Arsenal vs Vitoria LIVE result: Score, goals and latest updates from the Europa League
The Gunners extended their perfect start to the Europa League – just
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal's club-record signing Nicolas Pepe stepped off the bench to score two free-kicks and seal a Europa League comeback win over Vitoria and spare the blushes of under-fire head coach Unai Emery.
After losing at Sheffield United on Monday night, Emery launched an impassioned defence of his tenure as Gunners boss on the eve of the Group F clash - but what followed was as below-par performance rescued by the brilliance of his £72million man, who struck a fine brace to earn a 3-2 win.
Without a goal from their first two games and with no away win in Europe since 2005, Vitoria stunned the Emirates Stadium as former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards opened the scoring before Bruno Duarte restored the lead following Gabriel Martinelli's equaliser.
With more than one "Emery Out" banner displayed and the crowd singing for Mesut Ozil - again absent from the matchday squad - it was clear Emery's calls for patience from supporters had largely fallen on deaf ears but the stadium erupted as Pepe curled in two wonderful free-kicks in the final 10 minutes.
PA
Odds
Arsenal win 1/4
Draw 5/1
Vitoria win 11/1
Prediction
Arsenal should be able to beat a Vitoria team that has lost both of its Europa League games so far, though the Portuguese side are in better form domestically.
2-1 is our prediction
When is it?
Kick off at the Emirates Stadium is 8pm BST.
How can I watch it?
The game will be aired live on BT Sport 2, with coverage beginning at 8pm.
Subscribers to BT Sport can watch the game online via the BT Sport player, or on the BT Sport app.
49 min: Arsenal 1-2 Vitoria
Smith-Rowe has really looked sharp tonight and it is the youngster who starts off the next Arsenal move, which peters out when Martinelli's shot is blocked.
51 min: Arsenal 1-2 Vitoria
What a chance for Mustafi!
Substitute Ceballos whips in a gorgeous delivery and Mustafi beats his man but cannot direct the header on target.
At the other end, Martinez has to make another save after a deft effort from Poha on the break.
55 min: Arsenal 1-2 Vitoria
This is a huge chance for the impressive Smith-Rowe.
Kieran Tierney's cross is cleared only as far as the young midfielder, but on the half volley he makes contact with his shin pad with the shot and it goes harmlessly wide.
58 min: Arsenal 1-2 Vitoria
Alex Lacazette and Garcia have a bit of afters after the Frenchman runs the ball out of play.
The Vitoria defender reacts but Lacazette exaggerates the contact but achieves his goal of getting Garcia booked.
More frustration building for the hosts.
62 min: Arsenal 1-2 Vitoria
Vitoria have continued their threat from the first half in the second period.
And Arsenal's defenders are still struggling to contain their Portuguese visitors. It is all a bit deja vu so far.
64 min: Arsenal 1-2 Vitoria
Vitoria with the change, with Almeida replaced by Pepe.
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