A 3-1 victory at London Stadium on Monday evening, saw Arsenal end their worst run without a win in 42 years. Following Angelo Ogbonna’s first-half header, things looked to be bleak for the Gunners, who were once again devoid of any creativity or impetus in the first 45. However, three goals in 9 minutes from the front three, saw Arsenal click back into gear and get back to winning ways, with record signing Nicolas Pépé bagging his first goal from open play since joining in a £72 million deal from Lille in the summer.
Bernd Leno – 7: Continues to be a positive for Arsenal despite the poor form. Was unlucky with the deflection for Ogbonna’s header and stopped well from Declan Rice in the first half.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles– 6: Came in at short notice after an injury to Hector Bellerin in the warmup. Started slowly, much like the rest of the team following some time out in the cold, however, grew well into the game and impressed going forward and in possession combining well with Pépé.
Calum Chambers -7: Our second PL away win of the season as a team, and the second with Chambers starting at CB. Looked assured in possession and made a great headed clearance in the second half to deny West Ham a way back into the game.
Sokratis – 6: Much less rash than usual, although, made a few misplaced passes and looks less comfortable on the left-hand side.
Kieran Tierney – 6: Was forced off with what looks like a serious shoulder injury early on. Can’t seem to catch a break with injuries.
Lucas Torreira – 7: His best game for us in quite some time. Was back to being tenacious in midfield, winning 5 ground duels. Helped to advance play well in the second half.
Granit Xhaka – 5: Very conflicted here. Played some nice passes through the lines and evaded pressure well on a couple of occasions. Let down however by a few misplaced passes and did not commit to the ball in 2 or 3 duels.
Nicolas Pépé – 7.5: Grew into the game well following being clattered on a number of occasions by Aaron Cresswell, who really ought to have been dismissed in the first half. Will be delighted with his goal, which was fantastically taken in addition to getting an assist for Aubameyang’s volley. Worked hard for the team and was rewarded with a late substitution. More of this please.
Mesut Özil -6: Was very quiet, although provided two key passes in the build-up to two goals. Linked well with Pépé.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8 (MOTM) : Even in the first half, when some lacked effort, he did not hide. Pressed relentlessly for the whole 90 minutes, making more sprints than anyone else with 20. Was rewarded with a well-taken goal at 1-1, which provided the platform for us to go on and win.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7: Scored the only real chance he had throughout the whole game, and gets an easy assist for Pépé’s goal. Was quiet though throughout, but has loads of games like this and still scores, so cannot complain.
Subs:
Sead Kolasinac: Switched off for Ogbonna’s goal allowing Fornals to cross in. Did well though to provide a good assist for Martinelli and overall has been much improved since Freddie took over. 6.5
Reiss Nelson and Matteo Guendouzi: Not on long enough to rate.
