A heavily depleted Arsenal side triumphed against BATE Borisov in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, thanks to a brace from Theo Walcott.
Arsene Wenger had chosen to not travel with several key first-team players, despite the injury list. And as the Frenchman named the starting lineup for the game, the fans were eager to see how the side would fare against BATE Borisov – a team that has been known to surprise.
However, the match ended up being a very competitive and entertaining affair, an end-to-end game that ended up with a 4-2 win for Arsenal. Theo Walcott scored a brace to get Arsenal off to a flying start while Olivier Giroud and Rob Holding chipped in with a goal each.
Walcott was hailed by the Arsenal fans for his clinical performance and his recent form, which has been very prolific despite the overall display.
Theo Walcott has now scored against 50 different teams in his Arsenal career ??? pic.twitter.com/TBXvBg4Ksd
— UberArsenal™ (@UberAFC) September 28, 2017
Theo Walcott has scored 2 goals and has still managed to be the worst player on the pitch! Absolutely dreadful watching him on the ball.
— Arsenal (@ffarsenalfc) September 28, 2017
Theo Walcott has finally found his level…
— Transfer News (@TrustyTransfers) September 28, 2017
Although Walcott starred on the night with two goals, all eyes were on Jack Wilshere and Joe Willock – the former playing in an advanced role and the latter starting his first senior game.
Jack Wilshere starting to recapture some of that 2011 form? ✨ pic.twitter.com/XJvISkO8e2
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 28, 2017
I am so happy to see Jack Wilshere back for Arsenal. He remains one of the most naturally talented players in the squad. A brilliant player.
— FK (@fkhanage) September 28, 2017
Joy to watch Wilshere tonight, especially that first 45 minutes. Ran the show. Touch, finesse, technique. Just a wonderful footballer.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) September 28, 2017
WILSHERE IS THE ENGLISH ZIDANE! WHAT A TOUCH @JackWilshere ??❤️ pic.twitter.com/4amGSweyDv
— Yoann (@YoannArsenal) September 28, 2017
Imagine an injury-free Jack Wilshere …
— Transfer News (@TrustyTransfers) September 28, 2017
Super Jack Wilshere bossing this already #BATEvAFC
— Lee Hinds (@LeeHindsAFC) September 28, 2017
Yes, it’s only BATE but dang it if Wilshere isn’t exciting to watch when he’s actually fit.
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOE_UK) September 28, 2017
Vintage Wilshere. One touch build up. Burst through the lines. Vision & execution of final ball. ??
— Pablo (@AFCAMDEN) September 28, 2017
Why we can’t give up on Wilshere: he knows the Arsenal way.
— Arsenal Column (@ArsenalColumn) September 28, 2017
WORLD CLASS ASSIST FROM WILSHERE. ?
— Yoann (@YoannArsenal) September 28, 2017
Wilshere is far too good for this competition
— Paddy (@VieiraPaddy) September 28, 2017
Joe Willock – leggy, technically-gifted. Shades of Diaby?
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) September 28, 2017
?✨| Joe Willock (18) vs BATE.
Passing accuracy: 91.5%
Long ball accuracy: 100%
Dribble attempts: 3/4
Tackles: 5
Interceptions: 3Solid! ?? pic.twitter.com/tW2884K4GK
— Footy Scouted (@FootyScouted) September 28, 2017
Really impressed by the game @Joewillock played yesterday. Glimpses of the legend Abu Diaby.
If only he doesn’t get injury prone like him— chittesh khilnani (@Chittesh_lk) September 29, 2017
Well played Joe Willock. An impressive debut, looked comfortable alongside ElNeny.
— The Arsenal (@DareToWenger) September 28, 2017
Joe Willock is quietly having a very tidy game. Looks to be a very well rounded centre mid
— ㅤAaron (@ReidTheGame) September 28, 2017