Europa League: Arsenal vs Slavia (away) Player Ratings

Arsenal vs Slavia, away, second leg, Europa League Quarter Finals. With the aggregate standing at 1-1, the Gunners needed to score an away goal and at the very least draw to force extra time.

We.

Demolished.

Them.

Mikel Arteta – 9

I went into the logistics of the 3-5-2 formation in my most recent post (click here) and how it could prove to be fatal to the Slavia defence. Arteta went through with this formation and got it all right. An unchanged team from the 3-0 victory at Bramall Lane, the only change being Pepe in for Martinelli. Arsenal’s free-flowing style of football was unlocked in this formation and proved to be catastrophic, to the point in which the Gunners had scored 3 times in 4 consecutive attacks (not including the offside goal).

Bernd Leno – 7.5

I don’t think Leno had to parry the ball away from goal once. As a matter of fact, I don’t even think he faced an on target shot. However, what he did do was command the defence and lead them to a second clean sheet in as many games.

Callum Chambers – 8

I am starting to grow very fond of Callum Chambers. Ever since his return, he has proven to be very versatile in the way that he can play and strive in both RB and CB. This means that the 3-5-2 suits him well, as he was able to show today. Chambers was highly efficient in possession and let nothing passed the Arsenal defence. His best performance since returning from injury in my opinion.

Rob Holding – 8.5

Similar to Chambers, Holding was highly efficient in possession and made himself impossible to get past, blocking every shot, tackling every player and clearing every ball that came near him. He proved to be immense in the central CB position and produced a quality performance.

Pablo Mari – 8

On par with the rest of his defence, Mari played very well. He too was highly efficient in possession but was also influential in defence. To be picky, Slavia looked to be slightly dangerous down his side at times, however, looking at the statistic of 0 shots on target – you cannot complain. A vital factor in attaining the clean sheet.

Bukayo Saka – 9

It was brilliant to see Saka back on the goal sheet. He was unfortunate not to have a second goal as his first shot was tipped onto the post brilliantly by the Slavia goalkeeper. Saka caused problems for the Slavia defence the whole game before finally taking it past them, finding space and unleashing a near post shot from the edge of the box, finding the net. He also won the penalty shortly after. Saka looked lively overall and was a real offensive threat.

Dani Ceballos – 8.5

Ceballos seemed to be everywhere in this game. Every time Arsenal pressed, he was there. Every time we won the ball, he was there. Every time we had possession, he was there. Efficient in possession and was very energetic throughout the game.

Thomas Partey – 8

Partey was the centrepiece of the Arsenal midfield. He won the ball through interceptions and tackles constantly and was brilliant in the way he maintained and distributed possession. A very solid performance from him.

Granit Xhaka – 8.5

Xhaka was immense and influential in this win. He proved his class and versatility by dropping into LB multiple times when Arsenal were defending, but also in the way that he controlled the tempo and maintained possession when we had the ball.

Emile Smith-Rowe – 8

Smith-Rowe, having been placed out wide again, produced a brilliant performance. He featured in possession frequently in quick link-up players between the midfield and the attack and held the ball well in general. He proved to be an attacking threat and, when crowded by 3 defenders, found a way to slot a brilliant pass into Pepe for the first goal. He was unlikely to have his tap-in from the rebound of Saka’s shot allowed, however, he played very very well.

Nicolas Pepe – 9

Nicolas Pepe for the first time appeared in ST – I loved it. He was an ever-present threat to the Slavia defence and haunted them throughout the whole game. Pepe’s ability to take on defenders and keep the ball close, matched with his striking ability resulted in a very successful performance. He did very well to remain calm, stand his defender up and take the extra touch, allowing him to open up the angle and score the first goal. Brilliant in all ways today.

Alexandre Lacazette – 9.5

Lacazette wore the captain’s armband in this match and did not disappoint anyone. Steered the penalty home without a doubt in his or anyone’s mind, but also did brilliantly to bring the ball out from his feet and slot home his second of the game. An exceptional performance today from the Frenchman, reaching 20 goal contributions for the season and leading his side to victory.

Substitutes:

Gabriel Martinelli (6) – did well with the time he had but should have scored his chance after a nice bit of skill to take it past his defender.

Mohammed Elneny (6.5) – held possession well for the time he spent on the pitch.

Eddie Nketiah (6.5) – showed lots of energy off the bench and helped the side press to win the ball.

Folarin Balogun (6) – didn’t spend enough time on the pitch to really make an impact.

Cedric Soares (6) – didn’t spend enough time on the pitch to really make an impact.

Man of the Match: Alexandre Lacazette (9.5)

An exceptional performance in which he led the team to victory with a brace.

FULL TIME: Slavia Praha 0-4 Arsenal (1-5 on aggregate)

Next up: Villareal – managed by none other than Unai Emery.