Eintracht Frankfurt 0-3 Arsenal: 3 Reasons why the Gunners won | Europa League 2019/20
Arsenal edged past Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in their opening game of the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt.
The Gunners started off well but quickly ceded the initiative to their German counterparts, meaning the hosts enjoyed the lion’s share of possession initially.
However, the English side nudged ahead seven minutes before half-time when Joe Willock’s shot took a massive deflection and lodged into the back of the net, kissing the underside of the crossbar in the process.
In the second period, Frankfurt turned the screw and created an enormous number of chances. Yet, Arsenal got the decisive second goal of the encounter as Bukayo Saka beat Kevin Trapp from 25 yards.
A few minutes later, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang got on the score-sheet to add further gloss to the score-line.
Though the 3-0 victory flattered the Gunners a touch, they wouldn’t really mind the win, especially after what unfolded against Watford at the weekend.
Here is a look at three reasons that enabled Arsenal to open their account with a favourable result.
#3 Arsenal stun Frankfurt with a series of sucker punches
Arsenal began the match in encouraging fashion but, they quickly retreated into a holding pattern, wherein a lot of emphasis shifted towards keeping things tight at the back.
Unsurprisingly, Frankfurt launched numerous waves of attack as they looked to break down the Gunners’ rear-guard. However, as the match progressed, it seemed that the visitors had planned specifically for that sort of eventuality, with the English side showcasing its prowess on the break.
The opening goal was a result of a quick turnover and Granit Xhaka fed Saka. The Englishman then marched forward before laying the ball off to Willock in the inside left channel. The latter cut back onto his right foot and pulled the trigger. The shot took a huge deflection and consequently, beat Trapp.
The second net-bulger, meanwhile, came after Emiliano Martinez gathered a Frankfurt cross from the left flank. He set Xhaka on his way and the Swiss found Nicolas Pepe on the wing. The Ivorian displayed exemplary awareness to pick out Saka just outside the box.
The teenager did the rest and effectively, put the game beyond doubt.
Moments later, Arsenal pressed Frankfurt high up the pitch and Saka pinched the ball off David Abraham. The Englishman then slid in Aubameyang who slotted confidently past Trapp.
Over the years, the Gunners have often been accused of being too susceptible to counter attacks.
Yet, on Thursday, they reversed the dose and ensured that they came away from Germany with three points firmly in the bag.
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