Arsenal player ratings: Aubameyang back to his brilliant best, Maitland-Niles is the real deal and Monreal gives a defensive masterclass
The Gabon international inspired the Gunners' comeback, opening the early and killing the game off in the second half
ARSENAL booked their place in the Europa League quarter-finals after a convincing 3-0 win over Rennes.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the name on everyone's lips as he inspired the Gunners' comeback with two goals and an assist, with Nacho Monreal making sure the Ligue 1 side had no whiff of a comeback.
PETR CECH
His defenders left him with nothing to do in the first half.
But stayed vigilant and seemed to have his fingertips on the ball when Rennes hit the post in their first goalscoring opportunity of the game.
SHKODRAN MUSTAFI
Disciplined in the first half - only to hand Rennes their first, serious chance to score just seconds after the break.
Almost thwarted his team-mates effort.
LAURENT KOSCIELNY
Least visible among Arsenal's back three - but that is not necessarily a dig at the Frenchman.
Was there when Arsenal needed him. Especially in the second half, when Rennes cranked up the pressure.
NACHO MONREAL
Arsenal's very own Mr Duracell Bunny.
Run towards every ball that could have potentially morphed into a dangerous situation, effectively getting rid of it.
AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES
After his strong performance against Manchester United, he proved again to be a serious alternative to the crocked Hector Bellerin.
Calm at the back and dangerous going forward. Played a huge role in Arsenal's early opener and drew things level on aggregate with a crunch header - all within 15 minutes.
AARON RAMSEY
Knowing Arsenal needed to score two, he was trying to launch both of his forwards from the start, looking for an early goal.
Showed his leadership and maturity again and his composure while assisting Aubameyang's goal was key.
GRANIT XHAKA
Stayed focused with Ramsey and Ozil positioned much higher up the pitch and did not let Rennes drag him into their second-half farce, looking to get Arsenal reduced to ten men.
Supported the back-three when needed. Came on the pitch with this aggression essential in a race against time. Good all-around performance.
SEAD KOLASINAC
Run his opponents ragged on the left flank when Arsenal needed to score.
But did very well defensively especially with Rennes opening up in the second half. Also set Aubameyang up to kill the game off.
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ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE
Perhaps knowing he was lucky to be on the pitch, he humbly accepted the sidekick role next to Aubameyang, seeing that his partner in crime was having a good game himself.
Quiet tonight, but still deserves credit for rebuilding the Gabon striker's confidence by letting him score from the spot against Manchester United on Sunday.
MESUT OZIL
Finally looked like the player he was meant to be at the Emirates.
Added this extra dimension to Arsenal's attacks with his vision and technique in one of the Gunners' defining moments of the season.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
Did exactly what was expected from him with a two-goal deficit hanging over the Emirates - relentlessly pestered Rennes' defensive line from the very first kick of the game.
He inspired Arsenal's turnaround in the first half, then secured it in the second, showing once more he is among football's finest strikers. And one of the reasons why Arsenal's Champions League hopes are still alive.
Could have finished with a hat-trick but, to cap his brilliant performance off in style, missed a sitter.
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HENRIKH MKHITARYAN (on for Ozil, 70')
Played a big part in Aubameyang's crunch, second-half goal.
ALEX IWOBI (on for Lacazette, 70')
Almost put the game to bed with his strike seconds after coming on the pitch.
LUCAS TORREIRA (on for Ramsey, 87')
Was not given much time to show anything special, but was surely glad to be back on the pitch amid his three-game ban in the Premier League.