These outings have the feel of learning opportunities for Mikel Arteta, showing him who of his squad’s lesser lights may be capable of stepping up when the stakes are higher.
Fringe players need to shine in Europa League group games and it was encouraging to see Nicolas Pépé and Joe Willock do so again at this level, helping Arsenal edge closer to reaching the knockout stages with a win over Molde that was not quite as comfortable as it looked.
