How did Mesut Ozil and Laurent Koscielny fare on their Arsenal returns?
In a game of little consequence for Arsenal, given that they had already secured top spot in Group E, Thursdays match against Qarabag gained fresh relevance when both Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil were named in the starting XI.
The Frenchman was making his first start since tearing his Achilles in May, having been training with the first-team squad for around eight weeks, while Ozil has been out of action for over a month due to an ongoing back problem.
The low-key, low-tempo match may have lacked excitement, but it proved to be the perfect setting for both players to integrate themselves back into the Arsenal side as the Gunners cruised to a 1-0 victory.
HOW DID KOSCIELNY FARE?
There had been some question marks over how Koscielny would adapt to Emerys philosophy, with some of Arsene Wengers old guard taking time to adjust to the more aggressive and intense aspects of the new-look Arsenal.
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The centre-back position is particularly demanding, with renewed focus on playing out from the back, but Koscielny settled in seamlessly and formed an instant connection with Sokratis, marshalling those around him as though he had never left the back-line.
Admittedly, the opposition was not particularly testing, but there should have been no doubts over the calm and classy Koscielnys composure on the ball and he was as assured as ever in possession, not misplacing a single pass (62/62) during his time on the pitch
He will face a far sterner test on Sunday against Southampton should he be drafted in – irrespective of their struggles this season – but Koscielny could hardly have made a stronger case to start. He received a deserved standing ovation when withdrawn in the 72nd minute, clean sheet intact.
HOW DID OZIL FARE?
It only took Ozil 16 minutes to lay on a trademark assist, recovering possession after some tenacious work by Eddie Nketiah before playing in Alexandre Lacazette to open the scoring. In total, he created four chances – more than any Arsenal player has managed in a Europa League game this season.
The German was the cerebral hub of Arsenals attacking play, dropping deep and driving forward, playing quick, short passes to break the lines as well as spreading the play with long, raking passes. When Arsenal had the ball, he was everywhere.
But when they didnt, the usual concerns returned. He was often slow to get back into position and his roaming prompts a question of where exactly Ozil fits into Emerys preferred formation. Hes too undisciplined to play out wide, and not physical enough to play in the middle.
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Nevertheless, this was a timely reminder that Ozils incredible ability to find and exploit space – and play the perfect pass – still has a place at Arsenal. He was, quite simply, the best player on the pitch.
More: Arsenal FC
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