Arsenal struggled in the first 45 minutes but had enough in the tank to see out the threat Leeds United posed. The team I predicted was different from this evening’s starting lineup, as Mikel Arteta went for a stronger squad.
Here are the Gooner Daily player ratings:
Starting XI
Emiliano Martinez: The Argentine goalie was the standout performer for Arsenal in the first half, making some vital saves from the Leeds onslaught that kept his side in the contest. (9)
Sokratis Papastathopoulos: He played fielded as a right back in an experiment for the real battle against Wilfried Zaha this weekend but he acquainted himself well in an unfamiliar position. (7)
Rob Holding: His last game for the club was as far back as November 2019 and it was evident with some erratic passing that put his team under intense pressure. He struggled all game long. (5)
David Luiz: The experienced Brazilian made some clearances to sweep at the back but did not do enough to protect his partner in defense. (6)
Sead Kolasinac: Marauded the left flank but did not offer much in the final third. (6)
Granit Xhaka: He can consider himself lucky that Anthony Taylor was in a good mood because he should have been sent off due to persistent fouling. (5)
Matteo Guendouzi: He was overwhelmed in midfield and could not influence the game as he would have liked. (6)
Mesut Ozil: Covered lots of ground but did not offer much in the final third. (6)
Nicolas Pepe: Had a poor game by his fair standards, making little or no impact from his favored position. (5)
Reiss Nelson: Bar the goal which turned out to be the match winner, he struggled in the game. (5)
Alexandre Lacazette: He has not still picked up form but worked hard for the side with his endeavor and defensive works. (6)
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli: His introduction to the game breathed some life into the Arsenal attack and he showed off some brilliant touches. Unfortunate not to find the back of the net after some lovely footwork. (8)
Joe Willock: Did not offer much after replacing Ozil. (6)
Bukayo Saka: Did not play enough to earn a rating. N/A
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