Europa League: Arsenal vs Vitoria SC Player Ratings & Result

Arsenal manr Unai Emery heaved a sigh of relief as Premier League club laboured to victory in ir Europa League clash against Vitoria SC on Thursday. game was played at Emirates Stadium, so it was only fitting that visitors took lead through former Tottenham winger, Marcus Edwards. Edwards, who departed Arsenal's rth London rivals in September this year, danced through Arsenal defence to put visitors forward as early as in eighth minute. Edwards celebrated goal by sliding on his knees in front of home supporters. former Tottenham winger is clear t a fan of subtlety. 

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Even though Arsenal were playing at home, you would be forgiven to think that game was being played at  Estadio D. Afonso Henriques Stadium. Emery opted to field a backline of new faces, as Shkodran Mustafi, Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney started toger for first time this season. Arsenal came into game on back of some questionable form, having succumbed to a 0-1 defeat to Sheffield United in ir last Premier League game. 

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Vitoria SC's lead lasted over half-hour mark, but new signing Kieran Tierney had or plans. former Celtic left-back crossed for Gabriel Martinelli to head in Arsenal's equaliser on 32nd minute. Parity lasted for just five minutes. Ainsley Maitland-Niles was dispossessed and attack that followed led to an effort from Vitoria's Davidson, which struck post. Bru Duarte, however, was re to net rebound. On came Dani Ceballos and Mateo Guendouzi at half time, and, as if on cue, Arsenal asserted more dominance in game. But Ceballos and Guendouzi, despite all ir efforts, weren't going to be game-changers. 

Nicolas Pepe came on for hosts in just after hour-mark. t even Emery could have predicted that Ivory Coast winger would have such an impact. Pepe netted two sublime freekicks to swing game in Arsenal's favour, as contest ended at 3-2 after final whistle. Here are player ratings from game - 

Arsenal

Emilia Martinez - 6/10

Kieran Tierney - 7.5/10

Rob Holding - 6/10

Shkodran Mustafi - 7/10

Hector Bellerin - 6/10

Joseph Willock - 6.5/10

Lucas Torreira - 7/10

Gabriel Martinelli - 8/10

Emile Smith-Rowe - 7.5/10

Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 5/10

Alexandre Lacazette - 6/10

Subs | Dani Ceballos - 6.5/10, Mateo Guendouzi - 7/10, Nicolas Pepe - 8.5/10

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Vitoria SC

Miguel Silva - 5.5/10

Victor Garcia - 6.5/10

Frederico Venancio - 7/10

Edmond Tapsoba - 7.5/10

Florent Hanin - 6/10

Andre Almeida - 6.5/10

Mikel Agu - 7/10

Denis Will Poha - 6.5/10

Marcus Edwards - 7/10

Bru Duarte - 6.5/10

Davidson - 7/10

Subs | Pepe - 6/10, Andre Pereira - 5.5/10, Rochinha - N/A

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