Arsenal vs Norwich: Player Ratings

In one way, that was the worst win I’ve seen in a long time. To have countless amounts of chances and record 29 shots to score just 1 scrambled, goal-line tap in is simply not good enough. In another way, however, we dominated the game. In the end, though, I’d rather have a bad win then a good loss.

Mikel Arteta – 7.5

I thought he would’ve come out with a stronger team, but the absence of some of our more prolific players didn’t weaken the team. The Starting XI was balanced and well thought out. The tactics worked brilliantly as well.

Aaron Ramsdale – 8

First of all: clean sheet. Didn’t have an awful lot to do in terms of shot stopping but was ready when he was called upon. So calm and comfortable in possession (and even sent one or two of the Canaries to the corner store). Brilliant performance.

Kieran Tierney – 7

I know this probably isn’t a popular opinion, but I am starting to have doubts over Tierney’s playstyle. Don’t get me wrong; his aggressive play down the wing poses a threat to almost any team we play against… but how aggressive is too aggressive? Recently, especially in this game, he seemed to force deliveries that were not on, as well as struggle to get back on defence. After all, his priorities lie in defence firstly. However, he did produce a clean sheet, so he gets a good rating for this game.

Ben White + Gabriel – 9

Masterclass. Absolute masterclass. Let me say it once more, just so I know you’ve understood: masterclass. These two could not put a foot wrong tonight. A cross came into the box? Cleared. Someone tried dribbling into the box? Tackled. Someone tried shooting? Blocked. Nothing got past them tonight in the best defensive performance from Arsenal since the FA Cup Semi Final against Manchester City. In possession, they dictated everything with calmness and authority. If they continue to combine like they did tonight then we are in some serious position to win a lot of games.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 8.5

“Not as attacking as Kieran Tierney.” “Would play more of a defensive role as an inverted full back.” “Likely to stay back as Tierney attacks.”

Whoever was behind these scouting reports couldn’t be more wrong. This man was everywhere. In possession he always made the right decision. He was rock solid in defence and in attack he looked possibly the most fiery out of everyone on the pitch. A debut to remember.

Albert Sambi Lokonga – 8

This man is starting to look like the best box-to-box midfielder we have had in a red shirt since Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere left. No worries at all in possession, covers his defensive responsibilities well and is a pleasure to watch.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 8

Bossed the midfield. Absolutely bossed it. To see an Arsenal midfielder come out onto the pitch and perform which such ferocity and aggression was a breath of fresh air. If it wasn’t obvious that he had a chip on his shoulder before the game, it was made pretty clear in the 2nd minute. Arteta gave him a chance and he took it with open arms. Very interesting to see what the midfield will look like in future games.

Martin Odegaard – 9

This man pulled the strings. Bounce passes, half turns, through balls, chips, crosses: he did it all. Not only on the offensive end too. Electric whilst facing a counter attack and was often the furthest player back, shutting down the ball carrier and preventing any crosses into the box. Terrific performance from him.

Bukayo Saka – 7

Had a quiet game but still looked lively at times. Good movement and combinations, but creating and putting away chances is a must in this league and it was done very poorly tonight.

Nicolas Pepe – 7.5

It was a back-and-forth tussle between him and Brandon Williams. Williams seemed to keep him quiet for most of the game, yet Pepe finally managed to break loose with a commando roll assist (it is exactly what it sounds like) to Aubameyang. Still need to be better in creating and finishing chances however. That touch of his needs to get better too.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 8

Movement was brilliant, passing play was brilliant – the only thing missing was the end product. Scored one of the most scuffed goals I have seen in my life but hey; they all count for one.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Thomas Partey – 7

Picked up a yellow card quite quickly but other than that, he did well.

Emile Smith-Rowe – 6.5

Had he made some different decisions, there could have been 1 or 2 more balls ended up in the back of Tim Krul’s net, but hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Cedric Soares – 7

Let’s see: he blazed a volley into orbit, made a vital block by planking in front of Pukki to deny a shot… seems like a normal Cedric masterclass.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Ben White + Gabriel – 9

Indestructible.