Arsenal entertained Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium earlier today hoping to pick up maximum points in front of their home supporters. The Blades made a strong start to the encounter, but the Gunners came back strong and expressed their dominance towards the latter stages of the first half. Gabriel Martinelli gave his team the lead with his well-executed finish just before the half-time break.
The visitors grew into the game in the second 45 minutes and finally managed to net the equaliser via John Fleck’s stunner in the 83rd minute. The referee blew the full-time whistle soon after as the contest ended 1-1 with both teams sharing the spoils.
Let’s take a look at how each Arsenal player performed during the match versus the Blades.
GK: Bernd Leno – 6.5/10
The German keeper had a comfortable day out but couldn’t do much about Fleck’s strike. He distributed the ball accurately and had a good game at the back
RB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6/10
The Gunners full-back was bright and energetic down the right flank but lost track of Fleck in the lead-up to Sheffield’s equaliser in the second half.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi – 6/10
Mustafi had a few nervy moments early in the game but showed a lot of character to put in an improved display in the second 45.
CB: David Luiz – 7/10
The Brazilian defender seems to be growing in confidence under Mikel Arteta’s tutelage. He put in another impressive defensive display and commanded his own box well throughout the 90 minutes.
LB: Bukayo Saka – 8/10
The Arsenal prospect seems to be enjoying his life as a makeshift left-back. He was a constant threat down the left-wing and looked like he is growing in confidence with each game.
CM: Lucas Torreira – 8/10
The Uruguayan midfield ace worked his socks off for the benefit of his team. He made life difficult for the opposition and was able to provide adequate protection to the Arsenal backline.
CM: Granit Xhaka – 6/10
The Swiss international had a few sloppy moments on the ball, but he still managed to put in a good shift at the centre of the park.
RM: Nicolas Pepe – 7/10
The ex-Ligue 1 ace linked up play well with others around him and a constant menace for the Blades defenders in the first half. However, his performance levels faded in the second.
CAM: Mesut Özil – 6.5/10
The German playmaker showed some sparks of his brilliance but struggled to find the cutting edge in the final third.
LM: Gabriel Martinelli – 8.5/10
The Gunners starlet scored the crucial opener in the dying embers of the first half and ran himself to the ground while running the channels out on the wide positions.
ST: Alexandre Lacazette – 6/10
The French striker interchanged some neat passes with his teammates in and around the Sheffield penalty area. However, he failed to find the back of the net yet again, which won’t do his confidence any good.
Substitutes:
ST: Eddie Nketiah – 5/10
He struggled to get involved in the game.
