SAKA SAVOURS HIS NIGHT TO REMEMBER

NO Mesut Ozil, no problem. Eventually. Not that the final scoreline at the CommerzbankArena told anything like the full story of Arsenal’s Europa League opener. In the surprise absence of the already-rested Ozil, young guns Joe Willock and the superb Bukayo Saka took centre stage before PierreEmerick Aubameyang applied the gloss. As well as scoring his first for the club, Saka set up the two other goals on a night to remember for the exciting winger. But the margin of victory masked what, for long spells, was another nerve-shredder and a less than certain defensive display. For the second game running they allowed their opponents an abundance of attempts at goal. After Watford’s record 31 in a 2-2 draw last Sunday, ten-man Frankfurt fashioned 24 shots here. This time Arsenal got away with it largely thanks to the heroics of Emiliano Martinez, who was excellent in his first appearance of the season. Boss Unai Emery said: ‘We knew it was going to be difficult. They are a very offensive team and defensively we needed to work, but we did it well and they shoot a lot because they have a lot of players in the attacking third. ‘To start with a big result against a good team is important.’ Just before the interval it was Arsenal who edged ahead in what until then had been a see-saw tussle. Saka sent Willock away and he found the net via a deflection and the underside of the bar after cutting inside two, backtracking Frankfurt defenders. The first-half pattern continued after the break — Frankfurt creating and missing chances, Arsenal threatening on the counter. The hosts were left a man down when Dominik Kohr received his second yellow card in the 79th minute for tripping Saka. Arsenal took full advantage, Saka cutting on to his favoured left foot and curling a delightful finish past Kevin Trapp. Then the 18-year-old showed excellent composure and awareness to put Aubameyang through with a perfectly-timed pass to make it 3-0. Emery added: ‘Yes, I was impressed with Saka’s goal and performance during the match, but also Emile (Martinez). ‘After his injury he played for the first time with us this season and worked well. Willock, progressively, he was feeling better and also gave a good performance.’