Videos Live Scores Podcasts Opinion Interviews Business of Sport Inside Story Football Cricket Tennis Formula One Golf NBA UFC UAE Racquet Sports Fitness

Arsenal player ratings as Mohamed Elneny’s outstanding performance earns an 8 and saves Gunners’ blushes

Aditya Devavrat

01:25 13/04/2018

Arsenal suffered an almighty scare on their way to the Europa League semi-finals.

Leading 4-1 from last week’s first leg at home, they fell behind 2-0 to CSKA Moscow on Thursday.

However, as CSKA pushed for the third goal that would have sent them through, Arsenal hit back with two counter-attacking goals to level the scores on the night and go through 6-3 on aggregate.

Here’s a look at how the Gunners performed in Thursday’s 2-2 draw.

ARSENAL (4-5-1)

Petr Cech – 7: Pulled off good saves in the build-up to CSKA’s first two goals, and another soon after the second.

Hector Bellerin – 6: The Spanish right-back was targeted at times by Moscow’s attack, but stood up to the challenge. Below his best in attack.

Shkodran Mustafi – 4: Another shaky display from the German. Failed to react as his runner slipped in to score CSKA’s first.

Laurent Koscielny – 5: The lack of leadership in defence was visible early on, but the Frenchman grew into the game as Arsenal looked to hold on.

Nacho Monreal – 4: Both CSKA goals came from his flank, first when he was beaten on a cross and then when he didn’t react as Cech saved a long-range shot.

Aaron Ramsey – 6: Got his customary Europa League goal, although he wasn’t at his best until the last 20 minutes as Arsenal looked to counter.

Mohamed Elneny -8: Arsenal’s best player in midfield, running his socks off. Delivered beautiful assists for both of Arsenal’s goals.

Jack Wilshere – 4: Wilshere’s form from the start of 2018 has disappeared, and on Thursday he often hindered rather than helped Arsenal’s attack.

Mesut Ozil – 5: If it hadn’t been for Arsenal’s late fight-back, Ozil would yet again have been the target of criticism. Below-par performance.

Alexandre Lacazette – 5: Denied the service he needed to thrive, but also never looked like making an impact. Was going to be subbed off even before Arsenal scored.

Danny Welbeck – 7: Up until his goal, Welbeck hadn’t been having the best game. But his strike was superb, and suddenly he was everywhere, including helping his defence.

SUBSTITUTES

Callum Chambers – 6: Trusted to do a better job in midfield than Wilshere, and repaid that faith as he helped solidify Arsenal in the middle of the park.

Alex Iwobi – N/A: Fluffed his lines when presented with a glorious chance to put the tie to bed. A willing runner in attack otherwise, adding threat to Arsenal’s counters.

More from european

From Morocco to Abu Dhabi: Zakaria El Jamari’s incredible martial arts journey

French-Algerian Anissa Meksen gets chance to be first to claim new ONE Championship gold

Adrian Lee’s ONE Championship debut confirmed as he looks to further family legacy

NBA 3X ABU DHABI an unparalleled success with legends LaMarcus Aldridge and James Worthy in attendance

ONE Friday Fights 59: French-Algerian looks to maintain KO momentum in headliner

New ONE Championship king Alexis Nicolas ready to fight ‘the world’

Most Popular