Arsene Wenger and the Gunners have only the path of the Europa League, for now, to qualify for the Champions League next season. Their latest hurdle, however, were the Russian team CSKA but it wasn’t really a hurdle at the end of the day. Two lovely goals from Ramsey and two from Lacazette has put Arsenal firmly in command of the tie in the first leg itself which was played at the Emirates Stadium.
Here’s how the Arsenal players are rated from possibly their most confident victory in the recent times.
Petr Cech – 6/10
Comfortably stopped anything else rather than Golovin’s free-kick. Looked fine to have replaced Ospina and Wenger will have a problem with the selections again.
Hector Bellerin – 7/10
Looked really positive going forward but he left a few gaps in the process. Arsenal did sort them though.
Shkodran Mustafi – 6/10
Didn’t look imposing enough today and had it easy due to the quality of the opponent.
Laurent Koscielny – 6/10
Complimented Mustafi well on this and was as easy going as him. Would have conceded much more to a big opponent but they held on.
Nacho Monreal – 6.5/10
Not really employed a lot during the attack but he was firm in his positioning and did his job defensively.
Granit Xhaka – 7.5/10
Combined effectively with other midfielders and kept the passing game going on. He looked at peace today and seemed to have enjoyed his football.
Aaron Ramsey – 9.5/10
The ability to find space, time those runs and still control is brilliantly is just magnificent to see. He had one goal filed off for offside but the ones he took and scored were lovely. He was a constant threat to CSKA and is the man of the match without a doubt.
Jack Wilshere – 6/10
Grew into the game and did his bit. Nothing extraordinary.
Mesut Ozil – 9/10
At the centre of every Arsenal attack and did a terrific job. Created some really good chances and strung some quality passes to help his teammates throughout the night.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7/10
Looked decent until he got injured. Good work rate and there were other positive signs as well.
Alexandre Lacazette – 8/10
He looks to be the man who will lead Arsenal closer and closer to their pursuit of a European trophy. Took his goals nicely and it’s a boost for his confidence that he scored two.
Substitutes
Alex Iwobi – 7/10
He got a lot of positive energy in the game and looked enthusiastic.
