Arsenal 4-1 Rapid Vienna: The Gunners Maintain A Perfect Europa League Run

Arsenal cruised to a 4-1 over Rapid Vienna tonight as they maintain their 100% record in the Europa League in front of a few thousand Gunners fans at the Emirates Stadium.

Pablo Mari returned to the starting lineup after his long injury layoff, along with Ainsley Maitland Niles who was given a midfield role, while Eddie Nketiah started in attack with Alexandre Lacazette playing just behind in the creative number 10 role.

It was a brilliant start for Arsenal as they controlled every aspect of the game, constantly putting pressure on Rapid’s defence. The pressure eventually told 10 minutes in when Alexandre Lacazette picked up the ball and rifled a cracking shot from outside the box and it smashed into the net to give Arsenal a deserved lead.

Arsenal did not stop there as they continued to press. Two minutes later Shkodran Mustafi had a great chance to double the lead when Pepe’s cross found him at the back post, however, the German’s header when just wide.

The Gunners doubled their lead 17 minutes in when Pablo Mari headed home from a corner kick as Arsenal put their stamp on the game.

Arsenal continued to create chances at will. After great build-up play, the ball found its way to Lazazette on the edge of the box. The Frenchman hit his shot first time and cannoned off the upright as Arsenal went in search of a third.

With minutes to go in the half, Arsenal had their third. After the great link-up play, Reiss Nelson played a neat ball to Eddie Nketiah who had his first shot saved, however, the youngster headed the rebound home as the Gunners completely dominated the half and went into the break 3-0 up.

Rapid started the second half on the front foot and their early pressure told just minutes into the half. Sead Kolasinac managed to get his body in the way of two consecutive goal-bound efforts, however, the rebound fell to Koya Kitagawa who smashed his shot into the Gunners net to make it 3-1.

Rapid grew into the game after their equalizer however that did not last long as Arsenal continued on the front foot.

Both Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe had great chances in the space of two minutes to restore the Gunners’ three-goal lead, however, were thwarted by Strebinger in Rapid’s goal.

Mikel Arteta then rang the changes, with one eye on the North London derby on Sunday with Smith Rowe, Dani Ceballos, and Willian all coming on at the expense of Elneny, Lacazette, and Reiss Nelson, all of whom are now expected to be involved on Sunday.

Arsenal heaped more misery on Rapid in the 66th minute when a turnover resulted in Nicolas Pepe picking up the ball and laying it off to Maitland Niles who then squared the ball for Smith Rowe who calmly slotted home to make it 4-1 on the night.

The Gunners barely got out of second gear all night as they were relatively comfortable and enjoyed most of the possession as they passed it around at will.

All-round it was a great night for the Gunners as Pablo Mari got through his first full game since returning from injury unscathed. Calum Chambers also got twenty minutes and a host of youngsters were given their chance as well.

It was the perfect tonic for Mikel Arteta and his side as they maintain their 100% record in the competition and now attention turns to the North London Derby on Sunday.