With Manchester United’s latest run of form, Arsenal had to get a win against Huddersfield Town to keep them in the race for the top four. The Gunners did just that, but they were made to work hard against a team who are almost destined to go down to the English Championship.
Arsenal started off brightly and two goals from Alex Iwobi and Alexandre Lacazette in the first half were enough to secure the three points. Huddersfield managed to get a late consolation.
This was Unai Emery’s first away win since November and he would be glad that his team showed that they could come away with three points even when they are not playing at their best.
Here is how the Gunners fared.
Bernd Leno 7.5
Made some important saves in the second half. However, that wasn’t enough to keep the clean sheet as the Terriers managed to pull one back. The performance of the German should be applauded as he made sure that it was pretty much a nerveless game for his side.
Laurent Koscielny 7
Worked extremely hard and made some crucial blocks and interceptions. Slowly getting back to his best after a long term injury layoff.
Nacho Monreal 6
Diakhaby troubled him on a few occasions. But apart from that, a solid game for the Spaniard.
Shkodran Mustafi 5
The German looked shaky once again and made some poor decisions. Often tried to be too tight on his man and was found out of position on a few instances.
Ainsley Maitland Niles 6.5
Assisted the second goal which was important for the Gunners. Worked hard and always provided an attacking outlet down the right.
Sead Kolasinac 6
His attacking style of play didn’t help Monreal as he was often left isolated. Did provide some bright moments in the attacking half but Emery would also want to see him track back when required.
Matteo Guendouzi 6
Has been a crucial player for the Gunners this season and the young midfielder played some good passes. However, nothing too eye catching from him and an average performance overall.
Lucas Torreira 7
Did the nitty gritty job well in midfield and protected the back four by going into various challenges and harassing the Huddersfield attackers. Was neat with his passing.
Alex Iwobi 6.5
Scored an impressive volley to open the score. Could have got his second but was ruled out because of an earlier foul. Was direct in his approach and did a decent job but also lost the ball on a few occasions.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 7
Linked up play well and set up some good attacks in the attacking third. Was bright and lively.
Alexandre Lacazette 7
His movement across the pitch was impressive, and the Frenchman worked extremely hard for his team. Scored a simple goal after Maitland Niles found him with a brilliant assist.
Substitutes
Mohamed Elneny 6
Provided fresh legs on the pitch and did well in midfield to see out the game.
Denis Suarez N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Joe Willock N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
