Molde Fk 0-3 Arsenal: Three things we learned

Arsenal qualified for the next round of the Europa League with a 3-0 win away to Molde FK in Norway. The Gunners continued their 100% win record in the competition.

Molde Fk 0-3 Arsenal: Three things we learned
MOLDE, NORWAY - NOVEMBER 26: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal takes on Henry Wingo of Molde during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Molde FK and Arsenal FC at Molde Stadion on November 26, 2020 in Molde, Norway. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
toby-hill
By Toby Hill

Quickfire goals from Nicolas Pepe and Reiss Nelson gave Arsenal the lead in Norway, with Folarin Balogun adding his name to the scoresheet later on.

This win ensures that The Gunners have progressed through into the next round. Here are three things that we have learned from the match:

Pepe proves his worth

After his disastrous display against Leeds United, Pepe travelled to Norway with a point to prove. He looked dangerous on the break and always looked to be the man to step-up to give Arsenal the advantage.

He was consistently running at the Norwegian defence, causing problems throughout the game and cutting inside to fire his shots towards goal.

Unfortunately he will miss the next three games in the Premier league, as the fans would be keen to see his coming performances.

Arsenal's academy are shining through

The London side had nine academy graduates in their squad against Molde FK. Balogun and Nelson both scored crucial goals for The Gunners, with Joe Willock assisting two and continuing his strong run of Europa League performances.

Other Hale End graduates included Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Ben Cottrell and Miguel Azeez. Maitland-Niles has been a consistent throughout the Europa League campaign, Cottrell and Azeez will be looking to use the competition to make their way into the first team.

Progression is ensured

Arsenal have won all four of their Europa League matches this season, securing their place in the round of 32. It was set to be a simple operation from the start, with the sides from Norway, Austria and Ireland offering little opposition. 

This early progression gives Mikel Arteta the chance to rotate his players, with the younger members of the team being desperate to make their mark on the squad.

The results of the next two games are not important to Arsenal, giving Arteta free reign on who to choose.