Arsenal’s offensive woes continue as they stumble to a 0-0 draw with Leeds United at the Elland Road on Sunday. The Gunners were poor for the large parts of the game and were a man down early in the second half due to Nicolas Pepe’s red card. However, some diligent defending and a lot of luck sealed a useful point as Leeds notably hit the post thrice during the final phase of the game.
Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Leeds United
Bernd Leno 9/10
Saved Arsenal’s blushes with a bunch of top-class saves throughout the course of the game. He was lucky on a few instances when the ball hit the post, but the German was by far Arsenal’s best performer of the night.
Hector Bellerin 7.5/10
Hector Bellerin struggled to cope with Jack Harrison but did a good job considering how he didn’t have any defensive support from Nicolas Pepe. Provided a great pass to open up Bukayo Saka late in the game.
Rob Holding 5/10
Didn’t provide a great deal of solidity at the back despite all his intimidating presence as Leeds United created a plethora of opportunities.
Gabriel Magalhaes 4/10
It was a sloppy performance from Gabriel Magalhaes, who struggled to marshal the Arsenal backline. The Brazilian looked indecisive with his clearances and was lucky not to concede a goal.
Kieran Tierney 6/10
Kieran Tierney didn’t have an eventful game going forward, but he was asked to provide the defensive cover for the two centre-backs for the most part of the game. Had a few difficulties dealing with the presence of Raphinha and Ian Poveda though.
Dani Ceballos 6/10
Dani Ceballos failed to compete with the Leeds United midfield, but he wasn’t completely horrible. However, it can be argued that someone else might have been a better fit in this fixture.
Granit Xhaka 6/10
Granit Xhaka was forced to do the defensive work for the most part of the game. He wasn’t particularly bad either, but one can expect much better from the Swiss international as far as his midfield responsibilities are concerned.
Nicolas Pepe 3/10
It was yet another ineffective performance from Nicolas Pepe, who simply wasn’t good enough to trouble Leeds United. Ruined Arsenal’s night by picking up a silly red early in the second half.
Joe Willock 5/10
Starting just behind Aubameyang, Joe Willock appeared selfish at times, and his overall outcome wasn’t great. Was a vital cog in Arsenal’s first line of press but his night was cut short as he made way for Bukayo Saka just before the hour-mark.
Willian 4/10
Provided decent defensive support to Kieran Tierney on the left flank but was completely useless going forward. Rightly taken off at half-time due to lack of penetration.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 5/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang didn’t have much to do despite returning to the number nine role as Arsenal were forced to defend for the most part of the game. The Gabonese international did have one great opportunity late in the game but failed to get the better of the Leeds United backline.
SUBSTITUTES
Reiss Nelson 4/10
Replaced Willian at half-time and offered more urgency and pace in the Arsenal attack. Little did it matter as Pepe’s red card meant the Gunners had to take one step backwards.
Bukayo Saka 8/10
Provided a real spark in the Arsenal attack and became a menace for the opposition, notably crafting an excellent opportunity for Aubameyang. Unfortunately, the Englishman picked up an injury and was forced out of the game.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles N/A
A late replacement for Saka.
