Amidst recent turmoil regarding Arsene Wenger’s future at the club, Arsenal had an opportunity to shake off their misfortune and turn things around with a win over their top four rivals Manchester City in front of Emirates crowd. However, the Gunners’ only settled for a draw as Mustafi’s second half header finished it all square in north London.
Below are the Arsenal players rated from this fixture.
David Ospina: 6
Ospina was handed a start due to the absence of Veteran Petr Cech who limped off the pitch in the last gameweek against West Brom. The Colombian custodian conceded a couple of goals but did well to deny Fernandinho’s second-half strike in order to keep the scoreline level at 2-2. He was good with his outing and did well against City’s set-pieces. Was lucky as Kevin De Bruyne hit the woodwork twice in the first half.
Hector Bellerin: 5
The Spaniard is yet to get back to his form and struggled down the right-hand flank. Leroy Sane kept him on his toes and was beaten by the pacy German time and again. Did not offer much in attack with his trademark overlap runs and crosses.
Shkodran Mustafi: 7
The German international rescued Arsenal with a second half equaliser and also helped them to level the scoreline during the first half when his forward ball was slotted home by Theo Walcott. Pulled off a few blocks and interceptions despite being bullied by Sane, Silva and Kevin De Bruyne throughout the game.
Laurent Koscielny: 6
The Frenchman tried his best to stop Kevin De Bruyne’s surge with a fine block, but the ball landed at the feet of David Silva who teed up Sergio Aguero beautifully and the Argentine made no mistake to find the back of the net to restore their first half lead. Missed the second half with a suspected injury and was replaced by Gabriel at half time.
Nacho Monreal: 6.5
Monreal had a better outing as he did well to contain Raheem Sterling down the left-hand side. Whipped in a few crosses and did well to link up with Alexis Sanchez. Should have been better positioned in City’s second goal. Was lucky not to concede a penalty in stoppage time when Navas’ cross struck his hand inside the box.
Francis Coquelin: 6
Tried his best to break City’s star-studded midfield and combated well against the likes of De Bruyne and Silva.
Granit Xhaka: 5
The big money summer signing is having a tough time to settle down with the squad and had another nervy outing where he lost possession in the middle of the park which could have resulted in severe damage.
Theo Walcott: 6.5
Did well to follow Mustafi’s forward ball and poked it home into the bottom corner to draw an equaliser. Had a lively first half with one-twos, lay offs and crosses. Was largely isolated in the second half and was replaced by Olivier Giroud for last twenty minutes of the game.
Mesut Ozil: 6
Returned to the squad after injury and took time to settle in. Impressed with his touches and his perfectly taken corner was converted by Mustafi to earn a crucial point for the Gunners. However, his work ethics, as usual, could have been much better.
Danny Welbeck: 5
The Englishman did not offer much except a few one-twos and link ups with fellow attackers. Was taken off and replaced by Alex Iwobi towards the end.
Substitutes:
Gabriel: 6.5
The Brazilian was introduced before the second half in place of Koscielny. Despite a nervy start, he settled in well and made a few crucial clearances to avoid further damage.
Olivier Giroud: 6
The Frenchman has scored many late goals this season but failed to grab one this evening in spite of creating pressure on City back-line.
Alex Iwobi: 6
Was impressive down the right-hand flank as he tried to find Giroud for a late winner. Was well handled by Gael Clichy. Should have done better towards the end as he skied his effort over the bar from the edge of the box.