Arsenal were more than lucky to grind out yet another point from a game where their performance was way below par. This comes just three days after their game against Manchester United, where the Gunners had a similarly jaded performance.
Fortunately, qualification was not at stake here, but qualifying from the second spot has its own problems and Arsenal are well aware of that as they still remain top of the table with level points courtesy of their away goals. Here are the player ratings from the game.
Player Ratings
David Ospina (8/10) – If it wasn’t for him and some dreadful finishing by PSG striker Edinson Cavani, Arsenal would have faced a humiliating defeat, breaking their undefeated run. The Columbian was again up for his task as he has been throughout Arsenal’s Champions League campaign so far.
Kieran Gibbs (7.5/10)- He was perhaps the only defender among the back four who showed some grit and resilience throughout the game. He even lamented after the game stating how the team was lucky to scrape away with a point. He made 1 crucial interception and had 5 successful tackles. He also recovered the ball 6 times.
Laurent Koscielny (6/10) – Arsenal’s best defender last season and to a large extent this season, who has been recently nominated in the UEFA shortlist, had a disastrous night. A lot was expected from the French international but he was terribly careless at times, which jeopardised the defence. Koscielny recovered the ball 4 times, had only 2 successful tackles and made 2 good blocks.
Shkodran Mustafi (6.5/10) – I am yet to understand that is it only the Germans at Arsenal or in general, who possess this gait of reluctance. Whatever it is, all is cool until you sleep off while playing. Mustafi did just that at times. However, he made 2 interceptions and made 3 clearances in his sleep, nothing much to be proud of, though.
Carl Jenkinson (6/10) – Arsenal have to do something about the right back position and Jenkinson is not the answer. You know you are very poor when your teammates are not passing you the ball. The only positive thing was his crossing, which looked dangerous at times.
Aaron Ramsey (7.5/10) – The Wales international came into the match taking huge criticism for his performance against United. And he was by far the best player on the pitch for the Gunners. Wenger didn’t make the mistake this time and started him in the middle alongside Coquelin. He completed the most number of passes (58), provided 17 successful passes in the attacking third and recovered the ball 12 times- the most in the team.
Francis Coquelin (7/10) – Arsenal have a much-disciplined player in him. His performance excelled more due to Ramsey’s presence beside him. Coquelin recovered the ball 6 times, had 4 successful tackles and made 2 interceptions.
Alexis Sanchez (7.5/ 10) – Even when he is not 100% fit, he is a threat to the opposition. Despite having heavy legs, the Chilean was difficult to deal with and suffered the most number of fouls (4) in both teams. Made 18 successful passes in the attacking third. It was his attempt to move in that gave Arsenal the penalty.
Mesut Ozil (6/10) – It is hard to understand why he is underperforming. Unlike others, he had complete rest during the international break. Ozil was ineffective yet again, although he still managed to provide 19 attacking third passes.
Alex Iwobi (6.5/ 10) – He was very unlucky to score an own goal and getting subbed off immediately after that. The Nigerian struggled to get into the pace of the game anyway and had 1 successful take-on.
Olivier Giroud (7/10) – He was by far the most confident player on the pitch and it was aptly reflecting in his movements. He took the penalty well. Often dropped back and did his defensive duties well.
