It was a dominant performance from Arsenal against Napoli in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal tie as the Gunners won the match by 2-0. Aaron Ramsey and Lucas Torreira scored the goals for their side in the first half, which was enough to get their team the win against the Serie A giants.
Unai Emery’s men looked to continue their good run at home in the competition and did so successfully. Aaron Ramsey, who is set to leave the north London club for Juventus at the end of this season, was in immaculate form and opened the scoring with a well-taken strike in the first half. The second goal was a lucky one as Torreira’s effort from outside the box took a significant deflection off Kalidou Koulibaly and went into the back of the net. However, both the sides wasted several opportunities in the second half as the Gunners go into the second leg next week with a healthy lead over their opponents.
Here is how the Arsenal players were rated from their win over Napoli.
Petr Čech: 7
Did not have much to do with the Napoli forwards being wasteful and most of the action happening on the other end of the pitch. A well deserved clean sheet for the veteran goalie.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos: 7
Kept playing on the shoulders of Dries Mertens. Made sure that nothing went past him as he dominated the gameplay in the Arsenal backline.
Laurent Koscielny: 7
Paired up well with the Greek international to keep his side out of harm’s way. A calm and composed performance from the Arsenal skipper.
Nacho Monreal: 6
Looked a little shaky on occasions. However, did a fair job against Lorenzo Insigne for most of the match.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 7
Looked like a bundle of energy as he made his darting runs down the right flank. Should have put the game to bed in the second half but he squandered the chance.
Lucas Torreira: 8
A gritty performance from the Uruguayan as he vied well against his Napoli counterparts in the middle of the pitch. His effort from outside the box led to a lucky goal in the first half to top off a satisfactory night.
Aaron Ramsey: 9
A scintillating performance from the midfield ace as he danced his way past the Napoli defenders and tormented them throughout the match. Scored the opening goal for his side with a brilliant finish. Should have left the pitch with a brace to his name but shot the ball over the bar after Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s inch-perfect pass found him right inside the box with acres of space to capitalise on.
Sead Kolašinac: 7
His physicality came into the play as he went up against Elseid Hysaj. Took a knock in the second half but recovered well to play an essential role in the crucial win.
Mesut Özil: 6.5
Initiated the attack that led to the opening goal from the midfield. Kept getting into the danger area from time to time but seemed to lack energy in the second half.
Alexandre Lacazette: 6.5
Assisted (well almost) Ramsey with a brilliant ball to open the scoring. Looked like a threat in the box but should have done better with his finishing.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 6
Kept playing over the shoulders of Koulibaly throughout the match. Could have had a goal to his name but wasted the opportunity in the second half.
Substitutes
Alex Iwobi: 5
Nothing special from the Nigerian ace on the night.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 6
Looked to get into the box from time to time. Played a great pass to set up Ramsey in front of the goal but the Welshman could not capitalise on it.
Mohamed Elneny: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
