Arsenal Makes Comeback Win against Rapid Wien

Arsenal started their 2020-2021 UEFA Europa League campaign with a Comeback win against Austrian side Rapid Vienna on Thursday with a 2-1 win.

It was the first time both sides were facing each other after been grouped in Group B of the competition alongside Norwegian side Molde and Irish side Dundalk.

After a drab goalless first half, the second half started with the hosts taking the lead early after the restart in the 51st minute after Arsenal’s German goalkeeper Bernd Leno made a mistake as Greek Midfielder Taxiarchis Fountas slotted home.

However, Arsenal’s Brazilian defender David Luiz headed home in the 70th minute before substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang slotted home the winner just four minutes later.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has now scored 12 goals in 19 Europa League appearances for the Gunners.

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, who joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid on the transfer deadline day, made his first start for the club on the night and had an impressive performance for the team.

Thus, he became the first Ghanaian to start a competitive game for Arsenal since Emmanuel Frimpong in their 7-5 victory at Reading in October 2012.

The win means Arsenal have won their opening group game in each of the past four Europa League campaigns and the defeat for Rapid Vienna is the their first home defeat in the group stages of the Europa League since October 2012, ending their 13-game unbeaten run on home soil in the group stages of the competition.

The Gunners will now shift focus to Sunday’s tie against Leicester City on Sunday. The Foxes were also in action on Thursday in the Europa League against Ukrainian Side Zorya Luhansk.

Arsenal’s next Europa League match will be on the 29th of October against Irish side Dundalk at the Emirates Stadium.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu