Europa League: Vitoria Guimaraes 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal held in Portugal against Vitoria Guimaraes in a dull 1-1 affair in the Europa League.

Arsenal struck first through Mustafi’s headed goal, which was their first attempt on target, in the 80th from a Nicolas Pepe freekick, but Vitoria equalised with a stunning scissor kick from Duarte.

The first half was not very exciting, with Vitoria midfielder Pepe creating the most excitement in the half with his long distant effort striking the post in the 8th minute.

The Premier League side lacked creativity and general movement throughout the match-within the first half Arsenal had 65% possession with 276 passes, but nothing to show for it as their only shot on goal was Mustafi’s late header.

It appeared Unai Emery’s sides poor performance would be saved by a simple free header, but Vitoria looked a different animal when the 5 additional minutes were announced.

Acrobatically Duarte scissor kicked the ball past Martinez, but it was sloppy at the back for The Gunners.

Arsenal captain Rob Holding allowed, former Tottenham Hotspur academy player, Marcus Edwards to glide past him and cross the ball, but a flapping Martinez caused Vitoria to regain possession and overall enable Duarte to pull off his spectacular effort.

The home side went all guns blazing late on with a couple chances to win all 3 points, but a few nearer misses and a last ditch Sokratis block meant it was too little too late for Vitoria.

The result was Arsenal's fourth consecutive draw in all competitions in a turbulent week that saw Granit Xhaka stripped of the captaincy.

Arsenal will still qualify for the last 32 on Thursday if third-placed Standard Liege lose to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The draw for Vitoria means they need to win both of their remaining group F games to qualify and require Eintracht Frankfurt to lose both of theirs as well-the pair face each other in Germany on the 12th December.

Lack of creativity down to Emery?

Firstly, the Spaniard put his much-changed side (8 in total) in his 5 at the back formation which turned into a 3-4-3 when his side had possession, although with so many defenders and a lack of creative minds Arsenal struggled to do anything with the ball.

Maitland-Niles and Tierney did very little when pushing upfield, meaning most of the time Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos was trying to pick a pass, but his forward teammates were very static and eventually Joe Willock took the initiative to attempt to run through the narrow home side, ultimately resulting in the attack ending.

Either way after the match many Arsenal fans were unimpressed from their team’s performance.

“No creativity, no passion no motivation…do something Arsenal I don’t want to watch you on Thursdays next season.” said a frustrated Arsenal supporter.

Another went with, “If Emery remains into the New Year, I’ll be amazed.”

Man of the Match-Shkodran Mustafi (Arsenal)

German defender Mustafi rose highest to score his sides goal and did very little wrong all game.

2 of Arsenal’s 7 shots came from the centre back, he won 5 aerial duels and managed 87.9% passing accuracy from 91 passes-who would’ve thought Mustafi would be Arsenal’s hero tonight?

What next for both sides?

Arsenal travel to the King Power Stadium to face Brendan Rodgers' high-flying Leicester in the Premier League at 17:30 on Saturday.

The Gunners are back in Europa League action on Thursday, 28th November against Eintracht Frankfurt at Emirates Stadium.

Vitoria play Braga on Sunday in the Primeira Liga and return to the Europa League on the 28th, as well, to face Belgium side Standard Liege.