Arsenal preserved their hundred percent record in the UEFA Europa League with a comprehensive 4-2 victory over Dundalk this evening. The Gunners were the better side once again as goals galore from the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock, Mohamed Elneny and Folarin Balogun helped them end their group stage on a positive note.
Arsenal Players Rated In Win Over Dundalk
Runar Alex Runarsson 6/10
Didn’t have much to do as Dundalk provided minimal threat going forward. But, the Iceland international failed to keep out any of the two goals scored by the opposition this evening.
Calum Chambers 8/10
A neat performance from Calum Chambers, who looked confident in possession, often playing a key role in Arsenal’s build-up. Had a late goal disallowed due to offside.
Shkodran Mustafi 7/10
Shkodran Mustafi marshalled the Arsenal defence, playing in a relatively deeper role at the heart of the three-man backline. Couldn’t have done much to prevent the two goals from Dundalk.
Pablo Mari 7/10
Pablo Mari may not have been as impressive as he was against Rapid Wien, but it was still a positive display from the Spaniard. He looked confident with the ball as ever, marching forward at every given opportunity.
Cedric Soares 8.5/10
Cedric Soares was one of the best performers for Arsenal in this game. The Portuguese fullback was a constant outlet for the Gunners on the right flank, deeply involving himself in the final third.
Joe Willock 7.5/10
Joe Willock took his time in settling into the game but dominated the Dundalk defence when he did. The Englishman was rewarded with a second-half goal as well, in what turned out to be the actual winner.
Mohamed Elneny 7.5/10
Scored one of the goals of the season Europa League to double Arsenal’s lead inside the first 20 mins. A solid midfield performance overall for the Egyptian international.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 7/10
Ainsley Maitland-Niles wasn’t as involved as Cedric on the opposite flank. However, he still looked dangerous with his forays down the flanks and was much more direct when compared to his Portuguese teammate.
Nicolas Pepe 7.5/10
Nicolas Pepe was once again influential today as he continues to impress against smaller oppositions in the UEFA Europa League. It will be interesting to see whether or not he can maintain this level of consistency in the knockout fixtures.
Eddie Nketiah 7.5/10
A deft finish to find the all-important opener for Arsenal and a decent shift overall for the young forward, who clearly deserves more chances in the Premier League.
Emile Smith Rowe 7.5/10
Emile Smith Rowe wasn’t involved much in the proceedings until the second half as he linked up well with his teammates in the far side and also in a central role.
Substitutes
Dani Ceballos 7/10
Offered assurance and creativity in the Arsenal midfield after replacing Elneny around the hour mark.
Folarin Balogun 8/10
Folarin Balogun was a lively figure after coming on for Nketiah and was even rewarded with his second professional goal for Arsenal. He also assisted Willock’s effort in the 67th minute.
Ben Cottrell N/A
Made his senior debut for Arsenal, replacing Smith Rowe late in the game
Miguel Azeez N/A
Showed some elegant touches in the final few minutes.
