Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang Brace Helps Arsenal Past Vorskla in 2018 Europa League

Arsenal got their 2018-19 UEFA Europa League campaign off to a winning start on Thursday, as they coasted past Vorksla 4-2 at the Emirates Stadium.

After a dogged start from the visitors, the Gunners went in front thanks to a slick counter-attacking move, finished off well by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

In the second period Arsenal extended their advantage through Danny Welbeck, who nodded home Henrikh Mkhitaryan's pinpoint cross, before Aubameyang got his second of the night and Mesut Ozil added a fourth from the bench.

The minnows did have a couple of moments to celebrate late in the game as Arsenal lost focus. Volodymyr Chesnakov thumped home their first, before Vyacheslav Sharpar netted with the last kick of the game.

Aubameyang Gives Arsenal Europa League Edge

Although Arsenal landed Aubameyang in January, he was cup-tied for their run to the Europa League semi-finals last term. With him, they have a much stronger chance of going all the way this year.

The former Borussia Dortmund man was at his best here, showcasing his class when sticking away the opening goal, steering home Alex Iwobi's low cross. That came at the end of a rapid break:

However, manager Unai Emery appeared to have given the Gabon star license to roam across the front line, as he dropped off the shoulder of defenders, spun in behind and drifted out wide.

Sports journalist Jack Rathborn commented on the impact he was having, pulling their deep-sitting opponents out of their defensive shape:

After netting his second, Squawka broke down his brilliant record at home:

Emery still faces a conundrum when it comes to getting Alexandre Lacazette, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Aubameyang in the same team. But after a slow start to the season, the latter of that quintet is offering a reminder that he remains this side's apex goal-getter.

Torreira Proves Arsenal Must Start Him in Premier League

Arsenal supporters have been calling for Unai Emery to hand midfielder Lucas Torreira a start in the top flight and the Uruguayan showed exactly why with another accomplished midfield display here.

As the deepest man in midfield, Torreira would frequently pick the ball up from the Arsenal defence and orchestrate attacks. The No. 11 is always seeking to look forward in possession and would often find the feet of attackers in space with his passing here.

Mattias Karen of ESPN commented on how well the former Sampdoria man used the ball in this encounter:

While the opposition here was modest, in his Premier League cameos Torreira has shown what he can offer against high-class opposition too. He's been crucial to the team's wins over Cardiff City and Newcastle United on the road.

On Sunday, it's Everton who visit the Emirates Stadium and after yet another polished outing here, there'd be major disappointment from Arsenal fans in attendance if their Uruguayan dynamo was left on the bench yet again.

Emery Will Learn Little About Leno, Lichtsteiner From Easy Win

Both Bernd Leno and Stephan Lichtsteiner were making their first starts for the club following their summer arrivals, although Emery will have learned little about the duo from this outing.

Lichtsteiner was rarely tested defensively but did raid forward with intent to help set up Ozil's goal. However, for the vast majority of the match it was a stroll for the Swiss international.

Meanwhile, the troubles being endured by Petr Cech with the ball at his feet have led for some calls for Leno to be included from the start in the Premier League. Possession was rarely with the German here, though, as the Gunners were camped in the opposition half; there was little Leno could to about the late consolation either.

What's next? 

The Gunners go up against Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, while their next European match will be at Qarabag on October 4. Vorksla face Zorya Luhansk in the Ukrainian top flight on Sunday.