Europa League: Arsenal vs Olympiacos (home) Player Ratings

The second leg of the last 16. Arsenal vs Olympiacos. 3-1 lead. Time to finish the job.

Mikel Arteta – 6.5

It was extremely obvious from the start that Arteta’s plan was to camp in our defensive half and park the bus. He did well to rest players however. 4 defenders. 3 central defensive midfielders. Disappointing to see us stray from our normal free-flowing play to such counter-attacking based football. Felt like I was watching Jose’s Tottenham. By the way… how bout dem Spurs?

Bernd Leno – 7.5

Leno made some vital stops. The way he flung out his right foot to deny a clear and oncoming El Arabi shot was classy to say the least. Couldn’t ask more in terms of the goal as it was deflected. Played well given the circumstances.

Hector Bellerin – 6.5

Obviously, Bellerin had a much quieter game than usual. His task was simple: win the ball, play a midfielder, sit back. Restricted attacking freedom was evident but overall he did well in defence and was good in possession.

David Luiz – 5.5

As far as I’m concerned, this was quite a disappointing performance. The only thing keeping his rating above a 5 was the way he held possession. Olympiacos managed to completely expose the middle and create 3 or 4 clear chances which they probably should’ve converted – 1 being El Arabi’s 1v1 smashing into the outstretched foot of Leno and over the bar.

Gabriel – 5.5

Had practically the same type of game as David Luiz. Would’ve liked to see at least one of the two rested but it is what it is. Unlucky with the goal obviously, however did not deserve a clean sheet.

Kieran Tierney – 6.5

Practically the same as Bellerin. Attacking freedom being restricted pretty much nerfed Tierney’s impact on the game and slashed the quality of his performance majorly. Still, he was good in possession and defended well.

Mohammed Elneny – 6

According to a certain reader, this man is the “Egyptian Magnifique”. The game plan suited his play style more so and allowed him to carry the ball slightly more in the counter attacks. At times was good in defence but has to be held responsible for a very open central area. Would’ve liked more magnificence from him.

Granit Xhaka – 6.5

The way that the whole defence and midfield sat back was not the best for his game style, as Xhaka controls possession and transitions the ball very well. However, it suited his defensive capabilities more. Not good enough to see the centre of the defence so far open at times, however he did well in other aspects.

Dani Ceballos – 7

Ceballos was one of the players that somewhat were more suited to the game plan. He was able to sit back and win the ball and was instantly allowed to propel forward with the ball at his feet which he likes to do. Also responsible for the lack of central coverage however.

Nicolas Pepe – 6

There isn’t much you can ask for with Pepe’s performance. He got up the pitch when asked to on counter attacks, and made the effort to come back to help with defence. Other than that, it was a dull game, shown by the lack of goals. Did well at times to create chances with that being said.

Emile Smith-Rowe – 6.5

Had a similar game to Pepe. In my opinion, I would’ve preferred to see Martinelli on the Starting XI, however Smith-Rowe didn’t have the worst game. Sat back and defended well and was happy to burst forward in attack. Set up chances nicely, however, no goals for the team.

Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang – 4.5

Easily the worst player on the pitch. The worst rating that I have given so far. His effort seemed lack lustre multiple times throughout the game. Had about 3-4 chances which were begging to be tucked away but he missed the chances very very poorly. Simply not a good enough performance. Yes it is tough to be a striker in a team that sits back the whole game but he had chances and simply did not take them.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Bernd Leno – 7.5

To me was the one of the only players on the pitch to perform well. Another good game from him where he possibly saved our skins.

Quarter Finals bound.