Arsenal fans hail Maitland-Niles after his first home goal for the club versus Rennes

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Arsenal impressively overcame a 3-1 first leg deficit to qualify for the last eight of the Europa League by beating Rennes last night.

The Gunners were always likely to be confident they would have enough to blow their visitors away on their own patch – their home form is so much better than their away – but such evenings can quickly become nervous in the absence of an opening goal.

So that’s why Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ opener was so vital on the night. The versatile Englishman was so impressive against Manchester United last Sunday and carried on that form against the Ligue 1 side, netting his first home goal for the club.

It seems that young homegrown players can get even more fierce criticism from their own fans – despite the fact that every fanbase loves seeing them come through, and Maitland-Niles has been no different.

But Maitland-Niles has been shunted around this Arsenal team this season, his versatility almost proving a curse in terms of establishing himself anywhere.

He is currently shining in his right wing-back position and his latest goal continues his improvement in what has been – despite what the critics may say – a hugely impressive breakthrough season.

The fans were buzzing for the youngster and we’ve put together some of the best reaction…

https://twitter.com/gooner_toni/status/1106449073173868544

https://twitter.com/TakuMuzavazi/status/1106426866984984581

https://twitter.com/gudebning/status/1106376482069377025