Quantcast

Luiz brilliant Pepe Brilliant All Brilliant Ratings v Man U


By Matt Sadler
January 2 2020

First half Arsenal were the better side by miles as the front four worked much, much harder than Man United's, whilst the whole team remained disciplined and organised. Second half the Gunners kept up that work rate, maintained discipline, weathered Man United's attempt at a comeback and on another night could've had a few more on the counter attack.

Arsenal didn't let the harsh way we lost it late on at Chelsea get to us at all (do I hear mental strength? Editor) and the players all look like they're really buying into what Arteta wants to do. The improvement in attitude already has been superb. Just what was needed.

I was really worried about the defence against Man United's in-form forwards but wow, they hardly had a sniff. Great clean sheet.

 RATINGS:

Leno - 7. Looked much more like himself after the Chelsea disaster. Did well to stop Rashford scoring late on.

Maitland-Niles - 8. I was really worrying for his future after being poor under Emery but so far under Arteta he looks like a seasoned pro. Used the ball well. Excellent in that role.
Sokratis - 8. I've been critical of him this season but tonight could well have been his best game for us. Scored.
Luiz - 9. Thought he was brilliant, as he generally has been since Arteta took over. Leader.
Kolasinac - 7. Booked early on which was worrying but effective for us in the first half. Looked like he played through the pain.

Torreira - 8. Another who appears to have transformed free from Emery's shackles. Turns out using him as an attacking midfielder isn't the best idea.
Xhaka - 8. Very good. Turns out a good, but immobile, passer looks better in a more structured system! Do we want to lose him in January?

Pepe - 9. First half was the best we've seen of him so far. Dribbling, superb touches, a pre-assist and a goal. Shaw will be having nightmares. Hope he really has arrived this time.
Ozil - 8. Never had an issue with Ozil's passing, vision, technique, etc, but again tonight he the sort of running that we haven't always been able to associate with him. Keep it up.
Aubameyang - 7. Could've done better with some opportunities but work rate was excellent again. Stopped looking like a player who doesn't want to play for the club.

Lacazette - 7. Better from him, but looks like a man who really needs a goal.

Subs:

Nelson - 5. Offered the legs we needed, but he kept falling over and his passing was poor.
Saka - 6. Slotted in well at left back again. Could've done better with an opportunity when he broke down the right.
Guendouzi - 5. Tried to put himself about.

More Discussion Here

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

 

StreamFootball - Arsenal