After waiting for the Champions League to get underway, the Gunners decided to put up a collective shambolic performance that was nothing to actually write home about. In the wake of Arsenal’s lackadaisical outing at the Signal Iduna Park, Gooner Daily reviews the performances of the players on the night.
DEFENSE
Wojciech Szczesny began the game well, making countless saves as his defense left him helpless but despite the fact that I was disappointed with his reaction to Ciro Immobile’s shot, I can’t fathom what was going through his mind when he charged at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to allow the second goal. As if that wasn’t enough, he almost gifted the Gabonese speed demon another goal. 5/10
Hector Bellerin was overwhelmed by the occasion and struggled as the game progressed. Didn’t offer much offensively and was missing defensively as well. Tough ask for a 19-year-old chap. He’d learn from this. 4/10
Kieran Gibbs was a very good attacking outlet and he fired a couple of good balls into the box. Shame his attackers weren’t in the same wavelength. 7/10
Per Mertesacker was uncharacteristically shocking in defense. The way he allowed Kevin Grosskreutz ball to get to Aubameyang’s path was perplexing. 3/10
Laurent Koscielny also struggled with his defensive partner and he endured a torrid evening. 4/10
Our Puma kits have been TIGHTER than our defense this season.
— Gooner Daily (@goonerdaily) September 16, 2014
MIDFIELD
Mikel Arteta maybe forgiven for just returning from injury but my word, this was one of the worst performances I’ve seen from him in a long while. To think Mathieu Flamini was bad enough. 2/10
When Flamini plays, I yearn for Arteta. When Arteta plays, I yearn for Flamini. The reality is neither are good enough.
— Callum Perritt (@callumjp92) September 16, 2014
Aaron Ramsey was non-existent in the game bar his pass to Welbeck that was wasted by the English forward. Enough said. 2/10
Jack Wilshere tried to make things happen in midfield but he ran into Yellow and Black brick walls a lot of times. 6/10
Mesut Ozil huffed and puffed on the right flank but it never really worked out for him. He needs some time off to reflect on his bad form. 4/10
Alexis Sanchez endured a bad day in the office as nothing really worked out for him. Times without number, he was smothered by the opposition. 5/10
ATTACK
Danny Welbeck was at his profligate best, wasting the little chances that came his way. Oh well, I didn’t expect him to light fireworks though. 4/10
SUBSTITUTES
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showed some energy, commitment and pace when he arrived. He needs to start ahead of Ozil. 6/10
Santi Cazorla was ineffectual. 4/10
Lukas Podolski spent a considerable chunk of his time looking for something on the bench, only to come into the pitch and squander the chance Wilshere created for him. N/A
Do you agree with these ratings? Feel free to share yours with your comments.
Sayonara.
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