Rapid Vienna defender Maximilian Hofmann has admitted that he was concerned about the ‘incredible speed’ at Arsenal’s disposal prior to Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side, while speaking to Laola1.
The Gunners might have misfired somewhat in Austria but, as is often the case in matches like these, individual quality made the difference on the night.
After being gifted the lead by a jittery Bernd Leno, Rapid squandered a number of chances to double their advantage before Arsenal took full advantage at the other end, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tapping home a 74th minute winner just moments after David Luiz’s fortunate equaliser.
But, for the most part, Rapid Vienna successfully contained the likes of Bukayo Saka, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe before suffering a second-half collapse.
“We wanted to disrupt Arsenal early on, but we knew that they were of immense quality,” centre-back Hofmann explains, admitting that Rapid were desperate to avoid being hit hard on the counter.
“If you attack the hell out of them, it can backfire. They have incredible speed up front. If you chase them across the field and leave one vs one situations, it can backfire really quickly.”
Hofmann felt that Rapid grew into the game after a sluggish start; emboldened by a series of unforced errors from an Arsenal side who appeared to lack concentration or intensity during their first of six Europa League group-stage games.
It almost goes without saying that Arteta will be demanding better when a well-drilled Dundalk side arrive at the Emirates next week.
Arsenal’s record transfer deals
- Nicolas Pepe
£72 million
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
£56 million
- Alexandre Lacazette
£52 million
- Thomas Partey
45 million
- Mesut Ozil
£42 million
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