2020-21 Europa League campaign, but for 70 minutes, the Austrian club could dare to dream. The scoreline may have been harsh on the hosts, who deserved at least a point from this game.
The tactics were clear from the off. Wien were not afraid to take the game to the Gunners and pressed hungrily. It paid off in the second half as Bernd Leno grew increasingly nervous, and Wien had two great chances to add to the score.
With Molde defeating Dundalk in the other group game, it could be down to Wien and the Norwegian club to fight for a place alongside Arsenal to qualify for the knockout rounds. On the basis of this performance Wien may very well be the favourites for that spot.
#3 Arsenal struggle for creativity in the continued absence of Mesut Ozil
The result is all that matters in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League, so Arsenal ought to take credit for their win at Rapid Wein, but there were plenty of concerns for the Gunners as well. Arsenal looked bereft of ideas for more than an hour against Wein, and it brought into stark focus just how much Mesut Ozil could contribute to this Arsenal team.
Ozil has been left out of Arsenal's Europa League squad, but Mikel Arteta could have used the German's nous against Wein, for sure. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny were defensively secure but only rarely broke through the lines from the middle. It's easier to stifle Arsenal by packing defenders down their left wing, something that Rapid Wien managed to do so on the night.
The Gunners may have scored two, but they'll face better defences as the season progresses and will need much more creativity than they offered against Wein. There were glimpses of that late in the game as Thomas Partey got more in tune with his new teammates, so glimmers of hope do exist.
#4 Mikel Arteta's tinkering almost backfired, but Arsenal continue to win ugly
The 4-4-2 formation that Arsenal began with seemed eerily reminiscent of Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, but Arsenal gradually changed that to a 5-4-1 and then a 3-4-3 later on. Arsenal's flexibility is both a virtue and a curse, with the Arsenal players struggling to deal with unfamiliar positions and patterns of play.
Mikel Arteta still does not have a clear plan when the onus is on Arsenal to dictate play in a match. Inviting pressure and hitting opponents on the counter may work against the big sides, but it's not enough when facing up against unfancied opponents. Arteta has to find answers soon, since he cannot always rely on experience to bail him out.
Arsenal are making a habit of winning ugly though, as they did against Sheffield United recently. It's a streak that saw them win the FA Cup last season and is a good foundation to build upon.
#5 Bernd Leno's response bodes well
Bernd Leno had perhaps his worst game in an Arsenal shirt against Rapid Wien. It wasn't just the first goal he was responsible for - Leno made two other mistakes that could have easily resulted in goals for the opponents.
Given Emiliano Martinez's great form for Aston Villa, Leno's performance led to plenty of gnashing of teeth from Arsenal fans online.
However, it was Leno's response in the same game that was telling. The keeper did not shy away from coming out and playing the sweeper keeper role even after his mistakes. Pressure from fans was like water off a duck's back, with Leno still continuing to play bravely as his manager wants him too.
There isn't much too worry about, though. It was only a rare blip for an otherwise hugely consistent keeper.
