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#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.
