BEVERLY HILLS, December 03, (THEWILL) –Â Alexandre Lacazette’s stunning long-range strike brought to an end a run of eight matches without a goal as Arsenal eased to a 4-1 victory over Rapid Vienna to secure top spot in Group B of the UEFA Europa League.
Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta made 11 changes to the side that was beaten 2-1 at the Emirates by Wolves in the Premier League last weekend and those involved started on a high-tempo.
The visitors carelessly lost possession from a throw-in in the 10th minute. The ball fell kindly for Lacazette, who did not need a second offer. He struck a spectacular swerving effort beyond goalkeeper Richard Strebinger.
There was another goal for the 2,000 fans permitted inside the Emirates Stadium to cheer after midfielder Reiss Nelson’s corner was turned into the net by the head of Pablo Mari, Gunners’ centre back.
Arsenal increased the deficit for the Austrian side just before the interval. A slick passing move led to Edward Nketiah nodding the ball home after Strebinger stopped his initial shot.
Rapid pulled a goal back two minutes after the break. The ball dropped to forward Koya Kitagawa and he fired home through a crowded box.
However, Arsenal regained their composure and goal difference in the 66th minute. Right back Ainsley Maitland-Niles capitalised on another Rapid mistake and teed up substitute midfielder Smith Rowe to seal the win.
The Gunners are back in Premier League action on Sunday for the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, while Rapid host Hartberg in the Austrian Bundesliga on the same day.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
