Arsenal played out a stalemate against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium for their second match of the new season as the Gunners drop points again and lose more ground to their rivals in the title race. It was a dull game for the most part but became a bit open in the late stages of the second half where both teams got decent chances to get something out of the tie. Let’s look at how the Arsenal players fared in the contest on a scale of 10.
Petr Cech (6/10)
Didn’t have a lot to do but was called into action in the dying stages to save his team’s blushes and he did that.
Hector Bellerin (5/10)
Didn’t do a lot in the attacking sense and got up and down well but got off with a tackle which could have cost his team the single point they managed.
Rob Holding (7/10)
Showed his talent today with an established partner beside him. One of the few positives for Arsenal from the game. Did his job very well quietly at the back.
Laurent Koscielny (9/10)
Simply the savior for Arsenal at the back. Without him, the team looks to be in shatters. Gave another commanding display when the team needed it. His presence also got the best out of young Holding.
Nacho Monreal (7/10)
Was very good defensively which was needed the most but was left frustrated with the lack of options up front in the box to swing some crosses in. Couldn’t utilize possession the way he wanted to which affected the team’s attacking moves.
Granit Xhaka (7/10)
Was very tidy in possession and executed a fantastic tackle in the first half. A much better performance after his torrid 24-minute spell against Liverpool, should give him a big boost in terms of confidence.
Francis Coquelin (7/10)
Fought till the last and partnered Xhaka well in the midfield. Could have done better with the chance he was presented with in front of goal, though. Lucky to stay on the pitch to be fair after committing so many fouls post his yellow card.
Santi Cazorla (6/10)
Played in a much more advanced position but disappointed with his passing in the forward areas. Cazorla not being able to influence the game was the reason it looked so dull and predictable in the attacking zones.
Alexis Sanchez (4/10)
Another horrible performance, two weeks in a row now. Did nothing notable in the 90 minutes. As bad as he has ever been in his career.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (7/10)
Did play well and tried to offer something different in terms of attacking. Looked sharp but suffered from the lack of movement in front of him.
Theo Walcott (7/10)
Looked a threat and worked very hard but his biggest weakness is that he disappears from games from time to time. Had some good chances but to be fair to him Arsenal didn’t create a whole lot with Cazorla being poor particularly with his passing in the final third
Subs
Mesut Ozil (7/10)
Came on for Cazorla and immediately injected the penetration which the team lacked. Created some very good chances but his inclination to pass to Alexis instead of others once again cost the squad, else he could have easily had an assist at least.
Jack Wilshere (6/10)
Did well after coming on for Xhaka. Provided the drive going forward. Still doesn’t look fully fit or sharp but is not far behind also.
Olivier Giroud (5/10)
Came on late but still got into great positions inside the penalty area with his movement. Was on the clear 3 times but was left frustrated by the poor decision making of his teammates each time. Could have scored if the passes were played to him instead.
