Arsenal went into the round of 32 in the Europa League as the top team of their group with a win over Qarabag in their last encounter in the group stage. Alexandre Lacazette notched up the only goal of the match with a sweet finish in the 16th minute, and the scoreline remained the same until the final whistle.
The Gunners looked to dominate the proceedings from the word go as Unai Emery went in with a young squad for this match. However, the game also witnessed the return of Arsenal’s skipper and defensive ace Laurent Koscielny for the first time since May, when he was sidelined with a ruptured Achilles in the Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Midfield maestro Mesut Ozil also started for the Gunners and provided the assist for Lacazette to clinch the match-winning goal.
Here is how the Arsenal players were rated from their win against Qarabag FK.
Damian Emiliano Martinez: 6
Had a rather quiet night with most of the action happening on the other end of the pitch. The clean sheet would boost his morale.
Carl Jenkinson: 7
Good sharp running from the player down the right flank on occasions as he also ensured no one went past him as he participated wholeheartedly in the defence as well.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos: 7
Made a brilliant tackle in the first half to dispossess Medvedev off the ball inside the box and helped Martinez keep his clean sheet intact with solid defensive work.
Laurent Koscielny: 6
Looked a bit on the back foot on a few occasions but overall it was a clinical performance from the Arsenal captain in the heart of the defence.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 6
Did well as he went up the pitch with brisk pace and accurate passing. Looked a bit shaky defensively.
Mohamed Elneny: 7
An excellent performance from the Egyptian as he marshalled the midfield with blocks and tackles and also delivered a few good passes.
Joe Willock: 6
An exuberant performance from the youngster as he fought hard in the midfield for the ball. Lacked the physicality though.
Eddie Nketiah: 6
Made some very good darting runs into the box but was not able to get any goals to show for his efforts. Linked well with Ozil on many occasions throughout the match. Had a goal disallowed for offside.
Mesut Ozil: 7
A good comeback from the midfield maestro as he set up Lacazette to score the only goal of the night. Full marks for his trickery but lacked pace on the night.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Did well to dish out a solid performance in his second appearance in the Europa League. Missed an excellent chance to put his name on the scoresheet in the 89th minute as a brave save by Vagner denied him.
Alexandre Lacazette: 7
Clinical and accurate as he clinched the match-winning goal for his side and helped them go into the next round as group winners.
Substitutes
Zechariah Medley: 4
Was largely ineffective after he replaced Lacazette in the attack.
Nacho Monreal: 6
Did well in whatever time he had on the pitch after he came on for Koscielny.
Charlie Gilmour: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
