It would be absolutely unfair to say that it wasn’t a good gift the players gave to their manager, Arsene Wenger, on his 67th birthday. The absence of Cazorla was severely missed by the Gunners as they lacked the creative key to unlock Boro’s defence. However, Boro definitely deserved a point.
Arsenal Player ratings:-
Cech (9/ 10)- Cech took his place between the sticks after Ospina gave him a break in the midweek at the Champions League clash. It seems Arsenal have two of the best keepers in today’s football era as the Czech provided some of the most important saves.
It includes a double save early in the first half and a match winning save against Traore’s bullet.
Bellerin (7.5/ 10)- With Middlesbrough keeping very congested backline, Bellerin’s pace was highly ineffective up front. Though Boro’s lack of attack led to many take ons by the Gunners and Bellerin played a big role in that winning 3 take ons. The occasional interceptions owing Boro’s counter were crucial and Bellerin provided 4 of them.
Mustafi (8.5/ 10)- What a gem of a defender has Wenger got in Shkodran Mustafi. Though Arsenal’s backline had to move upfront because of the all attack in the second half, it was only Mustafi who remained solid clearing every minor Boro approach. Kept Negredo in his pocket for most of the game.
Koscielny (8/ 10)- Did the assured defending at the back, which has won him accolades from the manager and from the fans, though some mistakes and loose balls did catch the eye. He made 4 successful interceptions, 2 crucial blocks and recovered the ball 10 times when high up.
Monreal (7.5/ 10)- Did his bit for the defending part but Wenger could have deployed Gibbs at the back as the pace down the left flank was highly missing. He had problems with the pace of Traore on few occasions but considering he had the added job of covering for young Iwobi, he did well. Made 2 important interceptions.
Elneny (7.5/ 10)- Picked in place of Cazorla, Elneny worked hard providing many passes (36) but lacked the creativity of the Spaniard. He tried a couple of shots from outside the box, which excited the fans though.
Coquelin (7.5/ 10)- Returning from injury and directly into the action. The Frenchman did his job perfectly at the defensive midfield. He had no crucial moments as such as most of the game was won on flanks.
Iwobi (7/ 10)- Pretty ineffective today especially considering his talent and composure on the ball. He failed to unlock Boro’s solid defence. He provided a nice cross just before being subbed off but that sums it all.
Ozil (7.5/ 10)- Had cooled down after his brilliant hat trick against Ludogorets. Provided crucial passes at the attacking third but not with the same effect.
Walcott (8/ 10)- Only for his effort at the flanks. As the game came to an end, he worked really hard at that right hand side to keep the attacks alive.
Sanchez (8.5/ 10)- With Sanchez chasing the ball, there is never a lost cause. He kept the Boro defence at their toes for the whole game with two brilliant free kick attempts. Could have done better with the open chance in the early second half.
