An under-strength Arsenal XI survived a late fightback from BATE Borisov to secure a 4-2 victory that keeps them on course to progress in the Europa League.
In a game of little quality beyond the superb Jack Wilshere, it was goals from the recalled trio of Theo Walcott (twice), Rob Holding and Olivier Giroud who sealed all three points at the Borisov Arena in Belarus as much as David Ospina’s goalkeeping.
Mirko Ivanic and Mikhail Gordeichuk netted for the hosts.
Congratulations @_OlivierGiroud_ – we’re all so proud of you ???? #100livier pic.twitter.com/s9VS4n9bQu
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 28, 2017
What they said
Welcome to the ???? club !! #100livier #COYG pic.twitter.com/dsjbqNucuG
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) September 28, 2017
Tweet of the match
When you’ve just become only the 19th player to reach ???? goals for Arsenal…#100livier #BATEvAFC pic.twitter.com/9spLRLQrqD
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 28, 2017
Star man – Wilshere
???? Suuuuuper, super Jack ????
Thoughts on @JackWilshere‘s first-half performance?#BATEvAFC pic.twitter.com/iBhf9OKkFn
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 28, 2017
On the same day he was left out of the latest England squad, the 25-year-old midfielder proved he still has so much to offer with his vision and ball-playing ability that proved so consistently lethal in the final third.
View from the bench
???? #BATEvAFC pic.twitter.com/30SCnwlc1k
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 28, 2017
Arsene Wenger made nine changes to a winning team but even if his gamble was rewarded with victory, this was not the one-sided win the scoreline suggested. Had Wilshere been used in central midfield as opposed to in the front three, he would likely have made a significant difference; such inexperience in those areas will eventually be punished.
Moan of the match
???? When you’ve just scored your first Arsenal goal…#BATEvAFC pic.twitter.com/85YB3JD8PF
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 28, 2017
That Arsenal’s back three was one that could easily start in the Premier League, and was still stretched as regularly as it was, shows there remains a worrying lack of quality there when Laurent Koscielny is absent. It could be that that undermines their ambition to return to the Champions League.
Player ratings
It’s another debut – @EddieNketiah9 becomes our 848th senior appearance maker
Don’t know much about him? Check out this…#BATEvAFC pic.twitter.com/9GLy5YQTD4
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 28, 2017
Who’s up next?
Centurion ????#100livier pic.twitter.com/PXaOIRHCD6
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 28, 2017
Arsenal v Brighton; Premier League – Sunday, October 1
Dinamo Minsk v BATE Borisov; Belarusian Premier League – Sunday, October 1
