Arsenal supporters returned to the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night and watched their side ease to a Europa League victory over Rapid Vienna.

Already assured of qualification to the knockout stages, a comfortable 4-1 win inspired by a fine Alexandre Lacazette opener means the Gunners top Group B.

But the result played second fiddle to the return of fans to top-flight football, as 2,000 spectators were spaced out – the first supporters to watch a game here in nine months.

This was the first time fans have been able to watch a Premier League side in action since the first coronavirus lockdown saw last season grind to a halt in March.

Spectators returned to lower-league venues a day earlier, but this was a big moment for Arsenal and their fanbase.