Premier League - Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Player Ratings

Our last away game of the season. Roy Hodgson’s last game at Selhurst Park. A bit of a guilty feeling to take the win from them but hey: a win’s a win.

Mikel Arteta – 7.5

Good line-up. Tierney continuing to pick up minutes is encouraging. Pepe back in the squad and out wide was a very good choice in my opinion. The reintroduction of Aubameyang into the squad seemed fair as well. Decent game plan as well – left it a bit late, but got the job done.

Bernd Leno – 8

Brilliant in net. This is what we want to see. Made a terrific save off a deflected volley and commanded his area brilliantly. As a goalkeeper however, he shares responsibility for this lack of marking when we conceded.

Kieran Tierney – 7.5

Good to see him back on the squad and returning to his previous form. Put in another solid shift today and silenced Wilfried Zaha, which isn’t a necessarily easy task. Played a vital role in the first goal as well.

Rob Holding – 7

Put in a solid shift defensively and commanded the backline well. Felt as if he should have commanded the rest of them on the free kick where we conceded a bit better. The blame can be shared though.

Gabriel – 8

Now you might be thinking; Why is his rating so high?

He chased down Wilfried Zaha. He started a body’s length behind Wilfried Zaha. And caught him. Absolutely brilliant. Snuck up on him like a librarian. Bossed him like he was a prime Steve Austin. As good as a goal on the other end.

On a more serious note, he has to pick up some of the blame for the goal but did well for the majority of the game.

Callum Chambers – 7.5

I like him at RB, I really do. Efficient in possession, did well getting up and down the pitch and was solid in defence. I’m not saying he should start when Bellerin leaves, but he should certainly be kept at the club.

Thomas Partey – 8

Another good game from Partey. He is starting to find his form after a brilliant showing at Stamford Bridge. He was vital in transitioning the play between defence and attack and was brilliant in possession. Don’t think I saw a 30 yard shot from him either, so that’s always a plus.

Mohammed Elneny – 7.5

The Inshallah Iniesta. Really starting to look comfortable lining up next to Partey. Similar to his Ghanaian counterpart, his role in transition was pivotal, whilst also putting in a solid performance in defence.

Emile Smith-Rowe – 7

Was a bit quieter this week, however I really like the idea of him sitting behind the striker and in between a Saka-Pepe partnership.

Nicolas Pepe – 9

More of where that came from thank you. What he has shown in recent games is really exciting to watch. Terrific positioning and a finish which I have seen many Arsenal players blunder this season. Brilliant work to dribble through four Palace defenders and slot home his shot for his second. If he continues like this, there is no possible way in which he doesn’t start every game for us in the future.

Bukayo Saka – 8.5

Didn’t score today, however he still had a good outing. Brilliant combination with Tierney to grab the assist for the opening goal. Was vital in the Arsenal attack on the left side and always posed a threat, especially with Tierney on his side.

Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang – 6.5

Had a much quieter game then the rest of his teammates. Couldn’t really get involved in anything major.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Gabriel Martinelli – 8

It may have been lucky, but the touch and the finish were beautiful. Instant impact.

Granit Xhaka – 7.5

Held the midfield well. Good to see him recovering from injury.

Martin Odegaard – 7.5

Featured in possession frequently, including a vital role in Pepe’s second goal.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Nicolas Pepe – 9

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

Nice away kits by the way.