Arsenal extended their winning run to three games in the Europa League after securing an incredible 3-2 comeback win over Vitoria Guimaraes.
The Gunners, however, were pegged back early on with a goal from London native Marcus Edwards in the eighth minute. The visitors looked the more threatening team throughout the first half. And though Arsenal did eventually fight back through Gabriel Martinelli, Vitoria’s lead was soon restored by Bruno Duarte.
Arsenal lacked creativity in the final third and struggled to break the shackles of the opposing defence throughout the game. Their susceptibility at the back, coupled with a lack of cohesion saw Vitoria create a lot of scoring opportunities. But, it was Nicolas Pepe, who truly announced himself as an Arsenal player by scoring two exquisite free-kicks and complete his side’s incredible comeback late in the game.
Here are Unai Emery’s men rated in their win over the Portuguese outfit this evening.
Emiliano Martinez 5
Should have done a lot better in keeping out the first goal as Edwards’ shot went through his legs. It was not the best of games for the Argentine.
Hector Bellerin 7
Provided excellent support going forward, especially in the second half. His swiftness and tenacity on the flanks were useful as Arsenal pushed Vitoria. However, the Spaniard looked susceptible on the counter and often awarded Davidson with acres of space in behind the backline. He needs to improve his defensive game and positioning.
Shkodran Mustafi 6
A mixed performance from the German, who, at times, impressed the onlookers with his ability to play out from the back. However, he struggled in dealing with Davidson on the right flank while also allowing the Vitoria players to make runs in behind the defence. Missed a couple of scoring opportunities as well with mistimed headers.
Rob Holding 5
Was barely involved in the build-up and failed to provide any stability in defence. A below-par display from the 23-year-old, who certainly needs to improve if he is to become the first-choice centre-back for Arsenal.
Kieran Tierney 7
With Bellerin marching forward at every instance, Tierney mostly stuck to his defensive task and moved up the pitch only when needed. Provided one or two decent crosses, but his good positioning minimised the influence of Edwards in the second half. Struggled in the first 45 minutes, though.
Lucas Torreira 5
Lacked the quality when it came to building Arsenal’s transition game as he was often hurried and hassled by Vitoria midfielders. Failed to stamp his authority in midfield, which led to Emery deploying him in a more advanced role in the second half. Perhaps Arsenal needed Mesut Ozil instead.
Joe Willock 4.5
It was a clumsy first-half display from the youngster, who lacked composure and often gave away possession cheaply. He was rightly subbed off after the restart.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 4
By far the worst player of the evening, Maitland-Niles provided no threat going forward. He is too slow to make any impact in Arsenal’s fast-paced game, and it doesn’t look like he is going to succeed under the leadership of Emery.
Emile Smith Rowe 8
After a few underwhelming performances, Smith Rowe showed his real talent by producing a hard-working display in the attack. He was involved a lot in Arsenal’s attacking game and helped them create numerous chances in the second half when he operated from the left. His trickery was ideal for Arsenal’s right-sided overload.
Gabriel Martinelli 7.5
Despite scoring the equaliser, Martinelli had a mixed evening as he did look clumsy, at times. But just like Smith Rowe, he worked hard and ultimately helped his team seal all three points.
Alexandre Lacazette 5
Not the best of performances from the Frenchman, who was completely isolated by the opposing defenders and had very little time and space to work with. He got frustrated at the end before making way for Pepe during the final phase of the game.
SUBSTITUTES
Dani Ceballos 7.5
Came in for Maitland-Niles after the end of the first half and provided the creativity that was missing in the final third. The Spaniard distributed the ball while his clever tricks and flicks made Arsenal much more effective in half-spaces.
Matteo Guendouzi 7
With Torreira struggling, Guendouzi’s introduction in the second half offered the much-needed solidity in the Arsenal midfield. It wasn’t the best of performances from the young Frenchman. But, his commitment and aggression set an ideal platform for Arsenal to provide pressure on Vitoria and stage a late comeback.
Nicolas Pepe 10
The star of the show, Pepe finally showed Emirates what he is really capable of by clinching all three points for his side. He provided everything Arsenal were missing from Lacazette, and the two goals should give him loads of confidence as he looks ahead to justifying his hefty price-tag. However, the Ivorian is still yet to score from open play for his new club.
