Arsenal locked horns with Manchester City at the Emirates earlier tonight, hoping to pick up a win and climb a few places in the points table. The visitors dominated from start to finish after Raheem Sterling’s goal in the 2nd minute. The Gunners were hugely dependent on Bukayo Saka as they continuously tried to break down the City defence; however, the equalising goal never arrived as the contest ended 1-0.
Let’s take a look at how each Arsenal player fared during the clash against the Citizens.
Bernd Leno – 6.5/10
The German shot-stopper pulled off a couple of incredible saves tonight to help his side. However, there’s hardly anything he could have done to prevent the first goal.
Kieran Tierney – 6.5/10
The Scottish left-back found himself struggling against the quick feet of Riyad Mahrez time and again. Attacking wise, he put loads of crosses into the box, but his deliveries lacked quality.
Pablo Mari – 6/10
The Spanish centre-back left Raheem Sterling completely unmarked in the box for City’s first and only goal of the game. Had he been more alert, the early goal could have been prevented.
Rob Holding – 6.5/10
The English defender made some extremely well-timed tackles to dispossess the City frontmen in the attacking third. Besides, he made a few crucial blocks to keep his side in the match.
Hector Bellerin – 6/10
The German right-back put up a very average performance tonight. He often mistimed his tackles and ended up giving away needless fouls.
Granit Xhaka – 5.5/10
The Swiss midfielder lacked the creativity in the opposition half as hardly any of his passes could reach the intended destination.
Mohamed Elneny – 6.5/10
The Egyptian international’s duties were mostly limited to his own half of the pitch. He often dropped deep to shield the back-four.
Bukayo Saka – 7/10
The 19-year-old was perhaps the only Arsenal player who could create some chances for his teammates time and again. He looked threatening down the left flank.
Nicolas Pepe – 6/10
The Ivorian winger was nowhere to be seen throughout the game. He was marked tightly by Oleksandr Zinchenko, and as a result, he had very little space to work with.
Martin Odegaard – 6/10
The Norwegian international had some good ideas but failed to implement them.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 6/10
The Gabonese striker had little to no involvement in the attacking gameplay. He was deprived of chances, and it never looked like he had a goal in him.
SUBSTITUTES:
Alexandre Lacazette – 5/10
The Frenchman was probably brought on to bolster the hosts’ attacking options, but he seemed rather quiet after coming on.
Emile Smith Rowe – 5/10
Provided his side with some extra energy going forward.
David Luiz – N/A (concussion substitute)
It was too late when he came on.
Dani Ceballos – N/A
He was brought on in the 86th minute.
