Arsenal bounced back to winning form in the Premier League by securing a 2-1 win over Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon. The Gunners dominated the majority of the game and were cruising towards a 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe. However, an incredible effort from David McGoldrick meant that the game ended in a nervy fashion for the Gunners.
Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Sheffield United
Bernd Leno 6/10
Saved David Luiz’s blushes by clearing the ball high up the pitch to deny Oliver Burke a great opportunity to score. Didn’t have much to do otherwise but had no chance against McGoldrick’s wonder strike.
David Luiz 6/10
A lapse of concentration saw him almost gift Burke an excellent scoring chance early in the game. The Brazilian stayed strong during the remainder of the game, helping Arsenal hold on to their slender lead.
Gabriel Magalhaes 7/10
Gabriel Magalhaes looked cool right from the beginning. This was the first time he had to operate in what looked like a four-man backline. Did his job well, distributing possession out from the back.
Kieran Tierney 6.5/10
Sheffield United employing a deep defensive line allowed some freedom for Kieran Tierney to move forward. His crosses into the box didn’t really make an impact though, mainly due to the absence of a target-man.
Hector Bellerin 8/10
Hector Bellerin was involved in both the goals this afternoon. He provided the cross that found Saka for the opener while the Spaniard also delivered a deep pass towards Pepe, though that didn’t count as an assist. His offensive endeavours were commendable.
Mohamed Elneny 7/10
Mohamed Elneny put in a good shift in central midfield. His box to box qualities were crucial in Arsenal maintaining possession and domination most period of the game.
Dani Ceballos 7.5/10
Operating at the hub of midfield, Dani Ceballos orchestrated the game with his remarkable passing and movement. He dropped deep when necessary while providing himself as a passing option for his teammates whenever possible. A solid display in the middle of the park.
Bukayo Saka 7.5/10
Had a relatively quiet evening down the left flank. Didn’t do much to penetrate the Sheffield United backline but did well to take his chance and score the all-important opener. Taken off late in the game.
Willian 6/10
Willian didn’t exactly make a lot of impact after coming back into the starting lineup. The Brazilian continues his inconsistent form, and it won’t be surprising to see him getting dropped in the next game.
Eddie Nketiah 6/10
Starting ahead of Alexandre Lacazette in that number nine position, Eddie Nketiah wasn’t effective at all particularly due to Arsenal’s tactic of whipping in crosses into the box. Made way for Nicolas Pepe in the second half.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 7.5/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was quite active this afternoon. He tried to make things happen with his runs inside the channel and brilliant movement which almost caught Sheffield early in the second half. The Gabonese international did make life difficult for the Blades, despite failing to find the back of the net.
SUBSTITUTES
Nicolas Pepe 7/10
Nicolas Pepe scored an incredible solo goal shortly after replacing Nketiah in the second half. However, that was the only real involvement from the Ivorian, who usually tried to link-up with Bellerin and provide crosses into the box.
Granit Xhaka N/A
Added a bit of freshness in midfield during the final stages of the game.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles N/A
A late replacement for Saka.
