WHAT HAPPENED
Goals from two academy products – and yet another from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – got our Europa League campaign off to a winning start in Germany.
Eintracht Frankfurt had remained unbeaten in European home games for more than 10 years, but 18 year old Bukayo Saka set up our first for fellow youth product Joe Willock in the first half, then scored one of his own late on, before creating Aubameyang's goal to cap a memorable night for the London-born youngster.
It was an incredibly open game throughout, with both sides committing men forward and looking dangerous on the break. We carved out three very presentable chances before eventually taking the lead.
First Lucas Torreira couldn't keep a half-volley from close range after being found by Saka. Willock was also off target in front of goal when Aubameyang's cross fell to him, before Emile Smith Rowe was denied by Kevin Trapp after excellent work in midfield by Granit Xhaka to turnover possession.
But Willock made amends for his miss late in the half, and the lively Saka was involved again. The teenage winger was busy throughout the opening 45 minutes, and when he found his fellow academy product in the box, Willock squeezed the ball in off the bar and via a deflection.
We had deserved the goal, but our own net had certainly led a charmed life at times. The hosts mustered 14 shots in the first 45 minutes alone, with Emi Martinez making two or three vital stops.
Frankfurt continued to pepper our goal in the second half, but Martinez was solid when called upon and in truth the Germans' quality of chance didn't match the quantity.
Frankfurt were reduced to 10 men for the final 10 minutes when Domink Kohr was dismissed for a second bookable offence following a foul on Saka.
It was left to Saka to steal the show. Xhaka carried the ball forward, released Pepe who in turn fed Saka. He took a touch, then curled home left footed into the bottom corner from 20 yards for his first senior goal.
Then he supplied the final pass for Aubameyang to net his sixth of the season, and seal an emphatic win as another quest for European glory got off to the perfect start.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Click here for a play-by-play commentary of our opening European fixture of the season
WHAT IT MEANS
It's very early days, but we are top of Europa League Group F on goal difference from Standard Liege
WHAT'S NEXT
It's back to Premier League action this week, and a home clash with Aston Villa on Sunday at 4.30pm. We have gone three games without a win in the Premier League, and Emery's men will be keen to build on tonight's win against the newly-promoted side, who sit 17th in the table.
Our next European fixture is in two weeks' time, at home to Standard Liege of Belgium, who beat Vitoria 2-0 at home on Matchday One.
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