By Matty
February 25 2022

Wow wow wow what a win! Gifted Wolves a goal during a pretty sloppy start but we were basically attacking from that point onwards. Kept finding space behind the Wolves defence but struggled to create truly clear cut chances. Very frustrating and it felt like it was going to be one of those nights... That all changed after the substitutions gave us extra bodies in attack. Nketiah and Pepe combined to equalise and then Odegaard, Pepe and Lacazette combined for Laca to put the ball in the net via Sa. Credit to Arteta for the changes and Pepe for making the difference. Spoke after Brentford about our need for Pepe's goal contributions and he delivered tonight. Lacazette and Nketiah just aren't going to frighten defenders.

Ramsdale - 6. Okay but didn't fill me with usual confidence. Did enjoy the celebrations though.

Cedric - 6. Thought he was okay generally but Wolves obviously fancied their chances up against him.
White - 7. Strong and aggressive. Not keen on us going long all the time but his ball over the top seemed our best route behind the high Wolves' defensive line.
Gabriel - 5. Gave the ball away a few times early on, most notably for the opening goal. Looked better towards the end.
Tierney - 5. Still lacking his usual spark and drive I'm afraid.

Partey - 7. Impressed me tonight. Good on the ball, particularly turning out of tight spaces. The less said about his shooting however...
Xhaka - 6. Not sure this more advanced role suits him especially. Too high up the pitch in the first half. Driving force as we pushed for goals late on.

Saka - 6. Looked dangerous in the first half. Not as good in the second half though did come close to scoring.
Odegaard - 6. Worked hard but needed a little more from him at times.
Martinelli - 5. Some chances in the first half. Very quiet in the second half.

Lacazette - 5. Worked hard but was quite frustrating. All was forgiven as he sort of scored the winner.

Subs:

Pepe - 8. Had a lively cameo against Brentford and topped that tonight. Great first touch to set himself up for the equaliser and then played a quick first time pass in the build up to the winner. Won't speak about his tracking back.
Nketiah - 6. Took a while to get up to speed but assisted the equaliser.
Tavares - N/A. Not on long.

More Discussion Here