UEFA Europa League 2018/19 : Top 3 players from Arsenal vs FC Vorskla Poltava

Arsenal kicked off their 2018/19 European campaign against Ukranian side FC Vorskla Poltava on Thursday at the Emirates. The gunners got off on the right foot as they beat FC Vorskla 4-2.

Unai Emery's squad rotation saw the likes of Torreira, Bernd Leno and Rob Holding starting for the first time in the season while youngster Emile Smith Rowe made his first appearance for the first team as he came on in the 70th minute. With a brace from Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and goals from Danny Welbeck and Mesut Özil, Arsenal was able to cruise through the fixture and start their Europa league season on a high. Here are three performances that stood out during the night in London.

#1. Alex Iwobi

Europa League is a competition that can allow flexible squad rotation for managers especially in the early stages. This is a benefit for the manager in two aspects - he can rest important players for the weekend and he can also give the substitutes a chance to prove why they deserve to start.

Alex Iwobi is one such substitute player. He has only started in the Chelsea game this season and saw this game as a huge opportunity to break into the starting 11. Alex Iwobi has been in Arsenal for a long time, coming from the academy and shining on the main stage. He has always been a determined and skilful player with tremendous potential.

However, his form is usually inconsistent and according to many, he has failed to mature his game. But Alex Iwobi seems to be thriving under new management. He looked sharper, stronger and much more mature in the Chelsea game in the Premier League this season.

A starting position in the game against FC Vorskla meant Alex Iwobi had the chance to impress once again and boy, did he do just that. Playing on the left flank, Iwobi caused all sorts of problem for FC Vorskla.

Their right back, Igor Perduta was unable to deal with the pace and strength of Iwobi, often getting bullied by the Nigerian. Alex Iwobi gave an amazing ball to Aubameyang, which the Gabonese international converted to begin scoring. Iwobi also paid a key role in carrying the ball forward for Welbeck's goal. Overall, Alex Iwobi played a tremendous game and has certainly put forward a compelling argument to start against Everton

#2. Sokratis Papastathopoulos

Arsenal v Vorskla Poltava - UEFA Europa League - Group E — Sokratis was solid in the back and confidently carried the ball forward as well

When Sven Mislintat brought in the third Borussia Dortmund player in 30-year-old Sokratis Papastathopoulos to Arsenal since his employment to the London club, many doubts were raised. Although £15 million was seen as a bargain for an experienced centre-back by some, some Arsenal fans saw him as a slow and ageing player who wouldn't be able to keep up with the pace of the Premier League.

But Sven Mislintat once again proved why he is called 'the golden eye' as Sokratis has adapted well to The Premier League and is already proving to be a force to reckon with. After his strong performance against Newcastle alongside shaky centre-back partner Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis was set to prove his worth in the Europa League as well.

Starting alongside youngster Rob Holding, Sokratis was phenomenal against Vorskla. Not only was he recovering the ball but he also successfully carried the ball from defence to midfield on several occasions.

He was never beaten on any one-on-ones and won most, if not all, aerial duels. The Greek international was vocal and assisted young Rob Holding in the English defender's first start for the team.

After all these stunning and solid performances from Sokratis, he will certainly be handed the starting position for the rest of the season while fellow centre-back Shkodran Mustafi will mostly be replaced by returning captain, Laurent Koscielny. The partnership of Koscielny and Sokratis is something all Arsenal fans cannot wait to see.

#3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Lethal. Clinical. Vital.

These are the three words that would describe Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's performance against FC Vorskla. The Gabonese international had a slow start to the season, scoring just 1 goal in 5 games in the Premier League. He also missed a few golden opportunities against rivals Chelsea.

The 29-year-old's goal against Cardiff was his 100th in his club career but he still looked to have lost confidence and firepower. With Alexandre Lacazette most likely being first choice striker now onwards, Aubameyang will have to be satisfied by playing on the wing.

However, Emery knew how a good game against FC Vorskla would boost the confidence of the clinical striker. He started him as the lone striker and it returned great benefits. Two clinical finishes saw Arsenal win 4-2 at The Emirates.

Aubameyang once again proved why he has been considered one of the greatest Borussia Dortmund strikers in recent memory. Not only will these two goals boost the benefit of the Gabonese striker but also show his doubters why Emery starts him week in and week out. Aubameyang will hope to carry this form against Everton this weekend and get on the scoresheet once again

Edited by Rohit Nath