Arsenal welcomed Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium earlier tonight as they hoped to pick up a victory in front of their home supporters in the London derby. The Gunners made a bright start to the game and took the lead in the eight-minute courtesy of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal. The North London outfit managed to keep their noses ahead and went into the half-time break one goal to the good.
Christian Benteke scored the equalizer for the Eagles just five minutes into the second half with a great finish. Arsenal were in a world of trouble as they conceded another goal in the 73rd minute when Odsonne Edouard found the back of the net to put his team in a strong position to claim all three points. However, Alexandre Lacazette came off the bench to score the all-important leveler for the home side in injury-time which meant that both London teams played out a 2-2 draw after the full-time whistle.
Let’s take a look at how each Arsenal player performed during the clash against the Eagles.
GK: Aaron Ramsdale – 6.5/10
The Gunners keeper made some important saves during the game but won’t be pleased after letting in two goals in the second half.
RB: Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7/10
The Japanese talent was defensively solid and was even quite lively going forward. He made multiple tackles to make life difficult for the opposition.
CB: Ben White – 6/10
White passed the ball well and had some bright moments throughout the game. However, he won’t be satisfied after conceding two goals tonight.
CB: Gabriel – 6.5/10
The Brazilian defensive ace was strong in the air and made a couple of crucial clearances inside his half.
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LB: Kieran Tierney – 6.5/10
The Scottish full-back did his fair share of defending but failed to influence the game in the final third.
CM: Thomas Partey – 5.5/10
Partey gave away the ball cheaply in the lead-up to Christian Benteke’s goal. However, he deserves some credit for making a positive impact at both ends of the field.
CM: Martin Odegaard – 6/10
Odegaard found it difficult to get into the flow of the game and got replaced after the hour mark.
RW: Nicolas Pepe – 6/10
He was always willing to have a strike at goal but was quite underwhelming with his productivity in the attacking end of the pitch.
CAM: Emile Smith Rowe – 6.5/10
Smith Rowe linked up play well with others around him but squandered two good chances to get his name on the scoresheet.
LW: Bukayo Saka – 6/10
Saka could only manage to orchestrate one good chance in the first half. He picked up an injury and was substituted at half-time.
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7.5/10
The Gabon striker gave Arsenal the all-important lead with a calm finish. However, he didn’t do much else in the game.
Substitutes:
CM: Albert Sambi Lokonga – 6/10
The 21-year-old had a tough time anchoring the Arsenal midfield in the second half.
ST: Alexandre Lacazette – 8/10
Lacazette salvaged a point for the Gunners with his injury-time goal from close range.
ST: Gabriel Martinelli -N/A
He didn’t get enough minutes to influence the game.
