Rennes 3-1 Arsenal: Sokratis red card costs Gunners in France

Aubameyang appeared short on confidence with a poor performance [Courtesy]

Arsenal will need to come from behind again to keep their Europa League campaign alive after a 3-1 defeat to Rennes.

The Gunners looked set for a comfortable win against a side sat 10th in Ligue 1 after Alex Iwobi's early opener.

But a red card for Sokratis just before half-time and a goal from the hosts moments later turned the game on its head.

The French side bagged two second half goals after piling on the pressure to leave the Gunners needing a big performance at the Emirates next Thursday to keep their European hopes alive.

It was a tough night for Unai Emery's side with one star player particularly struggling as few emerged with much credit.

Here are five talking points a difficult night for the Gunners.

1. Sokratis costs Gunners

Sokratis Papastathopoulos cost Arsenal dearly with his clumsy red card just before half-time.

The Gunners were 1-0 up and in total control of the game when the Greek defender was sent off for a second yellow after hauling down Ismaila Sarr five minutes before the break.

Rennes subsequently levelled from the resultant free-kick as Benjamin Bourigeaud fired a thunderbolt past Petr Cech after his initial strike had struck the wall.

Sokratis deserved to go after two clumsy first half challenges as he struggled to keep pace with the tricky Ben Arfa and Sarr, and his sending off changed the game.

He'll be fresh for Sunday's game against Manchester United after playing only 41 minutes, but his team-mates won't thank him for leaving them with an uphill task.

2. Derby hangover for Aubameyang?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made all the headlines for his late penalty miss in the North London derby at the weekend.

And it appeared the striker may have had some hangover from his Wembley disappointment as he put in a below-par display in France.

Aubameyang was asked to lead the line in the absence of the suspended Alexandre Lacazette but failed to prove his worth in a game where he should have done more.

The Gabonese frontman failed to make a major impact even before the Gunners were reduced to 10 men.

It was a disappointing night for the striker, who appeared to be lacking confidence after his derby day blank on Sunday.

He's at risk of being left out for Sunday's crucial game against Manchester United as Lacazette returns after a tough week.

3. Iwobi making steady progress

There is no denying there was a slice of luck about Alex Iwobi's early opener as his cross for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang crept in at the back post.

But Iwobi was typically lively against Rennes and showed why he has become a mainstay in Unai Emery's plans.

The winger has come in for plenty of criticism from Arsenal fans this season for his decision making but he's still only 22 and undoubtedly improving.

His link-up play with Mesut Ozil on a few occasions showed his footballing ability, and he was arguably Arsenal's most threatening player in the first half.

He was unfortunate to be withdrawn early in the second half for Matteo Guendouzi in a necessary tactical switch after the red card.

The opening goal was his fifth of the campaign in all competitions representing his best return in a single campaign for the Gunners.

4. Familiar face haunts Emery

Unai Emery had a high-profile fall-out with Hatem Ben Arfa during his time as manager of Paris Saint-Germain.

Emery exiled the former Newcastle United man during his time in the French capital leading to Ben Arfa before the player launched a legal challenge to force his reintegration.

He has since rebuilt his career in Rennes and enjoyed a fine season - and he clearly had a point to prove against his former boss.

His direct approach when attacking from deep caused Arsenal all sorts of problems, leading to Sokratis hauling him down for his first booking and starting the attack which led to his sending off.

Ben Arfa showed why he's always been considered a precious natural talent despite question marks over his attitude and gave Emery nightmares once again.

5. Away woes in Europe

Twice Arsenal have gone away from home in the Europa League in the past month - and twice they have flattered to deceive.

Their 1-0 defeat away at BATE Borisov in February was a real low point, although they recovered at home to progress with ease after a 3-0 win.

Heading to France, the Gunners were keen to avoid a repeat of their away woes but again suffered defeat in a game they were expected to win.

A red card for Sokratis clearly changed the game, but a Rennes side sitting 10th in Ligue 1 were rightly unfancied against Emery's side.

The Frenchman raised their level in front of a sell-out crowd in their first ever Europa League last-16 game, whilst the Gunners were flat and were deservedly punished.

Ismaila Sarr's late header leaves them with a huge task to turn things around at the Emirates next week.

Arsenal's away performances in Europe over the last month have certainly made things hard for themselves.