UEFA Europa League 2018-19: 3 reasons why Arsenal can turn the tables against Rennes

It is certainly going to be goals galore at the Emirates tonight!
It is certainly going to be goals galore at the Emirates tonight!

Arsenal have been on a rollercoaster ride this season and it appears that Unai Emery's first season in charge of the Gunners could not get any better. He has shown massive improvement since the first day he was in charge and now seems to know the squad pretty well.

Losing to BATE Borisov, West Ham, Rennes but winning against Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham is probably the most Arsenal thing ever. They have shown lapses of concentration in several situations but they are a different team at home, and now, the Gunners have a huge task to complete at the Emirates.

Arsenal suffered a horrific away defeat this season, losing 3-1 against Rennes in the Roazhon Park in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Europa League, despite scoring the opener. A 41st-minute red card to Sokratis killed the game for Arsenal, and they were lucky to not concede more. However, the fact that Arsenal are on an eight-game winning streak at home must keep Rennes on their toes. A two-goal deficit can easily be overturned by Arsenal if they are at their best tonight. They have been at their best at home this season, scoring dozens in every other game at the Emirates

Here is a look at three reasons why Arsenal can beat Rennes.


#3 Insane attacking prowess

Aubameyang and Lacazette served by Ozil as a number 10 is the worst nightmare ever for any goalkeeper
Aubameyang and Lacazette served by Ozil as a number 10 is the worst nightmare ever for any goalkeeper

If there is anything Arsenal are second to none, it is outscoring their opponents. The lethal duo of Aubameyang and Lacazette have run riots in the Premier League for Arsenal, as they share a total of 30 goals and 11 assists between them, more than 60% of Arsenal's goals.

Alexandre Lacazette got himself a straight red card against BATE Borisov, ruling him out for the second leg of the round of 32 and both the legs against Rennes. After Arsenal's appeal, UEFA has given the green light to include Lacazette in the squad against Rennes for the second leg. This s a huge boost for Arsenal and an equally worrisome factor for Rennes. They only had to prepare for Aubameyang earlier but now they have to protect a two-goal lead against the best duo in all of England, which certainly will not be an easy job.

Last weekend, we saw Unai Emery ending Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's unbeaten run in the Premier League by defeating the Red Devils 2-0 and keeping a clean sheet against a team who have not gone a game without scoring a goal in away games under Ole. This tells us Arsenal have enough confidence to take on Rennes at home.

The Gunners will heavily be reliant on Aubameyang and Lacazette for goals tonight. If they get going, Rennes are certain to go home with a loss.

#2 Unai Emery's tactical brilliance

Unai Emery's formations can never be predicted, and that is exactly what separates him from the rest
Unai Emery's formations can never be predicted, and that is exactly what separates him from the rest

The Spaniard's man-management and tactics have brought a different dimension to the Arsenal squad and they have always impacted the Gunners' game. Arsenal look a resolute and well-organized side who are more keen to come out on top in every single battle against the top teams in the Premier League.

Unai Emery seems to learn his opponent with immense precision. Arsenal formed a 3-4-3 against Tottenham to beat their 4-4-2 formation. The same side played a 4-4-2 diamond against Chelsea to hold their 4-3-3 formation. Even against Manchester United, Arsenal changed their system to a 3-5-2 to tackle their 4-4-2 defensive line up. And they have won all the games above. This tells us how brilliant Unai Emery is when it comes to learning from his opponent and playing according to their weaknesses.

Arsenal lined up with a 4-man defence against Rennes, but the counter-attacking threat Rennes possess was enough to see off Arsenal. Tonight, Unai Emery could line up with a 3-5-2 to tackle their counter-attacking instincts. Considering the experience, Rennes have in such competitions, they are likely to post a defensive formation which will turn out fatal for the away side because it is nearly impossible to hold Arsenal to zero goals at the Emirates.

#1 The Emirates - Arsenal's fortress

Arsenal have not gone a game without scoring at home in all competitions this season
Arsenal have not gone a game without scoring at home in all competitions this season

It is an open secret that Arsenal is not normal when they play at the Emirates. Beating the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and a revitalised Manchester United in Emery's first season is something the Gooners never thought of. In fact, several pundits even claimed that Arsenal will be lucky to stay in the top 6. Entering the final stage of the season, Arsenal are a point below 3rd placed Tottenham and two points ahead of the Red Devils.

Arsenal have only lost twice at the Emirates this season; once against Man City in the opening day of the league, and later on against United in the FA Cup. In the FA Cup match, one could claim the Gunners lost both Sokratis and Koscienly before the half-time mark, which left them helpless.

Only PSG (14) are having a better winning streak at home than Arsenal (9) in Europe's top five leagues. In Arsenal's last 9 games at home, they have conceded only 6 goals and scored 25; a big reason to worry for Rennes.

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Edited by Jong Ching Yee