Stade Rennes 3-1 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

Stade Rennes dealt Arsenal’s Europa League ambitions a severe blow with a convincing 3-1 victory in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.

The Gunners got off to the best possible start as they led through Alex Iwobi in the 3rd minute. The Nigerian’s cross cum shot nestled into the bottom corner to give the visitors the initial impetus they required. However, things turned pear-shaped in the 41st minute when Sokratis was given his marching orders after collecting a second yellow card.

Moments later, the hosts equalised courtesy Benjamin Bourigeaud’s thunderous strike.

With the game level at half-time, the French side turned the screw in the second period and put Arsenal under immense pressure. The away side eventually wilted in the 65th minute as Nacho Monreal put one through his own net.

The home side though weren’t finished and Ismaila Sarr’s diving header provided them with an invaluable two-goal cushion heading into the second leg.

Here is a look at the major talking points from the game:

#5. Arsenal succumb to Rennes’ inspired display

Stade Rennais put in an inspired performance

When the Round of 16 match-ups were announced, many believed that Arsenal had dodged a bullet. All signs pointed to a straightforward tie yet Rennes threw a spanner in the Gunners’ works with a sensational performance.

The French side looked fresh throughout the game and were quicker to every loose ball. The hosts showcased tenacity in midfield with Clement Grenier (once an Arsenal target) controlling the tempo.

Though they portrayed exuberance in the first half, they took their display up a notch in the second period. With the numerical superiority, Rennes completely exploited the space Arsenal left.

The hosts’ wide players had a field day with the Gunners’ left flank being targeted often. The likes of Monreal and Matteo Guendouzi weren’t able to deal with the directness of the home side’s offensive play and were eventually left chasing shadows.

On paper, Arsenal should easily have swatted aside Rennes’ challenge. Yet, football is hardly played on paper and the Gunners were given a rude reminder of the same.

And with a two goal lead to take to North London, the French side is in pole position to prove the doubters wrong and advance.

#4. Hatem Ben Arfa and Ismaila Sarr run riot

Hatem Ben Arfa has boasted of mercurial talent ever since he made his bow in professional football. But, he hasn’t been able to translate his abilities into consistent performances.

However, when he is in the mood, there are very few players who can match his imagination and skill on the ball. Unfortunately for Arsenal, he had one of those on-song days on Thursday.

Ben Arfa frequently found pockets of space between the Gunners’ midfield, twisting and turning swiftly. Moreover, his mazy dribbling was a source of constant concern for the away side.

However, he mightn’t have even been the best attacker on the pitch. The mentioned accolade was rightly claimed by Ismaila Sarr.

The Senegalese ran the Gunners’ defence ragged and caused Monreal all sorts of problems. Additionally, his blistering pace allowed him to get in behind the Arsenal defence multiple times and he made them pay in the 88th minute with a superb header.

Arsenal fielded a strong eleven for the first leg with creative talents such as Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi gracing the pitch. Yet, they were utterly outshone on the night by their less illustrious rivals.

And if the Gunners harbour any hopes of progressing, they need to devise a method to keep Ben Arfa and Sarr quiet.

#3. Sokratis’ controversial sending-off changes the game

Sokratis was given his marching orders in the 41st minute

Arsenal got off to a rapid start in France and went ahead when Iwobi rippled the net. Though the home side always looked a threat thereafter, they weren’t able to carve open the Gunners’ defence. Yet, a couple of poor decisions by Sokratis allowed Rennes to get back into the game.

Though there remains a cloud over the second yellow card handed out to the Greek, the defender can’t be absolved of any wrongdoing.

For the first caution, he got himself into an ugly mess and ended up impeding Ben Arfa. As for the second booking, the Greek was caught on the wrong side of Sarr’s run which culminated in the defender tripping the forward.

While the debate of whether the latter fouled the former first can rage deep into the night, Sokratis was daft to clip Sarr’s heels.

Arsenal were under the cosh for the majority of the game and they needed leaders like the Greek on the field. Yet, two moments of madness rid the visitors of that luxury.

Legend says that football is a game decided by tiny margins and if Arsenal is unable to turn the tide at the Emirates, one would probably look back at Sokratis’ sending-off as the turning point of the tie.

#2. Arsenal left to rue their missed opportunities

Arsenal was left to rue its missed chances

Over the course of the season, Arsenal has been one of the more free-flowing offensive teams across Europe. However, in their biggest continental game so far, they came unstuck with their wayward finishing at the forefront.

After the first goal, the away side could’ve put the game to bed on numerous occasions. Yet, the Gunners spectacularly misfired in the final third.

Lucas Torreira was accorded the freedom of the penalty box but the Uruguayan ended up firing straight at Tomas Koubek.

A few minutes later, Shkodran Mustafi had another chance to double Arsenal’s lead yet he dragged his shot wide.

In the second half too, Mesut Ozil was accorded time and space inside the Rennes penalty area. However, the German could only muster a tame shot at the keeper.

With the Gunners a man light, openings were always going to be at a premium but the visitors didn’t help themselves with the weight of opportunities they squandered.

For all we know, those missed chances could yet come back to bite Arsenal further.

#1. Arsenal’s naivety leaves them with a mountain to climb

Arsenal left themselves hopelessly exposed

Over the years, a major criticism aimed at Arsenal has been their inability to handle the pressure of the big stage. On many an occasion, the Gunners’ game management has left a lot to be desired and the match against Rennes just stoked that fire a tad more.

With the Gunners trailing 2-1, many would’ve settled for the score considering the circumstances. Yet, Arsenal being Arsenal, went searching for the leveller, only to get hopelessly exposed on the break.

Monreal, the man entrusted with marking Sarr, was throwing tantrums at the other end of the pitch and was barely in the frame when the Senegalese made the net bulge. Thus, highlighting the Gunners’ profound tactical naivety.

There exists an extremely fine line between being brave and being foolish. Unfortunately for Arsenal, they fumbled on the side of the latter to lose another European game away from home.

And while Gooners can harp about the officiating decisions not going their way, they certainly can’t deny that Arsenal shot themselves in the foot on Thursday evening.

Edited by Sripad