Following a defeat to Leicester City, Arsenal bounced back to winning ways thanks to a comfortable 3-0 win over Dundalk in the UEFA Europa League. The Gunners were the better side throughout the course of the game, sealing a 2-0 lead at half-time through goals from Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock before Nicolas Pepe’s sublime effort, early in the second half, helped them secure all three points.
Arsenal Players Rated In Win Over Dundalk
Runar Alex Runarsson 6/10
Made a useful save in the first half that helped him produce a calm and composed display in between the sticks, although the Iceland international had very little to do with Dundalk amassing only one shot on target.
Cedric Soares 7/10
Cedric Soares provided adequate offensive support from the right flank, occasionally drifting in and having attempts on goal. A decent display from the Portuguese international.
Shkodran Mustafi 7/10
A useful game for Shkodran Mustafi, who didn’t have much to do defensively. The game-time should help him settle into the campaign after recovering from a relatively long injury layoff.
Sead Kolasinac 7/10
A defensive combination of Mustafi and Kolasinac was always going to mean trouble. Fortunately for the Bosnian, he had very little to do defensively, mostly due to the futility of the Dundalk side. So it an easy clean sheet for him and the rest of the Arsenal backline.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 7.5/10
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was a lively figure for Arsenal in this fixture. The Englishman offered dynamism from the far side, always making himself an outlet either from a cross or in the build-up play.
Granit Xhaka 7.5/10
Steadied the ship in midfield, preventing the Dundalk players from creating a strong foundation in the middle of the park. Was replaced by Kieran Tierney late in the game.
Joe Willock 9/10
Joe Willock was a livewire throughout the game. He was always keen on attacking the opposing defence while also winning several balls in midfield. The midfielder’s combination play with his teammates, in particular, was eye-catching and so was his goal just before half-time.
Mohamed Elneny 7.5/10
With Willock bombarding forward, Mohamed Elneny offered himself as a calming presence in the middle of the park. He worked as a link between the defence and midfield, enjoying a relatively quiet and steady game.
Nicolas Pepe 7.5/10
Nicolas Pepe’s problems of not being able to take on opposing defenders and beating them remain. But the Ivorian once again showcased a magic moment when his outstanding strike found the back of the net for Arsenal’s third goal. Subbed shortly after.
Eddie Nketiah 9/10
Eddie Nketiah showed striker’s instincts to find the first goal, showing incredibly quick reflexes. The young striker was sharp and ready to trouble the Dundalk defenders with his pace, aggression and work-ethic. As such, it was he who intercepted the ball that led to Arsenal’s second of the night.
Reiss Nelson 9/10
Reiss Nelson was by far the most active player for Arsenal in this game. The ex-Hoffenheim starlet was absolutely mesmerising with his dribbles as he took on a number of Dundalk defenders. His performance was key behind the club’s overall chance creation, though the Englishman was unlucky not to score.
SUBSTITUTES
Dani Ceballos 7.5/10
Replaced Mustafi around hour-mark, forcing Elneny to act as an auxiliary centre-back. The Spaniard was neat and tidy, as one would expect.
Willian 6.5/10
Willian provided support from the left flank after coming on for Pepe. But much like the Ivorian, the ex-Chelsea winger lacked penetration.
Kieran Tierney 7/10
A lively figure on the left flank during the final phase of the game. Attempted an ambitious strike on goal but his shot went over the bar.
Folarin Balogun 7/10
Folarin Balogun was provided with an excellent opportunity as he came on for Nketiah during the final phase of the game. Made some decent runs in behind the defence but failed to add to Arsenal’s tally.
