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Ratings v Forest Youngsters Shine as Lucas Opens Account


By Matty Sadler
September 20 2016

It is always nice to be able to make a lot of changes and still win comfortably. The first half was pretty open as we looked comfortable in possession and went forward well, going 1-0 up after another screamer from the impressive Granit Xhaka, but also looked pretty poor at centre back.

The second half was incredibly comfortable as Forest offered nothing and we dominated, with new signing Lucas putting his 2-0 up from the penalty spot and then 3-0 up after winning the ball back from the defender. Further gloss was added to the victory after the mercurial Oxlade-Chamberlain finished off a good passing move.

We can take a lot of positives from that in terms of our younger players. Maitland-Niles, playing out of position, was the pick of the defenders and looked accomplished throughout. Reine-Adelaide was probably our best player in the first half while Akpom looked good and played a part in two of the goals. It was nice finally seeing Willock make his senior debut as well. Oxlade-Chamberlain was a mixed bag, but hopefully the goal late on will give him confidence.

Martinez - 7. Called into action a couple of times in the first half but never looked troubled. One comfortable save in the second half.

Maitland-Niles - 8. Very good I thought. Comfortable in possession, strong defensively and showed good pace and crossing ability going forward.
Gabriel - 6. Unconvincing first half but comfortable in the second.
Holding - 6. Awful giveaway in the first half nearly cost us. Better second half. Booked.


Gibbs - 7. Solid defensively and good in possession throughout.

Xhaka - 8. Solid, pulled the strings from deep and scored another 30 yard cracker.
Elneny - 6. Worked hard and covered a lot of ground but passing was awful at times.

Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6. Tried to put his pace and power to good effect but gave the ball away a lot in the first half. Improved in the second half and finished off a good team move with a cool finish. Took two awful set pieces.


Reine-Adelaide - 7. Showed good pace, power and dribbling skills, as he carried the ball well and linked things up in the first half. Came close to scoring as well. Quiet in the second half. Great talent.


Akpom - 8. Drifted from left to right, linked the play and carried the ball well. Won the penalty for Lucas's first and played a good through ball for his second. You can see why we haven't given up on him yet, definitely something there. Came close to scoring in the first half but the wait for his first Arsenal goal goes on.

Lucas - 6. Struggled to get into the game for the first hour or so. Scored a penalty and then earned his second goal through not giving up on a lost cause. Could've scored a third. Good through ball for Oxlade-Chamberlain's goal.

Subs:

Willock - N/A. Not on long but a couple of good runs down the left.
Zelalem - N/A. Not on long but some tidy passes.
Bielik - N/A. Not on long but played a part in the fourth goal.

On to Chelsea

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