Arsenal played a thriller against Southampton, with tension galore. Here are the player ratings from the match, including Danny Welbeast.
Arsenal, Danny Welbeck (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal came out with their rotational squad out on the pitch, as only a few regulars held down starting spots. Given that it was against Southampton, that shouldn’t have been much of a concern, but this is Arsenal, and things always get dicey.
A miscommunication between Petr Cech and Shkdoran Mustafi, which elevated to an argument after the goal, left the Gunners 1-0 down, but they were quick to answer with their brute athleticism in the attack.
Both Danny Welbeck and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had fantastic matches, playing like old mates on the school yard.
Defensively, it was a bit of a mess, mostly because of individual mistakes, but a win is a win, and all problems that can’t be fixed now can certainly be fixed in the summer, whatever that entails.
Here, then, are the player ratings from the 3-2 win.
Goalkeeper
Petr Cech
GK, Arsenal
6.8
The miscommunication with Shkodran Mustafi has to, at least in the slightest, come down to Petr Cech. But other than that, Cech did well enough. He did his part to keep as many goals out as he could. The two that he couldn’t keep out were the miscommunication and an ‘other.’
(Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Defence
Hector Bellerin
RB, Arsenal
7.3
Kept up his positive run of form that began against CSKA Moscow. Was a threat going forward and did just as well tracking back. Had some fantastic moments in defense where he was positioned perfectly. Positive. That’s the keyword here.
Shkodran Mustafi
CB, Arsenal
5.6
Mostly responsible for that first goal, which made him look really, really bad and far worse than we know he can be. Had some positive impacts on either side of that horrific, but in the meantime, it was still a horrible mistake.
Calum Chambers
CB, Arsenal
6.8
A bit rough on that second goal, but then again, he was left high and dry by his team mates, particularly Jack Wilshere, who blew the run and pulled an “old Xhaka.” Much like Mustafi though, on either side of that he had a positive impact, despite a relative defensive collapse.
Sead Kolasinac
LB, Arsenal
7.1
When Wilshere got smacked right in front of Kolasinac, I was ready for heads to role. Kolasinac is who you want on your side when things get testy, which they did get. This was a step in the right direction for Kolasinac, who has been desperate for form lately. Glad to see him getting back to his best.
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Deep Midfield
Mohamed Elneny
CM, Arsenal
8.1
F that red card. That was a typical “make up” call. Elneny did not deserve it and it marred what was a very positive game from the Egyptian. Went above and beyond his usual “base line,” completing 96% of his passes, creating a team-high three chances, led the team in ball-winning plays and was otherwise a force to be reckoned with. Top stuff.
Granit Xhaka
CM, Arsenal
7.8
He’s done it again. he keeps putting in solid performances one after another. This time he was even a menace in the air, winning six aerials duels, the most on the team. He was clean in his tackles and put in the work that needed to be done to secure a hard-fought win.
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Front Three
Alex Iwobi
CAM, Arsenal
8.0
Had a couple heavy touches, but that didn’t mar what was a really solid return to form for the young Nigerian. Managed two assists, both very well-taken efforts, particularly that lofted ball to Welbeck that was just a peach of a set-up. Happy to see him like this. Now the trick is making this the norm.
Reiss Nelson
AMR, Arsenal
6.5
Was actually pretty irrelevant. Didn’t do much with the ball, but on the flipside, that’s a positive. Because he has been guilty of trying way too hard in the past. This looked like a “cool and steady” performance just to get his footing. I’m always okay with that.
Danny Welbeck
AML, Arsenal
8.5
Man of the Match. Could have had more goals, but we will have to make do with his two. Both were well taken and his assist to Aubameyang was just gorgeous. If I was a gullible man, I’d believe this can be what he does on a regular basis, but I’ll try not to be gullible. Still, I always love when Welbeast shows up, and he was there today.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
ST, Arsenal
8.1
Combined so well with his attacking mates, despite them being the second-tier options. Was great to see the link-up working so well. Created two chances, which was second highest on the team, scored a goal to make him the most successful Arsenal striker over his first seven games. It was just positive all around. Looks to be enjoying himself too, which is never overrated.
(Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Substitutes
Jack Wilshere
SUB, Arsenal
6.7
Maybe a little tussle will get Wilshere back into the right frame of mind. Was actually happy to see him instigating. Had a fantastic set-up that should have been put away by Welbeck too. Other than that, was a tad frustrating, but the downward skid may be turning around.
Alexandre Lacazette
SUB, Arsenal
6.5
Tried things, which is such a positive on what can often be a regimented Arsenal attack. Really pushed the envelope with some attacks and attempted some audacious creative endeavors. The confidence is flowing, that is certain.
There is no rating for Rob Holding.
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