3 positives and 2 negatives from Arsenal's final Champions league win over Kairat

After the abysmal 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester United on the weekend, Arsenal needed to bounce back in a definitive way in their next game. Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Kairat offered the perfect opportunity to regain the teams confidence, with the Gunners already securing a top two finish prior to the match.

Positive #1: A freshly rotated squad

The January fixtures have been unrelenting, with the Gunners having had to face an unprecedented four away fixtures in a row. The fatigue was never more evident than with the recent defeat against Manchester United, which saw the usually rigid Arsenal defence concede three goals for the first time in 121 games.

Wednesday's match against Kairat saw Arteta field a completely rotated starting 11, giving others a chance to flex their skills on the pitch. Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz both made their returns from injury, whilst academy youngsters Brando Bailey-Joseph and Ife Ibrahim obtained their senior debuts, boosting the growing pool of talent for Arteta to choose from.

Key figures were able to recuperate on the sidelines, with Declan Rice and Mikel Mireno missing out due to suspension, and defenders William Saliba and Jurien Timber missing out due to knocks. The well-earned rest should put the Gunners in good stead for the pivotal upcoming away fixture at Elland Road in the Premier League.

Negative #1: Worrying defensive errors

The recent defensive woes for Arsenal continue, and conceding 2 goals at home to Kairat, who sit firmly bottom of the Champions League table, is simply not good enough.

Screams of delight and joy from the early Viktor Gyokeres goal were quickly snuffed out due to a reckless challenge from Calafiori, whose tug on the shirt of Portuguese winger Jorginho sent him crashing to the floor, giving the ref no choice but to award a penalty after a VAR review, leading to an unnecessary goal.

Whilst the Italian defender's sloppiness, which continued throughout the first-half, could be forgiven due to his lengthy, injury caused absence, the second goal just before the final whistle cannot.
Both Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly were caught sleeping, and were unable to track the run of Kairat winger Ricardinho, who profited off a lofted cross from Valeri Gromyko.

Positive #2: Attacking confidence

Much criticism has been laid at the feet of striker Viktor Gyokeres, who faced further scrutiny after being left out of the 11 against Manchester United. Tonight the Swede smelt blood, and found himself in dangerous areas all over the penalty box. His early goal, which came in the form of a smashing strike, ought to boost his confidence, which will be much needed in the upcoming fixtures.

Meanwhile, Kai Havertz enjoyed a spectacular return to the starting 11 in over a year, making threating runs, fizzing in dangerous forward passes, and scoring an absolute belter to put the cherry on top of a magnificent 45 minutes.

Goals have been lacking amongst Arsenal forwards in the league this season, and hopefully the confidence and creativity garnered in this impeccable Champions League run can help propel the Gunners to the Premier League title.

Negative #2: Time for the captain to be thrown overboard?

Arsenal were electric in the first-half. With Gyokeres leading the charge, flanked by Eberechi Eze and Havertz, balls were being fizzed forward and defenders were left dazzled on their feet by the ingenious trickery of the midfield.

To say that all ended once Odegaard entered the fray after half-time would be harsh. It is quite telling, however, that a rusty Kai Havertz (whose best position is undoubtedly upfront) put in a better performance in the creative midfield position than our skipper has had all season.

Odegaard's passivity on the ball during the Manchester United defeat saw him whisked off in favour of Eze, and while he attempted more forward passes against Kairat, the attack just didn't look as deadly.

Perhaps the magic spark Arsenal needs to launch them towards the title lies on the bench, and the Norwegian midfielder may have to face a period out of the team.

Positive #3: All on board for Leeds

Attentions must immediately turn to the weekends fixture away at Leeds. Arsenal's brisk defeat over Kairat offers a mentality reset for the team, and with many players pitching in to get the win, Arteta faces new questions over who is deserving of a starting spot in the team.

Whether the manager opts for Gabriel Jesus over Gyokeres, or Eze over Odegaard, the plentiful attacking options now at the Gunners’ disposal represent a conundrum any squad would relish.