Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Rennes: 5 things we learned – Done and dusted

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Stade Rennais at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Stade Rennais at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 14: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Stade Rennais at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 14: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Stade Rennais at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

3. Ainsley Maitland-Niles brings intensity

Throughout his time in the first season, I have often claimed that Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ greatest strength, his composure in possession, is also his greatest weakness, seeping into complacency and lack of concentration.

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Here, though, Maitland-Niles played with an intensity and focus that I have not seen from him before. In the first half especially, he was intent and forceful in his tackling, making two or three excellent slide challenges to prevent Rennes attackers from bursting down the line.

He also drove forwards with real intent, playing a key part in the first goal, sliding in a nice pass into the feet of Aaron Ramsey in the penalty area, and then scoring the second with a thumping header at the far post, his desire to reach the ball and head home emphatically clear for all to see.

Few have doubted the natural skill set of Maitland-Niles during his time in the senior squad. His athleticism, touch, calmness and stamina make him an excellent, versatile tool. But his mentality, specifically elements of complacency, has undermined his efficacy. Not so here. He was ruthlessly focused on the task at hand and performed brilliantly as a result.